Things to See in Cologne

Cologne is proud of its Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury), whose reliquaries, robes, sculptures and liturgical objects are handsomely presented in 13th-century vaulted rooms on the north side of the Dom. One item to keep an eye out for is a Gothic bishop's staff from 1322.

Cologne's geographical and spiritual heart and its main tourist attraction is the magnificent Kölner Dom. With its soaring twin spires, this is the Mt Everest of cathedrals. It's packed with an amazing array of art treasures, and its elegant proportions and dignified ambience leave only the most jaded of visitors untouched.

The distinctive building façade and unorthodox roofline signal that the Museum Ludwig is no ordinary museum. Considered a European mecca of postmodern art, it also offers a thorough overview of all genres - traditional to warped - generated in the 20th century. There's plenty of American pop art, including Roy Lichtenstein's Maybe and Andy Warhol's Brillo Boxes alongside a large Picasso collection covering all of his major creative phases.