Cologne Old Town & Rhine promenade

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: 5–10 minutes from the cathedral.
• Boats: Rhine cruises leave from the piers along the promenade.
• Cable car: The Rheinseilbahn crosses the river further north.

The story of Cologne's old town

Cologne was founded by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago. Its old town by the Rhine has narrow lanes, the Fischmarkt with colourful gabled houses, and the tower of Great St. Martin, one of the city's twelve great Romanesque churches.

The riverside promenade is lined with cafés and leads to the Chocolate Museum, where you can see chocolate being made.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Walk south to the Chocolate Museum.
• Take a short Rhine cruise for views of the cathedral.
• Visit the Chocolate Museum on the riverbank.

What's around Cologne's old town

• Great St. MartinRomanesque church.
• Chocolate MuseumOn the Rhine.
• HeumarktOld square.
• RheinauhafenModern harbour with crane houses.

Questions travellers ask