You are probably thinking, Cologne in the winter?  No way!   But hear me out, this city has so much to offer even in the colder months and you will get a great deal on airfare/hotel.  The main reason for my visit was to visit my husband Markus, who is working on a project in Cologne for the next few months.  While he worked, I enjoyed walking the city, museums, shopping and breaks in between for delicious food and cold Kolsch beer.