Cologne, Germany: Shopping Paradise For Unique Souvenirs

Cologne, Germany is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, making it an ideal place to find unique souvenirs. Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring back from your trip:

- Coffee from a local roastery: Schamong, Cologne's oldest roastery, offers high-quality coffee with a long tradition.

- A bottle of Kölsch: This local beer is widely available in Cologne, but hard to find elsewhere. It's considered the Champagne of beers, and there are about 30 brands to choose from.

- Other local alcohol: Try Kabänes, a bitter herbal alcohol similar to Jägermeister, or Mexikölner, a shot with tomato juice, chili, and pepper.

- Cathedral-shaped waffles: Café Riese offers these unique waffles, along with other delicacies like cake and ice cream (which is hard to take home though).

- Mustard from Senfmühle Köln: This historic mustard mill lets you watch the mustard-making process and purchase freshly made mustard.

- Jam from Marmeladen Haus: This shop offers a variety of delicious jams with creative flavor combinations.

- A recipe book of Cologne dishes: Learn to make traditional dishes like Himmel un ääd and Grünkohl mit Mettwurst with a recipe book.

- Christmas market specialties: During the holiday season, the Christmas markets offer small gifts like handmade socks, sweets, and star lamps.

- Creative postcards: Look for postcards with street art, modern photographs, or Cologne expressions instead of the typical touristy ones.

- The Cologne Constitution: Get something with the 11 rules of this unique local law as a reminder of your trip.

Local coffee from Schamong Kaffee, a family-run roastery since 1949

A bottle of Kölsch, the local beer

When in Cologne, one of the most iconic and tasty souvenirs to bring back is a bottle (or several) of the local beer, known as Kölsch. This pale, golden beer is a symbol of the city and its proud brewing heritage. Kölsch is a style of beer unique to Cologne, and it's an integral part of the local culture and tradition. The beer is top-fermented and warm-conditioned, resulting in a crisp, refined taste with a subtle fruity note. It is typically served in small, narrow glasses, reflecting the social aspect of drinking Kölsch—it's meant to be enjoyed with friends over long conversations.

The history of Kölsch is deeply rooted in Cologne's past. The style was first brewed in the early 20th century, and it quickly became the preferred drink of the locals. The traditional breweries, or Brauhauses, of Cologne are an essential part of the Kölsch experience. These breweries offer a glimpse into the city's rich brewing history and provide a lively atmosphere to enjoy a glass (or two) of the local brew. Sitting in a cozy Brauhaus, sampling Kölsch, and indulging in local cuisine like Halve Hahn (rye bread with cheese) or Himmel un Ääd (a delicious mash of apples, potatoes, and blood sausage) is an authentic Cologne experience.

When buying Kölsch to take home, look for reputable breweries that adhere to the traditional brewing methods. Some well-known Kölsch breweries include Früh, Gaffel, and Reissdorf, which can be found in many shops and supermarkets. However, for a truly special bottle, seek out smaller, independent breweries that produce Kölsch according to the original recipe. These craft breweries often offer unique twists on the classic style, and their beers can be found in specialty beer shops or directly from the brewery.

When choosing your bottle of Kölsch, pay attention to the label and look for the "Kölsch Konvention" seal. This seal indicates that the beer has been brewed according to the strict guidelines set by the Cologne Brewery Association, guaranteeing its authenticity and quality. A traditional Kölsch bottle is typically 0.5 liters, and the beer has a relatively short shelf life, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you plan to drink your Kölsch purchase in Cologne, you can simply pop into a local pub or restaurant and order a glass.

To fully appreciate your Kölsch purchase, consider pairing it with local Cologne dishes. The beer's crisp, refreshing nature complements the hearty, flavorful cuisine of the region. Try Kölsch with Himmel un Ääd, a traditional dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, or with Halve Hahn, a simple yet delicious combination of rye bread, butter, and aged Gouda cheese. For a sweet treat, pair your Kölsch with a traditional Cologne dessert like the fruity, creamy Rheinischer Streuselkuchen or the indulgent, chocolate-covered Kölner Klümpchen.

So, whether you're a beer connoisseur or simply looking for a taste of Cologne to take home, a bottle of Kölsch is a must-buy. Enjoy it with friends, family, or simply as a refreshing drink on a warm day. Remember to raise your glass and toast with a hearty "Prost!" to the rich brewing heritage of Cologne, Germany.

Other local liquors, such as Kabänes, a bitter herbal alcohol, or Mexikölner, a spicy tomato juice

When in Cologne, Germany, there are many things to buy and experience. From shopping streets to local liquors, here is a guide to some unique purchases you can make.

One notable local liquor is Kabänes, a bitter herbal alcohol. Although not much information is available on this beverage, it is mentioned in a list of liqueurs, which include other German liqueurs such as Jägermeister and Goldwasser. These liqueurs are known for their unique flavours and histories, so Kabänes may be worth trying if you're looking for a bitter, herbal drink.

Another interesting local liquor is Mexikölner, a German invention inspired by Mexican flavours. It is a mixed shot with a similar recipe to a Bloody Mary but with more spice. The original recipe, created by barkeeper Mike Coloni in Hamburg, Germany, in 1987, includes clear liquor (traditionally Korn, but sometimes vodka or tequila), tomato juice, sangrita, Tabasco sauce, salt, and black pepper. It is typically served as a shot and is more commonly found in dive bars and local neighbourhood pubs.

If you're looking for shopping destinations, there are several options in Cologne. The Köln Arcaden is a large shopping mall with over 110 stories of high-end designer shops, grocery stores, and small boutiques. The Rhein-Center Köln is another shopping mall with name-brand stores, a full-service grocery store, and amenities like massage chairs and a playground. The NEUMARKT Galerie is conveniently located near the Neumarkt transit stop and features well-known stores like Primark and Claire's. Schildergasse is a popular pedestrianised shopping street with a mix of name-brand stores and small boutiques, while Ehrenstrasse is a charming street that blends traditional family-owned shops with chic and fashionable stores. Lastly, Galeria Kaufhof is a 5-storey department store with designer clothes, home decor, and traditional German souvenirs, as well as a cafeteria-style food market.

Cathedral-shaped waffles from Café Riese

Café Riese Köln is a popular spot known for its elaborate cakes, waffles, and breakfast options. The bright venue features a terrace and an ice cream counter. One of their specialties is the cathedral-shaped waffles called Domwaffel, which are beloved by locals. In addition to waffles, the cafe offers a variety of delicacies including cakes and high-quality ice cream. The seating area inside and outside provides a lovely atmosphere for enjoying their offerings.

The waffle is shaped like the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a renowned landmark in the city. The waffle is a delightful treat, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. It's a must-try when visiting Café Riese, and it's definitely worth the calories! The waffle is not too sweet, and it has a light, fluffy texture. It's best enjoyed warm, with a scoop of ice cream on the side.

The café has a charming and inviting atmosphere, with a mix of modern and traditional decor. It's a great place to relax and indulge in some delicious treats. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that customers have a pleasant experience.

Café Riese is located on Schildergasse, a popular shopping street in the heart of Cologne. It's easily accessible, and you can combine your waffle treat with some retail therapy! The café is open from 9 am to 8 pm, so you can pop in at any time of day.

Mustard from Senfmühle Köln