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 139 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
My favorite breads from Ährensache Biobäckerei are the Überraschungsbrot (literally the “surprise bread”) and the vegan Dinkel-Kamut Hefebrot Mohn.
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At Alte Metzgerei the burgers and burritos are made from regional products and contain a 150g homemade patty made from 100% responsibly raised beef.
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o.k.-international was founded in 1997 and there you will find objects from everyday life that Lukas Plum found abroad (e.g. in Cambodia or Turkmenistan).
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Bai Lu Noodles dishes can be quite spicy, but you can ask for milder versions, and they offer hot pots with homemade noodles or dumplings.
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"Le'zzet" in Chorweiler, Cologne offers amazing Turkish breakfast! It always takes me to another world...
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Chennai Chef may look modest, but it serves some of the best South Indian food in Cologne. Don’t miss the Mysore Masala Dosa and cumin lassi combo!
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"I Siciliani" in Cologne is an authentic place that'll remind you of Italy & Sicily - but the reason I come back on a regular basis are the tasty arancini!
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"Pizzeria Totò e Peppino" in Cologne is for you if you like delicious Neapolitan pizza, 'pizza bianca' or even fried pizza, the classic Naples specialty...
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"Kalscheurer Weiher" Cologne is a pond with a boat rental and a small kiosk in Cologne's outer green belt. For me, this place feels so down-to-earth...
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The atmosphere is both minimalist and warm, and there is a good selection of drinks and pastries such as tartelettes, carrot cake and cinnamon buns.
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The Impact Café is a cosy café where you can enjoy pastries such as cinnamon rolls, not-too-sweet hot chocolate, homemade iced teas and, of course, coffee.
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Köski in Cologne is a real gem. Charlotte has taken this Büdchen, or kiosk, and made it into something else. I want to buy something every time I visit.
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139 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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