Holiday lettings in Cologne

Cologne’s Altstadt (Old City) is the most central and beautiful part of town, with the cathedral at its northern point. Although it was almost destroyed by bombing during World War II, painstaking reconstruction work has taken place since, and now it is hard to believe the devastation ever occurred. Beautiful restored 14th century houses rub up against ancient churches and monuments such as the stunning 12th century Church of St Martin, making it a beautiful base for a holiday. For a more modern and lively area, consider an apartment in Neustadt-Nord. This is also the hub of Cologne’s media industry. The “Belgian Quarter” between Aachener Straße and Friesenplatz is a great spot for night owls, with a wide variety of bars and restaurants. The city is full of drinking and dancing spots, however - Cologne is a city that likes to celebrate.

Even within Germany - a country that loves any excuse to break out traditional costumes and drink beer in the streets - Cologne stands out. Annually at 11:11am on 11th November, Carnival season - the “fifth season” - is declared open. However, the full celebrations don’t start until the following February, when Cologne transforms into a riot of costume, music and parties. Don’t miss the kilometre-long Monday parade where the many carnival groups wear their traditional costumes. The popular Alternative Carnival also runs many events alongside, including a Ghost Parade - anyone in a ghostly costume is welcome to join, so bring your bedsheets. Most importantly of all, memorise the phrase “Kölle Alaaf!” - it is a dialect carnival phrase meaning “Cologne above all!”, and after a few Kölsch beers you will be shouting along like a true Kölner!

Unsurprisingly for a city so intent on celebrations, carnivals and parades, Cologne has its own beer, famous throughout Germany: the bright, yellow-hued Kölsch. It is served in small glasses, just 0.2L - but don’t worry, your waiter will bring you a new one just as your glass is finished. The beer goes well with traditional Cologne cuisine, which is hearty and filling. Typical dishes include Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), an apple and potato dish served with blood sausage; Halver Hahn, a thick slab of cheese with a rye bread roll, and Reibekuchen, which are flat fried potato cakes served with sweet or savoury toppings. Cologne is a wealthy modern city of half a million people, so there are all the usual international cuisines available. Head to Severinstraße in the Altstadt for a cluster of warm and inviting bars and restaurants.

Cologne’s public transport system (called KVB) is safe and easy to use. The underground and tram systems are interchangeable - a subway line can end up with trams running on it and vice versa. There are passes of various lengths available, and tickets can be bought at vending machines at train stations and bus stops, or at ticket offices in larger stations. Cologne is a very flat city, and most sights of interest to tourists are within walking distance of each other - consider renting a bike if you want to explore a little further afield. Cologne runs a "Call A Bike” system - register online with a credit card, then pick up and drop off the silver and red bikes at racks around the city. If a day trip is on the cards, the picturesque old capital of West Germany, Bonn, is only a half-hour train journey away.