A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
When did you first visit Cologne?
Emelie de Vitis: “On a school trip to study German in 1996, when I was 16. I found it to be a fascinating city, with a quiet sophistication. I’m especially drawn to its architecture and many museums and galleries but, most importantly, the unexpected joie de vivre. After joining Rimowa, whose hometown is Cologne, I naturally gravitated to the city even more.”
Where’s the best place to soak up some culture in Cologne?
EdV: “It’s never a struggle to get an art fix in Cologne. Rimowa’s new innovation partner, the Museum Ludwig, has one of the most important collections of 20th- and 21st-century work. Then there’s the Museum for East Asian Art, the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM), and the even more contemporary Ruttkowski;68 Gallery—all of which are worth a visit. For a day trip out of the city, going to the Keramion museum in Frechen is a must, if only to see the jaw-dropping design of its spaceship-style building by the late Cologne-based architect Peter Neufert.”
Where is the best place to stay in Cologne?
EdV: “The Qvest Hideaway is the best hotel in town. It’s a reflection of the city in that it’s simultaneously classic and contemporary. Housed in a historical building in the Old Town, its neo-Gothic, cathedral-like ceilings are juxtaposed with chic, modern furnishings, such as Arne Jacobsen chairs and soft sculptures by Verner Panton. But it’s the museum-worthy collection of photography that really makes it stand out.”
Where is the best place to eat out in Cologne?
EdV: “Wallczka on Subbelrather Street is always a go-to, with a fantastic global menu that takes in cooked octopus, kimchi, and Italian burrata. I go there for either a quick bite or a relaxed dinner with friends—and in the summer, it’s lovely to sit outside on the pavement.”
Where is the best place for a pit stop or a coffee in Cologne?
EdV: “I always pop into Café Konditorei Wahlen, in Mauritiusviertel. The place has barely changed since the 1950s, with its floral wallpaper, chandeliers and traditional tea sets. It’s a great spot to enjoy a classic kaffee und kuchen, Germany’s high-tea ritual of coffee and cake.”
Where is the best place in Cologne for an evening drink?
EdV: “I’ll head to the Belgian Quarter or Agnesviertel, both of which have great nightlife. My go-to is Rosebud Bar on Heinsbergstrasse, a secret little hideaway that serves cocktails infused with botanicals, or Caruso Pasta Bar on Kasparstrasse for its wine selection.”
What's a great way to spend a day in Cologne?
EdV: “Strolling through the Belgian Quarter, a creative district that’s really grown in popularity. I like to spend time browsing its galleries and shops, and having a quick bite at the eco-responsible Van Dyck Rösterei, a slick little espresso bar on the lively Körnerstrasse. There’s a real sense of creativity in the neighborhood. Ehrenfeld is another area to find inspiration in. It’s a lively district to the northwest, dotted all over with independent boutiques, street art, and quirky places.”
What are your favorite buildings in Cologne?
EdV: “Cologne has a really interesting architectural landscape. Ancestral historical buildings sit right next to 1970s concrete experiments, such as the Ads1a building, a hermetically sealed concrete monolith remodeled by the architect and urban planner Bernd Kniess into a private exhibition space. Of the classics, it’s hard not to be struck by Cologne Cathedral, with its striking Gothic Dom towers that inspired Rimowa’s monogram.”
What are some of the top shops in Cologne?
EdV: “On a day when I’m strolling through the city, I always make sure to stop by the Walther König bookstore on Ehrenstrasse to browse its art books and coffee-table tomes.”
Where are the loveliest outdoor spaces in Cologne?
EdV: “A great start to a day outdoors is a ride on the Cologne Cable Car, with its stunning views of the river Rhine. It connects directly to Rheinpark, a green oasis with a beach club, open-air theater, and Roman thermae-styled public bath—a real escape in the heart of the city.”
What’s the synergy between Rimowa and Cologne?
EdV: “Though Rimowa has grown to become a global brand over the past 125 years, it has never lost sight of its birthplace. Beyond the fact that the city is still the location of our headquarters, Cologne is woven into everything that we do: our iconography, the coordinates emblazoned on our products, the heritage that we continue to celebrate in every one of our campaigns and special projects. Our new flagship store opens here in the spring, and we’re looking forward to a growing presence in our hometown as we celebrate our 125th anniversary.” rimowa.com
