Cologne

Just steps from the Cathedral, Café Reichard is a spacious, long-standing spot perfect for people-watching—and cake. Split between an airy interior and a terrace with direct views of the west portal, it’s a popular pick on sunny days. The pastry team bakes a wide range of homemade cakes, pralines, truffles and Baumkuchen, and there’s a small savoury menu too. It feels proper rather than trendy, so expect generous portions and a steady stream of locals and tourists. It’s not cheap, but a seat here offers one of the best views in town.

Right in the heart of the Belgian Quarter, Salon Schmitz is part café, part bar, part patisserie—and utterly Cologne. Housed in what used to be a butcher’s shop, the space has 1950s–60s design flair with exposed brick, chandeliers, and a relaxed lounge feel. During the day, it serves breakfast dishes, quiches, salads, cakes and ice cream; evenings bring wine, cocktails and Cologne’s own Schmitz Kölsch beer on tap.

This speciality brew bar nails what good coffee should be—bright, unpretentious, and expertly made. They serve a crisp house blend alongside rotating filter roasts (V60, AeroPress, Syphon), plus a handful of sandwiches and seriously good in-house cakes— the NY cheesecake comes highly recommended.

Tucked away in Ehrenfeld, Schamong is Cologne’s oldest coffee roastery, in business since 1949. It’s not a trendy hangout but a proper working roastery where you can sip a freshly brewed cup while beans are being roasted in the background. Their coffee is fair trade, and the focus is on quality over hype—expect strong, classic flavours and staff who know their stuff. It’s a bit outside the city centre, but worth the detour if you're into coffee done right.