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Cologne Shopping Tour, Cologne

Cologne Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Cologne

Calling the shops, whilst in Cologne, is the thing you definitely should not miss! One of the most popular shopping destinations in Germany, this “cathedral” city abounds in malls, designer stores and various national and international brand outlets fit to impress anyone and let you shop till you drop! Some people even make special trips to Cologne just to stroll and buy things to their heart's content.

The most popular shopping streets – Schildergasse and Hohe Straße (High Street) – are among the most-visited in Germany. Schildergasse's highlight is the Weltstadthaus, which resembles a huge glass whale, inside which there is the Peek & Cloppenburg clothing store. Also lining Schildergasse you will find plenty of other major department stores, such as H&M and Zara, and of course shoe stores.

Walking along this pedestrianised thoroughfare you will reach Neumarkt, home to a smart shopping center based around the Neumarkt Galerie mall. Running from Schildergasse towards Wallrafplatz, near the Dom, is Hohe StraĂźe. Here you can buy just about everything, from fashion to cosmetics to jewelery and electronic equipment; numerous souvenir shops offer Cologne mementos. Galeria Kaufhof (Cologne's best general department store) is also located in Hohe StraĂźe.

Both Schildergasse and Hohe StraĂźe shops are open Monday through Saturday 10:00-20:00; whereas elsewhere 10:00-18:00 is the norm.

In general, shopping in Cologne covers pretty much all bases. Design, innovation and character are prized possessions here - and the local boutiques duly reflect that. If you are planning a holiday trip to Cologne with a bit of shopping in mind, you can visit these locations with the help of our self-guided walking tour and experience the best shopping in this historical city!
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Cologne Shopping Tour Map

Guide Name: Cologne Shopping Tour
Guide Location: Germany » Cologne (See other walking tours in Cologne)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: derek
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Neumarkt Galerie
  • 4711 House of Fragrances
  • Hohe Strasse (High Street)
  • Schildergasse Shopping Street
  • Peek & Cloppenburg Weltstadthaus (Global City Building)
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Neumarkt Galerie

1) Neumarkt Galerie

Cologne is one of the beautiful cities in Germany where you can find an extensive range of museums galleries and shopping centers. If you are an avid shopper, you must not miss a visit to the Neumarkt Galerie on your trip to this city.

This is the largest shopping center in Cologne and the beautiful building features a stunning ten meter artwork that depicts the dropped cone or the upside down ice cream cone. This artwork is the crown of the building and was created by Van Brugge and Oldenburg, two American artists.

Enter the shopping center and you will immediately notice its friendly and pleasant environment. The granite floor is indirectly lit by the light in the ceiling. A striking effect is produced by the dark colored wooden hand rails and the stainless steel and glass structure. There are a total of three floors housing 65 shops in this complex.

At the center of Nenmarkt Galerie, you can find the forum. Located under a huge glass copula, this forum has a round lighting unit. Shops at the ground and upper level sell a variety of unique and interesting jewelry, fashion clothing and shoes from popular brands. Visitors find respite from shopping as they relax at the bistros, restaurants and cafes. Visit this vibrant and lively market and enjoy shopping to your heart’s content.
2
4711 House of Fragrances

2) 4711 House of Fragrances

If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “Eau de Cologne” got its start, follow your nose to the 4711 House of Fragrances—part museum, part perfume playground, and all-around aromatic adventure.

Back in the early 1700s, an Italian-born perfumer named Johann Maria Farina set up a shop in the city. He created a light, citrusy fragrance that reminded him of “an Italian spring morning”—a stark contrast to the heavy, musky scents popular at the time. This he poetically dubbed “Eau de Cologne” (or “Water from Cologne”) in honor of his new hometown.

Farina’s creation became wildly popular across European courts as the must-have splash for royals and nobles who probably appreciated smelling like lemon zest instead of battlefield sweat. The fragrance was so successful that “Eau de Cologne” became a generic term for light, fresh scents.

But the story didn't stop there. Later in the century, another Cologne-based entrepreneurial wild card, Wilhelm Mülhens, brewed up his own “miracle water,” marketing it as medicine. During the French occupation, a soldier doing a building census randomly numbered Mülhens’ workshop as “4711.” And voilà—the most famous house number in fragrance history was born.

In 1810, Napoleon demanded that all medicinal products reveal their ingredients. Rather than spill the secret sauce, Mülhens pivoted. Forget medicine—this was now officially a perfume. Smart move. He even tried to borrow prestige by buying the rights to the Farina name... except the Farina family wasn’t selling it and took him to court. So in 1881, Mülhens finally embraced the 4711 name for good. Drama? Oh yes. But it smelled great.

Though the original building didn’t survive, the modern 4711 flagship store still draws scent lovers from around the world. Inside, you’ll find a museum, antique Rosoli bottles, old-school perfume flasks, and the legendary Fragrance Fountain, which continuously flows with the iconic 4711 Eau de Cologne. And just to keep things classy, the building even serenades the street with 20 bells chiming out three melodies every hour.

Hot tip:
You can blend your own personal fragrance or simply stock up on gift-worthy scents and quirky souvenirs. Just don’t blame us if you leave smelling like royalty...
3
Hohe Strasse (High Street)

3) Hohe Strasse (High Street)

A place where Roman sandals once shuffled and now it's sneakers and shopping bags that rule the pavement, High Street is one of Cologne's oldest arteries. Indeed, this bustling, pedestrian-only stretch is where history meets retail therapy big time!!!

Back in Roman times, High Street was known as the Cardo Maximus—a grand name for what was essentially ancient Cologne’s main drag. Imagine it lined with vendors, temples, and the impressive Praetorium, while two Roman legions lounged in nearby barracks, grabbed a bite in the canteen, or got patched up at the local military hospital. Who knew early urban planning came with such perks?

Over the centuries, High Street has been many things to many people. In the Middle Ages, it was known as Stone Street—probably not the softest place to trip on a cobblestone. Then came the French in the late 1700s, who decided “High Street” had a nicer ring to it, especially thanks to the High Porte (a big ol’ city gate) standing at the southern end.

By the 19th century, High Street ditched the swords and scrolls for shopping bags and storefronts, becoming one of Cologne’s premier commercial hubs. And today, it’s still going strong. From international fashion brands to the legendary Stollwerck chocolate shop (yes, it smells as good as you’re imagining), there’s something for everyone here. If you need a break, grab a coffee at one of the many cafés, or lose an hour (or five) in the massive Lego store that brings out the kid in even the most serious of adults.

So, whether you’re hunting for souvenirs or just wandering where emperors once walked, Cologne’s High Street delivers history, snacks, and shopping—no chariots, though...
4
Schildergasse Shopping Street

4) Schildergasse Shopping Street

Schildergasse is Cologne’s answer to the question: “Where did all these people come from?” Indeed, this is one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets—according to the recent headcount (yes, someone actually counted), nearly 15,000 people stroll down this pedestrian paradise every single hour. That's more foot traffic than a dance floor during Oktoberfest.

Schildergasse isn’t just a modern-day shopping stampede. It’s got Roman bones—literally. Back in the day, this was the Decumanus Maximus, the grand east-to-west road of the Roman city. In the Middle Ages, the street became a hotspot for artists painting noble family crests. That’s where the street got its name, actually, for Schilder means “signs” or “shields” in German. Think of it as medieval graphic design, but with more chainmail...

At its center swims the architectural oddity known as the Cosmopolitan House. This glass-and-steel leviathan looks like a whale decided to beach itself in the middle of Cologne. It’s home to the fashion company Peek & Cloppenburg—so yes, inside the whale, there's fashion to be found. With a facade made of 6,800 individual glass panes, it’s basically a giant mirrored tribute to retail therapy.

Schildergasse is also retail overload in the best way possible. You’ve got H&M, Zara, Galeria Kaufhof, plus a smorgasbord of shoe stores, sports shops, phone shops, perfume boutiques, and more clothes than a season finale of “Project Runway.”

And when your wallet needs a breather, don’t miss St. Anthony's Church, Cologne’s oldest Protestant temple, quietly holding its ground among all the fashion frenzy.

So, do come here: because where else can you grab a bratwurst, buy a new pair of sneakers, snap a selfie with a glass whale, and accidentally walk 10,000 steps before lunch? Schildergasse: it’s not just a street—it’s a cardio-intensive shopping experience with historic flair!
5
Peek & Cloppenburg Weltstadthaus (Global City Building)

5) Peek & Cloppenburg Weltstadthaus (Global City Building)

The Global City Building is a dramatic modern building that houses the Peek & Cloppenburg department store. To some viewers, it resembles a whale, and to others, it resembles a ship. Residents call it the Walfisch, which can be translated as the whale.

Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the Global City Building, which was completed in 2005. The building's atrium is 36 meters (118 feet) tall. The building bridges the gap between Cologne's modern and classic architecture. The modern wood and glass facade reflects the nearby Gothic church, while the stone facade faces the more recent concrete buildings.

The glass facade features 6800 individual glass panes and 66 enormous Siberian larch beams. The northern facade features natural stone. The glass dome is only supported in a few locations. It is supported by tension cables and attached to the fourth floor.

The Global City Building is a fabulous example of Cologne's modern architecture.

Weltstadthaus in Cologne is a modern, multi-story building that offers a range of high-end shops and boutiques catering to luxury shoppers. The building is spacious and well-designed, with a wide range of high-end fashion brands, including Hugo Boss, Armani, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Additionally, shoppers can find a range of luxury goods, such as jewelry and beauty products. Weltstadthaus also has several dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city, as well as many cafes throughout the building.

Walking Tours in Cologne, Germany

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