Cologne is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia district of Germany and one of the most populated cities in the country. It is located on both sides of the river Rhine, near the borders to Belgium and the Netherlands. The famous Cologne Cathedral is seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne, and the University of Cologne is one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.
The city was founded in the 1st century as Roman settlement. During the Middle Ages it flourished due to its location on one of the most important trade routes in Europe and was further onward, one of the largest cities north of the Alps in medieval and Renaissance times.
Today, Cologne is a major cultural centre for the region, with numerous museums and galleries as well as art exhibitions and live music venues. Also not to forget the famous Cologne carnival.
For detailed music related sightseeing tips and venue information, check out our Cologne city page.
Rock am Ring is twin festival to Rock im Park in the South of Germany. Originally it was planned in 1985 as a one-time event on the Nuerburgring to celebrate the inauguration of a new and shorter version of the race track. Due to its enormous commercial success, it was decided to make it an annual festival. Nowadays, about 70,000 to 90,000 Rock and Metal fans gather every June to celebrate the biggest names in music business. Headliners since included Metallica, Die Toten Hosen, Muse, Green Day, and Rage against the Machine only to name a few.
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Cologne Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in the heart of Cologne city. Seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and impressive monument of Gothic architecture. Moreover, it is World Heritage Site since the year 1996. As one of the tallest churches on planet at 157 metres height, it is Germany's most visited landmark.
With panoramic views onto the city of Cologne: 25 hours is always a good choice. One of the best things about it: visit the record store attached to the hotel for vinyl shopping.
Book NowLocated in the heart of the city, the Cologne branch of Hard Rock Café is always a good place for burgers, beer, and cocktails. That perfectly goes with music memorabilia on the walls and Rock tunes in the background. Also offering live music from time to time. Don't forget to visit the merchandise store attached.
Nice one. Cologne based Frieda Bar is for all those music lovers fond of Punk, Heavy Metal, Rock, and similar.
Underdog record store was established in 1997. Mainly focussing on Indie, Punk and Hardcore, but also offering a great selection of Hip Hop, Noise, Garage, or Metal.
If you are into tunes ranging from Indie and Alternative to Punk, Rock and Grunge - head to this charming bar in Cologne. Stereo Wonderland is for music lovers instead of hipsters.
Lanxess Arena is the biggest venue in the city of Cologne when it comes to the major names in music business. Numerous big players from Rock and Pop have graced this stage in recent years. Up to nearly 20.000 seats in combination with a variety of bars and restaurants and the newest standards of technical equipment will make any event a very special one to remember.
Find TicketsIndustrial exterior and interior make the special atmosphere of Cologne's E-Werk. Live music for an audience of up to 2.000 people - ranging from Rock and Pop genre up to Metal and Punk. Just opposite is Palladium venue.
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The capital of the Normandy was once one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. It is mainly known for its astonishing Rouen Cathedral alongside marvellous medieval old houses.
Glastonbury, Somerset, is a beautiful town attracting people with New Age and Neopagan beliefs. Moreover, it is notable for myths and legends related to Glastonbury Tor. The town boasts with unique shops and quirky places you won't find anywhere else.
Initially a Roman settlement, Wells today is a small town with a world-renowned cathedral. Medieval structures can be found throughout the city, with the Vicars' Close and the Bishop's Palace among the ones that are most worth seeing.
Historic French port of Saint-Malo is located in Brittany on the Channel coast. The walled city has a long history of piracy, earning much wealth from local extortion and overseas adventures. The rough sea, the medieval cathedral and long stretched beaches welcome you.
Shaftesbury is an idyllic Dorset town offering beautiful views onto the rural countryside of Blackmore Vale, part of the River Stour basin. Sightseeing highlight is Gold Hill, a scenic narrow lane with picturesque houses.
Jersey Island is largest of the Channel Islands with vast British cultural influence. Laid-back capital St Helier offers nice shops and restaurants, while the tranquil countryside boasts with idyllic towns. Everything topped with great coastal ways and long stretched beaches.
Cologne (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
