Exploring Europe: Day one in Cologne, Germany

Last October I stumbled across £20 flights on Ryanair to Cologne. This German city wasn't really on my radar but I was desperate to visit Germany again so I snapped them up. After all, the flights cost the same as my weekly bus ticket to work. How could I say no to that? I never realised that Ryanair offered £20 flights to so many different places. A whole new world has opened up to me and boy am I going to take advantage in the future. So what did I get up to in Cologne?

We arrived around midday and after checking in Hotel Lyskirchen, headed towards the towering cathedral. What a beauty it was. As someone who isn't religious at all, I have a fascination with places of worship. They're unbelievably stunning, peaceful and just have me in awe. Cologne Cathedral was no different. I couldn't get over the sheer size and the detailing in every corner of the building. A sucker for a view, we decided to climb the 509 steps to the very top. A quarter way up we were regretting it but I'm so glad we powered on as we were rewarded with the most beautiful view over the city. One that made us feel on top of the world.

After all that walking our tummies started to rumble and after a quick look in our guide book, we opted for a quick lunch in the Fruh Am Dom beer hall. This was by far my favourite beer we had the whole trip. Most beer halls use different breweries so you'll get to try a lot. I opted for a classic pork schnitzel with a mountain of chips for my first German meal. Just what I needed to start the holiday with a bang. Waiters keep piling you with beer as soon as your glass is empty. Simply place your beer mat on top of the glass once you've decided you've had enough.

After our meal we headed back to the hotel for a quick nap before heading out to a Lebanese restaurant called Beirut for dinner. This unassuming little restaurant tucked down a side street was the perfect dinner for our first night in the city. After stuffing ourselves silly on meze we retired to the room for an early night for yet more exploring the next day.