11 Activities
Belgian Quarter: Exploring the Trendy Corner of Cologne
Starts from
Düsseldorf
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
11
Duration
11 hrs 30 min
Length
33 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Düsseldorf
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hrs 30 min
Length
33 mi
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
- Active Leisure
Jon Glavinas
Travel Expert
- Stroll through a nature reserve and keep your eyes out for the exotic wildlife.
- Share a beer and nature with the Belgian Quarter locals at a beer garden and lake full of atmosphere.
- Pass through the quaint town of Bergisch Gladbach, full of stunning buildings for dinner.
Cologne is a large city, but its Belgian Quarter has helped turn it into what it is nowadays – one of the collect spots in West Germany – and this section of the city is entirely manageable to explore in just a day's route.
On this route, you'll live like a Belgian Quarter local with lunch at a retro café, a stroll down the quirky shopping streets, drink a beer at a beer garden that sprawls down the road and under the trees and to a local lake park to feel the fresh air and good vibes on your skin. It's a significant part of the alternative and modern culture that has become ripe in Cologne.
On the way, you'll see some breathtaking natural scenery and spot some animals in the wild. Also, the city's main attraction will not go unnoticed. After lunch with locals, you'll explore a busy hangout and the central square of the Quarter before making time for a beer garden and a chill by the lake. You'll leave Cologne in late afternoon to head to a nearby town of Bergisch Gladbach.
Here, you'll visit the building of one of the most stunning hotels in Europe and have a delicious, quality and nourishing meal before heading back.
On this route, you'll live like a Belgian Quarter local with lunch at a retro café, a stroll down the quirky shopping streets, drink a beer at a beer garden that sprawls down the road and under the trees and to a local lake park to feel the fresh air and good vibes on your skin. It's a significant part of the alternative and modern culture that has become ripe in Cologne.
On the way, you'll see some breathtaking natural scenery and spot some animals in the wild. Also, the city's main attraction will not go unnoticed. After lunch with locals, you'll explore a busy hangout and the central square of the Quarter before making time for a beer garden and a chill by the lake. You'll leave Cologne in late afternoon to head to a nearby town of Bergisch Gladbach.
Here, you'll visit the building of one of the most stunning hotels in Europe and have a delicious, quality and nourishing meal before heading back.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
- Active Leisure
Cologne is a large city, but its Belgian Quarter has helped turn it into what it is nowadays – one of the collect spots in West Germany – and this section of the city is entirely manageable to explore in just a day's route.
On this route, you'll live like a Belgian Quarter local with lunch at a retro café, a stroll down the quirky shopping streets, drink a beer at a beer garden that sprawls down the road and under the trees and to a local lake park to feel the fresh air and good vibes on your skin. It's a significant part of the alternative and modern culture that has become ripe in Cologne.
On the way, you'll see some breathtaking natural scenery and spot some animals in the wild. Also, the city's main attraction will not go unnoticed. After lunch with locals, you'll explore a busy hangout and the central square of the Quarter before making time for a beer garden and a chill by the lake. You'll leave Cologne in late afternoon to head to a nearby town of Bergisch Gladbach.
Here, you'll visit the building of one of the most stunning hotels in Europe and have a delicious, quality and nourishing meal before heading back.
On this route, you'll live like a Belgian Quarter local with lunch at a retro café, a stroll down the quirky shopping streets, drink a beer at a beer garden that sprawls down the road and under the trees and to a local lake park to feel the fresh air and good vibes on your skin. It's a significant part of the alternative and modern culture that has become ripe in Cologne.
On the way, you'll see some breathtaking natural scenery and spot some animals in the wild. Also, the city's main attraction will not go unnoticed. After lunch with locals, you'll explore a busy hangout and the central square of the Quarter before making time for a beer garden and a chill by the lake. You'll leave Cologne in late afternoon to head to a nearby town of Bergisch Gladbach.
Here, you'll visit the building of one of the most stunning hotels in Europe and have a delicious, quality and nourishing meal before heading back.
Jon Glavinas
Travel Expert
- Stroll through a nature reserve and keep your eyes out for the exotic wildlife.
- Share a beer and nature with the Belgian Quarter locals at a beer garden and lake full of atmosphere.
- Pass through the quaint town of Bergisch Gladbach, full of stunning buildings for dinner.
Day Itinerary
11 Activities
Day 1
30 mi2 mi
Cologne's Belgian Quarter: A World of Culture in a Day
You take a trip to Cologne to make a visit to its Belgian Quarter for a great day out – and it's one of the coolest places in Western Europe.
This one-day trip is to get even more culture and explore Cologne's most relaxed area, as well as a few other attractions around the city!
This one-day trip is to get even more culture and explore Cologne's most relaxed area, as well as a few other attractions around the city!
09:301 hr
Tannenbusch Zoo
On the way to Cologne, stretch your legs at the wildlife park Tannenbusch which hosts a natural precinct, a zoo, play areas and many walking trials. Spend some time walking around and keep your eyes peeled for the wild boars, bison, pigs, waterfowl and many colourful birds.
14.7 mi
30 min
11:005 min
Car Park
Before exploring the Belgian Quarter, look into the heart of the city and stroll through the Cologne streets. You'll see 19th century Gothic ornaments next to the magnificent Cathedral and walk through the city's main shopping streets.
0.3 mi
5 min
11:151 hr 30 min
Kreuzblume
Kreuzblume is an eclectic gothic style ornament, located next to the stunning Cologne Cathedral. It is a replica of the iconic spire of Cologne Cathedral, constructed in the 19th century in precise adherence to the original size and shape. The monument stands as a tribute to Gothic architecture and its impressive craftsmanship.
Its location also marks the top of Hohe Street, which is perfect for strolling and absorbing the atmosphere of one of the Cologne's main shopping boulevards. The street encourages you to walk slow and linear as you discover lots of curious-looking cafés, unique stores and trendy items for sale.
Visit this place to compare the atmosphere of two different districts of Cologne. You can spend some time between the ornament and the strolling, and then hop back in the car to drive to the Belgian Quarter for lunch.
Its location also marks the top of Hohe Street, which is perfect for strolling and absorbing the atmosphere of one of the Cologne's main shopping boulevards. The street encourages you to walk slow and linear as you discover lots of curious-looking cafés, unique stores and trendy items for sale.
Visit this place to compare the atmosphere of two different districts of Cologne. You can spend some time between the ornament and the strolling, and then hop back in the car to drive to the Belgian Quarter for lunch.
1.5 mi
10 min
13:005 min
Car Park
It's time to explore the Belgian Quarter. But before you begin your long walk through the fashionable, artistic and architectural sites, have a delicious lunch at the local café.
0.2 mi
5 min
13:101 hr
Hallmackenreuther
Lunchtime! Eat like a Belgian Quarter resident in a local favourite – Halmackenruether. This place really encompasses the vibe of the area. The interior is decorated in a retro, art-deco fit-out, serving German comfort food in a relaxed setting.
What's even better about the lunch spot is that it's located in the centre of Brussels Square, or Brusseler Platz, which is a hot spot for the laid-back scenesters of this part of the city to hang out and meet for a drink.
What's even better about the lunch spot is that it's located in the centre of Brussels Square, or Brusseler Platz, which is a hot spot for the laid-back scenesters of this part of the city to hang out and meet for a drink.
0.1 mi
5 min
14:1545 min
Saint Michael Church
After lunch, check out the neo-romantic church of St. Michael. This grand building was designed by Eduard Endler as industrialization and urban expansion took off in 1881.
And then spend some time walking around the square and the streets that trail away from it to experience the focal point of the Belgian Quarter.
And then spend some time walking around the square and the streets that trail away from it to experience the focal point of the Belgian Quarter.
0.1 mi
5 min
15:151 hr
Cologne's Belgian Quarter
Explore the vibrant, creative hub of Cologne and uncover a trove of hidden gems. The Belgian Quarter is where fashionistas flock to find high-quality off-mainstream designer labels housed in historic buildings for an unforgettable shopping experience. Explore unique jewellery handcrafted by local artisans, or have custom pieces tailored just for you!
Or stroll around the artsy part of the neighbourhood, and you'll feel like a Bohemian spirit yourself! Explore an array of vibrant murals, stencil artworks, galleries galore - with plenty dedicated to urban art. If shopping isn't your thing, you can visit one of the local galleries.
Or stroll around the artsy part of the neighbourhood, and you'll feel like a Bohemian spirit yourself! Explore an array of vibrant murals, stencil artworks, galleries galore - with plenty dedicated to urban art. If shopping isn't your thing, you can visit one of the local galleries.
0.6 mi
15 min
16:301 hr
Biergarten Rathenauplatz Veedelstreff
Rathenauplatz is the epitome of German beer garden culture. It hosts tables upon tables cast along the front of the bar and throughout the street. Tables perched under trees and patrons filled with beer create an atmosphere like little else, and joining in is a perfect excuse to stop for a drink before your next stop.
0.6 mi
15 min
17:4545 min
Aachen Pond
Aachen Pond is a pond in the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park where citizens gather to catch up, cool down and practise their hobbies. Again, this spark is filled with a fun and carefree atmosphere that becomes contagious and is a great way to say goodbye to the fabulous Belgian Quarter of Cologne before dinner.
0.7 mi
15 min
18:455 min
Car Park
After soaking up the serenity of the pond and exploring the Belgian Quarter, head back to the car to continue your trip.
14.2 mi
30 min
19:302 hrs
Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg
You will also get a chance to see Bergisch Gladbach too – a quaint and stunning little village town between Cologne and Bonn. The town doesn't have much of a centre, so you'll drive to two spots that showcase the beautiful buildings and the quaint feel of the town, starting with a visit to the exquisite Althoff Grand Hotel, located in the castle.
Here you can just stroll around, enjoy the stunning views and take some memorable photos, dine at the hotel restaurant, or book spa treatments to fill your trip with the best possible and most pleasant experiences.
This is a phenomenal building that looks like it belongs to a royal family, and while this is just a day trip, you can set your sights on a stay here in the future if it captivates you the way it does for many.
Here you can just stroll around, enjoy the stunning views and take some memorable photos, dine at the hotel restaurant, or book spa treatments to fill your trip with the best possible and most pleasant experiences.
This is a phenomenal building that looks like it belongs to a royal family, and while this is just a day trip, you can set your sights on a stay here in the future if it captivates you the way it does for many.