Cologne Design Guide

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Cologne is the cultural hub of Germany’s north-west. It suffered during Second World War bombings – hence there is a fair bit of concrete around – but the modern, urban side of the city is every bit as interesting as the twee, time warp that is the old town. With plenty of contemporary art and a well-regarded food scene, there is plenty to keep visitors busy.  In order to make your experience even more excited during IMM Cologne 2020, My Design Agenda decided to show you a luxury Cologne Design Guide with the best hotels to stay, the best restaurants to eat and what to do.

 

WHERE TO STAY

HYATT REGENCY COLOGNE

Hyatt Regency Cologne has a very good location, it’s on the right bank of the River Rhine at Hohenzollern Bridge. This hotel offers rooms and suites with views of the old city and Cologne Cathedral, gourmet cuisine, and a free spa area with large indoor pool.

HOPPER HOTEL ST. ANTONIUS 

Hooper Hotel St. Antonius is the ideal hotel if you want a restful stay away from the noise or traffic. This hotel occupies a historical building near the center of Cologne, within easy walking distance of the Old Town, Cologne Cathedral and other main cultural sights.

EXCELSIOR HOTEL ERNST

WHERE TO EAT

GLASHAUS RESTAURANT AND BAR 

The Glashaus Restaurant is the ideal place if you want to relax. The glass front affords guests a phenomenal view of the river Rhine and Cologne Cathedral. Inside, expect to be indulged with regional and international specialties.

L’ESCALIER 

This restaurant is small, cozy and intimate but it offers fine, modern, classically based cuisine in the form of two evening menus – Innovation and Tradition – and also two lunchtime – the Brasserie and Mittags-Gourmet set menus.

HANSE STUBE

The Hanse Stube is well-known for its elegance, the friendly atmosphere, and their classic cuisine. This restaurant offers their guests a first-class experience with their exacting standards and creativity in the kitchen and, its mahogany boarding, and cozy corner tables.

WHAT TO VISIT

COLOGNE’S OLD TOWN

Cologne’s Old down has countless monuments and fountains that adorn the area, along with its Archaeological Zone and the many ancient ruins and artifacts. There you will find yourself traversing countless quaint alleys lined with traditional old houses, many now home to boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

ST GEREON’S CHURCH

The Romanesque St. Gereon’s Church is the most unusual church, it has a visually appealing architecture that includes highlights such as its unique long choir and its several medieval murals, mosaics and ancient relics.

COLOGNE CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of St. Peter and St.Mary is located in the left bank of the Rhine is the Cologne’s landmark. A true masterpiece of high Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. It was started in 1248 and was considered the most ambitious architecture project of the middle ages.

AUGUSTBURG PALACE

The Augustburg Palace is located 15km south of Cologne, in a small town called Brühl. Besides its unique architectural style, the Augustburg Palace is surrounded by one of the most dazzling and colorful gardens in the city.

Sumptuously decorated and furnished, this charming Late Baroque/Rococo palace is famous for its magnificent staircase hall. I highly recommend you to visit its interior.

LUDWIG MUSEUM

If you are an art lover then you need to visit the Ludwig Museum. One of the city’s newer architecture, this excellent gallery focuses on contemporary and modern painting and covers a wide range of European art!

 

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