The cathedral city on the banks of the Rhine has a 2000-year history and offers the many possibilities of a modern metropolis.
Discover and experience Cologne and its surroundings
Sights and excursion destinations in the cathedral city
The Hotel Spiegel in Cologne is the ideal starting point for exploring the traditional cathedral city. Shopping, culture, sightseeing, visits to the numerous museums, the opera, or one of the many theatres: Cologne has many interesting sides to explore. We are happy to give you tips for trips in any weather and in any season.
The region around Cologne also offers numerous destinations and opportunities for either sporting activities or in order to enjoy nature. The nearby Siebengebirge or a visit to Phantasialand Brühl with the whole family are just examples of the numerous options available around our hotel.
Further down on this page you will find a small selection of tips with direct links to their organisers.
Accompanyingpatients
Stay at the Hotel Spiegel in comfort
Is your partner or one of your relatives waiting for an examination or a longer stay in one of the numerous hospitals or clinics in Cologne? Would you like to accompany them? Have a convenient and comfortable stay in a central location near Cologne Airport with excellent transport links: the Hotel Spiegel.
Cologne Cathedral
The landmark and centre of Cologne. Here you will find the main railway station and the numerous museums of the city. With a height of 157.38 m, Cologne Cathedral is the second highest church in Europe and the most popular attraction in Germany. In 2004, there were around six million visitors from all over the world and in 2005 Pope Benedict XVI visited the cathedral on the occasion of World Youth Day.
Cologne Town Hall
The first mentions of the town hall can be found in the years 1135 and 1152. The city of Cologne gained the status of free imperial city and the guilds of Cologne, had the town hall built. The square and octagonal upper floors are decorated with more than 130 statues and the world-famous face of Plat Jabbeck, which opens its mouth every hour on the hour and sticks out its tongue, makes the Town Hall one of the cathedral city's most popular attractions.
Wallraf Richartz Museum
The city's oldest museum houses one of the largest galleries of classical paintings in Germany. The collection gives a comprehensive insight into the development of panel painting in Cologne. The major works of Rubens and Rembrandt are well worth seeing, as is exhibition from the 19th century and the paintings from the Romantic period. The focus of the collections held by the museum are Dutch and Old German panel paintings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and pictures from 17th century Spain, such as miniatures, drawings and sketches.
The Cologne Opera
One of the leading opera houses internationally. Conductors, singers and directors have been working here for decades. With the Gürzenich Orchestra, the opera house has one of the best orchestras in Germany. It was the first development in modern music to take place after World War II. The opera provides space for 1346 visitors and, thanks to the excellent visual range, you can enjoy the performance from any seat.
Cologne Zoo
Experience more than 500 animal species from all over the world. You will be fascinated by the variety of animal species. The animal houses, built in 1863, and the new attractions, such as the elephant park and the rainforest, unite the modern and the historic. The new elephant park will fascinate you. Meet the apes face to face in the jungle house. Experience the jungle atmosphere in the new rainforest.
The Cologne Carnival
The carneval is a true Cologne institution. The clownish activity that reaches its climax with the Altweiber (old women) and the traditional Rose Monday procession begins on 11/11. In addition to numerous large and small sessions and parties throughout the city, the Veedelszüge in the various parts of the city are always worth a visit. Kölle Alaaf...
Musical Dome Cologne
Due to its extraordinary glass and steel construction, the Musical Dome Cologne is a unique theatre and, at the same time, eye-catching piece of architecture right next to the promenade on the banks of the Rhine in the heart of the old town. The Musicalhaus is situated in the immediate vicinity of Cologne Cathedral and offers the largest theatre in the city with about 1,700 guests.
Lanxess Arena
Germany's largest event hall sets new standards: 18,000 seats, 83,700 square meters of floor space, large screens for direct video transmissions, restaurant, bistro, bars, shops and of course state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting technology. In the spacious glass building, which is dominated by a 76-meter-high steel arch, all sorts of events are equally possible: Sports, concerts, shows, events and entertainment. As well as: Party conferences, general meetings, congresses and meetings. Up to 1,000 employees ensure the well-being of guests, providing safety, service and gastronomy.
