Things to Do in Cologne

Outside Germany, Cologne doesn’t register with beer fans in the way that Munich does. But the local brew, Kolsch, is a giant of a beer: a light and extremely tasty drop.

Cologne’s cathedral, the mighty Dom, is staggeringly beautiful. Although it’s a mishmash of styles, it loses nothing for its lack of consistency. The view from its south tower (509 steps up!) is, naturally, quite breathtaking.

One of the most attractive ways to see the city is from the river cruises that run along the Rhine. Although it’s not particularly expensive, travelers on a budget can also admire the river from the parks that line its banks.

In addition to its wonderful Cathedral, Cologne has not just one but twelve important Romanesque churches. The Church of St. Ursula is built upon the spot where, according to legend, St. Ursula and 11,000 loyal virgin followers were martyred in the 5th century.

Although the event actually starts in November, the Cologne Carnival - one of the biggest and wildest dates on the German calendar - begins in earnest in February. Dating back to the 14th century, the whole thing is a peculiar riot of costume parades, floats, a special ‘Ladies’ Day’, partying and a fair dash of oddness!