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Cologne, Germany

Founded in 33 BC, Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and its fourth largest. Located right on the Rhine, it is a stylish, attractive city boasting magnificent architecture, internationally renowned museums, attractive shops and excellent beer.

T he city’s skyline is dominated by its most famous tourist attraction – its huge Gothic cathedral (Dom). Dating from 1248 when building began in the French Gothic style, work on the cathedral was halted in 1560 due to lack of funds. The cathedral was not to be finished until 1880. Before heading in, walk around it to fully appreciate its sheer size. Check out the fantastic stained glass windows and the delicate spires and flying buttresses. Museum lovers should not miss the remarkable Romisch-Germanisches Museum which features a huge collection of Roman artefacts found along the Rhine. The Wallraf-Richartz-Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of 13th-19th century art. Chocolate lovers will be in heaven in the Schokoladen Museum, a state of the art museum dedicated to the art of chocolate making.

A one-hour cruise on the Rhine is a wonderful way to see the Cologne panorama. KD Line on Frankenwert 15 operates cruises between April and October. Head for the Altstadt for a wide choice of pubs and restaurants nestling side by side on narrow streets. Sample some of the excellent local beer – Kolsch – in one of the many beer halls. The Zulpicher Viertel, Belgisches Viertel and Friesenplatz are where to go for lively pubs and nightclubs. Cologne is a shopper’s paradise with a wide range of boutiques, department stores and quirky second-hand stores. The main shopping area is the pedestrianised Hohe Strasse, which runs south from the Dom. Take home some eau de Cologne, the world famous perfume first created here in the 18th century.

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