German Visa

Famous for its splendid UNESCO listed cathedral, Cologne is one of the most dynamic cities in Germany. Student and cosmopolitan, the Rhine city has no shortage of assets: exciting museums, fun walks in the city or along the river, trendy bars and restaurants … Just over 3 hours by train from Paris, Cologne is therefore a destination for choice for a cultural or festive weekend… or both!

Cologne, much more than a cathedral

It is sometimes said that Cologne, alias Köln, is the city of the “4K”: Kirchen, Karneval, Kölnisch Wasser, Kölsch (churches, carnival, cologne and traditional beer). This summary, admittedly somewhat simplistic, nevertheless gives an idea of ​​the contrasts that characterize the city.

Located on the banks of the Rhine, it is far from uniform and changes its face from one street to another, one of the reasons being undoubtedly that the city was almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War. Today, its impressive cathedral and Romanesque churches sit alongside contemporary museums and buildings, traditional breweries rub shoulders with trendy shops, restaurants and cafes.

Very student and cosmopolitan, the population, meanwhile, always seems ready to party, even outside of the carnival period, which marks the height of the festivities. Because in Cologne, you really know how to have fun and this is one of the charms of the city!

The old town and its treasures

Leaving the station, the first thing that jumps out at you is the “kolossal” Gothic cathedral, which dominates the whole city, with its two towers, 157 m high. Begun in 1248, the construction of this masterpiece, listed as a Unesco world heritage, was not completed until 1880, the plans having remained the same over the centuries.

Inside, we discover the longest nave in Germany, medieval and more recent stained-glass windows, and the precious shrine containing the relics of the Three Kings, whose three crowns are found in the city’s coat of arms.

Right next period is changed with the building dressed zinc Ludwig Museum, dedicated to the art of the 20th century. Here we find the 3rd largest Picasso collection in the world, and the largest number of works of Pop Art outside the United States, and many Expressionist paintings.

Nearby, another large contemporary building houses the Museum of Applied Arts, the MAKK (Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln), which will satisfy fans of contemporary design. We also see an important collection of objects (jewelry, furniture, porcelain, earthenware, textiles …) of the Middle Ages to the 20 th century.

If a sudden desire for shopping has not taken hold of you in Hohe Strasse, the large shopping artery that crosses the old town, you will then arrive at the Wallraf-Richartz museum. Its collections of paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, are exceptional. One can admire in particular precious wooden altarpieces from the Cologne school, works from the Dutch school (Rubens, Rembrandt), but also paintings by Monet, Sisley, Van Gogh, Munch or Odilon Redon, to name a few they.

Finally, to close this cultural tour, we get a taste of Maison Farina, which has been making the famous original cologne for over 300 years. The tour is provided, in French, by a guide in costume and wig, who will tell you all about the history of the Farina family, who has managed the business for eight generations, but also about their prestigious clients and the art of making a perfume.

Trip along the Rhine

The alleys of the old town (Altstadt) lead to the beautifully landscaped Rhine quays, with their lawns bordered by tall and narrow colorful houses, whose gables are topped by the Groß St. Martin, one of the twelve Romanesque churches of Cologne. Along the promenade, the restaurants deploy their terraces, pleasant when the sun gives.

To discover another point of view on the city, you can take a boat trip on the Rhine (the comments are in German and English). By far, the contrasts between the different architectural styles are even more evident.

We also realize that the river represents a real border between the two parts of the city, the inhabitants of the left bank considering that they live in “real Cologne”, the districts located on the right bank being, in fact, of “Bad side” (“Schäl Sick”, we say here). This does not prevent them from crossing the Rhine on occasion to go green in the Rheinpark, one of the largest parks in the city.

Back on dry land, you can take a tour of the Chocolate Museum, where an educational trail traces the history of cocoa and the mysteries of chocolate making (there too, the explanations are in German and English). If it’s chilly, it can be nice to warm up by drinking hot chocolate in the cafeteria, overlooking the Rhine.

Continuing along the quays, one arrives at the Rheinauhafen, the old port, identifiable by its three impressive crane-shaped buildings, the Kranhäuser.  Today, the new district is in full development and has seen the establishment of restaurants, bars and clubs.

The moving neighborhoods

Just a short tram or metro ride away (or on foot), you reach Rudolfplatz, which can be seen at Hahnentorburg, a beautiful fortified gate, a vestige of the old medieval ramparts that once surrounded the city.

From there, you are free to explore the Belgian district (Belgisches Viertel), so called because of the name of its streets, which refer to Brussels or the Flemings. Officially designated as the trendy district of Cologne, we meet hipsters, students and artists.

The neatly designed shops are certainly not particularly cheap, but you will find objects, jewelry, clothing and accessories from truly original designers there. In the evening, entertainment is at the rendezvous in the many bars and restaurants, especially in Aachener Street.

It is also near Rudolfplatz that the gay district, nicknamed “Bermuda Triangle”, is located, with its bars, restaurants and saunas. The rainbow flag also flies in many other streets of the city, where a large homosexual community lives (the second in Germany, after Berlin).

Finally, to go out, you can get closer to the university by going to the Zülpicher Platz, and skim the student quarter, which, like in Paris, is called the Latin Quarter (Kwartier Lätang). You can nibble on a pizza, a kebab, a falafel or a gyros, just to be attacking before spending the night in a club.

TSF Singapore can help you complete the Schengen Visa, Schengen Visa Singapore, and Germany Visa application online. Go to the application page to apply online.