Cologne Hotels

With a foundation that dates back to 38 BC and the Roman Empire, Cologne is a vital lynchpin in Europe. A fortuitous location on the river Rhine made the city a nexus of commerce and trade in the Middle Ages. While history is everywhere in the city, a progressive populace ensures that Cologne has one foot firmly planted in modernity.

Attractions

The most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany, the Cologne Cathedral is exceptional. The city icon took 632 years to build and upon completion in 1880, a national celebration took place across the country. The implausible architectural triumph is replete with fabulous detail, shrines and sculptures.

The superb Ludwig Museum is a phenomenal tribute to modern art, with works by Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein and others.

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum has a collection that spans the Medieval Gothic period in Europe, Renaissance, Impressionist era and early 20th century.

Visitors to Cologne benefit from one of the best municipal park programs in Europe. The city is full of green space, with convenient locations around the urban heart of town. Rheinpark is one of the best in Germany, with beautiful scenery and recreation on the shores of the river Rhine.

EL-DE Haus is a museum that chronicles the history of the Third Reich in Cologne. The museum edifice was the former headquarters of the Gestapo secret police.

As the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, the city has a fragrance museum of course. The Farina House is a welcome break from the mainstream and a fine education into Cologne's perfume past.

Although Cologne City Hall underwent severe damage in World War II, decades of renovation have made the landmark built in 1330 a great attraction.

Events

Carnival in Cologne is a rowdy, festive time of the year, with customs that date back to the Middle Ages. The party starts on November 11 and culminates with a massive bash on Ash Wednesday in February. Several ancillary Carnival festivals contribute to the merry atmosphere.

Cathedral Square becomes a postcard in December as it plays host to a traditional Christmas Market.

The Music Triennial is a festival that draws tens of thousands with classical and contemporary music from a slate of international artists.

The Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra Building is a terrific venue to take in a performance by one of the city's two orchestras.

Climate

Cologne has a continental climate, with warm, rainy summers and chilly winters. Residents, it should be said, do know how to make the most of the winter season however.

• Winter (November to February) -1-8°C

• Spring (March to April) 2-13°C

• Summer (May to August) 8-24°C

• Fall (September to October) 7.5-20°C