Climb the cathedral, drink Kölsch beer and soak up the romance of the River Rhine on city breaks to Cologne.

Cologne's massive Gothic cathedral rises above the banks of the River Rhine, where locals stroll, picnic and watch boats drift by. Nearby is the wave-shaped Museum Ludwig, showcasing modern art. South of here, gabled houses, lively beer halls and pedestrianised shopping streets dot the Old Town.

Best of Cologne city breaks for...

• Families: Cologne's Dom is the giant among cathedrals. Race your kids up the 509 spiral steps to the lookout for a gargoyle's-eye view over the city's rooftops and snaking Rhine.
• Relaxing: Hang out with locals at a wood-beamed beer hall for a refreshing Kölsch pale ale served in a 200ml Stange glass. Peckish? Snack on potato pancakes and braised pickled beef.
• Romance: It's all about the Rhine in Cologne. See the city from a riverboat as you cruise gently past the cathedral, church turrets and candy-coloured houses of the Old Town.