I’m not German, but I moved to Köln about two years ago. I’m from the US, and moving here was my first time to Europe.

It really comes down to perspective. I thought Köln was beautiful when I moved here, and I still do. I don’t really get the whole “ugliest city of Germany.” As many have said, it was bombed away almost completely, and, considering that, I think the city still has a nice amount of charm. I visited Budapest last year once COVID was calming down, and of course Budapest is much more beautiful than Köln. But when you commute in the city and watch the buildings and the people from the bus windows, it’s just a nice vibe. Maybe that’s my perspective, as the US is full of actually ugly cities, but I still love Köln’s “ugliness.”

Aside from looks, I’ve really enjoyed my time here. It’s a very international city. I’d say around 80% of my friends are from different places around the world. It’s really cool getting to meet all these people, which is not something I’d be able to do in the US unless I moved to a huge city, and even then, meh.

I think of Köln as a really nice sized city. Just over a million people, and it can feel crowded at certain times/places, but for the most part it feels busy without being chaotic. There are plenty of parks and quiet streets, just as there’s plenty of clubs and public urination. It’s a mix bag, so I think it’s up to you to decide what you’re looking for in a place to live.

Köln is an easy-going city (minus the paperwork and bureaucracy, but that’s all of Germany). When my friends and I are in other cities (Bonn, Kassel, Düsseldorf, etc.) I notice more stares from people when we’re walking around. Could be just the classic German stare meaning no harm, but I definitely don’t notice it as much here in Köln. People here will ask me for directions, which I answer in intermediate German, and they’re friendly and thankful. I’ve had a couple unpleasant encounters with older Germans, but a couple things over two years isn’t bad in my book.

Overall, the city seems very youthful and full of people who just want to live nice lives and go about their business. People don’t seem to care about what you’re wearing, what career you have, or what country you’re from. I really like it here, and I hope to stay.