---
The city’s dominant feature is the breathtaking Gothic Cologne Cathedral, whose twin towers rise high above the Rhine River and attract visitors from all over the world. However, Cologne is renowned not only for its architecture and illustrious history dating back to Roman times, but above all for its incredibly open, tolerant, and cheerful atmosphere.
You’ll experience this best in traditional pubs while sampling the local Kölsch beer, during the November and February celebrations of Cologne’s renowned carnival, or while strolling through the colorful streets of the Old Town (Altstadt). It is, simply put, a city of culture, art, great chocolate, and unmistakable optimism.
