Hohe Strasse (High Street), Cologne

A place where Roman sandals once shuffled and now it's sneakers and shopping bags that rule the pavement, High Street is one of Cologne's oldest arteries. Indeed, this bustling, pedestrian-only stretch is where history meets retail therapy big time!!!

Back in Roman times, High Street was known as the Cardo Maximus鈥攁 grand name for what was essentially ancient Cologne鈥檚 main drag. Imagine it lined with vendors, temples, and the impressive Praetorium, while two Roman legions lounged in nearby barracks, grabbed a bite in the canteen, or got patched up at the local military hospital. Who knew early urban planning came with such perks?

Over the centuries, High Street has been many things to many people. In the Middle Ages, it was known as Stone Street鈥攑robably not the softest place to trip on a cobblestone. Then came the French in the late 1700s, who decided 鈥淗igh Street鈥� had a nicer ring to it, especially thanks to the High Porte (a big ol鈥� city gate) standing at the southern end.

By the 19th century, High Street ditched the swords and scrolls for shopping bags and storefronts, becoming one of Cologne鈥檚 premier commercial hubs. And today, it鈥檚 still going strong. From international fashion brands to the legendary Stollwerck chocolate shop (yes, it smells as good as you鈥檙e imagining), there鈥檚 something for everyone here. If you need a break, grab a coffee at one of the many caf茅s, or lose an hour (or five) in the massive Lego store that brings out the kid in even the most serious of adults.

So, whether you鈥檙e hunting for souvenirs or just wandering where emperors once walked, Cologne鈥檚 High Street delivers history, snacks, and shopping鈥攏o chariots, though...

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Hohe Strasse (High Street)
Sight Location: Cologne, Germany (See walking tours in Cologne)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Cologne, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Cologne

Creating your own self-guided walk in Cologne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Cologne Introduction Walking Tour

Cologne鈥攐ne of Germany鈥檚 oldest cities, whose name sounds like a perfume, and for a good reason... With over 2,000 years of history packed into its cobblestoned streets and riverside promenades, this city has seen it all鈥攆rom Roman emperors to French invaders to enthusiastic beer drinkers in the 21st century.

Back in the first century BC, the Romans set up a camp and called it Colonia... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Cologne's Architectural Landmarks Walking Tour

Around 75% of Cologne was destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. Following such devastation, it meant that most of what was built immediately after the war came from the so-called 鈥淎s quickly and cheaply as possible鈥� school of architecture. Eventually, as the things settled, the architects were given the chance to build something that would really stand out.

Decades later, the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Cologne's Historical Churches Walking Tour

The beautiful and historically rich city of Cologne has been around for over 2,000 years. For centuries, it has been regarded as a very important religious center.

The K枚lner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of its biggest attractions, is renowned as a symbol of Christianity and 鈥渁 masterpiece of exceptional intrinsic value鈥� (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The twelve Romanesque churches of... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Cologne Shopping Tour

Calling the shops, whilst in Cologne, is the thing you definitely should not miss! One of the most popular shopping destinations in Germany, this 鈥渃athedral鈥� city abounds in malls, designer stores and various national and international brand outlets fit to impress anyone and let you shop till you drop! Some people even make special trips to Cologne just to stroll and buy things to their... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles

Beer House Walking Tour

In Cologne they say, "K枚lsch is the only language you can drink." Brewed only here and nowhere else, K枚lsch 鈥� a light beer, slightly bitter, bright yellow in color, and made of top-fermented yeast 鈥� is forbidden for production in any other part of Germany.

Each licensed brewery in the city makes its own variation of K枚lsch, served traditionally in a tall, thin, cylindrical... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

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