Cologne Attractions

Venue: Cologne Altstadt    When: Daily

Steeped in history, Cologne is the cultural capital of the Rhineland and most of its attractions are packed into the cobbled streets of the city's Altstadt.

First on the agenda for most visitors to Cologne is the vast and magnificent Altstadt, built on city's Roman foundations. This cultural and architectural treasure trove of historic museums, Romanesque churches, paved plazas and colourful markets, retains a unique appeal.

Highlights are the Roman Praetorium and vaulted sewer, the Gothic Rathaus and the imposing convent-style St Maria im Kapitol. Cologne's intriguing history can be traced by walking through its streets, which display an original fusion of Roman, Renaissance, Gothic and modern influences.

To avoid a cultural overload, take time to soak up the more relaxed atmosphere on the banks of the Rhine. The riverside affords fantastic views of the city and the surrounding Westphalia landscape, with its wooded hills and terraced vineyards. Parks and gardens line the attractive riverbanks and there are river cruises to view the city by boat.