Rheinauhafen Cologne

Veedel or business district?

Julia from Cologne

"Rheinauhafen is Cologne’s bold mix of old and new — striking architecture, riverside views, and a spot to walk, eat, or just watch the ships pass."

Opinions are divided regarding one of Cologne's last gentrified city districts, which is undoubtedly the most prominent one, since it has spectacularly affected Cologne's skyline as seen from the right bank of the Rhine.

Friends of mine have had the chance to live in Halle 12 (an old warehouse transformed into a modern residential building) for almost two years, and during that time, I have often been in the area. I must confess: I do like it - mainly because I'm fascinated by the conversion of industrially used docklands to a modern city district with an impressive combination of old and new architecture.

However, I doubt that living here feels like living in a common Veedel (neighborhood). On sunny weekends, you observe masses of walkers, bladers and cyclists along the riverside promenade, whereas during weekdays after business hours, the area is quite deserted, perhaps except for the square close to Ubierring (where the tram stops).

Here you find two nice restaurants: Bona'me, an easy-going spot with good Kurdisch/Turkish food, and the Greek Limani specialized in great seafood, mezedes and wines. There is another restaurant Josephs, which I really like regarding its food and interior design (it's located in an old silo), but you should be aware that prices in Rheinauhafen are higher than in the nearby Südstadt.

For a cheaper snack, go to the local bakery or to one of the two coffee places, take away your coffee, cake or sandwich and find a seat with a view of the river to watch the ships passing by.

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Cologne Spotter Julia

About me I am a geographer and city-addict! Whenever I go on holiday, my destination is a city. From time to time I long for hiking in the countryside, but I always feel relieved to be back in an urban environment. Cologne is the city where I was born and raised and after my studies, and some experience abroad (in France and Brazil), I came back and settled down here. Now I am quite sure, that I won’t leave anymore. I am working as a freelance journalist and editor specialized in urban development in the area of International Development Cooperation, and I have ...

About this spot

Anna Schneider-Steig, Agrippina Werft

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no-price

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Dec 5, 2025

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