TimeRide shows you the Cologne that the war destroyed. Set on the Alter Markt in the heart of the old town, it recreates the city in 1926, at the height of the Golden Twenties, when the cathedral rose above a dense medieval centre that would be largely flattened less than twenty years later. The experience unfolds in three stages. First comes a short introduction and a film in a recreated silent-film cinema. Next is a hat-maker’s workshop, where an actor plays alongside the film and visitors can try on period hats. Finally you take your seat in a historic tram, put on a VR headset and ride from the Heumarkt to the Neumarkt through streets full of traders, cars and passers-by, with a tram driver character as your guide. It is moving as well as fun, because so much of what you see is gone. The Tiqets ticket is a timed entry for a group with a live guide in English and German.
How to visit: TimeRide is open daily, generally from 10:00 to 19:00, and runs in timed slots, so book ahead and arrive about ten minutes before your time. The whole experience takes about forty-five minutes. The Alter Markt is a five-minute walk from the cathedral, next to the town hall, which makes TimeRide easy to slot into a day in the old town.
What to expect: groups are small, a maximum of about thirteen people, and the VR ride itself is seated and gentle, so it suits most visitors. The experience is recommended from around six years old. If you are prone to motion sickness, keep your eyes on the horizon of the scene and let staff know.
Making the most of it: do TimeRide early in your stay, before walking the old town, so you can picture the lost streets around you. It also works well on a rainy afternoon. Tiqets sells combinations with the Farina Fragrance Museum, the Chocolate Museum and the KölnCard, which are worth a look if you plan to visit them anyway.
What to expect
The experience
A timed small-group experience with a cinema pre-show, a live-actor workshop scene and a seated VR tram ride through Cologne in 1926.
Best time
Early in your trip, before you explore the old town, or on a wet afternoon.
How long
About forty-five minutes, plus ten minutes to check in.
Tips
Book a slot ahead, arrive ten minutes early and mention any motion sickness to the staff before the ride.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Understanding how much of old Cologne was lost, in a way that is entertaining rather than heavy.
- Families
- Recommended from about six years old; children enjoy the hats, the actors and the tram ride.
- Couples
- A memorable shared experience, and the Golden Twenties setting is full of charm.
- Pair with
- The Farina Fragrance Museum and a walk around the Alter Markt and the town hall.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
What is TimeRide Cologne?+
It is a virtual reality time trip to Cologne in 1926. You pass through a cinema and a hat-maker’s workshop before a VR ride in a historic tram from the Heumarkt to the Neumarkt.
How long does TimeRide take?+
The experience takes about forty-five minutes. Arrive around ten minutes before your time slot.
Is TimeRide suitable for children?+
Yes, it is recommended from about six years old. The ride is seated and gentle.
Is TimeRide in English?+
The Tiqets ticket includes a live guide in English and German. Ask at check-in if you need English throughout.
Where is TimeRide in Cologne?+
It is on the Alter Markt in the old town, next to the town hall. The cathedral is about five minutes away on foot.
