Cologne features Brutalist structures next to Gothic marvels. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are so many things to do in Cologne, it\u2019s hard to find a place to start. A visit to Cologne wouldn\u2019t be complete without a tour of its iconic cathedral. It took more than 500 years to complete the Gothic masterpiece, which, like Notre Dame de Paris, is the religious symbol of the city. Throughout the years of its construction, builders remained faithful to the original designs, adding transepts, pillars, spires and the like to cement its status as A UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can\u2019t help but admire it as you arrive to the city by train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Museum buffs will delight in the variety on offer in Cologne. Start your tour at the Museum Ludwig. Known for its modern art, the Ludwig is one of the premier European contemporary art museums. Love Pop Art? Head to the Ludwig for an intimate glimpse of Roy Licht\u00aden\u00adstein\u2019s M-Maybe (1965). Picasso more your groove? The Ludwig is home to Har\u00adle\u00adquin with Fold\u00aded Hands (1923) and Wo\u00adm\u00adan with Ar\u00adti\u00adchoke (1941). From Modernism to Expression to nearly everything in between, the Ludwig boasts a permanent collection sure to dazzle even the most cynical art critic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Art museums aren\u2019t the only museums of note in the city. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Cologne is the Mustard Museum. Dating back more than 200 years, the Mustard Museum is the place to be if you\u2019re curious about the origins of the condiment and Cologne\u2019s hand in its creation. Docents educate guests in the particulars of garlic and Indian curry varieties and you can even try as many as you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
End your journey at the Chocolate Museum. Situated on the harbor, the museum takes guests on a tour of the origins of cocoa as well as the process involved in making everyone\u2019s favorite treat. Explore the history of chocolate and end your visit with a decadent chili hot chocolate with a dash of rum at the Grand Cafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe city\u2019s iconic Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Credit: Dominik Kuhn\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>Cologne is a colorful city that attracts returning visitors year after year. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n25Hours Hotels the Circle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Art and architecture collide at the 25Hours Hotel The Circle. Renowned Berlin interior designer Werner Aisslinger created a space that is both funky and functional. Retro-futurism is the concept here and you\u2019ll find space-age touches throughout the 207-room hotel. Escape the every day at Restaurant NENI and the Monkey Bar on the 8th floor, both of which have a breathtaking view of the cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rooms are spacious and carefully appointed with concrete ceilings, oval mirrors and wall hangings, colorful throws, rainforest showers and free Freitag bags for use during your stay. The bigger the room, the more amenities as so-called \u201cGigantic\u201d rooms afford guests Smart TVs, free-standing tubs, samova teamakers, and ball chairs that make one feel as if they are in a Star Trek simulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRetro-futurism is the concept at the 25Hours Hotels the Circle. Credit: Booking.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>\u201cGigantic\u201d rooms at the 25Hours Hotel the Circle feature free-standing tubs. Credit: Booking.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n