Been forecibly re-patriated from Munich to Bonn/Köln area (actually Siegburg - just don't ask why! ).
looking for tips, peps to meet etc. Seems like you have to be 50 and above to be here. I am not, so help!
Jon
You are viewing a low-graphics version of this page. Click the headline to view full version:
Life in Bonn and Cologne
General info and where to meet English-speakers
Well compared to Munich it's a bit quiet here and it's fair to say I have appreciated the charms of this area more since I've had children. Having said that Siegburg has good transport connections so you are well placed to get away for the weekend. Bonn and Köln have Irish pubs (don't know about Siegburg - I never go there) there's a cinema in Köln which shows all it's films in English, I think it's called the Metropol (somebody correct me here if this is wrong!) I'm not over 50 but my memory ain't what it used to be.
Siegburg mmm yep not the most exciting bit of NRW. There's quite a few Brits / English speakers in Bonn though and lots in Koeln. In Bonn Fiddlers Irish pub in Endenich seems to be a gathering spot (there's a weekly pub quiz which is a good tme to get chatting with othr people). In Koeln the Irish pub on Altmarkt and All Bar One normally have people around.
I lived in Bonn for quite a few years but never really was involved in the expat side of things so can't say more than that sorry.
If your German's good though and you're at all into cinema, art, music etc the Brotfabrik in Beuel is a good place to meet Germans who are quite open to making friends with new foreign residents. Or join one of the Sportvereine - there's lots of adverts in the Stadtbuecherei for various things. If all else fails Karneval is the time to make friends...and have the worst hangover ever experienced.
I lived in Bonn for quite a few years but never really was involved in the expat side of things so can't say more than that sorry.
If your German's good though and you're at all into cinema, art, music etc the Brotfabrik in Beuel is a good place to meet Germans who are quite open to making friends with new foreign residents. Or join one of the Sportvereine - there's lots of adverts in the Stadtbuecherei for various things. If all else fails Karneval is the time to make friends...and have the worst hangover ever experienced.
The cinema in question is called Metropolis -- after a film from Fritz Lang. It is not as good as it used to be (a bit ratty, so don't go expecting the comforts of your usual multiplex). Other cinemas, like Cinedom, also do OmUs of their stock programme.
At Hürth (between Cologne and Bonn) there is a UCI cinema, which I think also does OmUs right next to a large shopping centre with plenty of free parking (won't find this in Cologne).
If you want Irish Pubs, then there are quite a few in Cologne - Aside from the den already mentioned on the alter markt, there are a couple of smaller drinking holes just round the corner, towards the Dom. Then there is Jamiesons on Friesenstrasse, which is probably the biggest in Cologne -- Expensive, but the full english breakfast is great. And across the road is another, smaller one, which is open all night and gets busy when Jamiesons closes.
Generally there is a lot of action on Friesenstrasse. U-Bahn to Friesenplatz, when you get to street level, you will see there are a lot of restaurants, clubs and pubs around. If you head from the U-Bahn to "All Bar One", and just keep on going, you are on Friesenstrasse. Just bear in mind, that the age group on the street is often late school to early student, so you might end up feeling old yourself at some places
In the summer, there's open air live music action on the Rheinterrasse/Tanz Brünnen. Although Louise forgot to mention Bonn's pendant -- the Museumsmeile.
And after all the answers, I will hazard the question "why?"!
If you liked Munich, you will either dislike Rheinland, or you will never want to return to Munich
At Hürth (between Cologne and Bonn) there is a UCI cinema, which I think also does OmUs right next to a large shopping centre with plenty of free parking (won't find this in Cologne).
If you want Irish Pubs, then there are quite a few in Cologne - Aside from the den already mentioned on the alter markt, there are a couple of smaller drinking holes just round the corner, towards the Dom. Then there is Jamiesons on Friesenstrasse, which is probably the biggest in Cologne -- Expensive, but the full english breakfast is great. And across the road is another, smaller one, which is open all night and gets busy when Jamiesons closes.
Generally there is a lot of action on Friesenstrasse. U-Bahn to Friesenplatz, when you get to street level, you will see there are a lot of restaurants, clubs and pubs around. If you head from the U-Bahn to "All Bar One", and just keep on going, you are on Friesenstrasse. Just bear in mind, that the age group on the street is often late school to early student, so you might end up feeling old yourself at some places
In the summer, there's open air live music action on the Rheinterrasse/Tanz Brünnen. Although Louise forgot to mention Bonn's pendant -- the Museumsmeile.
And after all the answers, I will hazard the question "why?"!
If you liked Munich, you will either dislike Rheinland, or you will never want to return to Munich
There is an Irish pub in Siegburg, but from what I've heard it is crap.
In my opinion the best two irish pubs in Cologne are Barney Vallely's and Connolly's which are both just round the corner from the Alter Markt in Kleine Budengasse.
In the Alter Markt there is the Corkonian and Flanagans, Flanagans has a student party night on Tuesdays which is quite good and the drinks are cheap. Also on the last Thursday of the month there is an English language comedy night (mainly English and American comedians), which is normally very good.
As previously mentioned Jamiesons is a large Irish pub just down the road from Friesenplatz which is quite expensive but OK, there used to be a pub opposite called Kelly's which was a good late drinking hole however, it has now been taken over by the owner of Jamiesons and is a cocktail bar.
The other side of Friesenplatz there is the Harp Irish pub and further down the road is the Stadtgarten which is a young haunt. Barbarossaplatz is also a good area for young/trendy bars and there is another Irish pub in that area (the Shamrock).
It's been a while since I was working in Munich and I'm not sure what it's like now, but I think I prefer it up here.
In my opinion the best two irish pubs in Cologne are Barney Vallely's and Connolly's which are both just round the corner from the Alter Markt in Kleine Budengasse.
In the Alter Markt there is the Corkonian and Flanagans, Flanagans has a student party night on Tuesdays which is quite good and the drinks are cheap. Also on the last Thursday of the month there is an English language comedy night (mainly English and American comedians), which is normally very good.
As previously mentioned Jamiesons is a large Irish pub just down the road from Friesenplatz which is quite expensive but OK, there used to be a pub opposite called Kelly's which was a good late drinking hole however, it has now been taken over by the owner of Jamiesons and is a cocktail bar.
The other side of Friesenplatz there is the Harp Irish pub and further down the road is the Stadtgarten which is a young haunt. Barbarossaplatz is also a good area for young/trendy bars and there is another Irish pub in that area (the Shamrock).
It's been a while since I was working in Munich and I'm not sure what it's like now, but I think I prefer it up here.
Just goes to show how often I go down Friesenstrasse Forgot about the Harp as well, although the fact that I don't really like it may be the reason
There's another Irish pub just off Ebertplatz, can't remember what it's called -- corner of Balthasarstr and Ewaldstr, if I remember correctly.
There's another Irish pub just off Ebertplatz, can't remember what it's called -- corner of Balthasarstr and Ewaldstr, if I remember correctly.
Hi,
I live about 15 mins from Siegburg but honestly only go there to catch the ICE or for work occasionally. Have your company already found a place for you to live in Siegburg? If not, and if you want a bit more of a social life - Siegburg is more for families I would say- perhaps you should look at accommodation in Cologne or in Bonn (Suedstadt, Poppelsdorf). Because of the ICE the public transport to/from Siegburg is quite good and it is well placed for access to the Autobahns.
We've only been here a year and although it's very, very quiet compared to London there is still loads to do as well as plenty of expats (young families and singles as well as ex-consulate staff that have chosen to retire here) although it is not as well orgainsed as the expat scene in Munich seems to be.
Apart from the recommendations above the Kinopolis in Bad Godesberg shows two OmU movies each week.
Good luck with the move
I live about 15 mins from Siegburg but honestly only go there to catch the ICE or for work occasionally. Have your company already found a place for you to live in Siegburg? If not, and if you want a bit more of a social life - Siegburg is more for families I would say- perhaps you should look at accommodation in Cologne or in Bonn (Suedstadt, Poppelsdorf). Because of the ICE the public transport to/from Siegburg is quite good and it is well placed for access to the Autobahns.
We've only been here a year and although it's very, very quiet compared to London there is still loads to do as well as plenty of expats (young families and singles as well as ex-consulate staff that have chosen to retire here) although it is not as well orgainsed as the expat scene in Munich seems to be.
Apart from the recommendations above the Kinopolis in Bad Godesberg shows two OmU movies each week.
Good luck with the move
Something I forgot to warn you about earlier is the shock you will get when you move from Munich to Köln and order a beer. The glass shrinks.
But the beer's always fresh and relatively saliva-free...
Sorry, got distracted. Don't forget the medieval Christmas market in Siegburg. Organised by the same people who do the one in Cologne.
The medieval Christmas market is well worth a visit, just so you can experience eating fried cabbage with a wooden spoon !
If anyone is interested in the fun of medieval reenactment year round, there's a group in Europe known as the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). They have chapters all over Germany, England, etc. (map available at http://www.drachenwald.sca.org/map.htm) The group is not as authenticity-minded as some of the other medieval reenactment groups you'll find in Europe, which makes it a little easier to jump right in even if you don't have a costume to wear... Here's a little more info if you might be interested:
The SCA is a non-profit educational organization which is dedicated to the study and re-creation of crafts, customs and ideals of pre-seventeenth century European culture. Members try to re-create life not as it was, but as it should have been during those times. They attempt to embody the ideals of Chivalry, Courtesy, and Honor.
If you asked several members what the Society for Creative Anachronism was all about, you would probably receive a different answer from each individual. To one, the Society might mean learning a new craft such as spinning wool or making wine. To another it might mean spending a weekend in a "renaissance atmosphere" complete with clothing, feasting and dancing from that era. Yet, another might say he/she enjoys battling other armed warriors on the field of honor to win his/her consort's favor.
Members are encouraged to research a favorite period of history between 600 & 1600 ad. While most members study mainly European cultures, everyone is free to study any culture known to Europe during this era. Members put their research into practice by learning and performing period crafts and activities. In addition, an alter-ego, or Persona, is developed and members thus become noble lords and ladies during official Society events.
Members of the SCA come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. There are families and single adults, young and young at heart, who are all brought together by a common interest in the middle ages. Members meet regularly to learn or practice "period" subjects. On weekends, members travel to campsites throughout the Kingdom to participate in such activities as Collegiums, Tournaments, Arts & Science Fairs, Revels, Mock Wars, and Quests.
There are as many different facets of the SCA as there are members. While Tournament Combat and period clothing are the most visible aspects of the Society, there are many things to do for those who prefer other pastimes. Archery, leather crafting, cooking, heraldry, calligraphy, music, dancing, brewing & vinting, spinning & weaving, are just a few of the arts and sciences researched, taught, and practiced by our members.
If you're interested, you can find a local group on the map (see link above) or send an e-mail to chatelain@sca.drachenwald.org
The SCA is a non-profit educational organization which is dedicated to the study and re-creation of crafts, customs and ideals of pre-seventeenth century European culture. Members try to re-create life not as it was, but as it should have been during those times. They attempt to embody the ideals of Chivalry, Courtesy, and Honor.
If you asked several members what the Society for Creative Anachronism was all about, you would probably receive a different answer from each individual. To one, the Society might mean learning a new craft such as spinning wool or making wine. To another it might mean spending a weekend in a "renaissance atmosphere" complete with clothing, feasting and dancing from that era. Yet, another might say he/she enjoys battling other armed warriors on the field of honor to win his/her consort's favor.
Members are encouraged to research a favorite period of history between 600 & 1600 ad. While most members study mainly European cultures, everyone is free to study any culture known to Europe during this era. Members put their research into practice by learning and performing period crafts and activities. In addition, an alter-ego, or Persona, is developed and members thus become noble lords and ladies during official Society events.
Members of the SCA come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. There are families and single adults, young and young at heart, who are all brought together by a common interest in the middle ages. Members meet regularly to learn or practice "period" subjects. On weekends, members travel to campsites throughout the Kingdom to participate in such activities as Collegiums, Tournaments, Arts & Science Fairs, Revels, Mock Wars, and Quests.
There are as many different facets of the SCA as there are members. While Tournament Combat and period clothing are the most visible aspects of the Society, there are many things to do for those who prefer other pastimes. Archery, leather crafting, cooking, heraldry, calligraphy, music, dancing, brewing & vinting, spinning & weaving, are just a few of the arts and sciences researched, taught, and practiced by our members.
If you're interested, you can find a local group on the map (see link above) or send an e-mail to chatelain@sca.drachenwald.org
Hello there,
I know this is an old post but i am just about to move from the UK to Siegburg (yes by choice!!) and would be interested to know if there are any friendly english (and German!) speaking people around in Siegburg. I'm starting work there at the beg of July and my company has a flat for me to live in for the 1st 4 weeks and then I'll need to find my own place. I've been to Koln a few times and really loved it so i'm thinking of heading in that direction but wondered what the commute to siegburg would be like (I'm not bringing my car so will be on the lovely German trains). I know there's loads of info on this website which I've been reading thru, but would just be interested to know if there's any english speakers in or near siegburg and any friendly people generally to ease my nerves about arriving on my lonesome...also practical advice like what times the shops and banks are open and generally what facilities there are in Siegburg...a gym, cinema etc...I've only been there quickly for the interview!
vielen dank im voraus
I know this is an old post but i am just about to move from the UK to Siegburg (yes by choice!!) and would be interested to know if there are any friendly english (and German!) speaking people around in Siegburg. I'm starting work there at the beg of July and my company has a flat for me to live in for the 1st 4 weeks and then I'll need to find my own place. I've been to Koln a few times and really loved it so i'm thinking of heading in that direction but wondered what the commute to siegburg would be like (I'm not bringing my car so will be on the lovely German trains). I know there's loads of info on this website which I've been reading thru, but would just be interested to know if there's any english speakers in or near siegburg and any friendly people generally to ease my nerves about arriving on my lonesome...also practical advice like what times the shops and banks are open and generally what facilities there are in Siegburg...a gym, cinema etc...I've only been there quickly for the interview!
vielen dank im voraus
Siegburg has everything you need in terms of shops, infrastructure etc. If you are looking for an international community Bonn may have more to offer. If you are going to be using public transport to get to work have a close look at the train and tram routes running from your workplace.
I have relatives in St. Augustin, just outside Siegburg. It's a nice little town, but I can see the appeal of somewhere larger like Köln. The commute by train is no problem at all - about 20-25 minutes from Köln Hbf to the new station in Siegburg. See the KVB website for information on tickets and what-not. Good luck!
Thank you for your reassuring comments. I now have the details of my flat in Siegburg so its good to know I'm sorted for the first few weeks and then I can go around and check out the area and then make my decision. Just want to get there now - 9 days and counting
Danke
Danke
I travel on the train to siegburg everyday to work. There is the express train which runs every hour and takes about 30 minutes from Siegburg to Koeln HBF, then you have the S12 regional train which runs more often every 20 minutes i think and takes about 40 minutes. I can meet you for a coffee and have a quick chat with you on the way home from work about house hunting if you like. I went through it 8 months ago so i know your pain...just PM me
You are viewing a low fidelity version of this page. Click to view the full page.