A Half Day in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter
So you’ve Googled What to do in Cologne and (beyond finding our incredibly helpful list of recommendations and blogs) you keep reading about the Belgian Quarter in Köln. It’s supposed to be hip, lively, stylish and artsy and despite knowing all that your research gives you no idea how to tackle exploring the area. No problem, we’re here to help you out! Here is how we would spend half a day in Cologne’s coolest Veedel, the Belgian Quarter
The Belgian Quarter is a small area to the in the mid-west of Cologne’s center city. Just before the ring, you’ll find a string of streets with names of Belgian city’s like Brussels, Maastrichm, Ghent and Lüttich. The area has become incredibly popular among locals and tourists alike for small outtings, shopping and more. Here’s how we’d spend a half day in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter!
A Half Day in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter!
Written by Mike Clarke, Guide and Hip, Stylish, Cool Guy
Getting there:
The Belgian is very central in the city. Located between Köln West, Rudolfplatz, and Friesenplatz, the area is accessible by lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, and 15. The most central stop may be Moltkestrasse.
EAT!
Regardless of when you’re visiting the Belgian Quarter, plan to have at least one meal there. Start your half day with either breakfast or lunch. You can find the full spectrum of options from cheap to high end to exotic to basic. What you’re looking for is here.
If you’re looking for classic breakfast or brunch, you can’t go wrong with the staples of the Veedel in Herr Pimock, Hallmackenreuther, or Bar Schmitz. These have been there forever and based on how popular they are, they’re not going anywhere.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try Café Buur although be warned about the lines. This place is VERY popular and one look at their menu and you’ll know why. The variety of French Toast alone is staggering,
If lunch is more your thing, you can’t miss. We won’t list everything. Just take a look at the map below for some of the best Asian, Italian, Classic and more in the city.
If you’re looking for a sweet treet after, make sure to grab arguably Cologne’s best Ice Cream from Bar Schmitz or the ice cream of Cologne’s favorite Son, Poldi, from Ice Cream United.
After you’ve filled yourself, you’ve got several ways to pass the time.
Shop on your half day in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter!
If you’re looking for stylish design pieces, unique gifts or food, or fashion, the Belgian Quarter is where you should be spending your time. This neighborhood as unique boutiques, clothing stores and is loaded with best dressed hipsters in Cologne. The fashion and design available here is always very fitting for what is a very fashionable, up-to-date, trendy city. If you want to bring some of that home, here’s where we’d start.
Visit any one of Schee, Hurra, Siebter Himmel, Things We Like or Herbarium for your food, plant, design and souvenir fix.
Hop to Fairfitters (or Fairfitters Basics) for your eco-clothing fix, or Magasin Populaire or Magasin 2 for clothing and accessories.
These aren’t the only shops. There’s plenty to explore so check out record stores, book stores, and more scattered throughout the Veedel on a walk through the streets.
Art!
The Belgian Quarter is full of small art galleries and street art to explore and enjoy. Keep an eye out for Banana’s spray painted on the walls in the Veedel. There are a sign of quality on many of the galleries and museums in Cologne.
This is best to find just through wandering the area!
Drinks!
There are more than a few great bars in the Belgian Quarter where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Here’s a list:
- Little Link,
- Hallmackenreuther
- die Wohngemeinschaft
- Zum Goldenen Schuss
- Alcazar
- Grünfeld
- Zum Knobelbecher
Each of these bars have a different vibe. Check out Zum Goldenen Schuss for a Berlin-style vibe and some great record-spinning DJs (and football when it’s on!). die Wohngemeinschaft is more than just our favorite Hostel. It’s got a kick ass bar and patio area to spend time and relax all year round. Local favorite Alcazar serves maybe our favorite Kölsch.
Again, wander around but don’t drink too much, you have one last thing to do…
Finish off your day with some Kiosk Hopping!
Spend a few hours doing a mix of the above and you’ll get to one of the main highlights of the Quarter: Its Kiosk culture.
Kiosk hopping in Cologne is a big part of Cologne’s Nightlife Culture! Grab a beer at your local convenient store and wander around, exploring a new area. Meeting new people is an essential part of our community’s lifestyle and this is a great way to do it.
This area has some of the most famous kiosks and on nights and weekends, the center square of Brüsseler Platz is a hangout and meeting place for hundreds of locals to start (or end) a night! It is a must do in Cologne.
We’ve even got a whole tour just dedicated to it which is our version of a pub-crawl if you want to see what the life is all about. It’s free tour style and an awesome way to spend a night! Book here!
The Belgian Quarter is a must see in the city. It’s central, beautiful, lively and perfect for a quick afternoon and evening. We’ve got plenty more blog posts with itineraries of Cologne if you want to explore even more of the town. Click here for even more recommendations in the city.
