What to do and see in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia: The Best Things to do

This giant Gothic cathedral, which until its completion in 1880 had been under construction for over 500 years, is perhaps Germany's most famous religious structure and includes two huge towers that serve as the defining symbol of Cologne's skyline.

This impressive museum houses artwork covering every genre from the 13th century through the 19th century.

This art museum houses a diverse collection that includes everything from Dali to Warhol to one of the world's largest Picasso collections. Open Tuesday to Sunday (including public holidays) from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., every first Thursday of the month until 10 p.m.

This old Nazi prison, preserved in its original state, is a terrifying reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

This zoo has more animals than any other zoological park in Germany and boasts an aquarium and the world's largest elephant park in northern Europe. Open 365 days a year; in the summer hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cacti and plant houses make up this garden, which dates from the 1800s, along the Rhine River. Gardens are open 8 a.m. until dusk daily. Plant houses are open October to March 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April to September 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

"This place is temporarily closed." This skyscraper offers commanding views of the Cologne Cathedral and invites visitors to look at exhibitions, eat at its Mongolian barbecue restaurant and take in views of the surrounding area from its Panorama Observatory. Entrance to the building is free, access to the viewing platform costs 3 euros. Open Oct. 1 to April 30, Monday-Friday from noon-6 p.m., from 10 a.m. on weekends. May through September open until 10 p.m.

This bridge over the Rhine River can be crossed by foot or by train. Since 2008 padlocks have adorned a fence on the bridge, affixed by couples as a sign of love and commitment.

The past and present global story of cocoa and chocolate is portrayed in detail over more than 4,000 m² of floorspace. The diversity of 5,000-years of cocoa's cultural history is shown as well as modern chocolate production from the cocoa bean through to praline chocolate confectionery. Awaiting visitors is a walk-through palm house, information on the natural history of cocoa, exhibits on the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America, a major collection of baroque porcelain and silver and a multitude of historical machines from the period of industrialisation. In the glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop, visitors can experience how chocolate products are crafted in both mechanised and manual processes. All of the museum’s exhibition rooms, including the CHOCOLAT Grand Cafe and the CHOCOLAT Shop, have barrier-free access. The museum is closed on Mondays from January to March and in November. Please also note the changed opening hours at Carnival.