If you ask me, why should make your next trip to Cologne. I would answer to you, because it is the most beatiful city in the world. Yes I am from Cologne and I really love my hometown, like all people from Cologne do. But to be honest, at first look Cologne ist not that beatiful (architectural) as I may think but it is definitely one of the nicest cities in Germany.
Why visit Cologne?
Cologne is a very open-minded city. It's multicultural and the people are kind. It has its own dialect which is at the same time the local beer: Kölsch. German who are not from Cologne are not able what we are talking about. In Cologne there are many clubs and the the average age is very young. It's perfect for persons who like to party.
Attractions in Cologne
Of course you do not come to Cologne without having seen the most famous sights. That's why the highlights here:
The Cologne Cathedral - Cologne's landmark
You can not miss the cathedral. If you arrive at the central station in Cologne, you are already directly in front of it. The Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage and also one of the largest tourist attractions in Germany. Take time to visit Germany's second highest church.
Guided tours can be booked here. I recommend you to go to the top. There are only 533 steps. However, if you are afraid of heights, you should consider a visit carefully.
The chocolate museum
The chocolate museum in Cologne is really a must visit. The museum is located in the Rheinauhafen right on the old town and not far away from the Cologne Cathedral.The Chocolate Museum will show you the history of cocoa and chocolate from the past to the present day. Of course you can also try chocolate there. By the way, the museum café makes the best chocolate cake in the city.
The museum also always offers a great program, especially for children. From "chocolate bars homemade" to the "praline course" for adults - every chocoholic will be happy here.
Website of the Chocolate Museum
The love locks on the Hohenzollern Bridge
Meanwhile, this trend continues throughout Germany: couples fasten a love lock on the railing of the Hohenzollern Bridge to swear eternal love. They throw the lock in the Rhine river. There are thousands of locks hanging.
The Rhineshore
Rent a bike and cycle along the banks of the Rhine. Here you will find peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city, great beach bars, cafes and cozy beer gardens. At the weekend it can be very crowded, especially on the left side of the Rhine.
Insider tips from a local
My tips for restaurants in Cologne
- Kebapland - Everyone in Cologne knows it, the snack opposite the station Ehrenfeld on the Venloer street. Nowhere does the lamb skewer taste as good as here, especially at 2 o'clock in the morning.
- Die Fette Kuh - The most famous burger restaurant in the city. If you want to eat here you have to often wait a lot. But for all burger lovers this restaurant is a must.
- Johann Schäfer brewery - Tradition meets modernity, all with regional products. Here, the Foodie heart definitely beats higher.
- La Teca - Italian food at its finest. A small daily updated card offers an absolute Italy feeling. You should reserve a table.
- Rich n Greens - Fresh and healthy is the motto here. Salads, wraps and smoothies give you the power to shop.
Cafes I like to visit
- Kaffebud - mein Lieblingscafé. Liegt ganz versteckt in Ehrenfeld in einer Seitenstraße, perfectKaffee und der Kuchen ist selbstgemacht.
- Schamong - oldest coffee roasting in Cologne. Here you can still watch the beans sorting.
- Café Rotkehlchen - small but nice with many veggie and vegan options.
The Nightlife
The best point to start the night are Aachener Straße or Zülpicher Straße. There is always something going on, no matter if club, bar or restaurant.
A few bars and clubs I can recommend:
- Stiefel - My favourite Pub with no frills. Kicker and beer plus music, actually enough. A rocky oasis on Zülpicher Straße.
- Spirits - probably the best cocktail bar in Cologne. The bartender just always hits my taste.
- Rosebud - Also a great cocktail bar that reminds me a bit of New York. Unfortunately very small and fast full. Come early, it's worth it.
- Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld - Club in Ehrenfeld under the railway bridge, here also many concerts take place and in the summer there is a beer garden.
And now my very personal tips for Cologne:
- have always enough change for the train
- put a beer mat on your Koelsch glass in the brewery if you want nothing more
- by bike you are the fastest on the way
- Carnival is celebrated most authentically in the Südstadt
- relax in the Volksgarten
- avoid the Ebertplatz and the Wienerplatz at night if possible
