About
Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and sits in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the west of the country. It is a major economic centre for the region, and visitors come as much for its working life and cultural heritage as for its sights.
What to see
The city is best known for its Gothic cathedral, which dominates the old town and is the first thing many visitors come to see. Its scale and detail reward a slow walk around the outside as well as a visit inside. The cathedral sets the tone for a city with a long cultural history, and museums, churches and historic streets are spread through the centre, so the surrounding area is easy to explore on foot.
What kind of visit it makes
- A heritage day: the cathedral and the old town can fill a full day at an unhurried pace.
- A city break: its cultural offerings and central streets suit a stay of a few days.
- A business trip with time to spare: as a major economic centre, it is well placed for work, and the city centre is close at hand in free moments.
Because Cologne is a large city, it is also a good base for trips into the wider North Rhine-Westphalia region. Plan your visit around the cathedral, which is the anchor of any trip here, and leave room to wander the streets around it.
