Cologne Travel

Overview
Cologne is a busy German city that is divided in half by the Rhine River. Cologne's center is composed of five districts. On the west bank of the Rhine, you'll find the districts of Altstadt-Nord and Aldstadt-Süd, Neustadt-Nord and Neustadt-Süd. This area is known as the ring, and the streets here are filled with ample bars, restaurants, clubs, shopping centers, and sightseeing attractions. On the eastern bank of the Rhine, you'll find Deutz. The Südstadt is a good part of town for finding live music bars, and there are also many theaters in this area. Cologne's college crowd can usually be found hanging around Barbarossaplatz and Zülpicher Platz, and, as expected, there are several bars and clubs around this area that cater to a younger crowd. The Belgian Quarter is a nice spot for sightseeing; many old buildings stand on the streets in this district, making it a nice spot for a sightseeing stroll.

Sightseeing Attractions
As you depart from the train at Cologne's main exit, the first sight you'll see will be that of Kölner Dom. This huge, dark cathedral offers an amazing view of the city for guests who feel up to climbing the 509 stairs to the top. Another dark, mystic Cologne that is worth a visit is the Die Kölner Synagogue. There are twelve churches in Cologne that have stood since the city was controlled by the Roman Empire, and they're worth visiting for both their historical and architectural appeal. There are also several world-renown museums in the city, including Museum Ludwig, Museum für Angewandte Kunst, the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, and Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum für Völkerkunde.

Nightlife
If you're going to be in Cologne in February, you'll want to spend some time at the Karneval. This winter festival hosts a huge street parade that packs the streets with locals and tourists alike. Shopping is unique in Cologne, and different districts boast different types of unique item shops. If you're looking to buy music, head to the Hansaring train stop. A short walk will take you to Saturn, the largest music shop in Cologne, as well as many independent stores scattered around the area. For mainstream clothing, head for Neumarkt or Heumarkt, and, for odd thrift stores, check out the shops around Ehrenstraße, Apostelnstraße, and Breite Straße. A good place to find ample book stores is the area around Neumarkt. Drinking is abundant in Cologne, and there are many different drinking establishments to choose from. A significant number of traditional German pubs are scattered around the Dom. You'll find a younger bar crowd around Roonstraße, and you'll find a decent club scene on Zülpicher Straße. For more upscale drinking, head for the Belgium Quarter.