The riverfront was modernised after WWII, but the old town centre was left unchanged and boasts a medieval street plan and plenty of attractions. The city centre also has a number of pubs, breweries and restaurants.

The Beethoven Memorial: in front of the main post office was erected in 1845 in memory of Beethoven’s 75th birthday. The reliefs on the granite pedestal show allegories of the different genres of Beethoven's music.

Town Hall: this impressive building dominates the triangular market-place and is a much-visited baroque landmark. It was built in 1737 and served as the seat of civil government for more than 700 years. The archbishops’ coat of arms stretches up in front of the mansard roof between two lions and a clock with gold-plated hands strikes the hours.

The stairs have seen many historical events and political visits including French President de Gaulle in 1962 and John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Minster Basilica: one of the finest examples of Rhenish architecture is the Minster Basilica. It dates back to the 3rd century, when a cella memoriae was built over the graves of the martyrs Cassius and Florentines. The young Beethoven played the Minster organ when he was assistant court organist.