Cologne is a fantastic city. Almost destroyed during the Second World War (only the Cologne Cathedral survived), it has been able to rebirth and shine in new, bright colours.
Modern Cologne is a succession of clean streets and broad squares, with many shops and entertainment venues. Many guidebooks suggest that prices in Cologne are slightly higher than the national average. However, Cologne's shops are full of original souvenirs and exciting goods.
What can I buy as a souvenir in Cologne? That's the question every tourist asks, but they often mean: "What can I choose from all this? Kidpassage has compiled a selection of Cologne's most popular and original shopping experiences, especially for its readers.
What to buy in Cologne: the most popular souvenirs
Cologne is a prefect city in terms of shopping, especially souvenir shopping. The architecture of Cologne's ancient buildings and the modern, stylish design of its shops and boutiques are well intertwined here. What kind of souvenirs do you get from Cologne?
1. Cologne eau de toilette
It is the most famous souvenir that travellers bring back from Cologne. Today it comes under two brand names: Kölnisch Wasser and Eau de Cologne by Farina.
The second brand is the original perfume, created in the early 18th century as a deodorant to help control sweating.
It is sold in bottles with bright packaging and a beige label. The first brand, known as No. 4711, came a century later. The bottles range from 4 ml to 1 litre. The original formula of Cologne Eau de Toilette is based on citrus essential oils (grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, orange), bergamot and cedar. The fragrance is unisex and equally suitable for men and women.
2. Clothing and footwear
Cologne has steadily risen to the top of Germany's shopping destinations in recent years. It's no wonder, as some of its districts are labyrinthine mazes of shopping streets lined with boutiques of world-famous clothing and footwear brands for adults and children. These include Schildergasse and Ehrenstrasse. Those on a budget can visit an outlet. There are about 10 in the city.
3. Beer glass
The following discussion will focus on whether you should bring beer from Cologne and, if so, what kind. Here we tell you about the unique glasses Cologne residents use to drink the beverage.
Unlike the rest of the Germans, they do not use the traditional litre Mass mugs, preferring the narrow, tall 200ml Kölner Stange glasses.
They're used as a sign of respect for the local beer and to have time to drink it while it's still cold. Tourists often bring sets back from Cologne, perfect for large groups.
4. Souvenirs of Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the city's most famous and recognisable landmark. It is one of the three tallest churches in the world. While in Cologne, be sure to appreciate the grandeur of the building and then buy yourself a postcard or magnet with its image on it.
Unusual souvenirs
What to buy in Cologne as a gift, apart from the usual souvenirs? The city's shops are ready to meet the demands of even the most discerning customer.
5. Antiques
The antique markets are very popular with the people of Cologne and its many visitors. One of the most famous is the Kölner Stadt Flohmarkt or University Market. It's open on Saturdays and is full of treasures.
Another famous antique market is the Pferderennbahn Parkplatz. It is open from Wednesday to Friday and sells various works of art, musical instruments and antique objects. But the most famous market is the Trödel. It is only open on Saturdays.
6. Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics
Experienced travellers often bring back cosmetics from a trip to Germany. The country is home to the production of many world-renowned cosmetic brands. Dr Hauschka's cosmetics are particularly popular with residents and visitors to Cologne.
Tourists often bring back tubes and jars of face and body creams from Cologne. The factory specialises in producing cosmetics that help regenerate cells and protect against the effects of harmful external factors.
7. A souvenir for rock 'n' roll fans
The Hard Rock Cafe opened in Cologne in 2003. It offers American cuisine with a bar and a grill. But we're talking about something else here. The cafe has a souvenir shop, the Rock Shop, where fans of the music style can buy themselves or their friend's T-shirts, baseball caps, magnets and other themed merchandise.
8. Football symbols
Cologne has two football clubs: Cologne (full name: 1. Fußball-Club Köln) and Fortuna (Sport Club Fortuna Köln). Football shirts, kits, scarves and flags are great gifts for game fans. You can buy the merchandise at the FanShop at Kalker Hauptstraße 55 (FC Köln Shop) or the Fortuna online shop.
9. Knives
35 km from Cologne lies the city with the name most familiar to every homemaker: Solingen.
It is home to the best kitchen knives and other household cutting tools. They are as good as Swiss knives in quality and sometimes surprisingly cheap.
As well as knives, the company also makes razors. Stop by one of the company's shops in Cologne and pick up a gift for your mum, dad or spouse.
Children's presents
What can you buy for your child in Cologne? The city has a wide range of children's goods, so this question would have a different connotation: "What should I choose for my child? How can I not get lost in all this choice?"
10. Toys
According to one popular guidebook, Cologne has around 50 children's toy shops. They offer an assortment to suit all tastes and budgets. The famous Steiff, LEGO Store, Müller, Top Tables and the lesser-known Mona Lieschen, Pattevugel — you can choose toys for all children without exception.
11. New Year and Christmas souvenirs
With the arrival of winter and the most magical holiday of the year, Christmas, Cologne is transformed. Christmas markets spring up all over the city. Christmas decorations, hand-painted candlesticks, traditional gingerbread and a variety of children's souvenirs can be found on the stalls and in the shops.
12. Chocolate
Remember the film about Willy Wonka's chocolate factory? In Cologne, you'll find its prototype — the Chocolate Museum. It's not just an exhibition of antiques in the twilight; it's a sweet tooth's paradise.
There are fascinating guided tours with tastings, unique chocolate sculptures and the chance to be a chocolatier.
You can order chocolates with your favourite combination of fillings from the museum. On the ground floor is the Lindt Company shop, where you can buy gift sets of chocolates, biscuits and sweets for adults and children.
13. A souvenir from the "Mouse Shop"
In 1971 a unique programme called 'Sendung mit der Maus' or 'Mouse Show' was broadcast on German public television. For half an hour, a jolly orange mouse and his friends told young viewers amusing and enlightening stories about serious adult topics in language suitable for children.
The MAUS&MEHR gift shop at Breite Strasse 6 sells postcards, magnets, mugs or soft and porcelain toys with a mouse picture.
14. Musical instruments
Cologne is home to Europe's largest music shop, the four-storey Music Store. If your child is severely interested in music, stop by Istanbulstraße 22-26 and buy your little music lover a professional guitar or drum (such as a Doumbek).
Gastronomic presents from Cologne
Cologne's traditional cuisine is different from your run-of-the-mill restaurant or fast-food joint. Forget them when you come to Cologne, and be prepared for unusual beer and meat restaurants. What can you buy in Cologne as a gift to give your loved ones a taste of the city?
15. Beer
Cologne is a beer lover's paradise. There are 24 breweries in the city! They make different types of beer, but Kolsch is the most famous. It is brewed in almost 30 varieties, including classic, light and non-alcoholic, all with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The beer is brewed using low-temperature fermentation technology, which gives it the status of a larger beer. In 1997, Kölsch was recognised by the EU as a protected regional beer and was brewed according to the rules of the Kölsch Convention.
16. Wine
Cologne lies on the banks of the Rhine, where the Riesling grape has long been (and still is) cultivated. It produces the excellent white wine of the same name.
Rhine wine has a strong aroma, low sugar content and a tart, fruity flavour. The city hosts the Cologne Wine Week every year at the end of May. It is an excellent opportunity to taste wines from German wineries and buy a bottle you like.
17. Flönz (Local Sausage/Salami From Cologne)
Germans are big meat-eaters. The country produces around 1,500 types of meat and sausage products. Cologne is no exception. The most famous local gastronomic delicacy is the Flönz bacon sausage.
You can only buy it in Cologne because it is a patented regional brand, and only Cologne-based companies can make it.
This mild sausage from the Rhineland region consists of lean meat and small pieces of fat.
18. Tea
The Teeladen am Chlodwigplatz is a cosy little shop in Cologne's old town. It specialises in selling teas from all over the world. There is a vast selection, including regular and organic, Lankan black, Chinese green sencha tea with bamboo and popcorn, Indian Darjeeling, jasmine teas and Japanese Keiko. If you're in Cologne, stop by Ubierring 6-8.
We have now decided what gifts one can buy in Cologne. Now all you need to do is buy your tickets, book a hotel in Cologne, plan your itinerary and go shopping for new experiences and souvenirs. If you visit other German cities, check out Kidpassage's article on the most exciting souvenirs from Germany.
