Places to see

Cologne is proud of its Domschatzkammer, whose reliquaries, robes, sculptures and liturgical objects are handsomely presented in 13th-century vaulted rooms on the north side of the Dom. Items to keep an eye out for include a Gothic bishop's staff from 1322.

Hours: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Kölner Dom

religious/spiritual ; architectural highlight

Aldstadt

immediately south of the Hauptbahnhof

Cologne's geographical and spiritual heart and its main tourist attraction is the magnificent Kölner Dom. With its soaring twin spires, this is the Mt Everest of cathedrals. It's packed with an amazing array of art treasures, and its elegant proportions and dignified ambience leave only the most jaded of visitors untouched.

Hours: 6:00 AM-7:30 PM

Museum Ludwig

museum

Bischofsgartenstrasse 1

Aldstadt

Roncalliplatz

tel: 221 221 26165 (info)

The distinctive building facade and unorthodox roofline signal that the Museum Ludwig is no ordinary museum. Considered a European mecca of postmodern art, it offers a thorough overview of all genres – traditional to warped – generated in the 20th century.

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00 AM-6:00 PM