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.
"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.
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"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...
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"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!
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"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.
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"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.
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"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!
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"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!
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"Bäckerei Zimmermann" Cologne is a small heritage bakery in the heart of the city which is family-owned and operating for almost 130 years now.
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"Apostelnmarkt" in Cologne is definitely an absolute gourmet foods farmer's market. I never come here with the goal of finding a quick bargain...
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"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.
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"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.
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"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
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138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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!
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.
By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?
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.
With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.