Cologne - The many faces of a city
When one wanders through the summery flushed inner city with the double towered land mark of the city, it seems the Cathedral is from another world. Dark and almost threatening, it breathes traces of the previous centuries. Nowhere else is the symbiosis between past and present so clearly visible as here.
Despite its size, Cologne can be seen as a comfortable city one is reminded of how things used to be without neglecting the view ahead. The Rhinelanders sceptically eye something new and first examine it with great detail until they form an opinion themselves. Sometimes, it takes a little while, until the revelations are achieved, but one still sees here the customary casualness "Everything will be OK".
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And also the homo-scene follows this formula: the old dichotomy remains, between the old city, where between Heumarkt and Mühlenbach the fetish and bear scene meet, and the colourful mixed scene folk in the Bermuda Triangle in the inner city exist. Still, both parts of the community always look out for new ideas.
Also, outside of the two main gay areas there is always something new to discover on each weekend of the month. The general rule is: the further from the city centre, the more alternative the party concept. So, the trip is well worth it.
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But also during the day one has a few things to do. Whoever would like to get to know the city in the gay and lesbian sense should seriously consider a guided tour from the Centre of Gay History, who organise such tours in the historical homo-city of Cologne. Whoever is more inclined for a little shopping, then Ehrenstrasse is exactly what you need. From clothes to decorations to books and sound equipment, everything is here on this street for all price levels. A little more expensive, but somewhat more exclusive is Mittelstrasse between Rudolfplatz and Neumarkt. Whoever is afraid to take in all this luxury can be warmly rewarded with Cologne's biggest pedestrian zone on the Hohe Strasse, Schildergasse and Breitestrasse. Cologne's longest shopping street extends over many kilometres between the Cathedral and Neumarkt.
If your feet really hurt after such a strenuous stroll, then it is finally time for a well earned afternoon coffee. Luckily, between the Cathedral and the City Boulevard, there are numerous possibilities. That would include Kettengasse with its diverse cafes. Also in question would be Gloria in Apostelnstrasse. While during the day one can peacefully enjoy their coffee, the doors of the large hall are opened evenings, where different parties take place.
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Still, when the evening draws closer, one should slowly but surely decide where they would like to continue on. Helpful here would be a look into the free, widely distributed scene magazines, for example the RIK magazine, now running for over 20 years. Here one obtains information about where one can best spend their evening. In case of doubt, it doesn't hurt to grab hold of a local. All over, the Rhinelanders are known for their open, hospitable nature.