Bianca works as Operation Manager in our MEININGER Hotel Cologne City Center and tells your her insider tips for a trip to the Rhine metropolis.
What’s your name and what’s your job at MEININGER?
My name is Bianca and I work as operations manager at the MEININGER Hotel Cologne City Center.
What is the question most guests ask you in the hotel?
Is it really worth it to climb 400 steps to get to the Cologne Cathedral? It is always worth it, because you have an amazing view over Cologne in 97 meters height. If you are looking for a beautiful 360° view over the whole city and you want to make a great picture from the Cathedral, you should visit the other part of the Rhine. There is a platform on the roof of an office block: When the weather is good, the Cologne Triangle Panorama has a great panoramic view.
What is typical about Cologne?
The carnival. Each year at November 11th the great time begins and Cologne transforms into a coloured jester’s stronghold. Masked groups, carnival sessions, dance events and their own rules make this time to a one-of-a-kind event. The whole event comes to a climax in February. Thursday is the day when women seize the power and steal the men their maleness with scissors. Luckily they just cut their ties. For six days Cologne is fooling around until Ash Wednesday when the carnival is borned to the grave. There is an old custom to burn the “Nubbel” – a life-size vested straw doll. But the highlight is the Shrove Monday procession in the whole city. In 2014, 116 floats and many people and horses took part. You have to experience it!
What do you have to experience in Cologne?
Cologne lights. Every year in summer there are several events along the Rhine. Between Tanzbrunnen and Bastei there are a lot of supporting events, but also a 30 minutes firework with a lot of special effects. This year the festival was accompanied from 70ies funk music.
What’s your insider tip for Cologne?
Senor Verde – a milk free coffee bar. It is located directly and the centre of the university with a great atmosphere and little authentic food specialities and a great price-performance ratio!
