The Best Place to Shop in Cologne (Köln), The Rhineland

Background Illustration for Shopping

A good shopping loop begins at the Neumarkt Galerie. From there, head down the charmless but practical pedestrian shopping zone of the Schildergasse. From Schildergasse, go north on Herzogstrasse to arrive at Glockengasse. A block north is Breite Strasse, another pedestrian shopping street. At the end of Breite Strasse is Ehrenstrasse, where the young and young-at-heart can shop for hip fashions and trendy housewares. After a poke around here, explore the small boutiques on Benesisstrasse, which will lead you to Mittelstrasse, best known for high-tone German fashions and luxury goods. Follow Mittelstrasse to the end to return to the Neumarkt. For some of the city's coolest shopping, head a few blocks farther west to the Belgian Quarter, where you'll find a hodgepodge of indie fashion designers, concept shops, and secondhand stores.

Durfthaus 4711

Innenstadt

The original "eau de Cologne" was first produced in the city in the early 18th century from an Italian formula. It's made from a secret formula and aged in oak barrels. The most famous cologne is 4711, which derives its name from the firm's address. The building itself is equipped with a carillon, a museum, a "fragrance fountain," and (naturally) a gift shop. The scent, primarily derived from citrus, rosemary, and lavender, may seem old-fashioned to some, but it comes in an elegant bottle with a turquoise-and-gilt label, and makes a nice souvenir.

Glockeng. 4, Cologne, 50667, Germany
0221-2709–9910

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