Smell cologne in Cologne

Q: My husband is attending a trade fair in Cologne, Germany, in March and I will be going along. We are booked to stay at the Radisson SAS Hotel. I would like to know about the location of the hotel and the main attractions I should visit. As I will have the days to myself, I need plenty to do to fill five days in the city. - Isabel Du Plessis

A: The Radisson SAS is a very modern, luxurious hotel just outside the city-centre, close to the Fair (Messe). Although it is better located for those attending fairs than tourists, you can walk to the city centre in about 20 minutes and there are tram, train and metro stations close to the hotel. Don't worry, getting around Cologne is simple. Your best bet would be take one or two of the inexpensive city tours, which take in most of the important sights. One of the main tourist attraction is the city's huge Gothic cathedral. It's worth climbing the 509 steps to the viewing platform in the steeple. Check out the big stained-galss window, which was only inaugurated last year. If you are interested in art, visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum for the old masters and the fascinating Museum Ludwig for modern art. If you have a sweet tooth, then head for the very interesting Chocolate Museum, which is located on Rheinauhafen 1a in the former harbour. However, Cologne is most famous for its eau de toilette (now you know where the name cologne comes from!). Check out the the Farina-Haus on Obenmarspforten 21, which claims to have invented eau de cologne in 1709 and is the oldest perfumer still in business. One of the most well-known perfumes today, 4711, is still sold from its original home at 4711 Glockengasse. You can even wash your hands in the cologne waterfall.