Cologne (Köln) is like a three-dimensional textbook on history and architecture. Drifting about town you’ll stumble upon an ancient Roman wall, medieval churches galore, nondescript postwar buildings and avant-garde museums and concert halls. Germany’s fourth-largest city, founded by the Romans in 38 BC, has a long list of sightseeing attractions, led by its famous Dom whose filigree twin spires dominate the impressive Altstadt skyline.
The Altstadt is also the best place to sample Kölsch, the refreshing local brew, in beer halls rivalling those in Bavaria in rollicking intensity. Those with more refined tastes have numerous museums – art to chocolate to sports – to explore or concerts to attend.Show in Lonely Planet
