What is a German stereotype: in most of the world one word describes Germans “efficient”, which is certainly true. They are well known for the best cars, good beer, socks & sandals, reserve sun lounges with towels and so forth… — let’s not dig too deep. In my opinion I would describe them closed-minded, cold, stingy, keen and very strict/formal people but everywhere apart from Cologne.
Cologne is where the Rhine separates the city into the right and left bank. But I’ll leave it up to you to find out which side is trendy and which one is notorious.
How to get there ?
The easiest way to get around is by public transportation. Wandering around to explore the city sights can be easily done by foot, bike rental or Auto Rickshaw. I recommend the KVB app for transportation lines + schedule.
The local hotpots of Cologne
Cologne Carnival
The yearly carnival party on 11. November in Cologne is just a very unique experience. It’s the day when the carnival season gets officially opened and the city booms. This carnival spirit holds on until the crazy parties towards the end of February. The fancy dress street parties and parades then continues five days in a row you until Aschermittwoch. The participants of the parade throw sweets into the audience, which is awesome.
Discover Cologne city
It’s a romantic city where people come from all around the world to lock their love, visit the sights within the beautiful historic old town.
Running the marathon
The Cologne marathon was a very beautiful thing to do because its a beautiful course, a lot of people are there to support and the finisher line by the Dom is just incredible. I actually ran with the backpack and my very good friend Lukas.
TW CRAZINESS
During carnival time it was the whole of Cologne city too and not only me that went crazy but as most of the times I did something again. Not so spectacular but hanging myself out of the window in the third floor.
I TRAVEL FOREVER’s VIEW & RECOMMENDATION
I was fortunate enough to be able to join a friends house party in the city centre, where we celebrated the countdown with a lot of drinks and even drunk “Eierlikör” from the egg shells. It was a student flat and both apartments had a shared party. So I would probably recommend to arrive a couple of days early and try to make friends with one of the locals, maybe Couchsurfing can help, in order to experience it the local way. If that doesn’t work out the other option would be to celebrate the party and the official countdown at Heumarkt in the city centre. Probably the place to be. Arriving early helps to get a good view.
Don’t miss out on crazy carnival parties and outgoing Germans in Cologne.
#TW
Recommended accommodation / restaurants
