Aachen - Old town Guided tour
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Aachen - Old town Guided tour

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1h
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About this experience

Explore the old town of Aachen where you will walk through walkways and explore historic buildings along with their anecdotes. Fountains, old-town houses, and the most beautiful places of this historic city await your arrival.

Available options

Aachen - Old town Guided tour

What's included

Official Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Visit the Roman catholic church, also known as the Cathedral of Aix-la-Chapelle which is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aachen. You will have the chance to visit the Treasury which houses many important medieval Church artworks such as the Cross of Lothair, the Persephone sarcophagus and the Bust of Charlemagne.

2

As you move on from the Aachen Cathedral, you will see the Dolls fountain (Puppenbrunnen) which carries significant meaning about Aachen and its dwellers. It is made up of featured pairs like: textile industry and the doll, horse and rider, bishop and church, trading market woman, the professor and harlequin, doctrine and culture, and a clock on top which signifies the french occupation. It is very interesting for children to see the moving marionettes at this fountain which are made of bronze.

3

You will visit the fountain with the healing thermal water, It has two drinking fountains. The water from these fountains is said to contain high sulphur content and has medicinal properties.

4

You will get to see the Grashaus, one of the oldest houses of Aachen, a building of historical importance which is situated at the fish market. It served as the first town hall. Although Its construction was completed in the year 1267, it dates back to even older times. It was also previously a medieval village where a prison existed.

5

Walk across the building known as Haus Löwenstein which stands parallel to the town hall. It was built around 1344 and is one of the few Gothic buildings that survived the great fire of 1656. It is unknown as to why this was originally built and this still remains a mystery till date.

6

Admire the gothic architecture of the Aachen Town Hall, which was built in the 14th century under Gerhard Chorus to host the traditional coronation feast ceremony of the Holy Roman Empire. The construction was completed in 1349 after which it served as an administrative center. Here, you will also get to see the Granus Tower, a 20 meter high building which was also used to store weapons.

7

Finish your tour at Ponttor, the city gates which used to be known as the Brückenpforte and Marschiertor, two of the remaining gates of the city wall which was built in the 14th century. These are now used by the German Scout Club and German Scout Association Saint George.

What's not included

Entrance Fees

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
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Tripadvisor 3.0
3 reviews
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

At the Dominformation, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.

About Cologne

Cologne, located on the Rhine River, is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. The city offers a mix of medieval charm and modern attractions, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Cologne Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany's most famous landmarks, this Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete.

Historical/Architectural 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb

Rhine River Cruise

A scenic cruise along the Rhine River offers beautiful views of Cologne and other riverside cities.

Adventure/Cultural 1-2 hours €15-€30

Chocolate Museum

An interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, with tastings included.

Museum 1-2 hours €12.50

Cologne Zoo

One of the oldest and most renowned zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful gardens.

Nature 2-3 hours €21

Old Town (Altstadt)

The historic heart of Cologne, filled with charming streets, traditional pubs, and medieval architecture.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Himmel un Ääd

A traditional dish made with mashed potatoes, apples, and blood sausage.

Dinner Contains pork and gluten.

Rievkooche

Potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or sour cream.

Snack Vegetarian, can be made gluten-free.

Halve Hahn

A rye bread roll topped with roast beef, mustard, and onions.

Lunch Contains beef and gluten.

Kölsch

A local beer, light and refreshing, served in small glasses.

Drink Contains gluten.

Popular Activities

Rhine River cruises Hiking in the surrounding hills Biking along the Rhine Spas and wellness centers River walks Coffee shops and cafes Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Cologne due to pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: German
  • Widely spoken: English, French, Dutch
  • English: Widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cologne is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys.

Getting there

By air
  • Cologne Bonn Airport • 15 km from city center
By train

Cologne Central Station

By bus

Cologne Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trams and buses are efficient and frequent. The KVB app is useful for schedules and tickets.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Cologne, Mytaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Deutz Südstadt Belgian Quarter

Day trips

Bonn
25 km • Half day to full day

The former capital of West Germany, Bonn offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty along the Rhine.

Dusseldorf
40 km • Full day

A vibrant city known for its fashion, art, and nightlife, Dusseldorf offers a mix of modern and historic attractions.

Burg Eltz
100 km • Full day

A stunning medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River, offering a glimpse into the past.

Festivals

Cologne Carnival • February/March (Weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday) Cologne Lights • December Cologne Pride • July

Pro tips

  • Visit the Cologne Cathedral early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds.
  • Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in the Belgian Quarter or the Old Town.
  • Take a Rhine River cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Try local Kölsch beer in traditional breweries like Brauhaus Früh am Dom or Peters Brauhaus.
  • Visit the Chocolate Museum for a unique and interactive experience.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
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Free cancellation available
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