A city of high energy and great character

Cologne’s Cathedral, the Dom, is the city’s most famous landmark. Its enormous twin spires rise over the Domplatte Square where tourists and locals stroll around the shops or rest on the steps. Near the Domplatte the historic quarter’s narrow streets are lined with 14th century houses, Romanesque churches, pubs and family-run eateries. Nightlife in Cologne is energetic and no other German city has as many pubs per capita. There are numerous lively bar-lined streets such as Zülpicher and Luxemburger, and trendy areas such as the multicultural quarter Ehrenfeld. Germany’s fourth largest city is an enticing place. It is one of the country’s media and tourism centres and is also its ‘gay capital’. Aside from its spirited nightlife, Cologne has the illustrious Rhine River running through it, a beautiful modern opera house, excellent museums, and an annual music festival and carnival.

Why Go?
Go for the magnificent cathedral and historic areas surrounding it, the excellent museums, the impressive art galleries, the great pubs and the vibrant nightlife. Cologne is an easy-going cosmopolitan city with a great atmosphere and lots of energy.

When to Go?
The best time to visit Cologne is between May and September when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest. That said spring and autumn are also good times when the tourists are yet to arrive and the city is quieter. Summers are warm and pleasant with temperatures around 22°C. In winter temperatures drop to around 5°C. As with the UK, Cologne’s weather is changeable and can vary from day to day.

How to get there?
There are direct flights to Cologn-Bonn Airport (CGN) from London Stansted, Manchester, Gatwick, Edinburgh, and London Heathrow. The airport is 9 miles from Cologne and trains, buses and taxis are available to take you into the city.  The shuttle bus takes 20 minutes and taxis take around 15 minutes. Flights tend to be cheapest between November and April, and mid-week.

Must see
Hop aboard the red and white Köln-Düsseldorfer boat and see the city from the Rheine. Boats depart at Rheingarten embankment and the tour takes around an hour. Enjoy the local light brew, Kölsch, in the beer garden and cellar of the Früh brewery located behind the cathedral.  Try Halver Hahn, a rye roll with Gouda and mustard, in one of the pubs of the historic quarter. See the magnificent 20th century art collection at the Museum Ludwig, including Roy Lichtenstein's "Maybe" and Andy Warhol's "Brillo Boxes". If you are more of a traditionalist, the Wallraf Richartz Museum is home to some wonderful old master’s artwork.