There are two annual major events that bring international acts to the city and attract a large number of visitors. Dontaku takes place at the beginning of May and Yamasaka is a huge event lasting two weeks in July. If you are around at this time of the year make sure to check out what's on the programme.

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.

The Hakata district is where you will find the bulk of small artisan shops in which you can purchase some fine handcrafted souvenirs. Your first port of call should be the Kawabata Shopping Arcade, in which there are a number of stalls selling all manner of goods.

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.