By Ray Si (IGLTA Member)
I’ve done my fair share of flying this year, and this time I decided to switch things up and explore sustainable travel instead. As a 'gay' traveller keen on destinations that blend eco-conscious practices with LGBTQ+ inclusivity, Cologne, Germany, has long been on my radar. This vibrant hub of culture, history, and queer-friendly spaces shines bright as a perfect city getaway for the eco-minded traveler.
You might notice the names Cologne and Köln being used interchangeably. Cologne is the city’s name in English, while Köln is its name in German. Either way, it’s the same and one amazing place.
The Journey: London to Cologne
For my July trip, I said goodbye to carbon-intensive air travel and embraced the charm of train journeys. I started with the Eurostar from London to Brussels — my go-to greener choice with significantly lower emissions than flying. Once in Brussels, it was an easy connection to Cologne aboard Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed ICE trains.
I can’t recommend this enough — the relaxing ride through Europe’s picturesque landscapes was as peaceful as it was sustainable. There’s something magical about getting lost in your thoughts and watching the scenery transform through your train window.
Staying Green at the Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne
Once I arrived, I checked into the Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne. This stylish hotel is located within easy walking distance of the main train station in Cologne.
The modern, apartment-style accommodations include sustainable touches such as Fair-Trade bathroom amenities and energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
Its central location — just minutes from the Rhine River and the famous Cologne Cathedral — made adventuring around the city very easy. The hotel had fully equipped kitchens in every apartment. I loved having the choice to prepare meals — the produce available at local markets can also help, not only to cut down on food waste but also to avoid single-use plastics from takeout. If you want to indulge, don’t skip the pool and sauna in their wellness area — ideal for post-sightseeing relaxation.
I decided to challenge myself to skip housekeeping during this trip — honestly, for a short stay, did I really need the wonderful staff swooping in to change bins, swap towels, or unleash an unnecessary waterfall to hose down a shower? Unless you host a party with a few rowdy unicorns in the hotel room (possible, but let’s be real, unlikely), you can probably survive without the daily cleaning ritual.
Exploring Cologne Sustainably: Get Around with Dott
Cologne is wonderfully compact, and exploring it sustainably is a breeze. I relied on Dott, a shared e-scooter service dedicated to reducing carbon footprints while making city navigation fun. The Dott app was straightforward to use, and soon I was cruising through Cologne’s bike-friendly streets without a hitch. It was such a convenient and eco-friendly way to visit landmarks like the Hohenzollern Bridge, Museum Ludwig (extensive range of Picasso’s work), and the trendy Ehrenfeld district.
The Golden Gay Triangle
Cologne’s LGBTQ+ scene may not rival Berlin’s flamboyant nightlife but think of it as a cousin who has just come out, ready to be seen. It’s quietly cool yet buzzing with confidence — a charming mix of nightlife and positivity without overwhelming the senses.
I spent time exploring the Golden Gay Triangle, which is the heart of Cologne’s queer scene. This triangular area spans the hot spots of Rudolfplatz, the Belgian Quarter, and Heumarkt, offering a mix of al fresco laid-back bars, funky cafes, and alcohol-free options.
Top 5 Vegan Spots in Cologne
1. Virtuous Pie
Virtuous Pie in Cologne is a vegan paradise serving chef-inspired pizzas, pastas, and ice creams that are both outstanding, delicious, and sustainable. Founded by a Canadian German duo, it’s the perfect spot to indulge guilt and expense free.
2. Well Being Bakery & Cafe
The breakfasts here were like a dream that continued all day thanks to their vegan croissants and cakes, paired with a delicious almond latte. The cozy vibe and eco-conscious ethos made this cafe great morning pick-me-up.
3. Sattgrün
Sattgrün offers a fully vegan buffet, and it was paradise for my inner foodie. They source locally, seasonal ingredients, and every dish feels fresh, healthy, and seriously satisfying.
4. Vietnamese Restaurants
Most, if not all, Vietnamese spots in the city accommodate vegans and vegetarians, thanks to the cuisine’s incredible versatility with plant-based options. Most of these restaurants are cash-only, so be prepared to bring some euros along.
5: Edelgrün
Edelgrün is the place to go when you don't know what you fancy. Their bowls feature organic, plant-based ingredients, and the upbeat vibe makes dining here a joy. Bonus points for their minimal waste practices.
Relax Wisely
After intense days of exploring, I visited Kithara Massage, Köln — for a unique and relaxing experience. What makes this massage sanctuary truly special is the therapists’ blends of products and the custom-built massage 'tables'. Crafted entirely from recycled materials and creativity with relaxation in mind. The floating-style experience during massage treatments offers something uniquely magical, especially for their LGBTQ+ clients. It’s an innovation that makes traditional massage tables feel outdated and ordinary.
Cologne was blending inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural richness into one irresistible package. A German city that proves LGBTQ+ friendly travel and sustainability can work beautifully together.
