SIGHTSEEING & EXCURSIONS in COLOGNE
Have a look at Cologne’s hallmark, the Cathedral, and the city’s top attractions – a must for everyone who wants to become familiar with the metropolis on the Rhine.
You may combine all guided tours of our programme as you please. We will be pleased to arrange a bus to be placed at your disposal, if required.
Bus Sightseeing Tour
Come to know the most important Cologne attractions by bus.
Coach tour without interior visits
By coach, you will pass by what remains of the Roman and Mediaeval city walls - you will get an impression of how large the provincial capital Colonia was, how much larger Mediaeval Cologne was, and finally, how the city has spread out since the end of the 19th century.
On this tour they will show you sights from all epochs and explain them to you. You will get an idea of how and on what people base their existence in the city with over a million inhabitants when we pass the WDR, the exhibition centre, 4711’s headquarters, industrial companies and department stores.
From the banks of the Rhine in the borough of Deutz, you can enjoy the view of Cologne’s Old Town with the Rheingarten garden in front of the Museum Ludwig complex and the majestic Cathedral – one of the world’s most attractive city panoramas.
Praetorium and Historic Town Hall
Trace the history of Cologne’s local governments – from the Roman Praetor’s headquarter to today’s Town Hall.
Before the new administrative building of the Town Hall was erected in the aftermath of the destructions caused by World War II, extensive remains were found during excavations in 1953 which soon brought certainty: the Praetorium was located there in Roman times. The praetor, or proconsul, ruled the Province of Lower Germany from this seat of government. Discover with us the impressive well-preserved remains.
In the Middle Ages, the Town Hall was constructed in the direct vicinity. Today it is characterized by the almost undamaged Renaissance loggia, that features superb embossments, and the reconstructed tower. The “Hansasaal” “parlour”, which dates back to the 14th century, is still used for festive receptions and for welcoming global dignitaries. Together with eight prophets in the neighbouring “Chamber of Prophets”, the medieval sculpture group of the “Nine Heroes” remain dominating the scene.
The second historic representative hall, the “Senate’s Chamber” is equipped with extremely impressive furnishings from around 1600: namely the entrance portal and the council seating. 124 figures - a sculpture cycle that represents the 2,000 years of Cologne’s history - have been restored in the third generation at the exterior part of the tower.