"Mer muss de Feste fiere wie se falle" - ever heard that one?
This is a typical Cologne saying & even if we can't really get anything out of the carnival hustle and bustle in February - one thing is clear: Cologne is still worth a trip!


We have teamed up with VisitKöln and picked out the places in Cologne that are definitely far away from the boring tourist spots.
Nostalgic coffee houses, extravagant parties or the best view? Here are our tips for Cologne that promise a little adventure!👇🏼

A journey back in time to the 50-70s at Café Wahlen

At Café Wahlen, you can immerse yourself in the charming time travel of Cologne's café culture.

With white tablecloths, red velvet, chandeliers and floral wallpaper, the café has been enchanting its guests since 1911. There's no fancy latte show here, just classic coffee house vibes and first-class treats. A large selection of cakes and tarts await you at the counter - these are brought to your table by the staff in classic white aprons. No wonder a visit to Café Wahlen is not just a visit to a café, but a nostalgic excursion into a timeless world of coffee and cakes. A must see!

📍Hohenstaufenring 64

⏰ Tue - Sun 11 am - 6 pm

A different kind of pub: TRINK-GENOSSIN

The bar with the most extraordinary history is probably TRINK-GENOSSIN in Ehrenfeld. Why?🤓

A cooperative bar was created here to make democracy, community and fair business socially acceptable and that means: no room for big investors, but plenty of space for evenings together with freshly tapped Mühlen Kölsch and Hellers Pils. Whoop!
This place is more than just a bar. Whether art chamber, concert venue or coworking space, ideas are welcome here. Shh! You can even become part of the TRINK-GENOSS:INNEN - find out how here! Whether with friends, neighbors or as a tourist - everyone is welcome here. It's worth stopping by!

📍Subbelrather Str. 254

⏰ Mon - Wed 7 pm - 00 am, Thu 6 pm - 00 am, Fri - Sat 7 pm - 02 am

Homemade & vegan at Nobiko

Nobiko in Cologne-Kalk - perhaps the tastiest noodle bar in town! Originally known as Café Kollektiv Fatsch, this spot has blossomed into a vegan sensation. With homemade udon noodles, top ingredients such as North German tofu and oyster mushrooms, Nobiko has won our hearts. Fresh ingredients, preferably organic, end up in your bowl. NICE! The Golden TanTan Udon are amazing & be sure to order a peanut chocolate cookie afterwards!
The coolest thing? They still rock it collectively - without hierarchies, but with a love of food and great quality. 😊

📍Josephskirchstraße 25

⏰ Wed - Fri 5 - 10 p.m., Sat - Sun 2 - 10 p.m.

Discover more culinary highlights!

Traumathek: A journey through space and time

The Cologne Traumathek is more than just a place where you can borrow films - once you enter it, you feel like you're traveling back in time. There are real film reels here, shrouded in nostalgia that swirls through the air. Film fans can rejoice - here you will find a wide range of independent cinema from all over the world. From the latest hits from Hong Kong to independent films from Africa - the art of film is celebrated here in all its diversity, but the Traumathek is not only a place of discovery, but also of exchange: getting together, having a coffee, watching films - that's also possible here! And when the Traumathek itself becomes a movie theater, the in-house Studio Argento takes you into another world. We love it here!

📍 Engelbertstraße 45

⏰ Tue - Fri 2 - 10 pm, Sat 1 - 10 pm

Cologne's best view from Monte Kalk

Sure, climbing the 533 steps of Cologne Cathedral could be fun - but if you're already in Kalk (because you had a delicious meal at Nobiko beforehand), you can also enjoy a really good view!
Our favorite for the best view:
Kalkberg a.k.a. Monte Kalk is just a man-made hill, but the view? Fantastic! Right on the corner of Kalk and Buchforst, you get a fabulous view of Cologne's skyline. After your day in Cologne, Monte Kalk is the perfect spot to end your trip on a relaxed note.
Don't forget your camera!

📍 51065 Lime

⏰ always open

Off-road party at the Schrotty

Feel like partying, but you're not in the mood for a standard club? KÖLN GOT YOU!
In the middle of a former scrapyard in Bickendorf - also known as Schrotty - you'll be served one party highlight after another. Between containers and old car seats, you can shake a leg to electronic beats. Bad weather? No problem either. Two halls and a covered outdoor area ensure that the party goes off well whatever the weather. Whether it's DJ Heartstring, Sachsentrance & Co. the coolest DJs play here - you can find all events here. Have fun! 🕺🏽

Vogelsangerstrasse 406

⏰ depending on the event

Ehrenfeld's Hidden Gem: ARTY FARTY Artspace & Gallery

You can find urban art in the heart of Ehrenfeld at the ARTY FARTY Gallery! The gallery is more than just an ordinary art space - fresh perspectives come together here, there are exciting exhibitions to see and there are always really cool events from vernissages to parties. ARTY FARTY offers artists a space and invites you to see the variety of art that makes Cologne's scene so special. A definite must-visit for everyone who loves art!

📍 Lichtstraße 15

⏰ Different

You can find even more special places here!

So, when are you visiting the cathedral city?
We think our research with VisitKöln has paid off and are booking a train ticket to Cologne right away. So let your local friends know - you're coming over, but it's also worth a trip on your own!
Want to get more insider tips about Cologne? Then take a look here!

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