Cologne
Flight time from UK: 1hr 15mins (approx)

Cologne is one of the most important and indeed most famous cities in Germany. Allied bombing in World War II destroyed much of its glorious past almost overnight. What was left standing has been methodically restored and that continues even to this day. It straddles the River Rhine and is surrounded by the undulating countryside and farmland. You will find this city a beautiful balance between the modern and the old.

Must See
You simply can't be bored in Cologne. Opt for a half-day river trip to Dusseldorf or the Rhine gorge; visit the nature reserves at Dunnwald, Bruck and Porz; or spend an entire day at the castles and villages of the Rhine gorge, including Koblenz, Assmannshausen and Rudesheim. A trip to Cologne must include a visit the famous twin-spired cathedral in all its glory. If you climb up the 536 steps of the southern spire, you can have a panoramic view of the cityscape below.

Go back in time by visiting museums including the Roman-Germanic Museum that is home to the finest mosaic in Europe. Art lovers should go to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum Ludwig, with the fine collection of medieval paintings to modern paintings. The chocolate museum is another option, as is the Telecom tower-viewing platform at 797 ft, or the Media Park. You can also reach dizzy heights by taking a ride in the cable car over the river, zoo and aquarium.

Shopping
The main shopping streets are Schildergasse and Hohe Strasse. There you will find a large pedestrian precinct in the centre that has a wide range of everyday shops, boutiques and large department stores, offering good-quality merchandise. Cologne is best known in the modern world for the world famous 4711 Eau de Cologne perfume on Glockengasse where the brand is still going strong and is sold among many other perfumes. You can visit the open-air markets in the Altstadt, which is the old town area. You will also find numerous Christmas markets in December during the festive season.

After Dark
Cologne throbs at night with its plentiful bars and beer halls. You will find bars in the four main areas. One is the Old Town, which has its own distinctive drinking establishments and restaurants and a few tourist traps. Another is Quartier Lateng near the university, where you can mingle with genuine Cologners, along with your glass of beer. The third is the Sudstadt with its many trendy bars and cafes, all packed to capacity. Lastly, the Belgisches Viertel, along the inner ring road, which can appear rather crass and dominated by the more Bohemian brigade.

For the cultured side of you, you can treat yourself to a classical concert at Philharmonia Hall. Another interesting option would be watching the opera at the Opera House. However, for contemporary concerts you will have to try the Sporthalle. You also have the option of visiting the theatre or watching a movie in the many cinemas.