Known as Germany's party city, it revels in the spotlight because of its many pubs, eternal nightlife, and is also a place of pilgrimage. Cologne city takes no effort in attracting visitors, located conveniently on the river Rhine, to the east of Greenwich, fifty meters above sea level in the North-West German lowlands. History has been unkind to this beautiful city, with most of it destroyed during the Second World War but today most of the cathedrals, monuments and architectural majesty has been restored. Cologne was first Roman colony that was self-ruled and became a free imperial city in 1457AD.

Even the climate in the city of Cologne is easygoing, and is the warmest place in Germany during the winter. From the cultural and economic point of view Cologne is considered as the capital of the Rhineland. The population in Cologne city makes it rank as the fourth largest city with over one million people calling it home. The population density within the city is approximately 1190 citizens/km.

There are number of industries that are based in Cologne city from mechanical, electrical, pharmaceutical, automotive and international chemical industries. Dwelling on the bed of the river Rhine has made this city famous for its greenery.

For other activities within Cologne city, for tourists that are interested in shopping to the south is Hohe Strasse, one of the most popular places. Cuddled by the Rhine are the slender lanes filled with taverns that are tourist friendly and is better known as the medieval center, Altstadt. The heart of the town is enveloped by ring roads with green patchwork tiles that oversee the boats gliding down the Rhine. To the west of the city is the hub of sport activities and the RheinEnergie-Stadion that was a venue to the 2006 World Cup. The streets of Cologne city are ruled by cyclists and this gives travelers the feeling of an outdoorsy environment.

The main shopping street, Hohe Strasse, runs south. To the south-east, squeezed by the Rhine, are the narrow lanes of tourist-friendly taverns forming the Altstadt, the medieval centre. Pleasant green patches overlook sightseeing boats gliding down the Rhine. A ring road, with names given to each section, envelops the heart of town. Nightlife hubs are dotted at various points. Just beyond, to the west, are parks where Cologne's sports activities are based. Here stands the recently rebuilt (and renamed) RheinEnergie-Stadion, one of the venues for the 2006 World Cup. Cologne is very much an outdoor city. Cyclists rule the city streets - listen out for loud bell rings as you make your way along the city's pavements.

The river Rhine allows travelers the convenience of traveling to Strasbourg, France by boat using the scenic route between St. Goar to Rudesheim. The train ride from Frankfurt to Cologne is also a favorable way to travel since it passes the picturesque place of Lorelei in the Rhine Valley amongst other eye-catching places.

Another attraction in Cologne city that are worth visiting are the gothic cathedral that has relics of Magi and middle age paintings that will sweep art lovers of their feet. Other attractions are the religious Mardi Gras celebrations, Church of St. Maria, Forrest Botanical Garden, Wildpark Dünnwald, Finken's Garden etc.