After a recent trip with friends to Cologne, here are 5 sights worth seeing in the city:

1. Visit the Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

A trip to Cologne cannot be completed without visiting the Cathedral. This historic landmark in the centre of the city attracts 1000s of tourists every single day. Standing at over 140 metres tall, there are 533 steps to the top. These are accessible for a €3 fee. Be warned though; the staircase is narrow and winding, with those coming down passing those on their way up. And there’s no lift.

Cologne Cathedral / Pedro Szekely

The Cathedral is situated outside Cologne’s central train station (Köln Hauptbahnhof/ Köln Hbf); easily accessible to tourists. During this recent trip I embarked on, a train ticket from our nearest train station was just €11.10 for a group of five of us to get to the central station. And yes, the trains were on time.

2. Visit the Zoo (Kölner Zoo)

If you’ve made a trip to Cologne with your family and children, then a trip to the zoo is on the cards for you. A day pass sets you back just €15, while students and children get in for cheaper.

Cologne Zoo is the largest zoo in Germany; there are thousands of animals and species in the surroundings. This is home to Northern Europe’s largest elephant park as well as a large aquarium.

3. Visit the No. 4711 Shop

Eau de Cologne perfume originated in this city on way to becoming a very famous, well-known toiletry. If you’re going with a lady friend, or are a lady for that matter, a trip to the forty-seven eleven shop is a must. Bottles of the Cologne come in all shapes and sizes here.

The 4711 shop we stepped into during our trip had a running tap by the door. This allowed us to take in the very strong, distinctive smell of the perfume.

4. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke)

The Hohenzollern Bridge crosses over the river Rhine. A bridge that survived World War II, today is home hundreds and thousands of love padlocks. Attached to the fence between the sidewalk and tracks, there are padlocks in all colours and sizes, firmly secured with the names of many couples.

Certainly the most romantic gesture I’ve come across by a train track. A visit to this site with your partner awaits. Secure your padlock onto the fence and throw your key into the river, joining the many couples who have previously visited:

Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge / Jiuguang Wang

5. Visit the Local Bars

Cologne is popular amongst beer lovers. The city has its own locally brewed beer, going by the name of Kölsch. Thirteen different breweries produce their own Kölsch. During our time in Cologne, we tested Gaffel, Früh and Dom Kölsch to name just a few.

Being a Brit use to drinking a pint of beer, the sizes were a little disappointing in Cologne. The majority of time we were served in 0.2L glasses that made you feel like you had taken just a sip when you reached the bottom. At around €1 a glass it also worked out a little pricier than what we are use to paying back home (even in London!).

Another recommendation when trying the beer… buy yourself a barrel. Just like we did one evening:

Photo of Barrie Smith pouring Gaffel Kölsch from his barrel

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Gouffre de Padirac cave has a depth about 100 meters and is more than 100 m wide. Visitors can see impressive underground lakes here, as well as beautiful formations of stalactites and limestone waterfalls. The tour through the cave takes about 1.5 hour and it is divided in both walking and partially on boat. The huge number of visitors during the summer season is quite a big disadvantage.

Gouffre de Padirac cave is best accessible by car or by train. The nearest train station is located about 10 km west from the cave. Till now, more than 20 million visitors saw the cave.

Gouffre de Padirac is open daily from April to November. Basic admission fee is €9.40.

For more information about the cave, please visit official website here.

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