Days out

Best family day out:

The Cologne zoo

Take a tram to the zoo and see the wonderful elephant enclosure which boasts inside and outside spaces and gives visitors the chance to see the elephants eating, playing and resting. There's also a new Hippo-dom, another inside/outside enclosure where you can experience hippos in a truly unique environment.

Where: Köln Zoo, Riehler Strasse 173, 50735 Köln

Website: www.koelnerzoo.de

Best day on the water:

River cruises

The Rhine river flows through Cologne and is home to an armada of river ship cruises that will take you up to Düsseldorf, down to Bonn and beyond. It’s the best way to see the gorgeous surrounding countryside.

Where: K-D Boat Tours, Rheingarten, 50667 Köln

Website: www.k-d.com

Dining

Best stylish eatery:

Rheinterrassen restaurant

Visit the “Rheinterrassen”, right opposite the Cologne Cathedral on the other side of the river, for great food and a great view of the city skyline. Try the

“Kassler” (porkfillet) with cabbage salad and mustard marinade, for a local dish with a modern twist (€14).

Where: Restaurant Rheinterrassen, Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Köln-Deutz

Website: www.rhein-terrassen.de

Best cheap eats:

MoschMosch

Fill up at MoschMosch, a Wagamama-style Japanese noodle bar in the city centre where the food is delicious, the prices reasonable and the service always friendly. Try the Edamame (salted soy beans) for starter and then a healthy and delicious bowl of Morgensonne (morning sun) – ramen noodles with soup, veggies and chicken (€6.90).

Where: MoschMosch, Pfeilstrasse 25-27, 50672 Köln

Website: www.moschmosch.com

Culture

Best landmark:

The Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)

This huge gothic cathedral in the middle of the city took more than 600 years to build, although building work actually ceased for 400 of those. Climb the 509 steps to the top of the north tower and enjoy a spectacular view across the city.

Where: Domkloster 4, Köln 50667

Website: www.koelner-dom.de

Best historical walk:

“Altstadt” (old town)

While much of Cologne was bombed flat in the second world war, the city's “Altstadt” (old town) is still intact. Admire the narrow buildings and cobbled streets, and then make your way to Rheinzeit by the river, for some traditional Cologne specialities, washed down with a cold glass of Kölsch.

Where: Rheinzeit, Grosse Neugasse 42, 50667 Köln

Website: www.rheinzeit.de

Getting around

Best view:

“Rhein Seilbahn” (cable car)

Catch the “Rhein Seilbahn” (cable car) and take a trip across to the other side of the river – also known as the “schäl sick” or “wrong side”. The tiny gondolas fit six (at a squeeze) and afford an unrivalled view of the Cologne skyline.

Where: Rhein-Seilbahn, Riehler Strasse 180, 50735 Köln

Website: www.koelner-seilbahn.de

Best fun on two wheels:

Segway tour

Take a city tour with a difference on a Segway two-wheeler. These stand-up, personal transporters are a great way to see the city – you'll need a quick lesson on how to work them, but then you'll be zipping around the city and enjoying all that Cologne has to offer.

Where: Segway Store Cologne, Riehler Tal 13, 50735 Köln

Website: www.segway-tours-cologne.de

Shopping & Spa

Best pamper session:

Claudius Therme

Cologne was originally a Roman spa town and has carried on the tradition with a number of “Wellness” centres. Claudius Therme is a paradise of saline pools, saunas and massage treatments – a day spent here will leave you revived, relaxed and grinning from ear to ear.

Where: Claudius Therme, Sachsenbergstrasse 1, 50679 Köln

Website: www.claudius-therme.de

Best shopping experience:

Globetrotter store

Outdoor and adventure fans should visit the Globetrotter store on Richmodstrasse. It's got everything you need for camping, hiking, sports and outdoor pursuits. There’s even a pool in the basement where you can test boats, dinghies and dive equipment.

Where: Globetrotter, Richmodstrasse 10, 50667 Köln

Website: www.globetrotter.de