Nestled on the western fringes of the country, Cologne is one of the best cities in Germany to explore. Famed for its cathedral, Kölsch beer and love of carnival, this sociable city by the Rhine makes for a vibrant city break.  The beautiful Gothic cathedral, which towers above the Old Town was artfully reconstructed after its devastation in World War II. Today, it’s a place of quaint cobbles and historic breweries, along with some outstanding art museums.