What to See in Cologne

The Köln-Triangle is a high rise building in Deutz, immediately by the waterfront. It is a part of a building complex fronted by the Rhine-facing Hyatt hotel and is hard to miss due to its prominence and quite easily accessible from both Deutz and the left bank of the Rhine (simply cross the Hochenzollern bridge from the Altstadt).…

This completely rebuilt area combines modern extravagant architecture with historical harbour buildings. The old Rheinauhafen opened in 1898 and became necessary due to increasing amount of freight traffic. The new Rheinauhafen is a mix of office buildings and apartment buildings and gastronomy.…

A UNESCO World Heritage site. It took over 630 years to complete this monumental cathedral. In 1880 the cathedral was finally consecrated. Cologne's Dom is the first sight you will notice when taking the main exit from the central station. (If you don't see it, you've taken the back exit.) If you are in good shape, take the 509 stairs to the top of the south tower.…

The church belonged to the local charterhouse (a monastery of the Carthusian order) until 1794, when the monastery was closed and the church was used variously as a warehouse or a military hospital until the 1920s, when it was restored to its religious function by a local protestant community, whom it serves as a church until today.…

Also called the Locking Bridge. If you walk to the back of the Kölner Dom along a straight path, there is a bridge on the Rhine to your right that is covered in padlocks. The locks are placed there by couples to show their loyalty to each other. Couples often have their names and a significant date inscribed on the locks.…

A Christian art museum. An architectural wonder designed by Peter Zumthor and a feast for the senses; this museum, built in concordance with the ancient foundations of the shrine of Mary in the rubble contains a selection of historical and contemporary religious art.…

This catholic church is one of the oldest in Cologne, predating even the famous romanesque churches, as it was founded in 948. It has seen many additions and reconstructions throughout the centuries, and was almost totally destroyed during the Second World War.…

The synagogue is notable for its architecture that looks, well, right out of Gotham City. The Torah within the synagogue was rescued by a Catholic priest from another synagogue as it was being burned during Nazi rule.…

The former water tower built in 1868-1872 is now used as a luxury boutique hotel. The 11th floor (at 35 metres) houses a terrace and glass covered dining/meeting room, which can be rented out for private functions (the Michelin-starred restaurant that used to be hosted there is no longer in operation as of May 2013).

Römisch-Germanisches Museum explores the history of Roman history in Cologne and the surrounding area. The museum's tour guides are exceptionally dull and can make any visit seem like it lasted just as long as the Roman empire. If you can, wander around the museum by yourself.

You may wonder what's so special about a gas station, but you will understand once you see its 1950s architecture with the unique structured roof and learn that it is the oldest gas station in Cologne in continuous operation.

Completed in 1959, the cable-stayed bridge provided a relief for the Deutzer Brücke. Although not outstanding visually as such, it provides a nice view of both banks of the Rhine if you care to walk it.

The historic building of the station now known as Köln Messe/Deutz is an interesting piece of architectural heritage many visitors to Cologne miss as they exit the station on the fairgrounds side.

One of the oldest extant houses in Cologne, built between 1220 and 1225, with an impressive romaneque façade. Built as a residence for a local patrician, today it houses the Academy of Media Arts.

The baroque estate was built in 1734 for a benedictine convent, but is used today by the 190-strong man choir Kölner Männer-Gesang-Verein Cäcilia Wolkenburg. It is also an event centre.

One of the best-hidden gems of Cologne, the small yet ornate gothic gate once led to an "immunity" belonging to the convent based at the St. Maria im Kapitol.

The famous German art merchants and auctioneers, founded in 1845 (although the building itself is from 1952, reconstructed after the Second World War).

This 19th-century evangelical church provides both regular religious services and serves as a venue for various cultural, especially musical, events.

A museum of modern art, near the central railway station and the Cathedral hosts a worthy regular exhibition, as well as temporary exhibitions.

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum is an art gallery with a collection of fine art from the medieval period through to the early twentieth century.

Chocolate Museum in Cologne. It's a short visit but very interesting exhibits. Admission: €8.50, concessions: €6, Family pass: €24.

Nested inconspiciously between contemporary residential buildings is this impressive complex with gothic-inspired decorations

North Rhine-Westphalia's only ethnological museum, it has a fine collection of Amerindian and Austro-Polynesian artefacts.

The originality of this church lie in its elliptic floor plan and the addition, in 1220, of a decagon between its towers

The main shopping street of Deutz, with not only retail opportunities but also many historic buildings along the way.

The Museum of Applied Art has a collection of popular design items, as well as temporary exhibitions.

An accessible archaeological site with the ruins of the ancient Roman Praetorium of Colonia.

The former post office built from red brick in 1906 is now used as a theatre.

The Gürzenich is a municipal concert hall and multi-purpose festival hall

The lesser-known next-door neighbour of St. Cäcilien

– it is the oldest Christian foundation in Cologne

Neobaroque church from the early 19th century

Baroque convent complex from the 17th century

with wonderful stained glass windows

today Museum Schnütgen