Follow Katie in Cologne

After Hours is the Planned vs Rogue series where Katie brings you their favourite things the team did when the cameras weren’t rolling.

Benny and I had a truly excellent Planned day in Cologne (and not just in contrast to Benny’s Rogue day). If you haven’t seen the chaos unfold yet, make sure you watch Episode 4: Cologne. Read on to follow my day in the city of senses!

The Schokoladenmuseum Köln

Freshly pressed Lindt chocolate in the Lindt Chocolate Museum, Cologne.

I’ll start off by managing your expectations. This is no Willy’s Chocolate Experience. You can only find THAT in Glasgow. But, Cologne’s very own Lindt Chocolate Museum is a close second.

Walk through the history of chocolate making throughout the centuries until you find yourself where the magic happens. Watch the Lindt Master Chocolatiers (thanks advertising) craft some of the world’s creamiest, most delicious milk chocolate in all different shapes and sizes. When you’re done, stop in the on-site cafe for a hot chocolate before continuing on your sensory journey.

Peter’s Brauhaus

Sinking a few kolsches in Peter’s Brauhaus.

After Benny’s day was sent into a catastrophic tail spin from a rude kolsch waiter, I felt grateful knowing I had booked Peter’s Brauhaus. Not only is it Cologne’s oldest brewery site dating back to 1262, they also proudly boast friendly service and waitstaff. Given the reputation kolsch waiters have, this was an extremely appealing prospect.

Peter’s kolsch is crispy and refreshing. The service is warm and inviting. The location is central. The food is traditional and comforting. Yes, it may be on the more touristy side of Cologne restaurants, but when the alternative is being yelled at and not being able to recover your day… I know what I’m choosing!

Koln Triange

One of many views from the panoramic deck of the Koln Triangle.

You may have noticed by now that I tend to seek the highest view points of the cities we visit. I love the perspective it brings of what we otherwise only see from street level.

Koln Triangle is a bit out of the way, but taking a walk across the bridge to get there is also something just worth doing by itself. Taking in the views from bridges and observation decks may be a simple pleasure, but I feel an important one. It gives time to mentally unwind while being an opportunity to stretch your legs. At over 130m tall, you can see many of Cologne’s impressive architectural feats, including the world’s tallest twin spire cathedral. They also partner with other businesses in the city, including the Philharmonic Orchestra, so you can bundle and save your visit!

Duftmuseum im Farina Haus

An immersive sensory experience awaits you in the Duftmuseum im Farina Haus.

Duftmuseum im Farina Haus is a love letter to the world’s most famous fragrance. The curators and staff are passionate about the history and context around Eau de Cologne - so much so that we were unfortunately forbidden to film our experience in the museum (aside from the gift shop).

Nonetheless, I highly recommend this experience. As someone who went into it with absolutely no idea about cologne or the history of fragrance in general, I left feeling educated and thoroughly entertained. Your host will share rare and exclusive ingredients with you in the basement of the historical building where cologne was invented, and will even send you away with a sample.

Gaffel am Dom

Lucky people about to enjoy a feed and some brews at Gaffel am Dom.

Another historic brewhouse in Cologne, also boasting friendly waitstaff, we were not let down at Gaffel am Dom. Conveniently located right in the heart of the city and looking at to the famous Cologne Dom, it is certainly a tourist hot spot. But to fair, it deserves to be.

The kolsch was crisp, our waiter was friendly and even debunked the mean waiter from Benny’s day who said that real Germans don’t say “wunderbar”. My schnitzel with black pudding was INSANELY good, and Benny’s pickled ham leg basically made him cry it was that good.

I’m not going to sit here and say you MUST plan your trip to Cologne purely because I won. Benny’s day went off the rails, but I don’t blame the city. Just that one mean guy. I’m sure there is heaps of fun to be found without planning your day down to the minute. HOWEVER, planning Cologne has a 100% success rate in my experience, and I encourage you to follow in my footsteps next time you go to the city of scents.