Julia Krakau

Cologne

Spotter since 2016

About me

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 always felt very lucky to combine my personal interests (cities!) with my professional topics.

Besides that, I have three kids and I love photography, architecture, travelling and many things more.

As a Spotter for Spotted by Locals I’ve noticed that I get a new perspective on my city. I become more attentive to the little details wayside and I wonder if my favourite café around the corner could be a highlight of someone’s stay in Cologne. I feel very happy to be part of the Spotters community and to share my insider’s tips as I am completely convinced that locals know their cities better!

Why Cologne?
Natives from Cologne love their city by nature. I admit though that there are many cities in the world which are more romantic, beautiful and picturesque. But Cologne is really a great place to be!

Most people here are kind and open-minded and so is the vibe in our city.

Off the beaten tourist tracks around the cathedral “Kölner Dom”, Cologne is rich with pleasant neighbourhoods and interesting spots which are worth being discovered.

My spots (32)

Köski Cologne

Köski

Τhe "royal" Büdchen

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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Coffee & tea
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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Julia

Krakau

Apr 19, 2025

Büdchen am Nikolausplatz

A personal story

"Büdchen am Nikolausplatz" is the Büdchen I work at in Cologne. That's right - I'm selling sweets, ice-cream and coffee, and I couldn't be happier!

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea

by

Julia

Krakau

Apr 18, 2025
NOGALLERY Cologne

NOGALLERY

3D Typography

"NOGALLERY" is a small souvenir shop/gallery in Cologne that makes its own delicate laser cut words, phrases, graphics and even skylines. Beautiful!

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Shopping

by

Julia

Krakau

Apr 12, 2025

Funkhaus

Meeting place for journalists

"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...

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

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Julia

Krakau

Apr 12, 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

by

Julia

Krakau

Apr 9, 2025
Eisenwaren Edmund Bosen Cologne

Eisenwaren Edmund Bosen

Time has stood still

"Eisenwaren Edmund Bosen" in Cologne is a small hardware shop that's been closed since 1998. Look through the window at a world frozen in time...

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Art & culture

by

Julia

Krakau

Apr 9, 2025
Johannes XXIII Cologne

Johannes XXIII

A brutalist gem!

"Johannes XXIII" church is one of the most outstanding sacred buildings in Cologne! I live just around the corner and often come here to admire it...

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Art & culture

by

Julia

Krakau

Apr 9, 2025
Weisshaus-Kino Cologne

Weisshaus-Kino

Neighborhood cinema

"Weisshaus-Kino" is one of the 14 surviving cinemas in Cologne that existed in the '50s. I especially like its old-school entrance hall and hallway...

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Bars
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Cinema

by

Julia

Krakau

Apr 9, 2025

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