Orientation
COLOGNE
The Rhein runs north to south through the middle of the city. The historical center is located on the west bank, where a semi-circle of streets, made up of the Hansaring, Hohenzollernring, Hohenstaufenring, Sachsenring, and Ubierring, separates the city’s Altstadt (Old Town, inside the ring) from the Neustadt (New Town, outside the ring). On the other side of the river is Deutz, home to Cologne’s trade fairs.
ALTSTADT-NORD
The northern part of the Old Town is home to the majestic Dom, which sits next door to the Hauptbahnhof, Cologne’s transportation hub. Many of the city’s museums and churches can be found here, rubbing elbows with Western shops and overpriced German brewhouses. Hohe Straße and Schildergasse are the main shopping streets, stretching from the cathedral all the way to the Neumarkt Metro stop. This district is also where you’ll find Eau de Cologne stores, including the famous 4711-Haus.
ALTSTADT-SUD
The southern part of the Old Town begins at roughly the Deutzer bridge. Recent construction along the banks of the Rhein has transformed the formerly defunct Rheinauhaufen (Rhein harbor) into a posh residential area. Cologne’s gay hubs (the Heumarkt area and Rudolfpl.) can be found on the border between the northern and southern sections of the Old Town.
NEUSTADT
Thanks to the presence of the University of Cologne (located in the southwest part of Neustadt), this district has some of Cologne’s most student-friendly restaurants and bars. Zülpicher Platz is the student hub, while the Belgisches Viertel to the northwest has a reputation for trendy stores and bars. Hohenzollernring and the surrounding side streets boast cafes, movie theaters, and nightclubs.