by Gary / 2 comments - Orginally published:14th December 2016
What else should you squeeze in to your Cologne mini-break
So let's assume you're planning a visit to the Cologne Christmas Markets in Germany, and you feel like a break from the endless glühwein and bratwurst fest (Oh there is so much more!).
To discover the delights of culture in Cologne for starters head down to Rhine River and stroll along the waters edge. Explore Cologne's quaint Old Town, indulge in the chocolate museum and grab yourself a bottle of the original Eau de Cologne.
Oh yes, and there's shopping to be done.
To make life a little easier why not check out the KölnCard, you get free and easy public transport, plus bags of discounts for attractions, dining & much more.
Why not Pin it for later?
Cologne; In summary
Things to do in Cologne
Okay, spoiler alert. Here's all 10 things for you to try
Where to eat & drink in Cologne
So here's a list of places we've tried & loved. There are in no particular order
- Täglich Brasserie - of the infamous conga fame
- Herings im Martinswinkel - Great, fresh fish & seafood
- Bierhaus en d`r Salzgass - Hearty portions and great atmosphere
- Früh am Dom. Head underground into a labyrinth of rooms full of shared benches.
- Papa Joe’s Biersalon – great atmosphere, expecially when the 'jukebox' is fed!
- Haxenhaus by the Rhine - check out the high water mark at the bar.
- Brauerei zur Malzmühle - home of Mühlen Kölsch, and a great atmosphere.
You can click on the link to jump to the section, and to return, just click on the title.
You really can't visit Cologne without admiring its magnificent cathedral, or Kölner Dom as it's known locally.
This incredible Gothic masterpiece dominates the city's skyline and provides a spectacular backdrop to one of Cologne's most popular Christmas markets, Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1248, although it wasn't finally completed until 1880, more than 600 years later. With its two soaring spires reaching an impressive 157 metres (515 feet), it's certainly a sight to behold. In recognition of its outstanding architecture and historical significance, Cologne Cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
The Dom
One of our favourite views of Cologne Cathedral is from across the River Rhine, particularly after dark when the cathedral and the Hohenzollernbrücke railway bridge are beautifully illuminated.
It's well worth crossing the bridge to admire this iconic scene, and you'll certainly want your camera handy.
However, as impressive as the cathedral is from the outside, make sure you venture inside too. Entry to the main cathedral is free, and it's a wonderful opportunity to discover another side of this remarkable landmark, away from the hustle and bustle of Cologne's lively streets and Christmas markets.
The Dom and Hohenzollernbrücke
Stepping inside Cologne Cathedral is just as breathtaking as admiring its magnificent Gothic architecture from the outside. The sheer scale of the interior is incredible, with soaring vaulted ceilings, towering stone columns and beautiful stained-glass windows that allow colourful light to filter into the cathedral.
There's so much intricate detail to admire, from the ornate medieval carvings and sculptures to the magnificent choir stalls. It's certainly worth taking your time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable building, which has witnessed centuries of Cologne's fascinating history.
The Shrine of the Three Kings
One of the cathedral's most treasured possessions is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a spectacular golden reliquary believed to contain the remains of the Three Wise Men who visited the infant Jesus.
Created between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, this extraordinary masterpiece of medieval goldsmithing is adorned with intricate figures, precious stones and gilded decoration. The relics were brought to Cologne from Milan in 1164, transforming the city into an important destination for Christian pilgrims.
The shrine is truly stunning, and when you see it glistening beneath the cathedral's towering arches, it's easy to appreciate why Cologne Cathedral has attracted visitors and pilgrims for centuries.
Stay informed
You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.
When you think of Cologne, you may immediately picture its magnificent cathedral, the River Rhine or perhaps its enchanting Christmas markets. However, did you know that the city also gave its name to one of the world's most famous fragrances, Eau de Cologne? And no, we're not talking about the water in the Rhine!
The story began in 1709 when Italian-born perfumer Johann Maria Farina created a fresh, citrus-scented fragrance inspired by the aromas of an Italian spring morning. He named his creation Eau de Cologne, or 'Water of Cologne', in honour of his adopted city, and a fragrant piece of history was born.
The original Eau de Cologne
You can discover more about this fascinating story at the Farina Fragrance Museum, located at Obenmarspforten 21, just a short stroll from Cologne Cathedral. The historic Farina House is regarded as the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, and the family business has been producing its celebrated fragrance for more than 300 years.
The museum offers an insight into the art of traditional perfume-making, the ingredients used and how Farina's creation became fashionable amongst European royalty and aristocracy. It's a rather lovely way to discover another side of Cologne's history, and perhaps treat yourself to a little fragrant souvenir.
4711 -The smell of Cologne
Of course, there's another famous name you'll encounter while exploring Cologne, and that's 4711 Original Eau de Cologne. Its distinctive turquoise and gold packaging has become instantly recognisable, and the fragrance has been associated with the city for generations.
The name 4711 comes from the historic house number assigned to its original premises during the French occupation of Cologne. Today, you can visit the beautiful 4711 Dufthaus at Glockengasse 4, where you'll find a fragrance shop and displays celebrating the brand's heritage.
It's well worth popping inside for a sniff, and with so many different fragrances to choose from, you may find yourself leaving with a bottle or two!
If you fancy a little culture while exploring Cologne, then why not pop into the magnificent Museum Ludwig, located just a stone's throw from Cologne Cathedral and the bustling Christmas markets?
Opened in 1986, the museum is home to one of Europe's most impressive collections of modern and contemporary art. Its distinctive architecture, with its sweeping, curved rooflines, makes it an interesting landmark in its own right.
The museum takes its name from art collectors Peter and Irene Ludwig, whose generous donations helped establish its remarkable collection. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious, it's a wonderful place to escape the winter chill and discover something a little different.
Museum Ludwig
Inside, you'll find an incredible variety of artwork, including one of the largest collections of Pablo Picasso's works in Europe, alongside an outstanding selection of American Pop Art featuring artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
The museum also celebrates German Expressionism, Russian avant-garde art and an extensive photography collection, offering a fascinating journey through some of the most influential artistic movements of the 20th century. With regularly changing exhibitions alongside its permanent displays, there's always something interesting to discover.
So, if you fancy swapping the glühwein and bratwurst for a little artistic inspiration, Museum Ludwig is certainly worth adding to your Cologne itinerary.
Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I love a gadget, and if it's something to do with cooking, then all the better!
One of my favourite little discoveries while wandering around Cologne was the Kölner Kochhaus, a wonderful kitchenware shop that was an absolute Aladdin's cave for foodies. From clever culinary gadgets and colourful kitchen accessories to quality cookware and utensils, it was the sort of place where I could happily lose myself for half an hour.
What started as a quick 15-minute browse often turned into a much longer visit, with me trying to convince myself that I really did need another kitchen gadget!
Kölner Kochhaus
One of the things we love about exploring cities like Cologne is discovering independent shops and specialist stores that offer something a little different from the usual high-street names. Whether you're a keen home cook, enjoy experimenting with new recipes or simply fancy picking up an unusual gift for someone who loves their food, browsing a traditional German kitchenware shop can be surprisingly enjoyable.
And, of course, when you're visiting Cologne during the festive season, it's the perfect excuse to hunt down a few Christmas presents. That's one of the joys of a road trip; there's no worrying about squeezing everything into a suitcase or airline baggage allowances. As long as there's room in the car, there's always space for another little treasure or two!
Now, you may be surprised to hear me recommending a spot of retail therapy, but bear with me! One of Cologne's most eye-catching department stores is Peek & Cloppenburg, situated along the bustling Schildergasse shopping street.
Even if shopping isn't really your thing, the building itself is worth a look. Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, its distinctive curved glass façade resembles a giant crystal or glass whale, and it certainly stands out amongst the surrounding architecture. The sweeping glass structure allows natural light to flood the interior, making it a rather impressive place to browse.
And, as a Brit wandering around a German department store, it's always interesting to spot those little differences in fashion, style and presentation that make shopping abroad a bit of an adventure.
Peek & Cloppenburg
Cologne is a fantastic city for shopping, particularly around Schildergasse and Hohe Straße, two of its busiest pedestrianised streets, where you'll discover everything from familiar international brands to German retailers and specialist shops.
During the festive season, there's an extra sparkle in the air, with Christmas decorations and beautifully dressed shop windows adding to the atmosphere.
Another department store worth mentioning is Galeria Kaufhof, which we've always enjoyed visiting for its impressive Christmas window displays. In previous years, the delightful animated Steiff teddy bears and characters have been a particular highlight, although they don't make an appearance every Christmas.
And, if you continue along Schildergasse towards Neumarkt, you'll find yourself at the enchanting Market of Angels, so you can combine a little retail therapy with another helping of festive cheer!
Now, who doesn't love a little chocolate? And when you're visiting Cologne, there's an entire museum dedicated to the delicious stuff!
The Schokoladenmuseum, or Cologne Chocolate Museum, is located on the Rheinauhafen peninsula, overlooking the River Rhine and just a pleasant stroll from the historic Old Town.
Opened in 1993, this fascinating museum takes you on a journey through more than 5,000 years of chocolate history, from the ancient civilisations of Central America to the sweet treats we enjoy today. Along the way, you'll discover how cocoa beans are cultivated, harvested and transformed into chocolate, with plenty of interesting displays and exhibits to tempt your taste buds.
The Chocolate Museum
One of the museum's highlights is its tropical greenhouse, where you can see cocoa trees growing, along with a miniature chocolate production line that demonstrates how those irresistible little treats are made.
And, of course, there's the famous three-metre-high chocolate fountain, where delicious Lindt chocolate flows continuously. What more could a chocoholic ask for? There's also a museum shop brimming with chocolatey goodies, so you certainly won't be leaving empty-handed!
During the festive season, the museum's riverside setting is particularly lovely, with Cologne's picturesque Harbour Christmas Market traditionally held nearby. It's a wonderful opportunity to combine a little chocolate indulgence with another helping of Cologne's magical Christmas atmosphere.
More from our visits to Cologne
We make no secret of our love for Cologne. Our first German Christmas Market and we have visited many times since.
There are so many things to enjoy about this city, why not take a look at some of our other posts.
Now, if you enjoy travelling, exploring the great outdoors or simply browsing somewhere a little unusual, then Cologne's Globetrotter Outdoor Store is an absolute must-visit.
Located on Richmodstraße, just a short walk from the city's main shopping streets, this incredible store is so much more than your average outdoor equipment shop. Spread across several floors and covering an impressive 7,000 square metres, it's a paradise for adventurers, hikers, campers and anyone with a passion for travel.
Even if you're not planning an expedition into the wilderness, it's worth popping inside just to see what makes this place so special.
Inside the Globetrotter store
From walking boots, waterproof jackets and backpacks to camping equipment, tents and all manner of clever travel accessories, Globetrotter seems to have just about everything you could possibly need for your next adventure.
You'll discover a fantastic selection of well-known outdoor brands, including Jack Wolfskin, whose clothing we jokingly refer to as 'Cologne camouflage', as you seem to spot it everywhere while wandering around the city!
There’s also specialist equipment for hiking, climbing, kayaking and cycling. It's the sort of shop where you can easily lose track of time, particularly if, like us, you enjoy discovering useful gadgets and accessories for your travels.
And with so much to explore, you may find yourself planning your next adventure before you've even left the building!
The ultimateGlobetrotter Store
However, what really sets Globetrotter apart is its extraordinary indoor water-testing pool, right in the heart of the store.
Yes, you read that correctly, an actual pool where customers can try out kayaks and other watersports equipment before making a purchase! Surrounded by displays of outdoor clothing and equipment, it's quite a remarkable sight, and certainly not something you'd expect to discover while shopping in central Cologne.
There's even a climbing tunnel where you can put your skills and equipment to the test. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or simply curious,
Globetrotter is a wonderfully unusual shopping experience and another great reason to venture beyond Cologne's famous Christmas markets.
One of our favourite things to do in Cologne is simply wander through the historic Old Town, or Altstadt, with its delightful cobbled lanes, colourful buildings and picturesque little squares.
At the heart of this fascinating neighbourhood is Cologne's historic Rathaus, or Town Hall, with its magnificent Gothic tower overlooking the lively Alter Markt. Dating back to the early 15th century, the intricately decorated tower is adorned with numerous stone figures depicting notable characters from Cologne's past.
Now, I must admit, the German word Rathaus always makes me snigger like a child, especially when you think about the politicians inside! Of course, we know it's simply the German word for Town Hall, but it still tickles my childish sense of humour.
The Rathaus
The cobbled alleys of the old town
Beyond the bustling squares, it's well worth venturing into the narrower streets and alleyways that weave their way towards the River Rhine. Charming lanes such as Salzgasse and Lintgasse are full of character, with traditional buildings, cosy Brauhauses and inviting little corners just waiting to be discovered.
You'll also stumble across delightful squares such as Ostermannplatz, which offer a quieter glimpse of Cologne away from the main shopping streets. Although much of the Old Town was devastated during the Second World War, careful reconstruction has helped preserve its historic atmosphere.
We particularly enjoy exploring these lanes during the festive season, when twinkling lights and Christmas decorations add another layer of charm. So, rather than taking the same route between the Christmas markets, why not vary your wanderings? You never know what you might discover around the next corner.
Tünnes and Schäl statues
Another little treasure tucked away in Cologne's Old Town is the delightful bronze statue of Tünnes and Schäl, two much-loved characters from the city's traditional puppet theatre. Tünnes is the down-to-earth, good-natured country fellow, while Schäl is his rather sly, sharp-witted city counterpart. Together, they've represented the humour and character of Cologne for generations, and legend has it that rubbing Tünnes's nose brings good luck!
The Old Town is also home to an important chapter of Cologne's Jewish history, with the MiQua Jewish Museum and Archaeological Quarter situated close to the Rathaus. The archaeological remains reveal centuries of life in this historic part of the city, including traces of its medieval Jewish community and Roman past. It's another fascinating reminder that there's so much more to Cologne than its enchanting Christmas markets.
The mighty River Rhine has played an important role in Cologne's history for more than 2,000 years, helping transform the city from a Roman settlement into a thriving centre of trade and commerce. Even today, the Rhine remains a busy working waterway, with cargo barges, pleasure boats and river cruises constantly making their way along its waters.
One of our favourite things to do in Cologne is simply take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the wonderful views. Whether you wander along the historic Old Town waterfront or cross to the opposite bank, you'll discover a fascinating mixture of old and new Cologne, with traditional riverside buildings sitting alongside striking modern architecture.
The views across the River Rhine
For some of the most iconic views of Cologne, we'd highly recommend crossing the Hohenzollernbrücke, the impressive railway bridge that spans the Rhine and connects the historic city centre with the district of Deutz.
However, it's not just the magnificent views that make this bridge so special. Along its pedestrian walkways, you'll discover thousands upon thousands of colourful love locks attached to the railings, left behind by couples as a symbol of their everlasting affection.
The tradition became popular here around 2008, with couples often engraving their names or initials onto a padlock before fastening it to the bridge and tossing the key into the Rhine.
It's quite an extraordinary sight, especially when you see just how many locks have accumulated over the years. We couldn't resist stopping to admire this rather romantic display, with the beautifully illuminated cathedral providing a wonderful backdrop.
Love locks on the Hohenzollernbrücke
Once you've crossed to the eastern bank of the Rhine, particularly around the Rheinboulevard in Deutz, you're treated to a magnificent panorama of Cologne Cathedral, the distinctive tower of Great St Martin's Church and the city's historic skyline.
It's a lovely spot during the day, but we think it's even more magical after dark, when the cathedral and bridges are beautifully illuminated and their reflections shimmer across the water. During the festive season, with sightseeing boats twinkling along the waterfront and the Christmas markets just a short stroll away, it's a wonderful place to pause for a moment and appreciate the beauty of this historic German city.
Now, it would be almost criminal to visit Cologne without popping into a traditional German Brauhaus and enjoying a refreshing glass of Kölsch, the city's famous local beer.
Unlike the larger beers you may be accustomed to, Kölsch is traditionally served in slender 200ml glasses known as Stangen. The friendly, and sometimes rather cheeky, waiters known as Köbes keep the beer flowing, marking each glass on your beer mat until you place it on top of your empty glass to signal you've had enough. It's all part of Cologne's wonderful beer-drinking culture, and we absolutely love it.
If you're visiting Cologne for the first time and fancy discovering a little more about its fascinating brewing traditions, why not join a GetYourGuide guided Kölsch beer tour? It's a great opportunity to visit some of the city's traditional Brauhauses, learn about the history of Kölsch and experience the local beer-drinking customs with someone who knows the city. And, of course, there may be a glass or two of Kölsch to sample along the way!
So, here are seven of our favourite places to enjoy a Kölsch, a hearty meal and a little local atmosphere. They're in no particular order, and they're certainly not a definitive list, but they're all establishments we've enjoyed visiting over the years.
Okay, I know I said these were in no particular order, but Täglich Brasserie would certainly make our top three! It's one of those places where you immediately feel at home, with its lively atmosphere, welcoming staff and a wonderful mixture of locals and visitors enjoying themselves.
Täglich Brasserie
We've spent many a happy evening here, particularly thanks to the ever-smiling Jürgen, who always seemed to have a cheerful word for everyone. And then, of course, there was the infamous conga! That's a story for another day, but it's these spontaneous moments that make travelling and meeting people so much fun. It's certainly somewhere that holds plenty of fond memories for us.
Tucked away amongst the colourful buildings of Cologne's Old Town, close to the magnificent Great St Martin's Church, you'll discover Herings im Martinswinkel.
This cosy little restaurant has become one of our favourite places to return to, not only for its delicious fresh fish and seafood but also for the wonderful characters we've met along the way.
Herings im Martinswinkel
We affectionately refer to the owners as 'the grumpy man and his wife', although it was actually Andrea who first described her husband Amir as the grumpy one! In reality, he's far from grumpy, and together they've created a warm, bustling atmosphere that makes you feel like you're visiting old friends. For us, a trip to Cologne simply wouldn't be complete without popping in.
Oh, how we love this place! Situated along one of the Old Town's charming cobbled streets, Bierhaus en d'r Salzgass is everything you'd hope for from a traditional Cologne beer house. The atmosphere is lively, the food is hearty, and sharing a table with complete strangers is all part of the experience.
Over the years, we've chatted with a businessman about the importance of beer mats, met some fascinating chaps from the Luftwaffe and enjoyed reminiscing with a German lady who had worked as a nanny in the UK during her younger years. It's amazing how many conversations begin over a simple glass of Kölsch, and that's one of the things we enjoy most about travelling.
Inside Bierhaus en d'r Salzgass
Of course, another highlight is watching the Köbes weaving their way between the tables, carrying their distinctive circular trays filled with freshly poured Kölsch. They're eagle-eyed when it comes to spotting an empty glass, and before you know it, another beer has appeared and an extra pencil mark has been added to your beer mat!
The menu is packed with traditional regional dishes too, so if you fancy something a little more substantial than the Christmas market snacks, this is a fantastic place to settle down for an evening.
Just bear in mind that it gets incredibly busy, particularly during the festive season.
ust a stone's throw from Cologne Cathedral is the wonderfully atmospheric Früh am Dom, one of the city's best-known traditional Brauhauses. The Früh brewery dates back to 1904, and its refreshing Kölsch has become a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
What makes this establishment particularly interesting is the choice of places to enjoy your beer. You can settle into the bustling ground-floor Brauhaus or venture downstairs into the fascinating Brauhauskeller, where a labyrinth of vaulted rooms, traditional wooden benches and cosy corners awaits. It's surprisingly extensive, and there's always a lively buzz of conversation.
Früh am Dom
The food is wonderfully hearty, with plenty of traditional German favourites to accompany your Kölsch, and its location makes it ideal for a break from the nearby Cathedral Christmas Market.
We've enjoyed many a visit here, especially as we've often stayed at the neighbouring Eden Hotel Früh am Dom, which is associated with the brewery. The rather convenient lift takes you straight down towards the lower levels of the Brauhaus. Oh dear, that could be dangerous! And as it's so close to the cathedral, you can expect it to be busy, particularly during the Christmas market season.
Now, if you're looking for somewhere a little quirky, then Papa Joe's Biersalon is certainly worth seeking out. Tucked away in Cologne's Old Town, just behind the enchanting Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas Market, this wonderfully eccentric watering hole is unlike your average German beer house. It's packed with character, traditional decorations and an atmosphere that's almost impossible not to get swept up in.
Outside Papa Joe's
But what really makes Papa Joe's memorable is its extraordinary mechanical jukebox, featuring an assortment of animated musicians playing instruments, including a tuba and an accordion. Yes, you read that correctly!
Once the music starts, the whole place seems to come alive, and it isn't long before people are swaying along to the cheerful tunes. There's something wonderfully infectious about the atmosphere, particularly when everyone is squeezed together around the tables and benches, enjoying a glass of Gaffel Kölsch.
Inside Papa Joe's
During the festive season, the place is buzzing, and with its twinkling lights and lively crowd, it's a fantastic spot to round off an evening exploring Cologne's Christmas markets. Just be prepared to share a table and perhaps join in with a little oompah music!
Just a short stroll from the banks of the mighty River Rhine is Haxenhaus, a wonderfully traditional restaurant that celebrates one of Germany's great culinary favourites: the pork knuckle, or Schweinshaxe. If you enjoy hearty German food, then you're certainly in for a treat, with a menu featuring delicious roasted pork, sausages and plenty of regional specialities.
The atmosphere is wonderfully convivial, with long wooden tables, traditional décor and the unmistakable sound of people enjoying themselves over good food and a refreshing Kölsch. It's definitely not somewhere to visit if you're only feeling a little peckish!
Haxenhaus
When the River Rhine is behaving itself this pork fest palace, specialising in pork knuckles & sausages, is full of people sharing benches and having a 'chompingly' good time.
Last, but certainly not least, is Brauerei zur Malzmühle, another of Cologne's much-loved traditional breweries. Established in 1858, this historic Brauhaus is famous for its distinctive Mühlen Kölsch and its wonderfully authentic atmosphere.
From the outside, the entrance may appear a little understated, but step through the large revolving wooden door and you'll discover a bustling world of traditional German hospitality. The dining rooms are full of character, with wooden furnishings, lively conversation and the tempting aromas of hearty regional dishes drifting from the kitchen.
Brauerei zur Malzmühle
If you're feeling hungry, there's a wonderful selection of traditional Cologne specialities to enjoy, but if you're simply popping in for a refreshing Kölsch, head towards the back and find yourself a comfortable spot.
There's something rather special about enjoying a beer in a brewery with such a long history, particularly when you're surrounded by locals chatting away and the Köbes are keeping everyone suitably refreshed. It's a lovely way to experience Cologne's famous Brauhaus culture and a fitting finale to our little tour of the city's favourite watering holes.
Have You?
Enjoyed the Christmas Markets in Cologne? How many of the list have you done? Or is there anything on this list that takes your fancy?
There's more
For the up to date list of all things Cologne & Christmas, check out Cologne Tourism
Obviously there is a lot more to Cologne than the Christmas markets, the Cologne Carnival is something I need to fit into our busy schedule one year - I have been avoiding it because I feel I may get hooked, as I have done with the Christmas Markets.
We truly do love Köln
* This post may contain links to affiliated sites where we earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
After reading blog after blog, I stumbled across yours to my delight! A colleague of mine and I, with our husbands in tow, will be traveling to Germany the week before Christmas so that I can meet my German counterpart from the main office in Herdorf. My colleague has been to Germany many times but this will be my first trip. I was having a difficult time narrowing down where we want to go until I read your blog. One of the IT guys from our GmbH office was in the states for two months so we got to know him quite well. He suggested Cologne but other people in our office gave different opinions. Your description of the places and your insights on the atmosphere make we want to see everything on your list. Any suggestions for where to stay/eat/visit in Frankfurt? We will be there the night we arrive and the day before we leave. Any ideas would be helpful! Thanks for your inspiring blog…..now I REALLY can’t wait to get there!!
Hi Terry, firstly sorry for the delay in getting back to you – slight hiccup with the site yesterday.
Anyway, soooo excited for you. Germany at Christmas is magical, and Cologne is our favourite. I’ll even wish for a little snow for you like we had in 2012!
In Frankfurt we stayed in the Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper. A lovely place for us, because we had the car and it had convenient parking, but it was a 10-minute walk to the markets. As for eating, we had grazed on the markets (Cheese sausages or Käsekrainer, and apfelwein or (apple glühwein) are two things to try.) We also took the weight off our feet one night at Paulaner am Dom, but that’s more Bavarian. Did you check out our post on Frankfurt? https://www.ourworldforyou.com/frankfurt-christmas-festivities/
For more suggestion, I’d check out our friends the Berkeley Square Barbarians, because they know Frankfrust so much better than us. https://www.berkeleysquarebarbarian.com/?s=frankfurt
Finally, I hope you have a really great time; there’s something special about Christmas in Germany