Rebecca is a tour guide at The Kölsch Crew. Here she introduces herself and shares some of her insider tips for your stay in Cologne.
Where are you from?
Originally from Bergisch Gladbach, just outside of Cologne. I have been living in the old town of Cologne since December 2020.
How did you get into doing brewery tours in Cologne?
I was looking for a flexible and varied part-time job and wanted to do something without children besides my job as an educator. Through my internet research, I came across The Kölsch Crew, which immediately caught my attention. One thing led to another.
Why do you like leading people through Cologne's breweries?
I am passionate about the encounters with different people from all over the world. We exchange ideas, get to know each other and have interesting conversations. At the same time, I can share my enthusiasm for Cologne, Carnival and Kölsch, which is incredibly fun!
What makes Cologne special for you?
Definitely the people of Cologne! The positive, helpful, open and friendly nature of the people makes Cologne unique. Additionally, the people here are relaxed and humorous and often have a comment or joke on their lips, which I as a witty person really appreciate. And, what makes communication easy and relaxed: everyone is on a first-name basis.
Where can one meet you for a private Kölsch?
That depends on the occasion and the season. If I want a cozy Kölsch, I can be found at Malzmühle or Peters in the Altstadt. If I'm in the mood for an original pub, I like Ubierschänke and Lotta in the Südstadt. If I'm looking for a student crowd, I prefer Stiefel on Zülpicher Straße or Grünfeld in the Belgian Quarter. If it's warm and sunny, I enjoy Kioskbier (beer to go) on the Rhine River or on the Uniwiesen.
What should you definitely have eaten in Cologne?
Halver Hahn or fried potatoes with fried egg go well for me as a veggie in any brewery! I also recommend in the old town the Rievkoochebud en d'r Salzgass. Recommended international restaurants in addition to the Cologne home cooking are Maison Sen (vietnamesich), Meister Gerhard (tapas), Nonna Napoli (Italian), Buddha's eye (Nepalese / Tibetan) or Fasika (Ethiopian).
What must you have seen (besides the cathedral) in Cologne?
I recommend exploring and experiencing Cologne mainly on foot and away from the tourist spots. My tips:
- walk over the Hohenzollern Bridge onto the 'Schäl Sick' and enjoy the view of Cologne's old town from the Deutzer or Poller Rhine banks
- take a walk through Cologne's Südstadt with its many alternative stores and cafés
- stroll through the Rhine Park to the Rhine cable car and enjoy a gondola ride over the Rhine
- take a walk through the Cologne Flora and (especially in summer) discover the plant diversity
- And above all: experience the Cologne Carnival once!