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Shopping in Cologne covers pretty much all bases: you’ll find all the main chains here, both international and German, plus a sense of history and remembrance and then a sharp eye that’s looking towards the future. Design, innovation and character are prized possessions in Cologne - and the boutique shops reflect that. The city also has a passion for open air markets – something that only intensifies in the run up to Christmas. The abundant distribution of coffee shops and brauhauses also helps to relieve any potential shopping fatigue.
Markets The most dazzling aspect of the markets in Cologne has to be the Christmas Markets that start sprouting up, drenched in lights, glühwein and festive cheer each year. Christmas markets include the Alter Markt in the Old Town, the Cathedral Markt, the Märchenweihnachtsmarkt or fairy tale Christmas market on Rudolfplatz and the "alternative" market that stocks Moroccan moccasins at Stadtgarten. If you're not in town at Christmas time, though, you can still find outdoor markets to keep you busy. Flea markets regularly sprout up at Alter Markt, while fresh food and veg stalls line Wilhelmsplatz at the weekends. Shopping centres Neumarkt itself is a smart shopping centre based around the Neumarkt Galerie mall. Cologne's pedestrianised Schildergasse is one of Germany's busiest shopping streets lined with national and international brand name outlets. Look out for Renzo Piano's stunning glass flagship building for the Peek & Cloppenburg clothing department store. At Kaufhof Galerie (Cologne's best general department store alongside Karstadt, on Breitestrasse) Schildergasse turns into Hohe Strasse, which hosts a rather depressing street of cheap and cut price outlets. Key areas Most of central Cologne's shops are between Rudolfplatz and the Dom. Off Rudolfplatz, Mittlestrasse, Ehrenstrasse, Pfeilstrasse and Benesissttrasse are home to smart clothes, jewellery, home furnishings and antique boutiques. Ehrenstrasse leads into Breitestrasse, another smart if not so exclusive street, as it heads back towards the Dom. The main shopping street is Schildergasse which runs parallel to Breitestrasse, and leads on from Mittlestrasse via Neumarkt, Hohe Strasse and back to the Dom. Cologne's most famous product is Kölner Wasser (Eau de Cologne) with two shops worth noting. The 4711-Haus at Glockengasse 4711 has the more famous name but the Farina-Haus, opposite the town hall at Obenmarspforten 21, is where Eau de Cologne originated in 1709. It is well worth a visit, both to buy its beautifully packaged products and to visit its small fragrance museum. Germany is one of the world's leading processors of cocoa beans, a fact reflected in the mind-boggling array of top quality chocolates in the shop of the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum. Souvenirs Cologne's most famous product is Kölner Wasser (Eau de Cologne) with two shops worth noting. The 4711-Haus at Glockengasse 4711 is where you'll find the fluid that spread the fame of the city across the world. Eau de Cologne was once the secret of a Carthusian monk before he gave the recipe away as a wedding present back in 1792. The newlyweds took this healing tonic, bottled it and sold it. When the French arrived in 1796, they renumbered the houses to strive for a sense of order. The Eau de Cologne shop was designated 4711 and a global brand was born. Today, you can stock up on both history and the pungent smell in the original shop and even drink from the fountain itself. However, the Farina-Haus, opposite the town hall at Obenmarspforten 21, is where Eau de Cologne originated in 1709. It is well worth a visit, both to buy its beautifully packaged products and to visit its small fragrance museum. Germany is one of the world's leading processors of cocoa beans, a fact reflected in the mind-boggling array of top quality chocolates in the shop of the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum. Shopping hours Shops on Schildergasse and Hohe Strasse are open Monday to Saturday 1000-2000; elsewhere 1000-1800 is the norm. Tax information Refunds are available for those who reside outside the EU, although the rules can be complicated. For help, visit: http://www.taxfreeworldwide.com/lang-en/germany-how-to-shop-tax-free.html |
