Cologne

Construction on the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, and it ended up being one of the biggest building projects of the Middle Ages. The idea was to make room for the waves of pilgrims coming to see the shrine of the Three Wise Men—yes, those Three Wise Men. Their supposed remains are kept in a gold casket near the altar, and it’s still the cathedral’s most prized relic.

While in Cologne, you can visit Germany's oldest city hall, with parts dating back to the 11th century. Over time, it has picked up a mix of styles—Gothic tower, Renaissance loggia, some modern touches. The 61-metre tower is covered in carved figures, including some cheeky ones from local history, and the bells chime four times a day. There’s also a mechanical face called the Platzjabbek that sticks its tongue out on the hour. Inside, the Hansasaal is the main historic hall—worth a look if it’s open.

Scattered throughout the Old Town, these twelve churches are among the oldest buildings in Cologne—most of them date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. They’ve all got that heavy Romanesque look, but each one’s a bit different. Great St. Martin stands out with its massive tower right by the river, St. Gereon has got an unusual oval dome, and St. Maria im Kapitol is one of the largest. You don’t need to see all twelve, but stopping in at a couple while you’re exploring the Old Town gives you a good feel for the city’s medieval side.

This garden has been around since the 1800s and holds about 10,000 plant species. The main greenhouse is a highlight—step inside and it’s like a mini rainforest with tropical plants from South America and beyond.

One of Germany’s oldest zoos, and still a popular spot, especially if you're travelling with kids. It’s got a good mix of animals, from elephants and hippos to penguins and baboons. There’s a rainforest house and aquarium on site too. Feeding times are worth catching if you're around—check the schedule when you arrive.

Cologne’s main opera house stages a mix of classic and contemporary productions, from Mozart to modern composers. The resident company is strong, and visiting performers keep the programme varied. The building itself is modern and a bit divisive—some love it, some don’t—but the acoustics are excellent.

Lanxess Arena is one of Europe’s biggest indoor venues, holding up to 20,000 people. It hosts everything from major concerts and comedy tours to ice hockey and big-name shows. If you’re in town and looking for something live, it’s worth checking what’s on—tickets can go fast for bigger acts.

A relaxed park just outside the centre, known more as a local hangout than a tourist spot. There’s a lake with pedal boats in summer, a playground for kids, and a beer garden that’s busy on warm afternoons. Good place for a slow walk, a picnic, or just to take a break from the city streets.