Cologne ~ A German Getaway

When I was first an exchange student, I would often be wary of taking short trips out of the country when we had a term break or a long weekend. Now, I jump at those opportunities to go see a new place! So far, I have chosen to travel to Cologne twice when I have had short breaks from school, and I have fallen in love with the slower-pace, history, and community that is in Cologne.

Here are the top 5 things that I have loved doing in Cologne, and I greatly recommend these things to students who are traveling there for only a few days and who really want to experience the city.

1. Take a free walking tour

I have taken the Can You Handle It! tour that starts from Rudolfplatz twice a day, and I have learned so much about Cologne from the tour guides. The guides are usually young people who love their city, and they share a lot of information that is very useful and really helps you appreciate Cologne and all that it has gone through in its history. This is an inexpensive and fun way to see the city. You can register for the tour on their website, or just show up at the location at the right time. Make sure to tip your guide about 5 euro!

2. Go indoor rock-climbing with the locals

I learned to love rock-climbing in my hometown, and I was so excited to see that Cologne has a great rock-climbing gym! This is a good way to get among the locals, have fun indoors (especially if the weather isn't that great), and get some good exercise too. I haven't found any kind of activity yet that works out more muscles than climbing! You can find information about Kletterfabrik Koeln here. Many of their staff speak English, so if you contact them, they are sure to be able to answer any of your questions.

3. Stay or hang out at the Die Wohngemeinschaft Hostel

This is literally the best hostel I have ever stayed in, and I would go to Cologne just to be able to hang out there. They have inexpensive prices but magnificent rooms, and the hostel is extremely clean and well-run. They have a common area at the hostel with 24/7 free coffee and tea, and it is great to get to know other travelers there. Even if you aren't staying at the hostel, if you are in Cologne on a Wednesday I have been told that Mundo Lingo is a great language event to attend at the bar downstairs.

4. Go for a run or a picnic at the Aachener Weiher

This large greenbelt of space is located a 2 minute walk from the Die Wohngemeinschaft Hostel and provides a place for a breath of fresh air, a walk or bike ride, or even a picnic along the lake. When I stay in Cologne, I go to this park almost every morning to start my day. It is a lovely, refreshing place after being in Istanbul, which doesn't have as many green spaces.

5. Visit Museo Ludwig

This museum was a bit of a splurge on my trip, but I really enjoyed the art exhibitions. One of my favorite artists is Dalí, and they had a beautiful piece of his work that I stared at for quite a long time. I also loved the Jackson Pollock pieces that were on display.

Cologne is a city that I hope I will visit over and over again. It is calm and peaceful, and at the same time has a lot to do and is full of life. I highly recommend that if you are studying in Europe and want to get away for a weekend, Cologne is a wonderful choice.

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