Cologne

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.

This railway and pedestrian bridge is one of the most recognisable spots in Cologne, and hard to miss if you’re near the Cathedral. Originally built in the early 1900s, it was rebuilt after being blown up in 1945. These days, most people come for the view and the thousands of love locks clipped to the railings. It’s a short, easy walk across the Rhine with some great photo angles of the city, especially at sunset.

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.

Take a cable car ride over the Rhine and see Cologne from a different angle. You can start at either the Zoo or Rheinpark, making it easy to combine with a stroll or a visit nearby. The trip is short but offers great views—perfect for a sunny afternoon or just a relaxed way to cross the river.