What to do in Wermelskirchen

The Cologne Cathedral is the tallest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world. It was built between 1248 and 1880 in order to house the precious Shrine of the Three Holy Kings. The cathedral stands 516 feet (157 meters) tall and is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Königsallee is a charming shopping boulevard separated by a scenic tree-laden canal in the heart of Düsseldorf. Fashion showrooms and high-end shops flank the sides of this wide avenue. Spend an afternoon exploring the boutique stores along the 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) commercial esplanade.

At the Rhine Promenade you can dine at beach bars and waterfront cafes, join a river cruise and take part in cultural summer events. German architect Niklaus Fritschi redesigned the area in the 1990s. It formerly contained a freeway separating the city of Dusseldorf from the river. Today, this pedestrian-only promenade connects the Old Town with a redeveloped harbor and is a popular city meeting point.

Cologne’s zoo is in Riehl, north of the city center along the Rhine River. It was founded in 1860 and is Germany’s third-oldest zoo. It’s home to more than 500 species of animals from every ocean and continent, including predators and big cats.

The Marktplatz denotes the heart of Dusseldorf’s Old Town (Altstadt) and city center. Come here to admire the architecture of the City Hall and be part of a busy program of cultural events. The square dates back to the 14th century, the period of the city’s first major urban development.

Alter Markt, which means “old market” in English, is a focal point of Cologne. The square is located just steps from the Rhine River and Cologne’s main shopping precinct, and is overlooked by the City Hall. Pull up a chair at one of the many cafés lining the square and enjoy a locally brewed beer.