Cologne

Cologne lies in western Germany, yet it is sometimes nicknamed the most southern city of Germany. Locals are known for being easy-going and approachable, and they love to borrow a Southern European lifestyle: as soon as a little sunshine appears, tables are set out in front of cafes and bars. The city was heavily destroyed in World War II, and the postwar drive to replace everything old with something new kept it from becoming one of Germany's most beautiful cities. For sightseeing there is not a huge amount besides the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus a wide range of high-quality art galleries and museums and a few other attractions. What Cologne offers in return is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

That atmosphere helped make Cologne the gay capital of western Germany. Compared with its big eastern rival Berlin, which is larger, more dynamic and more vibrant, the Cologne scene can seem a little provincial, but it is also more familiar and warmer. There are two major gay areas: around Rudolfplatz, many of the cafes, bars and clubs have a rather modern style, while traditional pubs and bars with a mixed-age crowd are found mainly in the Old Town.

If you like your destinations packed, with a million people partying in the streets and pubs, the winter Carnival and the summer Cologne Gay Pride are made for you. Other popular annual queer events include Fetish Pride week in May or June and the Bear Pride weekend in November.