"Drinking a Kölsch is more than just drinking a beer: it´s like drinking an entire culture." (NYT, 5/07)
Search
The historic Farina-house is situated opposite the Town Hall. In the world's oldest fragrance factory you can see where the fascinating history of Eau de Cologne and modern fragrances began. 
Beach Clubs
Cologne’s beach clubs woo visitors on balmy summer evenings for a holiday feeling with stunning views of the Cathedral.
Km 689 – Cologne Beach Club
Stunning views of the Cathedral on the opposite bank of the Rhine are thrown in for free at Cologne Beach Club at Tanzbrunnen. Add to this a fascinating mix of Northern sophistication and Mediterranean ambience while making yourself comfortable on beach loungers, Spanish designer furniture and hammocks. The small beach huts have everything you need for a relaxing day. (Photo: Rhein Connection GmbH)
Further information: www.km689.rhein-terrassen.de / map
Blackfoot Beach at Fühlinger Lake
Blackfoot Beach at Fühlinger Lake offers visitors more than 3000 tons of sand on an area of around 10,000m². Entry costs €4 (adults) or €3 (children up to 15; younger children €1) and gives you access to the beach where you can relax and enjoy the feeling of the sun on your skin or jump into the lake to cool off. In addition, there is a high rope course, diving and canoeing, bars, and a restaurant: all of this provides for a perfect mini-break!
Further information: www.blackfoot-beach.de / map
Poll Beach Bar
Set out on a huge area of fine white sand, visitors to Poll Beach Bar can relax and unwind on beach chairs, canopy beds, canopied chairs, in the lounge or simply on the sand. Sports lovers can play beach volleyball, beach football and other beach sports, and then dip their feet in the pool to cool off.
Further information: www.poller-strandbar.de / map
Sundown Beach at Escher Lake
Make your South Pacific dreams come true with 5000 tons of white sand, real palm trees, and a whole armada of sunbeds and canopied beach chairs. Three beach bars and a Mediterranean restaurant offer guests chilled drinks and exotic food to keep spirits high. Open from 10.00 to midnight, entry €4.00.
Further information: www.sundownbeach.de / map
Playa in Cologne
The start of the summer sees a hive of sporting activity right on the doorstep of the Müngersdorfer Stadium. The renovated Playa has a huge amount to offer beach sports fans: in addition to the old favourite beach volleyball, visitors can also play beach handball, beach soccer, beach rugby or beach tennis. And if you’re swept off your feet by so much activity – no worries, you’ll land softly on the fine sand.
Further information: www.playa.de / map
Beach Club at Otto-Maigler Lake
Sun lovers and starry sky romantics can leave all their cares behind in the Mediterranean ambience of the beach club. Nestled on white quartz sand, relax in comfy chairs and deck chairs, cosy sofas and beds, and enjoy the feeling of being in an exotic living room. If it’s action you’re looking for, jump in the beach pool or show off your skills at Beachvolleyball & Co. Finally, treat yourself to some sustenance in the Mediterranean and Asian kitchen.
Further information: www.oms-beachclub.de
Find out more: Eat and drink
The Kölsch beer is a specially beer only brewed in Cologne. It's a light ale und is served in the traditional 0.2 litre Kölsch glasses which are tall and cylindrical. more
The typical brewhouse cuisine: Drinking "Kölsch" an eating "Himmel un Ääd" (Heaven and earth). Here are some local specialities you can eat in Cologne. more
