The equestrian statue
A large monument to the Prussian king on horseback at the centre — the usual meeting point.
Raimond Spekking — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Raimond Spekking — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Superbass — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Superbass — CC BY-SA 4.0
Heumarkt is one of Cologne's largest old squares, adjoining the Alter Markt but wider and less crowded with cafés. Its name means "hay market", and it genuinely was a market for hay and fodder from the Middle Ages. At its centre stands a large equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia. Today the square is open ground used for events: the December Christmas market with an ice rink, and the festivities of Cologne's famous February carnival. It is free and always open.
A large monument to the Prussian king on horseback at the centre — the usual meeting point.
December's market here includes an ice rink, and is among Cologne's largest.
In February the square becomes a carnival stage — Germany's most famous popular festival.
Heumarkt, 50667 Köln
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December without question, with the Christmas market and ice rink. February too if you want to see Cologne's carnival — but be ready for enormous crowds and difficult hotel bookings that week.
Twenty minutes on an ordinary day — it is open space more than a monument. During the market or carnival you might spend hours.