Flights to Cologne

When visiting Germany, one of the top choices to visit is Cologne. It is one of Germany's major cities, not only for its economic value but also for its significance in the history and heritage of the country. Its beginnings can be traced back to the Ubii, a Germanic tribe, who built the first urban settlement in 38 BCE. They were superseded by the Romans who then constructed a new city, which they named 'Colonia Claudia Ara Aggripinensium'.

More prosperity followed when Cologne became part of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. This allowed the city to ensure stable support for its economy through the centuries. Germany's position in the World War II also affected Cologne adversely, when the Allies dropped hundreds of bombs that destroyed 95% of the urbanscape. This pushed for an extensive renovation of the heritage buildings, which rather enhanced the beauty of the city.

What to see & do

It is a city of churches and museums – Cologne has 12 grand churches mostly built in the Romanesque design and some 36 museums. Such a large number allows one to enjoy a wide array of cultural landmarks to choose from. One can start with the magnificent cathedral, an iconic structure standing near the left bank of the Rhine. Its High Gothic architecture is made even more impressive with its twin spires measuring 157-metre tall, and luxurious interiors featuring the gold Relinquary of the Three Kings in the 12^th century and a treasure chamber filled with various precious objects. One can also climb up the high steps to the cathedral bells, which allows one to get panoramic views of the city.

The Cologne Altstadt is also one of the must-see districts due to various heritage buildings tourists will see here. Tourists can blissfully get lost in the various alleys of traditional old houses that contain boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Galleries and museums abound here, as well as more beautiful churches such as the Great St. Martin. The Archaeological Zone is also a popular area to see, with its old ruins and relics. One should also take the time to view the Old Town Hall, the oldest civic building in Germany. Those looking at it will find a mix of architectural influence in its major parts, such as its loggia, which was built in Renaissance style.

Those who want to go on a cultural tour will find Cologne a paradise, due to the various institutions one can find here. One can visit Museum Schnütgen to view its medieval religious art and sculpture,s or the postmodern building of Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, which houses a rather traditional collection of works from Dutch and Flemish artists. Masterpieces from various international artists are also here, such as those of Rembrandt, Murillo, and Canaletto, among others. More examples of art are also found in Museum Ludwig, which feature comprehensive abstract and avant-garde collections from famous artists. Chocoholics will also find a museum dedicated for them in Cologne. The Schokoladen Museum is like a rendition of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, with a live-production factory tour and a chocolate fountain that allows visitors to get a sample.

How to get around

Travelers will find that it is convenient to commute in Cologne. A mix of buses, trams, and trains operate to help people move across the city and other areas in the country. Taxis are also available for those who need speedy transport while those pushing to be more active can rent bicycles. Tourists planning to hire a car might find it difficult to drive around in Cologne, making it an unwise choice unless one is familiar with the major and side routes.

How to get there

Those going to visit Cologne can schedule trips to Cologne-Bonn Airport, one of the main ports of entry in Germany. Various airlines from different parts of the world transport passengers here. Commercial flight carriers include Air Arabia Maroc, Air Berlin, Air VIA, Atlasjet, Austrian Airlines, Bulgarian Air Charter, Blue Air, Condor, Corendon Airlines, easyJet, Flybe, Freebird Airlines, Germania, Germanwings, Iran Air, KLM, Lufthansa, Lufthansa Regional, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Nouvelair, Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines, Ryanair, Sky Work Airlines, SunExpress, SunEspress Deutschland, Tailwind Airlines, TUIfly, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and Wizz Air Ukraine.