Brandt Brauer Frick's Cologne – in pictures

C/O Pop Festival Now in its ninth year, this international music festival promises an eclectic mix of international pop, rock, dance and just about anything else during its five-day, 50-venue jaunt around Cologne. This year, the festival takes place on 20-24 June and the lineup features bands from more than 15 countries. Above, Canadian singer Maylee Todd performs at last year's event Photograph: Olivier Berg/DPA

Carnival (Karnival) Cologne stops for five days of unbridled festivities every February as the Carnival comes to town, and the Rosenmontag parade (above) is one of its main events Photograph: Xinhua News Agency / eyevine

Aachener Weiher One of Cologne's biggest green spaces and part of the green belt area near the city centre, residents flock to Aachener Weiher during the summer to light barbecues, exercise or simply relax by the pond. The park is also home to its own year-round beer garden Photograph: Ralf Juergens/Getty Images Europe

Cologne Cathedral The world heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most-visited landmark and, with its famous twin-spired design, is one of the country's best examples of gothic architecture. Construction of the magnificent structure began in 1248 but wasn't completed until 1880 Photograph: Matthias Haker Photography/Flickr RF

Museum Ludwig Known for its striking architecture as well as its art, the Museum Ludwig is home to one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe, along with AR Penck's gigantic Ich in Deutschland (above) Photograph: Alamy

Cologne Philharmonie This renowned Cologne Philharmonie concert hall – which maintains a diverse programme of classical, jazz, and avant garde performances – has a quirky design flaw: the roof is accessible by foot. Guards are needed to prevent access to plucky pedestrians when the orchestra is playing, as footsteps can be heard inside the auditorium Photograph: Alamy

Phantasialand is one of Germany's most popular amusement parks and home to six themed “lands” including Mexico, Chinatown and its very own take on Berlin in the 20s Photograph: Reiner Riedler/Anzenberger/eyevine

Brüsseler Platz At the heart of the Belgian Quarter is the Brüsseler Platz, a base for many a summer party and home to many of the city's coolest bars Photograph: Patrick Seeger/DPA

Belgian Quarter With its mix of cutting-edge boutiques, restaurants, live venues and bars such as the Hallmackenreuther (above), the Belgian Quarter is Cologne's vibrant bohemian centre Photograph: Manfred Linke/laif

Six Pack A late-night Belgian Quarter institution and favourite with music-industry types, Six Pack is often heaving by midnight, and tends to stay that way until the small hours

Cologne is accessible in just over four hours on Eurostar via Brussels. Prices start from £85. Visit eurostar.com for details
Don't miss out on your opportunity to see the Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble at 'Eurostar presents Traction' on 14 July in London. Visit eurostartraction.com for tickets and more information Photograph: Linke/laif/Manfred Linke/laif