We will be visiting Cologne as a stop on our cruise.we will have a tour as part of the cruise which will include the Cathedral. We can do some walking but not much . We love to take tram or buses. Any suggestions of things to do,trams, restaurant near cathedral? Any other cruisers please weigh in.
Thanks
Posted by
Torrance, CA
50 posts
We were last in Cologne in late 2019. As I recall, it was perhaps a 15 minute walk from the river (this is a river cruise, correct?) to the cathedral in Cologne. And the pedestrian shopping center stretches all along the river and up to the cathedral. I certainly remember that we walked along the river where all the long, low ships were docked, and it was so very close to the city and the train station that we marveled at folks being shepherded over to buses to go to the cathedral.
If you cannot walk far, do take the provided bus tour as there are cobblestones on the walkways. As to restaurants, we chose one and sat outside with our coffee to watch the people passing by. There were a multitude of restaurants in the pedestrian mall, many with menus on the windows. My favorite shop was the Lindt chocolate emporium with all the flavors we never see. You can buy the truffles by weight or by boxful.
I think that if you use google maps, you can find current eating establishments and go from there to look at reviews.
So you could walk up to the cathedral, cross to the train station, and take trams or trains from there to go farther afield should you wish. But if it’s too far, use the cruise tour bus.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7891 posts
Cologne is an unusually walkable city. It's famous for 75% (made up number) of the museums and sights being walkable from the HBF, including the Cathedral. Look at Google Maps to match your actual abilities against reality. Take any transport the cruise offers to save your capabilities.
There really are six or more top museums within 1000' of the Cathedral. Cruise stop isn't long enough, I'd have a sandwich lunch to keep going. Farthest one that might be worth the walking effort is Applied Arts, or MAK. The main things you'll be missing are the Medieval Art museum, the modernistic Ethnographic museum (same subway stop for both), and the Botanical Garden. Also a small Kathe Köllwitz museum, hidden in a shopping mall.
Posted by
OP
New York, NY, USA
748 posts
Thanks so much. This is so helpful. Know we will be spending time in the Lindt emporium.