Welcome to Cologne, where cathedral towers pierce the skyline and football chants echo along the Rhine. This is a city of grit and charm, of Kölsch beer, carnival spirit, and a club that bleeds red and white.
In Cologne, football is identity. It's sung in pubs, worn on backs, and painted on street walls. And nowhere captures that spirit more than the home of 1. FC Köln: RheinEnergieStadion.
Founded in 1948, 1. FC Köln is more than a football club — it's a family emblem, a neighborhood badge, and a city ritual. The club’s mascot, Hennes the goat, even attends matches live in the stadium, a living symbol of loyalty and local pride.
RheinEnergieStadion, rebuilt for the 2006 World Cup, is a temple of modern football wrapped in tradition. It's located in the lush Müngersdorf district — surrounded by forest, yet loud with the roar of 50,000 fans. The Südkurve (South Stand) is the heartbeat of Köln’s matchday — flares, banners, and pure atmosphere.
Whether it’s a Bundesliga Saturday or a derby against Mönchengladbach, matchday here is a full cultural experience. Even if you don’t score tickets, the pubs nearby are electric with songs and stories.
The stadium tour is also a must-do!
Lukas Podolski – Cologne's most beloved son, Podolski rose from the club’s youth academy to become a global star and World Cup winner in 2014. Known for his thunderous left foot and charismatic personality, he remains a legend both for 1. FC Köln and Germany, and continues to support the city through his businesses and charitable work.
Toni Polster – The Austrian forward lit up the Bundesliga in the 1990s with his clinical finishing and passionate play. Polster became a fan favorite not only for his goals but for his larger-than-life personality and deep connection with the supporters.
Pierre Littbarski – A key figure in Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning squad, Littbarski dazzled fans in the 1980s with his flair, dribbling skills, and creativity. His time at Köln helped define an era of attacking football and left a lasting mark on the club’s identity.
Harald “Toni” Schumacher – One of the greatest goalkeepers in German history, Schumacher was the backbone of 1. FC Köln during the club’s golden years. Renowned for his reflexes and commanding presence, he later captained both Köln and the national team.
Jonas Hector – A modern legend, Hector was a quiet leader and loyal captain who chose to stay with Köln even during relegation. As a Germany international, he balanced club loyalty with international success, earning deep respect from fans across the country.
Cologne is a city where tradition and modern energy blend effortlessly. Beyond its Gothic cathedral and Roman roots, today’s Cologne pulses with youthful creativity, global cuisine, street art, and an inclusive spirit. The Ehrenfeld district bursts with galleries, live music venues, and independent cafés, while the Belgian Quarter buzzes with late-night spots and design shops. This is a city that wears its heart on its sleeve—warm, expressive, and full of character.
That spirit is mirrored in 1. FC Köln, the city’s proud football club. Known for its fiercely loyal fanbase, famous billy goat mascot Hennes, and electric matchdays at RheinEnergieSTADION, the club is more than just a team—it’s a symbol of local pride and resilience. Whether they’re pushing for promotion or celebrating survival, Köln fans sing loud, love hard, and never stop believing.
Cologne is a city with working-class roots, a wild heart, and an open spirit. Here’s how to live like a local:
Pre-game - head to Bar/restaurant Reissdorf Am Hahnentor at Rudolfplatz, where you can get great food and drink for an affordable price, and hang out with FC Köln fans, and locals…
🍽️ Kölsch, Carnival & Currywurst — A Taste of Köln
Kölsch Beer – Served in tall, skinny glasses and brewed only in Cologne, Kölsch is best enjoyed standing up in bustling beer halls like Früh am Dom, where fast-moving waiters called Köbes keep the glasses flowing. It’s tradition, speed, and laughter all in one sip. Cologne’s Old Town boasts 22 traditional Kölsch breweries, each with its own take on this light, crisp beer. Try a guided Kölsch tour or explore on your own at:
Päffgen – One of the oldest, still brewing on-site
Früh am Dom – Iconic beer hall near the Cathedral
Gaffel Haus – Lively and always packed with locals
Halver Hahn – Despite meaning “half a chicken,” this classic bar snack is actually a rye roll with cheese—a must-try with your Kölsch.
Brauhaus Sion – Known for hearty Rhenish dishes like Himmel un Ääd (black pudding, mashed potato, and apple).
Currywurst & Bratwurst – Grab a sausage near Zülpicher Platz or after a night out in the Belgian Quarter. Best enjoyed around 2 a.m.
Turkish-German Fusion – Thanks to Cologne’s large Turkish community, some of Germany’s best Döner kebabs and Lahmacun can be found here.
Take a food crawl from Ehrenfeld to the Belgian Quarter — where street food, café culture, and pop-up kitchens collide to give you the true flavor of Köln.
Cologne pulses with rhythm all year — but explodes during Karneval (February), when the city dons costumes, bands march through alleys, and everyone, from football ultras to artists, celebrates side by side.
Music is everywhere. From Kölsch techno (yes, the city invented its own sound) to street buskers in Neumarkt and rock gigs at Live Music Hall, it’s a sonic journey.
Don’t miss:
Stadtgarten – Jazz, indie, and world music in an intimate venue
Bootshaus – For techno and DJs voted among the best in the world
Ehrenfeld’s underground clubs and skateparks – For street edge and raw vibes
German Sport & Olympic Museum – Set inside an old customs warehouse on the Rhine, this place dives into the history of sport and Olympic glory — from football boots to boxing gloves. Best part? There's a rooftop 5-a-side football pitch overlooking the river. Locals rent it out for games with one of the best views in Cologne.
Schokoladenmuseum Köln (Chocolate Museum) – Yes, the largest chocolate museum in the world. Interactive, indulgent, and full of treats. Watch chocolate being made, dip a waffle into a flowing fountain, and learn about cocoa’s global journey. Good for kids, better for adults.
At the historic 4711 House of Fragrances, the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, you can take part in a guided perfume creation workshop, blending your own custom scent from over 30 essential oils. It’s a unique chance to bottle the spirit of Cologne and take home a fragrant piece of the city’s history.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – A Gothic giant and UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb to the top for views that stretch to Leverkusen’s stadium.
Rhine river walks and ferry hops – The river is life here. Take a sunset stroll or hop a local ferry.
Street art tours in Ehrenfeld – Graffiti, political murals, and 1. FC Köln tributes on every corner.
Catch a local 5-a-side match – Or better yet, join one on that rooftop pitch at the Sportmuseum.
Let Balón y Barrio take you into the true rhythm of Cologne — matchday energy, underground beats, Kölsch-fueled chants, and food with flair.
⚽ Access to 1. FC Köln tickets and local guides
🍽️ Curated food tours from sausage stands to speakeasy supper clubs
🎧 Music and nightlife experiences
🏛️ Private museum entry, rooftop football, and chocolate indulgence
🌍 Carnival season packages and matchday pub crawls
Book your football culture trip to Cologne now.
👉 www.balonybarrio.com | @balonybarrio