I am not usually very fond of churches as I find them cold, but what struck me about St. Aposteln were the frescoes in the three apse ceilings by Hermann Gottfried. These powerful frescoes bring colour and dynamism to the church. St. Aposteln - whose full name in English is the Basilica of the Holy Apostles - is a large Romanesque church dedicated to the 12 Apostles and has 3 organs (concerts are sometimes organised).
Hermann Gottfried was a (glass) painter whose work can be admired in other churches in Cologne: to see some of his paintings, you can visit St. Hubertus or St. Norbert; to see some of his stained glass, you can visit the Great Church of St. Martin, St. Maria Magdalena and Lazarus in the Melaten Cemetery, or St. Ursula.
Nearby is the Peter Heinrichs pipe shop, where Gandalf's pipe was sold the last time I was there. Peter Heinrichs also organises seminars and tastings (e.g. rum and cigar tastings).
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Cologne guide.
"Bona'me" is a Kurdish restaurant in Cologne that means 'our house', and it does look like that. It has a delicious self-service concept with many dishes!
By
"Bei Oma Kleinmann" is one of my favourite restaurants in Cologne. I make sure to go there when I am really hungry, because their Schnitzels are just huge.
By
"Nextbike/KVB-Rad" is a bike sharing system in Cologne that's integrated with KVB, the mass transit system. Just 1€/hour - that's it!
By
"RheinEnergieStadion" in Cologne is the home stadium for FC Köln - I love going there for games with some friends with a bratwurst and a delicious Kölsch!
By
"Music Store" Cologne: only the biggest one in Europe! They don't only have 3-4 guitars - they even have a bistro, because you'll want to stay long here.
By
"Wo ist Tom?" is more than just a great cafe in Cologne. Its food menu is ridiculously extensive, and I love how it also does social work!
By
"Schlosspark Stammheim" in Cologne is a nice quiet park a bit out of town. I come here not only to enjoy the peace, but mostly for the art installations...
By
"Funkhaus" in Cologne is a great idea if you're looking for a pleasant coffee or snack spot away from chain stores. I like the 'WDR' decoration the most...
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
138 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!
✓ 138 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!