I recently visited the Cathedral City known for it’s distinctive Gothic allure. Its architectural landscape and historical importance draws thousands of people to the city each year. As the Germany’s fourth largest city, the cultural hub is a great choice for any tourists traveling around Europe. Here are my top three reasons why you should visit Cologne:

1. Kölner Dom – The magnificent view of the Cologne Cathedral, situated near the central station, is what Cologne is known for. Constructed over seven centuries of hard work and determination, this masterpiece of art and culture has become the single most visited tourist attraction in the country. If you can manage to climb all 533 steps to the top, the panoramic view from the top will be well worth it.

2. Hohenzollern Bridge – More commonly known as Cologne’s Love Locks Bridge, this famous bridge affixed with heart-shaped padlocks crosses the Rhine river. Couples all over the world carve their names into locks on the bridge’s fencing and throw their keys into the water. Take a walk along the bridge to see what stories you find.

3. Kölsch – This German beer gets all the attention during Oktoberfest in Munich, but it is an daily indulgence for locals year-round in Cologne. Whether you are beer lover or occasional drinker, this famous favorite is a great way to bond with the locals. Test out your German language skills in a brewhouse and enjoy the excitement of this wonderful culture!