The first Füssgänger (pedestrians-only) shopping zones in Germany originated in Cologne and present a seemingly endless and interconnected conglomeration of shops and shopping arcades.
Hohe Strasse, the main north-south street in Roman times, is now Cologne’s busiest commercial drag, jammed every day except Sunday with shoppers, musicians, organ grinders, snack shops, and fruit sellers. On Hohe Strasse and its surrounding streets, you find all the major international designer-clothing boutiques; stores selling silver, fine jewelry; and the big department stores. Schildergasse is where you find international men’s fashions, fine leather bags and purses, and French, German, and Italian designer shoes.
Cologne from Cologne: No. 4711
Any kind of toilet water is now called “eau de Cologne,” or simply “cologne,” but Echt Kölnisch Wasser (real eau de Cologne) remains the official designation of origin for the distinctive toilet waters created in the city of Cologne. 4711 Haus, Glockengasse 4711 (tel. 0221/9250450; www.4711.com; U-Bahn: Neumarkt), sells the orange-and-lavender-scented water first developed in Cologne in 1709 by Italian chemist Giovanni Maria Farina. The Mühlens family, another early producer of Kölnisch Wasser, also lived and worked in this house at no. 4711. The street number eventually became the trademark name for their product. You can buy 4711 cologne in all sizes and shapes, as soap, and even as premoistened towelettes.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
