Cologne Germany

There are so many things in Cologne, Germany to see and experience, so many things that it had integrated into itself since its establishment in 38 B.C. For example, the famous Cologne Cathedral, the seat of the Roman-Catholic Archbishop of Cologne and probably the largest German cathedral, stands majestically proud in this city. Its construction was completed in 1880, although its foundation stone was laid about six hundred years earlier. Apart from the architecture – and we're not kidding when we say the architecture is enough to bring tears of awe to your eyes – you'll be able to see some exquisite works of art in the Cologne Cathedral, the notable of which would be the Shrine of the Three Kings.

Speaking of art, it's also exciting to point out that Cologne is one of the major cultural centers of Germany, and its art scene is to die for – with hundreds of art galleries and more than thirty museums, the connoisseurs of art and history will definitely have a ball here. With ancient art (including relics from Roman archaeological sites) and modern art (contemporary sculptures and graphics), Cologne's art world will always have something to slake your thirst for beauty.

Of course, it may well be that museums and art galleries would feel a little stale for you – you don't have to worry. There are so many events that you can attend while in Cologne. The best ones, of course, are the trade fairs that are practically always hosted at Cologne's trade fair grounds. There's the Art Cologne Fair, which is Germany's most distinguished art fair and called the “first international art fair”. It's held annually, usually in April. Then there's the Photokina, which is the most important (not to mention most massive) international trade fair geared towards imaging and photography, held biannualy in September.

If art and history are not your thing, there's no need to fret – if not for the art, come for the beer, the Cologne Comedy Festival and the Carneval. The beer is honestly some of the best in the world; Oktoberfest won't be complete without it. The Cologne Comedy Festival, which is the largest festival of its kind in Midland Europe, is held every year sometime in October or November (some of the best German stand up comedy, we tell you!). Finally, there's the Carneval – one of Europe's largest street festivals that run annually from the eleventh of November to Ash Wednesday. The week leading up to Ash Wednesday is the most popular part of the Carneval.

Cologne is most definitely one of those places in Europe that one should not neglect to visit.