Cologne from A to Z

June 25 2013

by Oscar Héliani / TÊTU

A for Altstadt
Located on the left bank of the Rhine, not far from the cathedral, this historic center, recognizable by its narrow streets, was completely destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War. The houses have been rebuilt identically and have an undeniable charm of the past. Beware of the tourists!

B for Bear
The European capital of hair, Cologne hosts the Bear Pride every last weekend in November. This event sees bears and their admirers from all over the world flock there. Several establishments in the capital proudly display the bear paw flag. The very popular Cox Bar is run by a local figure, Darko. darko is also a DJ and is behind the Cockpit party, which caters to hairy and overweight fans. He also plays at the famous Greenkomm after party, every first Sunday of the month.

C for Cruising
Several establishments offer isolated spaces for naughty games, such as Boners or Station 2B. The best is the Babylon sauna (formerly Badehaus). Its outdoor swimming pool, its countless cabins, its labyrinth, its large Jacuzzi and its convivial space with light catering make it an obligatory stop on the itinerary of a tourist in search of moist carnal adventure

M for museums
Chocolate Museum: housed in an ultra-modern building on the banks of the Rhine, this museum evokes the various techniques used to transform cocoa beans into crunchy, crunchy little treats. The museum store is a delight. In addition, a café with large windows invites you to contemplate the river rides. Museum admission: 7.50 euros.
Museum Ludwig: this museum of contemporary art is located behind the Dom, in which the works of art have plenty of space. The major artists of the 20th century are represented here: the Delaunays, Robert and Sonia, rub shoulders with Nikki de Saint-Phalle and Francis Bacon; sketches by Louise Bourgeois, blues by Klein, posters by Jacques Villeglé precede the rooms dedicated to Picasso; photographers Cindy Sherman and Gürsky are prominently featured.

O for Opera
TheKölner Oper is located at Offenbach Platz. A coincidence? Not really, since the creator of TheTales of Hoffmann was born in Cologne. The 2010 season is very varied, as we can seeMadameButterfly,Don Carlo, theRing,La Traviata...

Pfor Pride

Photo © ZIK / EXPRESS

The CSD or Christopher Street Day, thepride of Cologne, takes place every year on the first weekend of July and brings together more than 500,000 gays and lesbians and their friends.The political demands are mixed with a desire to party.

R for Catering
Traditional brasseries offer specialties such as pork shank or pickled beef served with cabbage and potato dumplings.Accompany your dish with kölsch, a local lager served in a flute. Our favorite address: Gebr.

For aficionados of trendy places, there is one address and one address only: Fischermann's, a large café installed in a patio under a glass roof, where you can enjoy burgers, salads or club sandwiches. The show is in the room! Finally, Rico, a gay-friendly tea room, is a favorite spot for nerds who come to drink a macchiato or enjoy a Champagnetruffel, a local specialty made of pastry cream, champagne and chocolate.

S is for shopping
A pink corridor leads you to the heart of A Propos, a multi-brand concept store: clothes, candles, photo books, the height of hipness.
Bob 10.5.10. presents a sharp selection of trendy designers (Petar Petrov, Unconditonnal or Ground Zero) as well as magazines and accessories.
Kompakt Record Store is the store of the electro label of the same name which counts stars like Gui Boratto, Superpitcher, Matias Aguayo, Michael Mayer, Jennifer Cardini.
At Zeitgeist Cologne / Design Shop, a small white space on three levels, a good selection of gadgets, books, CDs or limited edition T-shirts. A place for every self-respecting fashionista.

W as in Welcome Card
Created in October 2009, this card gives unlimited access to different means of transport and also allows discounts in certain museums, restaurants or stores. In short, in addition to being very practical, the Köln Welcome Card allows you to save money. Validity: 24 hours. Price: 9 euros (more depending on the geographical area it covers). It can be purchased in some hotels and at the Cologne tourist office, just in front of the cathedral.