Altstadt-Süd: The Historic Heartbeat of Cologne

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf VEE-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-SHOOL-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee geht es in-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont in-en]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpreck-en zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [eekh fer-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [eekh hah-teh gehr-neh dee shpahy-zuh-kar-teh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [eekh ess-eh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [eekh merk-teh bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [gay-en zee vegg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [eekh hah-beh meesh feh-reet]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [eekh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [eekh merk-teh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [eekh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kost-et es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoy toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [ker-nen zee den price zank-en]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsehn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [ines]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [zex]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [ker-nen zee meer dahs tsie-gen (owf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kommt dehr nekhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

The history of Altstadt-Süd can be traced back to the Roman era when Cologne, known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, was established around 50 AD. The area was an essential part of the Roman settlement, featuring significant structures like the Roman city wall, portions of which can still be seen today. The remnants of Roman baths and the impressive remnants of the Roman amphitheater highlight the neighborhood's ancient significance.

During the medieval period, Altstadt-Süd began to flourish as a commercial hub, benefiting from its proximity to the Rhine River and the trading routes that passed through Cologne. The construction of the Great St. Martin Church in the 10th century marked a significant religious and architectural development, symbolizing the neighborhood's growing importance in the ecclesiastical landscape of the time.

In the 13th century, Cologne became a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic alliance of merchant towns. This development propelled Altstadt-Süd into a new era of prosperity. The neighborhood became a bustling center for trade and commerce, with merchants and craftsmen setting up shops along the streets, contributing to the vibrant urban culture that characterized Cologne during this period.

The devastation of World War II significantly affected Altstadt-Süd, with extensive bombing leading to the destruction of many historical buildings. The reconstruction efforts post-war were crucial in restoring the cultural heritage of the area. Notable landmarks, including the Great St. Martin Church, were meticulously rebuilt, reflecting the community's resilience and dedication to preserving its historical identity.

In recent years, Altstadt-Süd has experienced a cultural renaissance, with numerous art galleries, cafes, and cultural events revitalizing the neighborhood. The establishment of the Cologne Carnival as a significant cultural event has further solidified the area's reputation as a vibrant cultural center. This transformation showcases the blend of historical significance and contemporary cultural dynamism that defines Altstadt-Süd today.

Altstadt-Süd is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Cologne. The main train station, Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station), is just a short walk away. From there, take the U-Bahn (subway) lines 16 or 18 towards Bonn or Königsdorf and disembark at the 'Heumarkt' or 'Poststraße' stations. Buses also serve the area; several routes connect Altstadt-Süd with other parts of the city. If you are arriving from Cologne Bonn Airport, the S-Bahn line S13 will take you directly to the city center, where you can transfer to the U-Bahn or walk to Altstadt-Süd.

Altstadt-Süd is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For public transportation, the U-Bahn and trams are efficient options, with various stops in the area. Bicycles can be rented from numerous bike-sharing services available throughout the city, and cycling is a popular way to navigate the flat terrain. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available if you prefer not to use public transport.

Altstadt-Süd is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly around popular tourist attractions like the Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town squares. Areas near the main train station and some side streets may experience higher crime rates; exercise caution at night and avoid poorly lit areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance or fire services. For police-related issues, you can call 110. There are several hospitals and clinics in the area, including the Klinikum Köln and St. Vincentius Hospitals. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest pharmacy for minor health issues, as many are open late and on weekends.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting churches or religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices; be quiet and respectful in places of worship. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and keep it handy for inspections. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Guten Tag' and a smile. Don't be overly familiar; a handshake is sufficient. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Kölsch beer and Halver Hahn. Don't waste food; it's considered disrespectful to leave uneaten food at the table.

To experience Altstadt-Süd like a local, explore the vibrant street markets, particularly the 'Alter Markt' where you can find artisanal products and local delicacies. Visit the many breweries and taverns to enjoy authentic Kölsch beer. Engage with locals by joining a guided walking tour, which often shares insights into the city’s rich history. For a unique perspective, take a boat trip along the Rhine River, offering stunning views of the cityscape.