Cologne is a veritable cultural treat for first-time visitors and seasoned tourists alike. The city brims with splendid architecture, fantastic theatres and concert venues, great museums and a lively night life to boot.

After Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and the biggest in both the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area, one of the major European metropolitan areas with more than ten million inhabitants.

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, having been founded by the Romans in 38BC and granted city status in 50AD. The city lies on the Rhine and has numerous attractions including the renowned Colone Catherdral. There is plenty to see and do, so visitors in two minds should find flights online and make a trip instantly.

Traditions and culture in Cologne

With its lively artistic and cultural scene, Cologne exemplies Germany's status as Das Land der Dichter und Denker, or in English, the land of poets and thinkers.

Cologne is known as a Mecca for old and modern art, with beautiful architactural highlights such as places of worship, ornate squares and a plethora of theatres and opera houses which showcase many classic and modern performances.

Germany's contribution to architecture and been wide-reaching and includes the Carolingian and Ottonian styles, which were important precursors to the Romanesque style. Other significant contributions include the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

In terms of cuisine, everything can be sampled in Cologne. Pork, beef and poultry are the main varieties of meat eaten in Germany - pork being the most popular. Meat is usually pot-roasted but pan-fried dishes also exist.

Breakfast (Fruhstuck) commonly consists of bread, toast, and/or bread with jam (Marmelade or Konfiture), marmalade or honey, eggs, and strong coffee or tea (milk, cocoa or juice for children).

Recommended in Cologne

Cologne carnival is one of the biggest street festivals in Europe. It is held annually from 11th November to Ash Wednesday. The main event is the street carnival that takes place from the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.

The Hochschule fur Musik is a trendy spot to hang out for those with a passion for dance. Students of the academy stage first-class jazz, blues and classical concerts plus dance evenings alongside guest performers.

Film lovers should make a point of visiting Metropolis, which shows a range of mainstream and art house films in their original versions.

Weather in Cologne

Cologne has fairly cold winters and rainy summers. The city gets most of its precipitation in the summer months of June and August - the nicest weather is usually during spring - from March to May - and autumn, from September to October.

When it isn't raining, July and August are pleasant months to visit, with temperatures averaging around 24 degrees C.

Destination checklist for Cologne

The official language spoken in Cologne is German, so a holiday guide complete with phrase book would come in handy.

Germany is in the Euro zone so its official currency is of course the euro. Prices should be reasonable for accommodation - Station Hostel in Marzellenstrasse is a value hotel that offers basic amenities in return for a good price.

Cologne is just one hour ahead of GMT and uses the international dialling code +49.