Cologne city centre can really be divided into two: the “Altstadt” or old town and the shopping district, which in turn can be divided into the high street and the more quirky or exclusive shopping areas.
So, where do you want to start? Assuming you want to see as much as possible...
Let’s suppose your first port of call when you come to Cologne will be the cathedral. It does attract the most visitors of any landmark in Cologne.
But what to do after you’ve visited the cathedral (and the crypt) – and even maybe climbed the tower? The answer is: a wander through the Altstadt and perhaps a Kölsch beer or two while you drink in your surroundings, savour the ambiance and watch the world go by.
The Altstadt or "old town" stretches along the Rhine between the Hohenzollern bridge (railway bridge) and the Deutz bridge. It is a myriad of mainly narrow, cobbled streets and includes churches, squares, restaurants, breweries, shops and hotels, as well as the Rathaus (city hall), the Roman Praetorium, an archaeological zone with ongoing excavations, churches, museums, the old market square, restaurants, breweries, shops. cafés and hotels, as well as fountains, squares, arcades and a promenade along the Rhine.
It is difficult to say how much time to allow as everyone’s interests are different but a couple of hours should give you a good feel of the Altstadt. Rather than prescribe a route, it’s probably best just to meander through the streets and alleys, discovering its delights and charms for yourself.