Cologne

One European destination that you may not consider right away is Cologne, Germany. This understated town that sits along the Rhine River has undeniable character, and is home to the tallest cathedral in Europe: the Cologne Cathedral.

After climbing up, and down, the 509 steps that lead to the top of the spire, reward yourself with some of the best food to be had while in Europe. Cuisine to be sampled includes: Bratwurst, Currywurst, Schnitzel, Pretzels, and Apfelstrudel. And if you’re a fan of beer, the German brew, Kölsch, is worth a try.

A word of caution: as this isn’t a typical tourist town, don’t expect that everyone will understand English. You can get by with a basic knowledge of the language, but it definitely helps to know at least a few key phrases to avoid confusion.

– Marisa Breese