I recently rediscovered Cologne's botanical garden. What I found boring as a kid nowadays seems like a perfect place for me: a beautiful park with fountains and flowerbeds, tropical glasshouses and fancy trees and plants. Have you ever expected an alley of palm trees in Cologne?
I like beautiful spots that have the opportunity to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. And thankfully there is a wonderful café at the west wing of the "Flora", the most prestigious building in the park. Dank Augusta is a small kiosk located on a huge terrace which can provide you with everything you need for a great picnic: choose your drinks, your salad, your cake, and the friendly staff will hand you out a picnic basket with your delicacies. Then you just have to pick a seat: perhaps at one of the bigger picnic tables or at a romantic spot for two overlooking the gardens.
By the way, the café's name "Dank Augusta" means "Thanks to Augusta". In the middle of the 19th century, Augusta was married to the German Emperor William I. She had a reputation for being very liberal and self-confident and when she took over the patronage of the botanical gardens she wanted it to be open to all citizens, regardless of their social class - something that was not self-evident at the time. A bust in the garden of the flora is still reminiscent of Augusta. Why don't you try to find it?
Find your way with 140 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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.
by
"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
"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
"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
"Apostelnmarkt" in Cologne is definitely an absolute gourmet foods farmer's market. I never come here with the goal of finding a quick bargain...
by
"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
"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
"Asien Shop Albertusstraße" Cologne brings me back to my childhood with its smells of spices, but the highlight is the Thai and Indonesian lunch table.
by
140 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 140 Insider Tips