Going to Cologne

We can, of course, have breakfast at the hotel. But what kind of travelers are we then? Let's go for a new experience. And from 8 a.m. one of the best coffees in town is waiting for us. And what cakes they have, ginger teas with fruit! Mmmm... This cafe is never empty. And - you're welcome here for brunch, too.

The art collections are amazing! Even if you're not a fan of contemporary art, get into it and love it! Impressive web of Thomas Saraceno, Paul Klee, Picasso, Kandinsky, Rauschenberg, Max Ernst, Beuys, many works by American artists: Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol. Modern art - so the building corresponds to it! Make no mistake about it: K20 on Grabbenplatz is a modern building with a curved, dark stone facade. And K21 at the Stendenhaus presents the art of the 21st century.
There is an excellent café, an art store and a library. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are world-class changing exhibitions and art evenings.

Within walking distance is another museum complex - Ehrenhof. The Palace of Arts (Kunstpalast) and the Exhibition Gallery are open on all days except Mondays, from 11 am. A concert hall with excellent acoustics is the pride of the museum complex. The collections at the Ehrenhof are unique.
Visitors are greeted by a stained-glass window by the Dutch master Jan-Thorn Pricker. In the halls of Kunstpalast there are paintings and graphics (there are works by Raphael, Michelangelo and Veronese), and a glass exposition. Glass and crystal works from antiquity to the present day are exhibited there. Paintings are presented beginning with the works of ancient masters (there are paintings by Rubens!) and ending with the masterpieces of the 20th century by Nolde, Kirchner and others.
There is also a local history exhibition, which shows the development of agriculture in Rhein-Westphalia.
Contemporary art is on show in the NRV-Forum. There are exhibitions of architecture, fashion, design and photography. There's a lot to see there! We can't promise that you'll become an art critic, but how interesting it all is! And when you look and listen to it as a package, you become a slightly different person, that's for sure! The great power of art! In the middle of the yard there is a beautiful fountain, a good cafe, just like the museum. The ticket to the Museum of Art costs 14 euros, to the Exhibition Gallery - 6 euros.

The impressions are off the charts! Let's relax and get some fresh air in the beautiful park of Benrath Palace in the south of Düsseldorf. In ancient times, the Elector of Düsseldorf liked this picturesque and quiet place and wished to build his residence there.
The palace in the style of classicism disposes to rest and solitude. The park overlooks the river. Near the palace, according to the custom of French architects - a pond. You can get to the castle with a tour, there are exhibitions, and sometimes weddings.

It's time to eat! You can have an excellent lunch right next to the Benrath Palace. The menu is so exquisite you'll feel like you're still in the palace and you'll be on a gluten-free diet. And the drinks are for all tastes. Enjoy!

Driving along the Rhine is a pleasure! How could such a beautiful place go without Heine and Goethe, without magical painters, without beautiful composers! No way. So it could not.
That's why we still enjoy their beautiful creations.It's this peaceful nature they were inspired by. And we take a break. We'll stop at the Japanese Garden. A place of silence and contemplation. the Japanese pavilion, the pond, the bridge - all so wonderfully blended into the local landscape. A cozy place to relax and take a walk.

The beautiful Cologne Botanical Garden, 150 years old, is as beautiful and fresh as the morning dew. Locals tend to come here to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, while tourists enjoy the walks and unexpected combinations of styles.
Parterre reminds of a French baroque park, water cascade - Italian Renaissance park, the corner of an English garden, German idealism, there is even a lady's rose garden, ponds with water lilies, palm alley. What is not there! And how they so harmoniously know how to combine it all!

We were. Walked around. We've been out and about. We've been breathing. Dinner! And we didn't miss it. Home-made, tasty, good-quality food. Let's try some traditional German food! It's good. Really good. Service is also praised.

After a heavy lunch it's not a bad idea to take a walk. In the Rhine Park there is often a strong wind, so you can bring light jackets. Children can climb on the rock (artificial), ride the little train, play on the basketball court, so they may not notice the draughts. Large expansive lawns. A good place for evening walks. Fresh breeze and great views of the Rhine.

So many impressions, immersion in art, interspersed with walks and views, requires rest. See you tomorrow!