Innenstadt is Cologne's downtown core, a sprawling central city district that encompasses riverside walks, entertaining museums and the medieval Old Town of ancient buildings. Tour churches built in the 12th century, follow the history of chocolate making and visit an early 18th-century fragrance factory.
One of the most popular Innenstadt destinations is the Old Town, a picturesque historical quarter on the banks of the Rhine River, home to many noteworthy attractions. Most of the Old Town was destroyed during World War II and painstakingly rebuilt after 1945. Walk along cobbled streets and narrow alleys lined with gabled houses, bars, restaurants and shops.
Stop by Old Town museums, including the Romano-Germanic Museum, an archeological museum dedicated to the city's past, and the Farina Fragrance Museum, which was founded in 1709. This lays claim to being the oldest fragrance factory still standing in the world.
Walk over to Cologne City Hall, a 15th-century building with a 16th-century renaissance façade. Go on a guided tour of Cologne Cathedral. This 13th-century gothic masterpiece and its twin towers can be seen from all over the city center. It’s the second-highest building in Cologne after the Colonius Telecommunication Tower.
Discover more religious architecture when you visit Cologne's 12 Romanesque churches. All are located in the city center, and some were established more than 1,000 years ago.
Venture away from the old quarter to explore some of Innenstadt's other attractions. A 10-minute riverbank walk south of the Old Town will bring you to the Cologne Chocolate Museum. Learn about the history of chocolate making from its beginnings, discover how the confection is made today and sample chocolate from the chocolate fountain, which stands at almost 10 feet (3 meters) high.
See live sporting action at Lanxess Arena, an indoor arena that hosts ice hockey, handball and basketball matches. The 20,000-seat building is also a concert venue.
Travel to Innenstadt's blend of ancient and modern by using the efficient bus, tram and metro network.
