10 tips to enjoy for free in Cologne

Call it bias or attachment; in my opinion, Cologne is one of the liveliest cities you could visit or live in. It for sure holds a special place in my heart. For about 18 months, I lived in Bonn, a mere 20 minutes away from Cologne, and visited the city numerous times during the entire period.  There is always a wave of energy and excitement flowing through the city, especially around the cathedral. You get to see all sorts of people in that square; the tourists, the onlookers, the entertainers,the locals, the opportunists. I have spent hours strolling around the city with my friends, have got pushed through the crowd during the carnivals, witnessed spectacular fireworks and have gone through the experience of losing my wallet and filing a police report for the first time.Ahh..bittersweet memories.  As the Cologne Carnival period is back again, and many people would be flocking to take part in the grand event, I thought of making a list of things one can enjoy free during the course of the year. The first point on my list of course refers to the Carnival.

1.Enjoy the Carnival–  The Carnival or the ´fifth season´ is one of the liveliest times of the year in Cologne. During this huge festival, lasting nearly a week in February and November, the streets of the city are filled with people dressed up fancy in different costumes and the revelry does not stop. The street parades are spectacular, as is the enthusiasm of the people. Several parties and balls are organized in pubs and clubs in the evenings. Make sure to witness the craziness if you are in Cologne during the Carnival days. Remember to pick your costumes in advance, and be careful of your belongings too (especially your bags and wallets ).

2.Visit the Cathedral – The second highest building in Cologne, the Cathedral is a magnificent structure, hovering over the city. Located right outside the Central Railway station, these towers cannot be missed. With a whole lot of people visiting this area daily, the evenings bring in a very lively atmosphere. From jugglers to musicians and men posing as statues, a wide range of performers can be spotted outside the Cathedral on any given day. One can also pay a small fee to visit the treasury in the basement of the Cathedral. Whether you choose to experience the serenity inside the Cathedral or enjoy the atmosphere outside, this is one place you should not leave off your list!

3.Walk across the Hohenzollern bridge– In hope of everlasting love, thousands of couples have, over the years, put padlocks or ´love locks´ on the railings of the bridge. A walk over the bridge will give you a feel of the strong hope and emotions connecting people. Several tourists also choose to do the same: put a symbol of their love on the bridge and drop the key in the river!

4.Witness the Fireworks on New year´s eve-   A spectacular show of fireworks is organized on the bank of the Rhine on the eve of the New year. You can start off by bursting crackers on your own, if you like, and then witness the show before the clock strikes twelve. If you are in the mood to party, you can then choose to enter one of the many pubs and clubs at Sud Koln and celebrate until dawn.

5.Stroll around the Putzchens Market- Generally held in the second week of September, the Putzchens Market is a traditional carnival that attracts a large number of visitors every year. It is mostly held in Bonn, 20 minutes away by train from Cologne. But, the amusement rides and the feel of a carnival can also be experienced in Cologne, along the Rhine.

6.Explore the shopping streets– Get the feel of the vibrant city by walking through the lively shopping streets, Schildergasse and Neumarkt. Discover old and new stores, the multiple breweries, eateries as you soak in the cultural vibe.

7.Visit the multiple Christmas markets – Christmas markets in Germany are worth waiting for! Commencing in the last week of November, these markets run until just before Christmas. With brightly lit stalls selling candles, lights, toys and various other attractive things, the food and the Gluh wine adds on to the festive mood. Some markets also have an ice skating rink, that can be used by paying a small sum. Cologne hosts a number of Christmas markets, including one near the Cathedral and one at Neumarkt.

8.Free walking tour – Nothing feels better than walking around a new city on a pleasant evening. And what would be better than someone guiding you through the old parts of the town, and that too for free? You could try out one of these free walking tours, lasting two hours, to learn about the history of the city as well as to make new friends! One such company offering these tours can be found at CYHIT .

9.Experience the Cologne lights or “Kölner Lichter”- A splendid display of fireworks synchronized with music, lights up the Cologne sky every year in  mid-July. In 2015, the event will be held on July 11^th. You can choose to join a cruise(by buying a ticket) along the river to experience a wide variety of programs while passing the fireworks , or you could wait along the banks of the Rhine at night to witness the show.

10.Celebrate the Christopher Street Day – Cologne, known for its liberal outlook towards people from all walks of life, hosts a colourful street parade every year in support of the gay and lesbian community. Apart from the parade, there are also various information events, cultural programs and discussions, making it an enjoyable experience for all those who attend it. 2015 will witness the parade on July 5^th, with a host of informational events and other activities commencing two weeks in advance.

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