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 : Restaurants
RESTAURANT BOERSEN - Unter Sachsenhausen 10-26
Incorporating elegance and function, this restaurant can accomodate up to 800 people right in the heart of the financial district of Cologne. Opened in the Chamber of Commerce building in 1951, Das(...)
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(...)
ALTER WARTESAAL - Johanisstrasse 11
This bar, restaurant, nightclub is ideally situated between the train station and the cathedral and offers terrific views of both from its outdoor patio. Perfect for dinner or a drink after a(...)
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(...)
GAFFEL HAUS - Altermarkt 20-22
The Gaffel family, who welcomes customers to this brewery, is in and of themselves a Colognian institution. During the Middle Ages, members of the family were the right hand men of merchants and(...)
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(...)
EL INCA - Görresstrasse 2
After having descended the twenty or so steps down into this underground haven, you arrive in a vaulted basement decorated with a multitude of obejects and photos from South America. Specialties from(...)
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 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(...)
CAFE SUR - Martin-Luther-Platz 7-11
More than a simple cafe, this family business is run by Argentinians who offer a large selection of South American specialties including with the burrito sandwich (steak filet and fried egg), the(...)
FEYNSINN - Rathenauplatz 7
At the very residential Ruthenauplatz, it is a nice idea to have one's first coffee of the day here, while everything is still calm, because later on, it is practically impossible to find a place to(...)
CAFE ESPECIAL - Neuhöfferstrasse 32
This is the first Mexican restaurant to have been opened in Germany! For 20 years, Colognians have been loving their induction to salsa and margaritas. Here, everything is prepared in-house. (...)
FRUEH AM DOM - Am Hof 12-18
Without a doubt, this is the most well-known cafe in all of Cologne; it is situated in the shadow of the Cathedral. With seating for up to 1600 customers (!!!) spread out over 3 floors as well as a(...)
BAR TABAC - Aachener Strasse 21
Each room has its own decor; rustic with clay walls in the bistro, Art deco in the brasserie and high-tech contemporary in the "Palmenlounge" (ultra-modern stained glass in the courtyard). The(...)
FILMDOSE - Zülpicher Strasse 39
This cafe shines with simplicity: the back of the main dining room is constituted with a stage complete with red curtain just like in the classic theaters, an impression that is only reinforced by(...)
4 CANI DELLA CITTA - Benesisstrasse 61
4 Cani is an interesting blend of modern and inventive Italian cuisine, a relaxing Californian cafe and a bistro. As such, the clientele is also an ecclectic mix of architects, artists, and(...)
EM KRUETZCHE - Frankenturm 1-3
If we assure you that Schröder, Clinton, and Chirac all sat down together for a private dinner during the G7 conference, you'll understand that this is one of the top restaurants in all of Cologne! (...)
ALFREDO - Tunisstrasse 3
Behind this opera-themed Italian restaurant is Roberto Carturan who was once an aspiring opera singer. Instead, he took over the restaurant of his father, Alfredo, and turned into one of the best(...)
ZARATHUSTRA - Dasselstrasse 4
In this philosophical cafe, people don't come just to eat, the manager is quick to start up a conversation about the meaning of life, religion, and of course, Zoroastrism (the religion of(...)
LA CENA - Elsassstrasse 4
Here, there is no menu, but just one meal, the same for everyone, but it chef invents something different everyday! This concept was brough to Cologne, with great success by head chef Klaus Kremer,(...)
BALI - Brüsseler Platz 2
Looking from the outside, this restaurant doesn't appear to be much, but it would be a shame to pass by without giving it a second thought because inside the cooking is delicious and the decor very(...)
EM KOELSCHE BOOR - Eigelstein 121
Located in a neighborhood where "Cologne is still Cologne," this classy restaurant offers German specialites with decidedly Colognian overtones. Kölsche Kaviar (Black blood sausage), Himmel und Ad (...)
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(...)
DIONYSOS - Meister-Gerhard Strasse 30
Thanks to its huge bay windows and vast array of green plants, this rustic place is very luminous and very green...just like Greece! The home country of Marlene and Niko Poligenis, loving owners of(...)
HAXENHAUS ZUM RHEINGARTEN - Frankenwerft 19
Ideally located between the old town and the banks of the Rhine, this authentic inn (one of the only ones not to have been destroyed during the war) offers ham hock (Haxen) specialties and home made(...)
OMA S KUECHE - Grosse Budengasse 2
Open year round, this small establishment, located in a pedistrian zone two minutes from the Dom, offers without a doubt the best quality for its prices in the city! It may be modest but its a great(...)
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(...)
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,(...)
BANKER S - Andreaskloster 12
This place, popular with Colognian bankers, is also a great spot to drink a Kölsch on the patio shaded by the cathedral and bordered by one of the livliest commercial streets in the city. The cooking(...)
HANSE STUBE - Domplatz / Trankgasse 1-5
Gourmets will not miss this international address renowned for its 16 points in the GaultMillau guide. This place exemplifies great service in its refined setting and master host. The resetaurant(...)
BEI BEPI - Breite Strasse 85
In the middle of Breite Strasse, popular commercial street, Bei Bepi has been serving simple Italian cuisine for decades. Its a great pizzeria for those tired shoppers needing to take a break and(...)
CAMPI IM FUNKHAUS - Wallrafplatz 5
Located on the first floor of the WDR (local TV and Radio station) building, this bar doesn't serve just employees or guest celebrities of the shows produced on the upper floors. Customers also(...)
DAS KLEINE STAPELHAEUSCHEN - Fischmarkt 1-3
With its two-colored facade (one green, the other salmon) that opens onto the Fischmarkt on the other side of the Rhine, this house has made it through the years unscathed from its days as a fish(...)
BRASSERIE PFAFFEN - Heumarkt 62
In this 17th century building, customers are welcomed by a meter-high bronze statue with a cheerful expression, surely from the beer he grasps. Here, in addition to brewing great local beers, the(...)
DOHMEN S - An Gross St. Martin 2
Ideally situated in old tow Cologne, but still with a view on the Rhine, Dohmen offers typical culinary Colognian specialties. A rustic ambiance, don't be intimidated by the menu written in(...)
CAFE ZIKADE - Kurfürstenstrasse 2A
This little cafe is certainly very corny, but very welcoming as well. If anything, just the smiles from the manager and the servers are refreshing. The founder of this vegetarian restaurant(...)
FERTIG - Bonner Strasse 26
The Colognians love this place for its simple French cooking: here, there is no putting on of airs, just authentic French-inspired cuisine at reasonnable prices. The menu offers a wide selection of(...)
PORTIXOL - St-Apern-Strasse 70
This new establishment featuring Italian decor done in marble and acajou offers refreshing Mediterranean dishes (Wiener Portixol: with fat-free, mayo-free potato salad). For a perfectly relaxing(...)
ALCAZAR - Bismarckstrasse 39a
This lively bistro in the heart of the red quarter is known for the huge variety of cuisines available for such a small establishment. The specialities are international: penne with capers, anchovies(...)
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(...)
SUPPENKASPAR - Perlenpfuhl 6
This little place frequented by regulars who work in the neighborhood offers a great choice of sandwiches and soups but in a fairly drab environment. The name of this cafe comes from a children's(...)
CASA DI BIASE - Eifelplatz 4
This restaurant belonging to the Di Biase family features a large portrait of their ancestors in the main hall. Since 1993, Mario Di Biase and Antonia Giannatario propose an innovative Italian(...)
RESTAURANT JAN VON WERTH - Christophstrasse 44 - Ecke Von-Werth-Strasse
The Schmitz familly can proudly boast about the long and rich history of this restaurant which draws its named from the famous knight who battled in the 30 Years War. The menu offers a great range of(...)
CAFE REICHARD - Unter Fettenhennen 11
Craving a Kuchen Coffee, typically German? This ideally located cafe is a can't miss in the German coffee tradition and features an excellent array of pastries. Customers may choose between two(...)
ALTE FEUERWACHE - Melchiorstrasse 3
This former fire station has been reconverted into a relaxing and friendly brasserie. The cuisine is international and the menu (both for lunch and for dinner) changes daily. The open buffet for(...)
