Germany: Cologne
Areas in the city:
In a nutshell...
All roads in Cologne lead to its two-towered cathedral which reaches 157 metres into the sky and is visible from almost everywhere in the city. Construction took 632 years to finish, and it is one of the most celebrated architectural monuments in Germany today.
Cologne is distinguished from other German cities because of the 12 Roman churches that can be found within its medieval walls. From Gross St. Martin in the heart of the old town, to Ste. Maria, the largest of the Roman churches, built over the foundations of a Roman temple, St Gereon, surrounded by greenery and St Andreas, constructed on the ancient Roman wall.
Cologne wouldn’t have its reputation if it weren’t for the Rhine and the numerous romantic walks that tourists can take along its banks. While in the neighbourhood, take the opportunity to visit the irresistible chocolate museum and the German sports museum, both situated on the river banks.
Cologne: Bars
BARNEY VALLELY S - Kleine Budengasse 7-9
"The little pub with the big heart" as it has been called, is run by an Irishman and unlike other Irish pubs across the globe, this one doesn't attract just English-speakers. Everyone and anyone who(...)
KUNIBERT DER FIESE - Am Bollwerk 1-5
During a walk along the Rhine, let yourself get caught up in the story of Kunibert by taking a break inside the brewery that is named after him. He was the Count of Nippes, who according to legend,(...)
ROSENDORN - Ostermannplatz
Located in a small plaza removed from busy Heumarkt, this restaurant can be found by crossing over a small passageway in Salzgasse. The restaurant itself is small and cozy and it fills up fast so(...)
VALENTIN S - Ludwigstrasse 11
Recently opened, this bar is a great spot for breakfast. The modern decor accentuated by orchid covered tables and soft music give the place a serene feeling, ideal for waking up leisurely. (...)
BRASSERIE DANS LA SALZGASSE - Salzgasse 5-7
Offshoot of "Zur Taesch," En d'r Salzgass may not be the oldest brewery in Cologne, but the direction knew a thing or two about bringing the place up to standards. Here, the Koebes serve clients(...)
KLAAF - Eigelstein 124
Known by all the habitants of Cologne, this brewery is a great spot for breakfast or brunch while gazing out upon Eagle's Gate ( Eigelsteintor) from the patio. The cuisine is bourgeoise and the(...)
BRASSERIE PAEFFGEN - Friesenstrasse 64-66
This is an exceptional brewery, serving an exceptional beer that you won't find anywhere else: not in bottles, not in stores, not in other bars. So, in order to taste this excellent beer, you'll(...)
BRAUHAUS SION - Unter Taschenmacher 5-7
This brewery is above anything, a family affair. Belonging to the Sion family since 1912, Hans Sion, nicknamed the father of Kölsch Beer, decided, after WWII, to follow a tradition passed along(...)
MAX STARK - Unter Kahlenhausen 47
To escape the tourist traps and get a real feeling for Cologne, there is nothing better than to escape to the north of the city and join the professionals and other regulars at this Gaststätte(...)
BRASSERIE STUESSER - Neusser Strasse 47
Three generations have worked hard to make this breweryand distillery a success since its opening in 1904. The decoration hasn't changed since its reconstruction following partial damage during(...)
PAPA JOE S JAZZLOCAL - Buttermarkt 37
An ecclecticly designed bar, inspired by the 1920s, the length of the bar spreads open along Alter Markt, while the other side runs alongside Buttermarkt. The place is filled with old memoribilia(...)
KEULE - Heumarkt 56-58
For several decades, the Keule, firmly intergrated in the architectural landscape as well as in the livelihood of the old city is the gastronomic meeting spot for all those looking to spend a little(...)
PEPE - Antwerpener Strasse 63
In the heart of the Belgian quarter, Pepe Bar has made a success of combining traditional Mediterranean cuisine with American cocktail culture. Be tempted by the offerings of the bar: are you more(...)
TAG&NACHT CAFE - Hohenstaufenring 11
Customers don't come here for the rustic decor but for two other reasons: it's always open and its inexpensive. The Schnitzel, fries, and salad is only 6.50€ and pasta is from 3.50-6€. (...)
BASTARD - Friesenwall 29
This bar is different from others not just because it stays open late, but also thanks to its patio set up in the interior courtyard. The clientele is diverse, attracted mainly for the excellent(...)
BRUEGEL - Hohenzollernring 17
Bruegel brewery is a great place to go for those interested in seeing a bit of the night life in Cologne. One could pass their whole night here beginning with cocktails during one of the live(...)
JARDIN MUNICIPAL - Venloer Strasse 40
This establishment easily mixes its natural setting and lush trees with the rustic charme of its building which opens directly onto a park-like setting. Its not surprising that this beer garden is so(...)
ZUM KOEBES - Clever Strasse 2 / Thürmchenswall
"Don't come here if all you want is a coffee!" beams the owner when customers enter this brewery. Here, other than the Kölsch, there is also the choice of drinking a non-alcoholic beer, rare enough(...)
MAGNUS - Zülpicher Strasse 48
The student cafe is well appreciated for its patio, its excellent service, and its quality brunch that is available only by reservation! Brunch includes a plethora of salads, coldcuts, cheeses,(...)
SONDERBAR - Lintgasse 28
In this DJ bar, everyday feature a music special (rock, jazz, etc) and a drink special (cocktail at 3€ or a particular alcohol for almost nothing), and a much appreciated foosball table for(...)
ALL BAR ONE - Friesenstrasse 82
For five years, this bar has been welcoming customers to its trendy atmosphere that opens out on the street. Everything about this bar is impressive: the bar itself is huge, the ceilings are(...)
BIERGARTEN IM VOLKSGARTEN - Roonstrasse 33
For more than 100 years, this brewery has been a legend among the Biergartens in Cologne offering beers composed of only organic ingredients. The building looks more like a lumberjack's shack with(...)
OSHO S - Venloer Strasse 5-7
This restaurant allows customers to create their own dishes by combining ingredients both varied and healthy because everything proposed is either vegetarian or vegan: soup, salad, tofu, even(...)
ROSEBUD - Heinsbergstrasse 20
Playboy magazine determined Rosebud to be Germany's top bar in 1997. Its jazzy ambiance and tempting cocktails are just perfect. While the designe may be a little retro (stools, zebra armchairs) and(...)
