Carnival in Cologne
 

Hi,
I’m flying into BRU next Thurs morning and plan to head to BCN on Friday (Haven’t bought plane ticket just yet). I saw mention of Carnival in Cologne and I’m thinking that might be a fun way to spend Thurs/Thurs night. A few random questions:

Is Thursday a big day/night? Parades, events, etc?

How late are the bars/pubs open on Thursday night?

Will I be out of place if not dressed up? (I don’t see packing any sort of costume as I’ll only have a small duffle and maybe a messenger bag.)

The best I’m seeing as far as train fares to/from BRU is €58. Does that sounds about right?

There’s a train that leaves BRU at 10:09am. Assuming my flight gets in on time (8:40am arrival) and no checked bags, would I be able to make that one? (The next train isn’t til 12:39pm.)

A quick look @ hotels says pricey. Obviously. Was thinking about staying in DUS where I can get a much better hotel for a lot less $$$. Any problems with that idea? It looks like the trains run late into the night, if not all nite, yes?

Would the fact that I don’t speak any German be a problem? :o

Thanks!

Are you talking about this week or next week?

Although we are in the Carnival season the only really significant days are the last few days before Ash Wednesday (which is on 22 February this week).

The parades are on the Monday before Ash Wednesday (Rosenmontag) - i.e., 20 February this year.

Thursday before Ash Wednesday is Women's Carnival (Weiberfastnacht). If that's the Thursday you're talking about, and if you're male, make sure you don't wear a tie (and especially not an expensive one)

There are Carnival processions all over Germany on Rosenmontag - though more in the (traditionally Roman Catholic) South and West than in the traditionally Protestant parts of the country.

Thx for the info. Yes, the date I'm looking @ is next thurs (Women's Carnival).

Carnival in Cologne
 

Be prepared though that you will be practically raped by hordes of women,
and kissed at every corner....:D

You are assuming the OP is male...