Köln and Düsseldorf

This time, I decided to explore little bit more of Germany. So, went to Köln and Düsseldorf. Köln is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. So, I was over excited. However, things turned out different. At the end of second day, I preferred Düsseldorf to Köln.

So, it depends, what you want to see in the city. Of course everyone has their own preference. If you just want to wander around the town, relax a bit and get a feeling that you are in Köln than that's ok but when I go somewhere, I always want to see what's there to offer because city centres in Europe are same everywhere, whether you are in France or London or Hannover or Berlin. I wanted to see something unique of each city.

The main attraction in Köln is Cathedral. The construction of the Cathedral started in 13th century but was finished in 19th century, not because people then were slow or something but the construction was halt for some reason. If you go to Köln via train, you don't even have to ask people where it is. All you have to do is, get out of the train station and it stands right in front of you. The Cathedral has 19th century decoration and is so tall that you have to bend your head completely back to see its top. Some people might think that its good that they don't have to go that far but for me, I think it is in wrong place. Ok, lets correct it. The train station or other houses were built in wrong place. Since, its Germany's most visited landmark and world heritage, its obvious that people do visit it but I found it overcrowded. I would have liked at least small open area around it. 

Cathedral from  outside

Inside Cathedral

Another highlight of the day was riding a cable car. The Rhine river separates the Köln into two parts and by cable car, you can travel from one part to another just in 7 minutes and it only costs you 4 Euros. 

Crossing Rhine river via cable car

Rhine river

Next day was Düsseldolf. I found it more beautiful than Köln actually. In the city centre of Köln, I felt like I was still in Hannover city centre but in Düsseldolf, it was a different feeling. Even walking in the city gave me an impression that I was in different place. Walking along Rhine river was even more exciting. 

The main attraction in Düsseldolf is Rhine tower (Rheintrum). There is a bar and lounge at the height of 168 m in the tower. View from there is magnificient and it was worth spending my time there. I stayed more than I intended to but still it wasn't enough for me. Aparently there is a restaurant called 'Top 180' at the height of 172.5 m, which rotates at its own axis and makes a complete rotation in an hour. So, that means, you can revolve 360 degree and see everything just by sitting in one chair in that restaurant. Unbelievable right? Well, if you don't believe it, check it here on youtube. Wow!! just think about it. If you are in food business and want to start something interesting, there you go! Make a restaurant like this in main attraction like Rhine Tower and you are sorted! I would have loved to experience this but unfortunately, I was only aware of it after I left but there is always next time :). 

View from Rheintrum