And so here I am packing for another trip. This time it is for Germany to go to Photokina, a huge photography and imaging tradeshow. Stewie thought he would try and stowaway in my luggage this time. Anyone have any suggestions for things to see, do, eat or shop in Cologne, Germany?
definitely see the lindt schokoladen museum in cologne, especially if you're a fan of chocolates! and you simply can't miss the cologne cathedral....it's a world unesco heritage site! the largest gothic cathedral in northern europe! if you feel like getting a cardio workout, you can climb the 509 steps to reach the observatory. there's a 2 euro fee to get up there. have fun!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite place in cologne is a bit tricky. But if you cross the train bridge from the back of the Cathedral and Museum Ludwig at or after dusk, there are some bunnies that hang out on the grass just after you've reached solid ground again. They're almost always there, I'd be surprised if you didn't find them. There are some good bars on Friesenstrasse, the best being Vic (very classy cocktail bar). Brauhaus Päffgen, has the best Kölsch (local beer specialty) in town, it's fresh brewed daily, plus they serve great german food and have a great atmosphere, you can head there for a drink or for dinner. There's also Aachenerstr. (near Rudolfplatz) for good restaurants, cafes and bars, my favorite is Metzgerei Schmitz they have great lunch or brunch food and coffee, plus a rockin atmosphere. Also with good atmosphere is the Cafe Eichhornchen they serve a killer German/French breakfast, and as it's near a church it's quiet and sunny, great place to chill and read or chat (e-mail me for directions as they're a bit more complicated and it's a bit more obscure). Since you are a crafter I recommend Filz Gnoss, a felt store that sells yardage of all colors and thicknesses of felt, and some ready made felt products. It's awesome, and you can't find that kind of stuff in the US. Then theres the art bookstore Walther Koenig, they have books from all different creative disciplines in english and german (and other languages too). And speaking of books, the Taschen store is in Cologne (if you don't know Taschen books then you should check that out too) the last three are all in the same area. Last but not least the flea market. Every saturday before 2pm there's a flea market near the train stop Weisshausstrasse (line 18) behind the giant tower. Good prices and lots of good good stuff if the weather isn't too rainy, and some good good stuff if it is rainy. I've been living in Cologne for 2 years now, and these are the things that stick out to me as the best, however if you are looking for something different or specific you can e-mail me and I can give you some more guidance. Have fun at the Photokina!!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the cathedral. The walk up is quite the workout, but worth the view. Inside the cathedral is absolutely breathtaking. The whole city is very beautiful for that matter.
ReplyDeleteA lil late, as you're already there. I went to Germany, but not Cologne. But I think this will be true there as in all the other major German cities - go to the bakeries and get yourself a real pretzel. And while you're there, those strawberry tarts. I swear there was a bakery in almost every train station.
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