Who says you have to go to Italy for la dolce vita? In Cologne – our very own bella Colonia – there are plenty of corners that radiate exactly that zest for life, sometimes with Rhine views, sometimes right in the middle of the neighborhood. At these 9 spots it’s all about: leaning back, enjoying yourself, and recharging your batteries.
Holiday feeling: Lovely beer gardens along the Rhine
This is Cologne’s take on la dolce vita: Brauhaus Quetsch on the “riviera” in the Rodenkirchen district with its glorious view of the Rhine from the large terrace. The menu focuses on regional dishes, but you’ll also find classics like schnitzel, currywurst and Flammkuchen – listed here as Brauhaus-Fladen – plus burgers and of course vegetarian and vegan options.
Insider tip: If you’re here on a Friday, make sure you try the scrumptious potato fritters (Reibeküchlein) with Schwarzbrot bread and butter, which come with apple sauce, smoked salmon or fresh tartare.
Address: Hauptstraße 7, 50996 Cologne
Opening hours: from Monday to Saturday, 11:30 am to 12 am, on Sundays from 12 to 10 pm
If you’re yearning for a slice of Italy, Rhein-Sommergarten is the place for you. Up until 1986, there was a swimming pool here (hence the Schwimmbad in the name) but now it’s a vast park with a “summer garden restaurant” that ranks among the nicest beer gardens on the Rhine.
While the kids run around or play ball on the lawn, you can settle into your chair, let your gaze drift across the river and sip a cold drink. To go with it there are nostalgic “outdoor pool classics” like fries (so called Freibad-Pommes), even in jumbo size, and nuggets – with meat or vegan.
Adress: An der Schanz 2a, 50735 Cologne
Opening hours: in good weather, from Tuesday to Sunday from 1 pm – daily opening times are updated on the Rhein-Sommergarten website
Soaking up Cologne’s local flair at Eigelstein
The Eigelstein district is about as Cologne as you can get and an ideal area to experience the positive cheer the locals are known for. In between all the pubs and restaurants, you’ll also find the Freddy Schilling hamburger bar. Their meat is ethically produced using environmentally friendly methods and you can taste the goodness. The beef is minced fresh every day and the fries are homemade and really crunchy. Customers can choose from a whole range of sauces plus sides including fried red onions and jalapeños. All burgers are also available with vegan patties.
Address: Eigelstein 147, 50668 Cologne – there are two locations, one in Ehrenfeld and the other on the Kyffhäuserstraße (“Kyff”)
Opening hours: from Monday to Sunday, 12 pm to 10 pm
The rustic cult pub Lapidarium is located right by the Eigelsteintor (Eigelstein Gate) and is lovingly called „Lapi” by the people of Cologne. Beer lovers definitely get their money’s worth here: a tap system supplies you with different varieties. There’s also a small food menu with, among other things, game specialties from the bar’s own game butcher. During carnival season, this place turns into a party spot, and it’s also a great location for football evenings.
Address: Eigelstein 118, 50668 Cologne
Opening hours: from Sunday to Wednesday, 4 pm to 1 am, from Thursday to Saturday, 4 pm to 2 am
Italian holiday feeling in Nippes at Morio and Gernot’s
What would la dolce vita in Cologne be without a good glass of wine? The wine bar Morio on Schillplatz is the ideal place to unwind in the evening, especially in summer. It also comes with plenty of history: they’ve been pouring wine here since 1984.
To this day, you can enjoy delicious wines in a romantic setting along with small but varied dishes. Whether creamy hummus, homemade sheep’s cheese cream or olive bruschetta – everything is freshly prepared and pairs perfectly with the wine.
Address: Schillstraße 12, 50733 Cologne
Opening hours: daily from 12 pm to midnight
Gernot’s is a real institution in Nippes. With its lovely terrace, it really feels like you’re on holiday here – especially in the summer. The menu features salads and snacks like bruschetta, as well as fresh lemon linguine or pasta with prawns in a white wine sauce. There are also hearty classics like schnitzel or burgers for when you’re really hungry.
On top of that, there’s a sweet selection of cakes, specialty coffees and desserts like zabaione or affogato to round off that dolce vita feeling.
Address: Mauenheimer Straße 32, 50733 Cologne
Opening hours: from Monday to Thursday from 5 pm, from Friday to Saturday from 3 pm, on Sundays from 12 pm
Clocking off outdoors and at markets
Right next to the Eigelsteintor is Ebertplatz – a square that’s currently undergoing a real transformation. Alongside small galleries, there are regular open-air events such as flea markets and karaoke events – and right in the middle of the square you’ll find the cute container café “Ebi”.
With relaxed beer garden vibes, a view of the fountain and cold drinks, the container is the perfect place for an after-work beer in summer. There are also small snacks like Flammkuchen to go.
Important to know: It’s only open in good weather – so be sure to check before you go!
Address: Ebertplatz, 50668 Cologne
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday, 3 pm to 11 pm, on Saturdays from 2 pm to 11 pm, on Sundays from 2 pm to 10 pm
At Dank Augusta, you’ll quickly forget you’re still in Cologne. This garden restaurant is located on the southern terrace of Cologne’s Flora botanical garden. Surrounded by greenery, you can relax here with a glass of wine or lemonade, or treat yourself to a cozy picnic. You can get a picnic bag – packed full of treats that you put together yourself – directly at the bar.
Address: Am Botanischen Garten 1a, 50735 Cologne
Opening hours: from Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 6 pm
On Thursday evenings, Rudolfplatz transforms into a lively market square. Even though many people still miss the old “Meet & Eat,” the square is coming back to life. On April 30, the MarktTreff at Rudolfplatz kicked off. It now focusses on classic weekly market stalls with fruit, vegetables, baked goods and more. But you’ll still find street food spots with Brazilian, Filipino and Italian cuisine.
The mix of grocery shopping, tasty street food and relaxed after-work atmosphere means your evening here is almost guaranteed to run a little longer. And who knows – maybe that beloved “Meet & Eat”-feeling will be back sooner than you think.
Address: Rudolfplatz, 50674 Cologne
Opening hours: every Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm
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