Cologne’s tiles: Where post-war charm meets urban treasure hunting
Some cities dazzle with grand buildings and gleaming boulevards.
And then there’s Cologne — a city that, beyond its world-famous landmarks, often reveals its true beauty in the details.
New Year’s Eve in Cologne: Ideas for the night and the morning after
Cologne offers plenty of ways to step into 2026 with a bang. We’ve got five ideas to make the big night one you won’t forget.
Forget the bucket list – feel Cologne instead
Cologne isn’t a place you simply tick off. Cologne needs to be smelled, tasted, heard. Instead of racing through “must-sees”, we slow down and dive deep into the real “Kölle-Jeföhl” – that unmistakable Cologne vibe.
Frank Schätzing: “Cologne could be a little New York”
It was “The Swarm” that cemented Frank Schätzing’s reputation as one of Cologne’s best-known literary exports. We sat down with the bestselling author to talk about why he prefers to write about his hometown, his favourite running spots, and his thoughts on heroism in our times.
Belgian Quarter: the Veedel of endless possibilities
Every city has a neighbourhood that feels almost too good to be true. In Cologne, it’s the Belgian Quarter – or ‘Veedel’, as locals call it. Fancy a stroll? Let’s do some exploring!
Cosy or hip: Which Cologne Christmas market will get your sleighbells ringing?
During Advent, Cologne proves that Christmas markets can be so much more than the usual clichés.
Summer in Cologne: 10 lakes and outdoor pools for a refreshing dip
Whether it’s an idyllic natural swimming spot or a sporty outdoor pool, Cologne and its surroundings offer plenty of places for unforgettable summer days. Here are 10 lakes and outdoor pools that prove one thing: for real holiday vibes, all you need is a towel and the right spot.
A fusion of beats, resistance and queer culture: highlights to watch out for at Cologne Pride 2025
From the Drag Festival to the Dyke* March: 2025 will once again see Cologne transformed into a vibrant Pride capital. Read on to find out what’s happening during the CSD season – with highlights including queer parties, safe spaces and cultural events.
Elke Kuhlen: “Cologne has an imperfect charm”
As the director of Cologne’s c/o pop Festival, Elke Kuhlen is something of a local celebrity. We found out about her favourite places, her personal music tastes and why Cologne is better than Abu Dhabi.
