subject: Discover Germany's Oldest City [print this page] Cologne may be one of Germany's oldest cities, but it offers much more than just historical highlights - it's also a media and business hotspot with a strong party culture ideal for modern visitors. That's not to say that you won't find many excellent tourist spots and sights there, Cologne is home to some excellent traditional neighbourhoods which still embody a certain charm from days gone by. Exploring Cologne is an eye opening and enjoyable experience, so make sure you give yourself plenty to time to really get to know this gorgeous city.
The vivacious atmosphere and thriving art scene in Cologne means it can be easy for visitors to forget just how rich it's heritage is, but a quick glance at the impressive cathedral spires that grace the skyline is usually enough to remind them. If you're hoping to discover Cologne, the Veedel - its traditional neighbourhoods - are a good place to start. By exploring these, you'll have the chance to discover some of the city's coolest bookshops, bars, designer shops and art galleries as well as enjoying some of the original architecture that has made Cologne the visual goldmine it is today.
If you're looking to enjoy some of the city's most inspiring sites however, you should make sure you pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Kolner Dom - an ornate tower that will take you 509 steps to get to the top but that offers a view that will make the climb more than worth it. Take a tour of the city's 12 Romanesque churches too, and you'll see some excellent brickwork and gorgeous stained glass.
Cologne also packs in a huge amount of museums and galleries and there's a really high concentration of these in the city - as well as some very arty cinemas and theatre venues - so you're sure to find plenty to keep you busy if you're planning a cultural break. You'll be able to see another side of the city in the evening, when the pubs and clubs come alive. With more than 70 clubs, you'll find everything from jazz to techno on offer and seeing as no other German city has as many pubs per capita - you're sure to find one to enjoy in Cologne.
Explore the city with a car rental Cologne, or rely on the underground stations, either way you're sure to find plenty to excite and inspire in Germany's oldest city.
