Südstadt

Overview

Südstadt is Cologne's bohemian southern neighborhood, a residential quarter of Wilhelminian-era streets radiating from Chlodwigplatz. It offers a low-key alternative to the Altstadt with cozy gastropubs, vinyl shops, and the green oasis of Volksgarten park.

Highlights

• Chlodwigplatz: The neighborhood hub with cafés, a weekly farmers' market, and the Severinstor medieval gate.
• Gastropubs & Wine Bars: A concentration of quality restaurants without tourist pricing.
• Volksgarten Park: A leafy retreat with beer garden and boating lake.

History

Developed outside the medieval city walls after 1880, Südstadt became Cologne's first planned residential expansion. Its tree-lined streets and Jugendstil architecture largely survived the war.

Visitor Tips

• Farmers' market on Chlodwigplatz runs Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
• Local pace — this is a residential neighborhood, not a nightlife zone; best enjoyed during the day.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.