Discover our locals' 138 hidden gems in Cologne
Los geht's! Join us to explore Cologne's hidden treasures with Spotted by Locals! From secret breweries in Ehrenfeld to quaint corners in the Belgisches Viertel, our Spotters share their favourite spots, helping you experience the city's true character.
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Things to do in Cologne
Südstadion Flea Market
Trash or treasures
"Südstadion flea market" Cologne is the market I like most. It is only once a month, on the first Sunday. But maybe that's what makes it special.
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Massimo
My favorite Italian rosticceria
"Massimo" Cologne is an Italian rosticceria that is unique! I love their plain Italian home cooking and the quirky interior and the very welcoming staff...
by
Julia
Krakau
Café Jakubowski
A real gem
"Café Jakubowsk" in Mülheim Cologne is probably the first spot I discovered in the field of gastronomy. I love their all day breakfasts and Sunday roast!
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
The Coffee Gang
Slow coffee
"The Coffee Gang" Cologne is not only a stylish and cool coffee place but also a really likable one. Definitely try the freshly brewed filter coffee.
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Gelateria Köln Süd
High quality Italian ice cream
"Gelateria Köln Süd" has the best ice cream in Cologne. As we have no winter, I've had the chance to try all organic and homemade flavors many, many times.
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Habibi
Fresh falafel
"Habibi" offers everything you would call Lebanese "street food" today. Here my friends and I first went out for dinner. The falafel and hummus are great!
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Lu
Vietnamese cuisine
"Lu" Cologne is a Vietnamese restaurant. Their portions are big, their ingredients healthy and fresh and it's about 5 min. on foot from my home!
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Miss Päpki
THE café
"Miss Päpki" in Cologne is definitely a stereotype cafe. It reminds me very strongly of an old royal English tea house, but it's made with lots of passion.
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Café Rotkehlchen
Feels like home
"Café Rotkehlchen" Cologne is my favorite super cosy cafe where you can easily feel at home and relax from a hectic day of shopping on the Venloer Straße.
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
Cafecafe
Smoothies, salads and soups
"Cafecafe" Cologne was the first café I worked at after high school, which was about ten years ago. They have a wide range of dishes for breakfast or lunch
by
Gol
Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie
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138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!
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We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.
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We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.
Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.
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