Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

This giant Gothic cathedral, which until its completion in 1880 had been under construction for over 500 years, is perhaps Germany's most famous religious structure and includes two huge towers that serve as the defining symbol of Cologne's skyline.

Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

The past and present global story of cocoa and chocolate is portrayed in detail over more than 4,000 m² of floorspace. The diversity of 5,000-years of cocoa's cultural history is shown as well as modern chocolate production from the cocoa bean through to praline chocolate confectionery. Awaiting visitors is a walk-through palm house, information on the natural history of cocoa, exhibits on the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America, a major collection of baroque porcelain and silver and a multitude of historical machines from the period of industrialisation. In the glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop, visitors can experience how chocolate products are crafted in both mechanised and manual processes. All of the museum’s exhibition rooms, including the CHOCOLAT Grand Cafe and the CHOCOLAT Shop, have barrier-free access. The museum is closed on Mondays from January to March and in November. Please also note the changed opening hours at Carnival.

Kennedy-Ufer 2a, 50679 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

This bridge over the Rhine River can be crossed by foot or by train. Since 2008 padlocks have adorned a fence on the bridge, affixed by couples as a sign of love and commitment.

Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

This zoo has more animals than any other zoological park in Germany and boasts an aquarium and the world's largest elephant park in northern Europe. Open 365 days a year; in the summer hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ottoplatz 1, 50679 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

This skyscraper offers commanding views of the Cologne Cathedral and invites visitors to look at exhibitions, eat at its Mongolian barbecue restaurant and take in views of the surrounding area from its Panorama Observatory. Entrance to the building is free, access to the viewing platform costs 3 euros. Open Oct. 1 to April 30, Monday-Friday from noon-6 p.m., from 10 a.m. on weekends. May through September open until 10 p.m.

Bischofsgartenstr. 1, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

This art museum houses a diverse collection that includes everything from Dali to Warhol to one of the world's largest Picasso collections. Open Tuesday to Sunday (including public holidays) from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., every first Thursday of the month until 10 p.m.

Appellhofplatz 23-25, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

Cologne’s National Socialism Documentation Center was founded by a resolution passed by the Cologne city council 1979 and has become the largest regional memorial site in all of Germany for the victims of the Nazis. Since 1988, it has been housed in “EL-DE Haus," the EL-DE building, named for the initials of its owner, Catholic businessman Leopold Dahmen. This building was the headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo (secret police) between December 1935 and March 1945. In the final months of the war, several hundred people, most of them foreign forced laborers, were murdered in the courtyard of the building. In a bit of historical irony, the EL-DE building remained largely untouched by the ravages of the war. The NS Documentation Center (NS-DOC) is dedicated to memorializing the victims of the Nazi regime, as well as research and teaching about Cologne's history during the Nazi era. The former Gestapo prison was inaugurated as a memorial site on December 4, 1981.

Altstadt-Quartier, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

Get a whiff of the place where Eau de Cologne was born. Learn about perfume essences and attractions and let your nose lead you thorough history. - We highly recommend booking your tickets prior to your visit. -

Amsterdamer Strasse 34, 50735 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

Cacti and plant houses make up this garden, which dates from the 1800s, along the Rhine River. Gardens are open 8 a.m. until dusk daily. Plant houses are open October to March 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April to September 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Obenmarspforten, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

This impressive museum houses artwork covering every genre from the 13th century through the 19th century.

Glockengasse 4, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

An Gross St Martin, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

This famous Romanesque cathedral, re-opened in 1985 following extreme damage during World War II, takes second billing behind only the Dom as Cologne's most prominent religious structure.