Heidi Norton
Cologne, Germany, is a city set on the Rhine River. While it may not be considered a beautiful city, its unique vibe makes it one of the most popular in Germany. The city boasts grand sights, a vibrant nightlife, and a tolerant and positive local mindset. Cologne's biggest draw is the Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also has a buzzing and diverse nightlife scene, with something to cater to all musical tastes. In addition, Cologne is known for its local beer, Kölsch, and its cool wine culture, with nearby Middle Rhine Valley home to some of Germany's finest vineyards. The city also has several picturesque spots along the Rhine that are perfect for summer BBQs or picnics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic appeal | Lacking in fairytale architecture and gas-lit cobbled alleyways |
| Vibrancy | Buzzing and diverse nightlife |
| Safety | Generally safe, but some areas may feel strange and unsafe |
| Transport links | Good transport links to other cities |
| Attractions | Cathedrals, Christmas markets, museums, Roman ruins, beaches, cruises, Carnival, Pride |
| Food and drink | Local beer, Italian food, German food |
What You'll Learn
The city's unique vibe
While Cologne may not be considered a beautiful city, its unique vibe makes it one of the most popular in Germany. The city has a buzzing and diverse nightlife scene, with basement techno and electro clubs, punk-rock shacks, low-key cocktail bars, and Irish pubs.
Cologners are known for their positive, tolerant, and life-affirming mindset. The locals are guided by the 'Kölsche Grundgesetz', a set of 11 ground rules that shape their nonchalant mentality, including 'face up to the facts', 'don't regret bygone times', and 'keep a sense of humour'. This attitude is reflected in the city's vibrant festival culture, including one of Germany's largest festivals, Carnival, and the gay pride festival, which turns the city into a sea of rainbow flags.
Cologne is also known for its unique beer culture. The local brew, Kölsch, is served in skinny 200ml glasses and is an integral part of the city's culture. With 25 breweries producing this pale top-fermented beer, the competition is fierce, and locals and pubs are usually loyal to their favourite brand.
The city also has a taste for wine, with some of Germany's finest vineyards located in the nearby Middle Rhine Valley. In the trendy neighbourhood of Neuerenfeld, you'll find Essers Gasthaus, which offers a top-notch selection of German-Austrian wines. For a classic wine bar experience, head to Bar Rix, which boasts over 300 different labels on their wine list.
Cologne's diverse and artistic character is further reflected in the cool grit and graffiti of Ehrenfeld, a hip and lively neighbourhood home to artists, musicians, young professionals, and families. The streets of Ehrenfeld are lined with colourful graffiti, trendy cafes, independent boutiques, and art galleries. The main artery, Venloer Strasse, is known for its thriving nightlife, with cozy pubs, chic cocktail lounges, and underground clubs hosting live music and DJs.
So, while Cologne may not be the first choice for those seeking fairytale architecture and cobbled alleyways, its unique vibe, vibrant culture, and laid-back attitude make it a destination that leaves a lasting impression.
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Cologne Cathedral
Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and left unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The cathedral was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880. The towers for its two huge spires give it the largest façade of any church in the world.
The cathedral is open to tourists on weekdays between 10 am and 5 pm and on Sundays between 1 pm and 4 pm. Visitors can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform about 100 metres above the ground, which offers panoramic views of the city.
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The Rhine
The most accessible part of the river is the pretty Rheingarten, lined by some of the most pleasingly German-looking buildings in the city centre – all housing tourist-trap cafés and restaurants. Lounging on the grass or people-watching on the promenade are popular pastimes for locals and tourists alike.
Nearby, the Hohenzollernbrücke railway bridge is one of Europe's many 'love-lock' bridges. On the south side of the 800-metre bridge, there are around two tonnes of locks. In some parts, the locks start to climb the bridge's steel railings.
Throughout the city, there are several picturesque spots along the Rhine that are great for a summer BBQ or picnic. While swimming is prohibited in most places, there are a few staffed beaches where you can take a dip. If you want to enjoy the river but prefer to stay on the safe side, a river cruise is a good option. Or you could schedule your visit to coincide with the annual Rhein in Flammen festival, when an elaborate riverside firework display lights up the city.
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The Belgian Quarter
Cologne's Belgian Quarter is one of the city's most popular neighbourhoods. It is known for its trendy pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightlife. The area has something for everyone, from the hustle and bustle of the city centre to quiet places to relax.
The neighbourhood is characterised by beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, constructed around 1900. It is a young, hip, and creative area, known for its high rents and fabulous architecture. The Belgian Quarter offers a wide range of shops, boutiques, ateliers, cafes, and restaurants, from currywurst stands to gourmet temples. It is also known for its late-night shopping and famous drink spot, 'Le Kiosk'.
The heart of the Belgian Quarter is Brüsseler Platz, where people gather during the day to sip milchkaffe at a cafe or play ping pong around St Michael's Church. At night, the area is bustling with people in their 20s and 30s, who frequent the many cocktail bars and pubs.
Overall, the Belgian Quarter is a trendy and vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Cologne, offering a mix of history, culture, and entertainment.
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The Carnival celebrations
The Carnival season is rung in on the 11th of November at 11 minutes past 11, though the main festivities kick off on Fat Thursday. The time of merrymaking in the streets is officially declared open at downtown square "Alter Markt" on the Thursday before the beginning of Lent. The typical greeting during the festival is "Kölle Alaaf!", a Kölsch phrase which can be translated as "Cologne above all!".
The highlight of the Carnival is Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), when over a million visitors arrive in fancy dress and costumes. There is a large parade at 10:30 am, with floats parading through the city, blowing kisses, and throwing flowers to the revelling crowds. The carnival prince, deemed the highest representative of the festivities, traditionally rides the last float.
The Carnival ends with the burning of the Nubbel, a straw doll that hangs above many pubs, on the night of Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, churchgoers receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads before a traditional fish dinner.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for fairytale architecture and gas-lit cobbled alleyways, then Cologne is probably not the place for you. However, if you are looking for a unique vibe and character, then Cologne might be worth considering. While the city may not be considered traditionally beautiful, it offers a range of attractions that make it a popular destination, including its grand sights, vibrant nightlife, and the locals' positive and tolerant mindset.
Some of the highlights of visiting Cologne include the Cologne Cathedral, which is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also has a unique beer culture, with its famous Kölsch beer, and a cool wine culture, with some of Germany's finest vineyards nearby. In addition, Cologne has a buzzing and diverse nightlife scene, with something to cater to all tastes, whether you're looking for basement techno clubs or cosy pubs.
Yes, there are several nice places near Cologne that are easily accessible by train. Some options include Aachen, Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz, and Wiesbaden. These towns offer a mix of history, charming old towns, and beautiful scenery. Additionally, Brussels is also within easy reach and is known for its selection of stouts and the Geuze beer museum.
