Carnival:
Cologne is famous for its vibrant carnival celebrations, known as Karneval. This annual event takes place in February or March and features colorful parades, costumes, music, and enthusiastic revelers. The highlight of the carnival season is the Rose Monday Parade (Rosenmontagszug), attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators.
Welcome to Cologne
Cologne is a city in western Germany and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is located on the Rhine and is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia. With a history dating back more than 2000 years, Cologne has a rich cultural tradition and a variety of sights to offer.
One of the most famous attractions is undoubtedly Cologne Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral and the city's landmark. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. In addition to the cathedral, Cologne has numerous other historic churches and buildings, such as the city hall, the Gürzenich, the Romanesque churches of St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Aposteln, to name but a few.
Cologne also has a lively cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, including the Museum Ludwig with an extensive collection of modern art and the Roman-Germanic Museum, which presents the city's Roman history. Cologne also offers a variety of theatres, music events and festivals throughout the year.
The people of Cologne are known for their hospitality and joie de vivre. The city is famous for its lively nightlife and carnival tradition. The Cologne Carnival is one of the largest and most colourful carnival festivals in Germany and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Cologne is also an important business location. Numerous companies from a wide range of sectors are based here, including the automotive industry, media and insurance companies. Kölnmesse is one of the largest trade fair companies in Germany and attracts many international exhibitors and visitors every year.
In addition to its cultural wealth, Cologne is also a popular shopping city. The city centre offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from large shopping centres to small boutiques and shops. The main shopping street, Schildergasse, is one of the most visited shopping streets in Germany.
All in all, Cologne is a dynamic and diverse city with a fascinating history, a rich cultural offering, a lively nightlife and a friendly atmosphere. There is much to discover and experience, whether you are interested in history and architecture, want to attend cultural events or simply enjoy the Rhenish way of life.
Welcome to Cologne
Cologne is a city in western Germany and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is located on the Rhine and is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia. With a history dating back more than 2000 years, Cologne has a rich cultural tradition and a variety of sights to offer.
One of the most famous attractions is undoubtedly Cologne Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral and the city's landmark. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. In addition to the cathedral, Cologne has numerous other historic churches and buildings, such as the city hall, the Gürzenich, the Romanesque churches of St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Aposteln, to name but a few.
Cologne also has a lively cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, including the Museum Ludwig with an extensive collection of modern art and the Roman-Germanic Museum, which presents the city's Roman history. Cologne also offers a variety of theatres, music events and festivals throughout the year.
The people of Cologne are known for their hospitality and joie de vivre. The city is famous for its lively nightlife and carnival tradition. The Cologne Carnival is one of the largest and most colourful carnival festivals in Germany and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Cologne is also an important business location. Numerous companies from a wide range of sectors are based here, including the automotive industry, media and insurance companies. Kölnmesse is one of the largest trade fair companies in Germany and attracts many international exhibitors and visitors every year.
In addition to its cultural wealth, Cologne is also a popular shopping city. The city centre offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from large shopping centres to small boutiques and shops. The main shopping street, Schildergasse, is one of the most visited shopping streets in Germany.
All in all, Cologne is a dynamic and diverse city with a fascinating history, a rich cultural offering, a lively nightlife and a friendly atmosphere. There is much to discover and experience, whether you are interested in history and architecture, want to attend cultural events or simply enjoy the Rhenish way of life.
Cologne Cathedral
A must-see landmark, Cologne Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its intricate architecture, climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city and admire the stunning stained glass windows.
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Museum Ludwig
Located next to Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig houses an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol and Lichtenstein. It also features contemporary art, pop art and an extensive collection of German Expressionism.
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Römisch-Germanisches Museum
This museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artefacts, including the famous Dionysus mosaic. Discover ancient Roman history and explore the exhibits of sculptures, jewellery and everyday objects.
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Chocolate Museum
Chocolate lovers shouldn't miss a visit to the Chocolate Museum. Learn about the history of chocolate, see how chocolate is made and enjoy delicious samples. Don't forget to see the chocolate fountain!
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Hohenzollern Bridge
Take a stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine. It offers fantastic views of the river, Cologne Cathedral and the city skyline. The bridge is famous for its love locks, where couples attach padlocks as a symbol of their love.
Old Town
Explore Cologne's charming Old Town. Wander the narrow streets lined with colourful houses, traditional breweries and small boutiques. Visit the historic Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares where lively events and festivals take place.
Rhine River Cruise
Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Rhine River with panoramic views of Cologne's skyline and surrounding countryside. It's a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective and take in the beauty of the river.
Farina Fragrance Museum
Discover the birthplace of Eau de Cologne at the Farina Fragrance Museum. Learn about the history of perfume making and explore the exhibition featuring the original scent created by Johann Maria Farina.
Rheinpark
For some outdoor relaxation, head to the Rheinpark, a beautiful park on the banks of the Rhine. Enjoy a picnic, take a bike ride or simply take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenic views.
Carnival
Rhine River
Eau de Cologne
Carnival
Rhine River
Eau de Cologne
Kölsch Beer
Rheinisch Feiere
Kölsch Beer
Rheinisch Feiere
Consulates
Consulate General of the People's Republic of China
Schanzenstraße 131
40549 Düsseldorf
Tel:
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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The public transportation system in Cologne is well-developed and offers a variety of ways to get around the city. The system is operated by the Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) and includes subways, trams, buses, and ferries.
The subway is the fastest way to get around Cologne. It has five lines that connect the city center with the suburbs. The trams are another good option for getting around the city. They are a bit slower than the subway, but they stop more often and are therefore more flexible. The buses are the most comprehensive mode of transportation in Cologne. They also go to places that are not served by the subway or trams.
The ferries are a good way to cross the Rhine. They operate between the cathedral and the Rheinauhafen.
The fares for public transportation in Cologne are relatively affordable. A single ticket costs €2.90. There are also day, week, and monthly passes available.
The public transportation system in Cologne is an important part of the city's life. It is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Here are some additional general information about the public transportation system in Cologne:
- The system is open 24 hours a day.
- The vehicles are accessible for people with disabilities.
- There is an information system with schedule information and real-time updates.
Shopping
GENERAL SHOPPING HOURS
Large stores and city center: Mon - Sat 10 am to 8 pm
Smaller stores, stores located outside city center or in smaller towns:
Mon-Fri 9.30 am to 6 or 7 pm and Sat 9.30 am to 2 or 4 pm
All shops are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets generally open earlier, mostly 8 a.m.
Sport Clubs
Holmes Place Fitness
Köln am Gürzenich: This club offers a wide range of fitness facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
Gürzenichstraße 6-16
50667 Köln
Tel: +49 221 5981414
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World Gym Cologne
This club is a good option for budget-minded gym-goers. It offers a variety of fitness facilities, including a gym, cardio room, and group fitness classes.
Bonner Wall 122
50677 Köln
Tel: +49 162 9584051
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Muscle Gym Cologne e.V.
This club is a good option for people who want to train with weights. It offers a variety of weight training equipment, as well as group fitness classes.
Bonner Wall 25
50677 Köln
Tel: +49 1520 2941755
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Dogs Boarding Kennels/Day care
If you have a dog, you will need to register it at the local authorities and pay dog tax for it. You will receive a tag
for the dog’s collar after approx. 2 weeks of paying the invoice. It is obligatory that the dog wears this tag.
mc-Dog Köln West
This kennel offers boarding and daycare services for dogs of all sizes and breeds. They have a large indoor and outdoor play area and offer a variety of activities for dogs to enjoy.
Dürener Str. 424
50858 Köln
Tel: +49 176 80475283
Wooftown Hundetagesstätte Köln
This doggy daycare offers daycare services for dogs of all sizes and breeds. They have a large indoor play area and offer a variety of activities for dogs to enjoy.
Neuer Weyerstraßerweg 143
50969 Köln
Tel: +49 170 4867756
Frieda's Hundebetreuung
Hugo-Junkers-Straße 10a
50739 Köln
info@friedas-hundebetreuung.de
Tel: +49 176-20531110
When choosing a dog boarding kennel or doggy daycare, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The size and breed of your dog.
- The age of your dog.
- The temperament of your dog.
- The services offered by the kennel or daycare.
- The location of the kennel or daycare.
- The price of the services.
Dangerous dogs
On account of repeated attacks on humans by certain dangerous dogs, the state governments in Germany
issued regulations regarding keeping certain dog races which are considered dangerous.
Dangerous dog races according to the HundeVO are amongst others Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Rottweiler.
Dogs that have in the past attacked or bitten humans or other animals without any apparent reason are also categorized as being dangerous.
For these above-mentioned dogs, the owner needs official permission from the relevant local authorities.
Dangerous dogs
On account of repeated attacks on humans by certain dangerous dogs, the state governments in Germany
issued regulations regarding keeping certain dog races which are considered dangerous.
Dangerous dog races according to the HundeVO are amongst others Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Rottweiler.
Dogs that have in the past attacked or bitten humans or other animals without any apparent reason are also categorized as being dangerous.
For these above-mentioned dogs, the owner needs official permission from the relevant local authorities.
Where to Eat and Drink Around the Immigration Office – Cologne
