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Prior to being nearly entirely destroyed by bombing in the 2nd world war, Cologne was one of Europe’s great medieval gems. However, despite suffering at the hands of the war, the town has risen from the ashes to establish a new identity, using the few remaining Gothic buildings joined by some of the finest examples of modernist architecture on the continent. Despite the tough background, the spirit from the people of Cologne has remained intact, with centuries-old traditions still adhered to.

As such, visitors can frequently be confused by the distinctive dialect spoken within the town, while the local beer hall plays a key role in community relations all across Cologne, with a visit to such an establishment definetely one of the ‘must dos’ for a holiday to this part of Germany. Alongside the amount of first rate galleries and museums, Cologne’s cultural scene has benefitted from the recent addition of the philharmonic music hall, which had to be constructed underground so as to enable the cathedral to carry on dominating the skyline.

Cologne’s cathedral – or Dom – is the very first thing site visitors arriving within the town by train are greeted with, and its majestic Gothic spires dominate the skyline from all angles. A visit towards the Unesco-listed cathedral is arguably the true highlight of a trip towards the town, with entrance fees and the charge to take the hour-long hike towards the very best of the south tower and back down, both well worth your cash.

Alongside the Dom, the city’s famous ‘Twelve Romanesque churches’ dotted about the city centre are also worth visiting, with the vast green parks encircling the city the perfect place to take a break from a tour of the historical web-sites. The finest museums in Cologne consist of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which showcases Medieval art, and the more modern Angewandte Kunst gallery.

Away from the often-crowded tourist spots, it is possible to get an insight into the real Cologne by wandering around the ‘Vedeel’, or City Quarters, which are home to bohemian bars, cafes and boutique shops, as well as a few of the better independent hotels. For the best hotels, nevertheless, it is best to go to the city during the February Winter Carnival, although street parties happen most of the year round.

Cologne’s weather shouldn’t come as a shock to visitors from the UK or the rest of Western Europe. As is to be expected, June, July and August are the best times for high temperatures and relatively-guaranteed sunshine, while the Winter Festival coincides with the coldest time of the year in the town, though snow is rare.