Cologne

Cologne (or Köln - depending on where you hail from) is surprisingly one of the most visited cities in Europe. For those in the know, Cologne is at once a Romanesque city of great historical beauty, a modern vibrant metropolis and a European centre for Modern Art.

The combination of these kind of attractions is beginning to put Cologne firmly on the European tourist map. Not that it was ever entirely off the beaten track. Even before it emerged as a cultural centre for the arts, European tourists would come here to admire the majestic Dom, the city's overseer and talisman that took over 600 years to complete. One of the largest Gothic structures in existence it's impossible not to be awed by the edifice, especially with its position beside the Rhine, one of Europe's greatest rivers.

But don't spend too long gazing in wonder, for in its shadow are some of the most splendid Romanesque churches anywhere. Predating the cathedral, there are no less than a dozen scattered around the city, with the turreted Gross St Martin the prince among them. Around and underneath the benign gaze of these architectural patrons Cologne goes about its business.

Large parts of the city were rebuilt following World War Two Cologne could easily have become a concrete capital. Instead, much thought was evidently given to the plan of the city, resulting in spacious areas full of squares and marketplaces, and well served with greenery on its periphery.

Against this backdrop the city established itself as a refined centre for the mid-20th-century Modern Art movement, and now galleries are tucked away everywhere throughout the city. Likewise the city institutions are eclectic and considered, ranging from classical opera to avant-garde Cinema. But even among this culture Cologne is famous for one thing - letting its hair down.

In the Musik am den Ring (Europe's largest music event) and the Lenten Carnival, Cologne has two of the continent's premier events. Each welcome over a million people to the city for the mass celebrations that fill the city's streets with revels and entertainment. The chance to shop, eat well and enjoy the culture makes Cologne a good quality city-break.