Cologne's Charm: Why It Outshines Berlin

Cologne and Berlin are two of Germany's most popular cities for tourists. While Berlin is known for its nightlife, museums, and shopping, Cologne offers a more low-key experience with its beautiful scenery, impressive food scene, and rich history. Berlin may be unbeatable when it comes to evening entertainment and shopping, but Cologne has a more walkable city, a milder climate, and is more family-friendly. So, if you're looking for a vibrant yet accessible destination with a mix of attractions, Cologne might just be the better choice.

Cologne has better beer

When it comes to beer, Cologne has the edge over Berlin. The city's local beer, the lager-style Kölsch, is protected by law and can only be produced in Cologne. It has been served since World War II and was given "protected geographical indication" status in 1997. The quality and heritage of traditional Berlin beer brands are debatable in comparison.

Cologne also has a "non-douchey" beer culture, according to Anthony Bourdain, who described it as:

> "a birthright...decent beer is a way of life."

The city's beer also comes with its own serving traditions. It is always served in small, 0.2-liter glasses, and when drinkers are full, they must put a coaster on top of the empty glass, otherwise, the beer will keep flowing.

Cologne's beer houses are historic, and its beer gardens are a great place to spend time with friends and family. The city's beer culture is a big part of its charm and makes it a very welcoming place to visit.

Cologne's beer is an integral part of its famous annual Rose Monday Parade, which sees over a million costumed partygoers take to the streets. The parade is a centuries-old tradition that runs until Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. It is a unique and special part of the city's culture and a great time to visit, with over a million people in attendance.

Cologne's beer is also a great accompaniment to its local cuisine, which includes Halve Hahn (an open-faced sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll).

So, if you're a beer enthusiast, Cologne is definitely the place to be!

Cologne is less isolated

Cologne is far less isolated than Berlin. While Berlin is surrounded by nature, including lakes and forests, it takes four or five hours to reach other major cities like Prague or Warsaw. Cologne, on the other hand, is just four hours by train or car from Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Paris. Cologne is also just 90 minutes away from Dreiländereck, where the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium meet, making it a great location for shopping trips to three countries in a single day.

Cologne is also more accessible than Berlin when it comes to air travel, as its airport functions properly, unlike Berlin's, which has been under construction since 2006.

Cologne's location along the Rhine River, Germany's second-largest inland harbour, also makes it a popular stop for river cruises. The Rhine is a proper river, not a small rivulet like the Spree in Berlin, and gives Cologne a mild climate.

Cologne has a better climate

Cologne's pleasant climate lends itself to a distinct al fresco dining and drinking culture. The city's many beer halls and restaurants offer outdoor seating, allowing visitors to enjoy the mild weather while partaking in the local cuisine and famous beer, Kölsch.

The city's temperate climate also has a long history. Founded by the Romans in 50 B.C., Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, and its name, abbreviated from Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, reflects its Roman origins. The Romans, who were drawn to the city's favourable climate, left their mark with excellently preserved sites like the Praetorium and parts of the Roman city wall.

In summary, Cologne's mild climate, pleasant outdoor culture, and rich historical heritage make it a more appealing destination than Berlin when it comes to weather conditions.

Cologne has more parks

In comparison, Berlin's green spaces are mostly a result of the Cold War division of the city and the post-Berlin Wall transformation of barren strips into common land, such as the Mauerpark. While Berlin is indeed a green city, Cologne offers its residents and visitors even more opportunities to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors.

In addition to its impressive park system, Cologne also boasts a thriving arts scene, a lively beer culture, and a mild climate thanks to its position on the Rhine River. So, if you're looking for a city with a combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a friendly atmosphere, Cologne is definitely worth considering.

Cologne is more historic

Cologne is steeped in history, making it a more historic place to visit than Berlin. Founded in 50 B.C. by the Romans, it is one of the oldest cities in Germany, with its name, Cologne, being an abbreviation of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. The city boasts Roman leftovers such as the excellently preserved Praetorium and parts of the Roman city wall.

Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most visited landmarks, is a testament to the city's rich history. Construction began in 1248, paused in 1473, and was finally completed in 1880. The builders of the cathedral certainly knew how to take their time!

In addition to its ancient roots, Cologne also has a vibrant contemporary arts scene. It is home to the Museum Ludwig, one of Germany's best contemporary art museums, as well as the world's oldest art fair, Art Cologne. The city has a long history of creativity, with many galleries showcasing both established and emerging artists.

When it comes to beer culture, Cologne takes the cake. Its local lager-style beer, Kölsch, is protected by law and can only be produced in the city. The centuries-old tradition of German carnival, which culminates in the Rose Monday Parade, is another example of Cologne's historical significance.

So, if you're looking for a city with a deep-rooted history, Cologne is the place to be. Its ancient foundations, architectural marvels, and cultural traditions make it a fascinating destination that charms and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Frequently asked questions