View

Best view:

KölnTriangle skyscraper

The views from Cologne Cathedral’s south tower are very fine, but those from the KölnTriangle skyscraper across the river beat them on points. The location on the ‘wrong’ side of the Rhine means you get the classic view of Cologne’s old town from a vantage point 100m above the water, and because you’re not actually in the cathedral, you can see Cologne’s most famous landmark properly, too. But probably the most persuasive factor in KölnTriangle’s favour is that – unlike the cathedral, where there are 509 steps to climb – there’s a lift. To get there, take the pedestrian walkway across the Hohenzollern bridge just behind the Museum Ludwig.

Where: Ottoplatz 1, 50679 Köln. Tel: +49 (0)221 8273 3038

Website: www.blick-auf-koeln.de

Dining

Best café/bar:

Salon Schmitz

The Belgian quarter is the most fashionable part of Cologne and Salon Schmitz one of its trendier hangouts, but everyone from mums with prams to laptop-touting business types seems at home here, lingering over a latte or a glass of wine. Cool, quirky décor and a prime position on the district’s main drag ensure Salon Schmitz is busy from morning to late, becoming more bar-like in the evenings. But the ace up its sleeve is the Metzgerei Schmitz next door, a beautiful former butcher’s shop which has slightly different opening hours but the same owners. It serves everything from breakfast pancakes and organic muesli to quiches, salads, cakes and hot meals. You can order from the Metzgerei’s menu and eat in the Salon next door.

Where: Aachener Strasse 28, 50674 Köln. Tel: +49 (0)221 139 55 77

Website: www.salonschmitz.com

Culture

Best Museum:

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Even if your interest in the Romans ends with Russell Crowe in Gladiator, you’re sure to be impressed by Cologne’s Römisch-Germanisches Museum, because as archaeological museums go it’s a proper sword-and-sandals epic. It stands on the site of a third century Roman villa rediscovered in 1941 by workers digging an air raid shelter. The villa’s spectacular Dionysus mosaic is still the star attraction and there’s plenty of the usual Roman fare, from columns to crumbly tombs. But it’s the smaller exhibits that really bring the Roman world to life. With everything from the world’s largest collection of Roman glass to the razors, mirrors and hairpins used by Cologne’s vain citizens, it’s like a giant department store stuffed full of Roman life. The children’s toys are a particular treat.

Where: Roncalliplatz 4, 50667 Köln. Tel: +49 (0)221 221/2 44 38

Website: www.museen-koeln.de/roemisch-germanisches-museum

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