Start our artistic journey with the extraordinary experience that is Time Ride. It's a place that combines cutting-edge technology with historical context, offering a journey back in time to 1920s Cologne. Located in the heart of the old city at Alter Markt 36-42, 50667 Köln, Time Ride is easily accessible on foot from the main train station (about a 15-minute walk) or by streetcar line 5 to the Alter Markt stop.

What makes Time Ride so special for art lovers? It's a combination of theater, multimedia and virtual reality that creates an immersive art experience. Visitors have the opportunity to not only see, but literally 'enter' the world of art and culture of pre-war Cologne. The show consists of three stages: a historical introduction, a presentation of the characters of the era and the main attraction - a multimedia streetcar ride using VR goggles.

Tickets, priced from €14.90 for adults and €11.90 for children (as of 2023), can be booked online through the official website timeride.de/koeln/. The attraction is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the last entry at 7:00 p.m. Please note that while there are no official age restrictions, the experience may be best suited for children over 8 years old due to the need to use VR goggles.

For those who want to deepen their artistic experience, we recommend visiting the nearby Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which is just a five-minute walk from Time Ride. This renowned art museum offers an impressive collection of works from the Middle Ages to early modernism, providing the perfect complement to a virtual time travel experience.

The next point on our artistic journey is Fort X, a unique place where history meets contemporary art. Located at Neusser Wall 33, 50670 Köln, the fort is part of the city's former Prussian fortifications. Today, the site has been transformed into a fascinating art space, offering an unusual combination of historic architecture and modern installations.

Fort X, open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, offers free entry, making it ideal for families and art lovers on a budget. The fort can be reached by bus line 127 or 142 to the Fort X stop, or on foot - it's about a 20-minute walk from the main train station.

What sets Fort X apart from other attractions is its unique combination of military history and contemporary art. Throughout the year, the fort hosts numerous temporary exhibitions, art installations and cultural events. It's worth checking the current program on local cultural websites or at the city's tourist information desk.

Children are sure to appreciate the mini playground located on the fort's grounds, while adults can enjoy the defense architecture and art displays. During the summer, an additional attraction is the beautiful rose garden, which provides a picturesque backdrop for contemporary art.

After visiting Fort X, head to the nearby Rheingarten, a picturesque park on the banks of the Rhine River. It's the perfect place to relax and contemplate nature's art, offering beautiful views of the river and city skyline.

Continuing our artistic journey, we move on to the Rheinauhafen, a modern harbor district that is itself a work of architectural art. Located at Rheinauhafen, 50678 Köln, the district is easily accessible by streetcar line 1, 7 or 9 to the Heumarkt stop and then a short walk along the waterfront.

Rheinauhafen is where modern architecture meets historic port heritage. The symbol of the district are the three futuristic buildings known as Kranhäuser (Crane Houses), whose shape refers to the old harbor cranes. This fascinating combination of forms makes a walk along the waterfront a true feast for the eyes and imagination.

The district offers many art galleries, design boutiques and cafes overlooking the Rhine. Look out for the Chocolate Museum, which combines elements of culinary and visual art, offering interactive exhibitions and workshops for the whole family.

The Rheinauhafen is open year-round, 24 hours a day, allowing you to admire the architecture at different times of the day and night. We especially recommend a visit at sunset, when the buildings are reflected in the waters of the Rhine, creating a magical play of light.

For those interested in street art, we recommend a walk along the waterfront, where you can find numerous murals and art installations. This is a great opportunity to show children how art can transform urban space.

The next point on our artistic journey is the Eigelstein-Torburg, a medieval city gate that has become an iconic symbol of the fusion of history and contemporary art. Located at Eigelstein 135, 50668 Köln, the gate is easily accessible on foot from the main train station (about a 10-minute walk) or by streetcar lines 12 and 15 to the Ebertplatz stop.

Eigelstein-Torburg, part of the former city fortifications, now serves as a fascinating art gallery. Contemporary art exhibitions are regularly held inside this historic structure, creating an unusual contrast between medieval architecture and modern works.

The gate is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (hours are subject to change; it's worth checking eigelsteintorburg.de for up-to-date information). Admission is free, making the place accessible to all art lovers.

For families with children, the Eigelstein-Torburg area offers additional attractions. There is a fountain with free drinking water nearby, which can be useful for summer strolls. In addition, the local legends associated with the gate can be a fascinating topic of conversation with younger art and history explorers.

At the end of our artistic journey in Cologne, we can't miss Museum Ludwig - one of the most important museums of contemporary art in Europe. Located at Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln, the museum is in the heart of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the famous Cologne Cathedral.

Museum Ludwig is famous for its impressive collection of 20th and 21st century art, including works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol and Lichtenstein. What sets this place apart is not only the world-class exhibits, but also the way they are presented, which encourages interaction and deeper reflection on contemporary art.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with later closing (until 10:00 p.m.) on the first Thursday of the month. Tickets cost about €13 for adults, with free admission for children and young people under 18 (prices as of 2023, it's worth checking the current information at museum-ludwig.de).

For families with children, Museum Ludwig offers special educational programs and workshops that introduce the youngest to the world of contemporary art in an accessible way. It's worth checking the calendar of events on the museum's website before visiting.

All in all, these five non-obvious attractions in Cologne offer a unique perspective on the city's art and culture. From virtual time travel and fortifications transformed into galleries to modern architecture and world-class museums, each of these sites demonstrates how art can transform urban space and our perception of history. We encourage you to explore these fascinating places, which are sure to leave you with unforgettable impressions and inspiration long after you return from your trip.