Lynne's Weekend Break in Cologne
Lynne Casey, Senior Travel consultant with Fahy Travel, Bridge St. Galway recently took a city break to one of Germany’s best kept secrets Cologne, here she shares her review on this medieval city.
“When planning a trip to Germany most would predictably think of Munich or Berlin however we decided to take a visit to Cologne where we found it ticked a number of weekend break boxes. I am based in in Galway so we booked Knock airport, it is only an hour and half from Galway City and with plenty of parking, no delays it is always an obvious choice. Now with the announcement of direct flights to Cologne every Tuesday and Saturday commencing on June 1st there are many opportunities to travel to this beautiful destination.
Cologne is a city that has not been subject to the mass tourism of other more popular German Cities therefore as soon as you arrive you feel immersed instantly in the culture of the city. I really enjoyed wandering through the beautiful streets of the old town stopping off for a glass of the great selection of wines in the little bars along the river. Throughout Cologne there are many beautiful cathedrals, it is definitely a go-to city if you are interested in history. The local buildings of Cologne is a real architectural city housing the likes of St. Martin’s Church, St. Andrews, The Bascilica of Holy Apostles and the one of its biggest attractions the Cologne Catherdral which includes the knee-trembling 500 steps leading to the most breathtaking of views over the city.
Accommodation is the best you will find in any German city with a huge variety of hotels and AirBnB’s.
“There are many galleries and museums throughout the city and we were lucky enough to go Museum Ludwig which as the largest exhibition of pop art outside of the US as well as 900 Picassos and many works by the amazing Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Alexander Rodchenko.
Of course no city break is complete without some retail therapy and shopping you will find in the hipster Ehrenfeld area. Here is Kornerstrasse Street with its cluster of appealing shops and cafes. Cologne doesn’t just have the best-loved shopping streets in Germany – Hohe Straße and Schildergasse – but also in the surrounding area you can find everything your heart may desire. Exclusive brands on Mittelstraße, the latest trends around Ehrenstraße or fashion from upcoming young designers in the Belgian Quarter. There really is something for everyone’s tastes.
There is also a fantastic theme park on the outskirts of the city so if you are thinking of a family destination then Cologne would be a good consideration.
I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect before visiting this beautiful city however I would definitely recommend as a city break destination and now with the direct flights from Knock there really is no reason not to go!
Lynne.casey@fahytravel.ie 091 594747
Flights operate twice a week , Saturday and Tuesday, you can have the very best value in a City Break direct from the West of Ireland.
Return flights and 3 night’s accommodation at the 4* Azimut Hotel Cologne City Centre Hotel for € 219 on 08 June or €295 per person on 13 July. (prices are subject to change )
“When planning a trip to Germany most would predictably think of Munich or Berlin however we decided to take a visit to Cologne where we found it ticked a number of weekend break boxes. I am based in in Galway so we booked Knock airport, it is only an hour and half from Galway City and with plenty of parking, no delays it is always an obvious choice. Now with the announcement of direct flights to Cologne every Tuesday and Saturday commencing on June 1st there are many opportunities to travel to this beautiful destination.
Cologne is a city that has not been subject to the mass tourism of other more popular German Cities therefore as soon as you arrive you feel immersed instantly in the culture of the city. I really enjoyed wandering through the beautiful streets of the old town stopping off for a glass of the great selection of wines in the little bars along the river. Throughout Cologne there are many beautiful cathedrals, it is definitely a go-to city if you are interested in history. The local buildings of Cologne is a real architectural city housing the likes of St. Martin’s Church, St. Andrews, The Bascilica of Holy Apostles and the one of its biggest attractions the Cologne Catherdral which includes the knee-trembling 500 steps leading to the most breathtaking of views over the city.
Accommodation is the best you will find in any German city with a huge variety of hotels and AirBnB’s.
“There are many galleries and museums throughout the city and we were lucky enough to go Museum Ludwig which as the largest exhibition of pop art outside of the US as well as 900 Picassos and many works by the amazing Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Alexander Rodchenko.
Of course no city break is complete without some retail therapy and shopping you will find in the hipster Ehrenfeld area. Here is Kornerstrasse Street with its cluster of appealing shops and cafes. Cologne doesn’t just have the best-loved shopping streets in Germany – Hohe Straße and Schildergasse – but also in the surrounding area you can find everything your heart may desire. Exclusive brands on Mittelstraße, the latest trends around Ehrenstraße or fashion from upcoming young designers in the Belgian Quarter. There really is something for everyone’s tastes.
There is also a fantastic theme park on the outskirts of the city so if you are thinking of a family destination then Cologne would be a good consideration.
I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect before visiting this beautiful city however I would definitely recommend as a city break destination and now with the direct flights from Knock there really is no reason not to go!
Lynne.casey@fahytravel.ie 091 594747
Flights operate twice a week , Saturday and Tuesday, you can have the very best value in a City Break direct from the West of Ireland.
Return flights and 3 night’s accommodation at the 4* Azimut Hotel Cologne City Centre Hotel for € 219 on 08 June or €295 per person on 13 July. (prices are subject to change )
