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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City guides by those who know Cologne best!

Travel Guides by these Cologne Locals!

Our Cologne Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Cologne like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Cologne through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Cologne

Check out our latest hidden gems in Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Südstadion Flea Market 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.

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Shopping

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
Massimo Cologne

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...

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Bars
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Restaurants

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Julia

Krakau

Jun 9, 2025
Café Jakubowski Cologne

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!

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
The Coffee Gang Cologne

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.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025

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.

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Snacks

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
Habibi Cologne

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!

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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
Lu Cologne

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!

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Restaurants

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
Bäckerei Zimmermann Cologne

Bäckerei Zimmermann

Authentic German bread

"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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Shopping
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Snacks

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
Apostelnmarkt Cologne

Apostelnmarkt

Weekly foodmarket

"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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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
Miss Päpki Cologne

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.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025

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.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025
Cafecafe Cologne

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

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Gol

Ebrahimpour-Mirzaie

Jun 9, 2025

Heading to Cologne?

138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Cologne?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

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!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

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.

Responsible Travel

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?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

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.

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