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.

One of, if not the most important centres for justice and peace in the world, Peace Palace comprises the United Nations International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library. Although this is a working palace, which means most areas are closed to the public, there is, however, a visitors centre where those interested can learn more about the history of the palace and the role it plays today in international justice via a free audio tour. On rare occasions, the palace opens its doors to the public for guided tours, but it is advisable to check well in advance if any dates are available as they are few and far between. In any case, the impressive surrounding gardens and Neo-Renaissance buildings are definitely a must-see.

Poetto Beach is a beautiful 6-kilometre beach only a 10-minute drive away from the city centre. White sand and crystal clear blue water make it a popular place to relax. Along the boardwalk, you'll find plenty of restaurants and bars where you can finish your day at the beach on a high note.

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.