CologneCathedral is the city’s main landmark. It’s considered a masterpiece of the Gothic style and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Inside are many works of art, including the golden shrine of the Magi. In addition, twelve Romanesque churches attest to Cologne’s magnificence in the Middle Ages.

Ruins of churches form the foundation of the city’s newest museum. In Kolumba, the art museum of the diocese, exhibits from two millennia of western civilization are on show. If you’re more interested in modern movements such as pop art and the Russian avant-garde, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Museum Ludwig. It’s considered one of the most important European museums of its kind.

Cologne rivals Berlin as one of the most tolerant and welcoming cities in Germany for gays and lesbians. The area around Rudolfplatz square is a popular haunt, with its cafés, bars and the "Brennerei Weiss" – an old brewery that produces the local beer.

From Visit Germany
Editor: Jessie Wingard