4711 House - a light that is on the side of a house
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4711 House

4.5
·1k reviews·Köln, Germany

Explore the historic 4711 House, a Cologne landmark offering fragrance seminars and a journey through over 200 years of iconic Eau de Cologne.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better experience

CrowdLow
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4711 House - a light that is on the side of a house

4711 House

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic 4711 House, a Cologne landmark offering fragrance seminars and a journey through over 200 years of iconic Eau de Cologne.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A must-visit for fragrance lovers, offering a unique blend of history, scent creation, and expert guidance."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Fragrance Seminars

Book workshops in advance for a personalized scent creation experience! :ticket:

Explore Beyond Original

Don't miss the diverse collections, from floral to smoky scents. :bouquet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Original Eau de Cologne

Original Eau de Cologne

Main store

Experience the iconic scent, a fragrance with over 200 years of history and the same formula.

Fragrance Seminars

Fragrance Seminars

Workshop area

Create your own unique perfume by blending notes with expert guidance. A truly hands-on experience.

Citric Atelier

Citric Atelier

Exhibition space

Discover the art of citrus notes through interactive scent stations, featuring unique ingredient combinations.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends can get busy with shoppers and tour groups, making it harder to fully experience the fragrance seminars. Arrive early to secure a spot for popular workshops.

Fragrance Exploration

The 4711 House offers more than just the original Eau de Cologne. Explore their diverse collections, from floral to smoky scents. Consider booking a fragrance seminar for an immersive, personalized experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better experience
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon weekdays
Why
Tour groups may have left
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Must visit place if you’re in Cologne this summer. #cologne #koln #4711 #originalcologne #perfumehistory #fragrance #germany
@octavianwho
3.2K likes • 115.2K views

Book Fragrance Seminars

Book workshops in advance for a personalized scent creation experience! :ticket:

Explore Beyond Original

Don't miss the diverse collections, from floral to smoky scents. :bouquet:

The $19.99 coquette perfumes you need 💌🩰 Shop the 4711 Floral Collection exclusively at Chemist Warehouse! These scents come from the Cologne House that has been making cologne since 1799! ✨ #chemistwarehousefinds #chemistwarehouse #chemistwarehouseau #coquette #coquetteaesthetic #coquettecore #coquettegirl #coquetteperfume #roseperfume #roseperfumecombo #magnolia #magnoliaperfume #4711cologne #47...
@chemistwarehouseaus
1.1K likes • 52.4K views
Für das Citric Atelier von @4711 wurde es floral und fruchtig. Wir durften sieben Duftstationen kreieren zum anfassen, riechen und erleben der Inhaltsstoffe. Say hi to pink pepper & grapefruit 🍇 blood orange & basil 🌿 neroli & petigrain 🍊 lemon & ginger 🫚 yuzu & cedarwood 🍋 lime & nutmeg 🍋‍🟩 green tea & bergamot 🍈
nimmplatz
154 likes • 5.7K views

Complimentary Samples

Ask for free samples, especially when purchasing gifts. :gift:

Short-Lived Scent

Be aware that the original cologne's scent fades quickly. :hourglass:

🍋 Citrus erklärt – mit Frederic 🍊 Heute nehmen wir euch mit zu zwei besonderen Zitrusnoten: Yuzu & Limette. Die Yuzu – ursprünglich aus Japan – vereint spritzige Frische mit einer zarten Bitternote und bringt Tiefe in die Parfumkunst. Die Limette hingegen wirkt klar, lebendig und schenkt Düften ihre unverwechselbare Leichtigkeit. ✨ Zwei Citrusklassiker, die zeigen, wie vielfältig zitrische Düfte ...
acqua_colonia
46 likes • 779 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Fragrance Seminars

Book workshops in advance for a personalized scent creation experience! :ticket:

Explore Beyond Original

Don't miss the diverse collections, from floral to smoky scents. :bouquet:

Complimentary Samples

Ask for free samples, especially when purchasing gifts. :gift:

Short-Lived Scent

Be aware that the original cologne's scent fades quickly. :hourglass:

Staff are Knowledgeable

Friendly staff offer great guidance and explanations. :smiley:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the immersive fragrance seminars and the knowledgeable, friendly staff who guide them through scent creation. The historic nature of the 4711 House and its iconic original cologne are also highly praised. However, some note that the scent of the original Eau de Cologne fades relatively quickly.

"Very nice seminar ! You get to choose as much notes as you want from 17 possible notes. Well explained, not difficult to understand, and the ''teacher'' will give help if needed. 1h30min of trying the find the best combination of scent for your next perfume ! You get a discount on your next purchase in the store after that. Great experience!"

Crevette

"I never visited Cologne without passing by this shop. I love all their scents and the professionalism of the staff explaining everything and guiding us through all the steps. And they are always generous when it comes to adding free samples when asked for gift wrapping."

Sacha Abou Rachid

"Iconic place, interesting to learn more about it and smell the nostalgic perfumes. My only issue is that these perfumes or whatnot don’t really smell for a while, in an hour or two it completely airs away from the skin 🤔
The staff is friendly and very open, worth checking it out."

Evgeny Ignatik (Jack)

What People Like

Engaging fragrance seminars
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Historic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Scent fades quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The 4711 House is centrally located in Cologne, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby. If you're coming from further afield, the main Cologne train station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) is a short walk away. Exploring on foot is also a great option once you're in the city center. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the 4711 House, several public parking garages are available in the vicinity. It's often more convenient to use public transportation or walk if you're already in the city center. TikTok

Yes, many guided walking tours of Cologne include a stop at the 4711 House, especially those focusing on the city's history and iconic landmarks. It's a great way to get context about its significance. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main store and browsing the collections is generally free. However, for special experiences like the fragrance seminars or guided history tours, booking in advance is highly recommended and may require a fee. Reddit

The 4711 House typically follows standard retail hours, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially for specific workshop times. TikTok

The cost for fragrance seminars can vary depending on the duration and specific offerings. It's advisable to check the official 4711 website or contact them directly for current pricing and booking details. Reddit

Absolutely! The 4711 House is the flagship store where you can purchase their entire range of products, including the original Eau de Cologne, newer collections, and gift sets. TikTok

Yes, attendees of fragrance seminars often receive a discount on their purchases in the store, making it a great incentive to explore their product range. [^review]

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The 4711 House offers a multi-sensory experience. You can learn about the history of Eau de Cologne, explore various fragrance collections, and even participate in workshops to create your own scent. The staff are known for being friendly and informative. TikTok [^review]

Yes, you can sample a wide variety of 4711 fragrances at the store. They have dedicated areas where you can explore the different scent profiles, from fresh citrus to more complex blends. Instagram

While not always explicitly advertised as formal tours, the staff are very knowledgeable and can provide detailed information about the history of 4711 and its iconic scents. Some special events or workshops might include historical insights. TikTok

The Citric Atelier is an interactive exhibition space where you can explore the nuances of citrus notes in perfumery. It features various scent stations with unique ingredient combinations like grapefruit, basil, and bergamot. Instagram

A quick visit to browse the store might take 30-60 minutes. However, if you plan to attend a fragrance seminar or explore the exhibits thoroughly, you could easily spend 1.5 to 2 hours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The 4711 House primarily focuses on its fragrance collections and experiences. There are no dining facilities within the house itself, but the surrounding area in Cologne's city center offers numerous cafes and restaurants to enjoy. TikTok

While not a cafe, you might be offered water or small refreshments during workshops or seminars. For full meals or coffee breaks, you'll need to step outside the store. [^review]

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the 4711 House, especially in the main store area. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and staff. For professional shoots, you'd likely need to seek permission. TikTok

The iconic facade of the building, the beautifully displayed fragrance bottles, and the interactive elements in the Citric Atelier are all great photo opportunities. Capturing the essence of the historic brand is key. Instagram

During workshops, it's best to focus on the experience. While quick snaps might be okay, the priority is learning and creating. Ask the instructor if you're unsure about taking photos during the session. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 4711 House can be an engaging stop for families, especially if children are curious about scents. The original Eau de Cologne has a light, refreshing aroma that most kids find pleasant. While the fragrance seminars might be a bit long for very young children, older kids can enjoy the interactive elements of the Citric Atelier and learning about the history in a fun way. TikTok

Consider focusing on the sensory experience of smelling different notes rather than a deep dive into history. The staff are generally friendly and accommodating, so don't hesitate to ask for simpler explanations or to let children explore the scents at their own pace. It's a unique cultural experience that offers a break from typical tourist attractions. [^review]

💰 Budget Travelers

The 4711 House is excellent for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the main store is free, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and explore the iconic 4711 Eau de Cologne and other collections without spending a dime. You can enjoy the history and the scents without any obligation to buy. TikTok

If you're looking for a small, affordable souvenir, a bottle of the original 4711 Eau de Cologne is quite reasonably priced compared to many other designer fragrances. Even a small bottle makes for a classic memento of your visit to Cologne. Attending a full seminar might stretch a budget, but simply browsing and sampling is a delightful and cost-free experience. TikTok [^review]

💖 Couples & Date Ideas

The 4711 House offers a unique and intimate experience perfect for couples. Consider booking a fragrance seminar together, where you can collaboratively create a signature scent. It's a fun, creative, and memorable activity that allows you to bond over a shared sensory exploration. Reddit [^review]

After the seminar, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Cologne's charming streets, perhaps with your newly created or purchased fragrances as a romantic reminder of your visit. The historic ambiance of the store and the sophisticated nature of perfumery make it an elegant choice for a date. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of 4711 Eau de Cologne

The 4711 House is more than just a store; it's a portal to a rich history of fragrance. The iconic 4711 Eau de Cologne was first created in 1792 by Wilhelm Mülhens, who received the secret recipe as a wedding gift. The number '4711' itself comes from the building's address during the French occupation of Cologne, when houses were renumbered. This original formula, known for its refreshing citrus notes, has remained largely unchanged for over two centuries, making it a true classic. TikTokInstagram

This historic scent was revolutionary for its time, being one of the first widely available Eau de Colognes. It was initially marketed as a medicinal tonic and later became a popular personal fragrance, even favored by figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, though some sources debate the extent of his preference. The brand's longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition. TikTokInstagram

Today, the House of 4711 continues to innovate while honoring its heritage. Beyond the original, they offer a diverse range of fragrances, including the 4711 Floral Collection and the Smoky Tonka scent, catering to modern tastes. The flagship store in Cologne serves as a hub for experiencing this legacy firsthand, offering insights into the art of perfumery and the brand's storied past. TikTok+1

Experiencing Fragrance Seminars

For an immersive and personalized experience, the fragrance seminars at the 4711 House are a must-do. These workshops allow you to delve into the world of perfumery under the guidance of experts. You'll learn about different fragrance notes and how they blend together to create unique scents. Reddit [^review]

During a seminar, you typically get to choose from a selection of 17 possible notes, ranging from fresh citrus and fruity accords to more complex floral and woody undertones. The instructors are there to assist you in finding the perfect combination for your personal perfume. It's a hands-on process that can last around 1.5 hours, making it a substantial and engaging activity. [^review] Instagram

Beyond the educational aspect, these seminars offer a tangible takeaway: your very own custom-blended perfume. As an added bonus, attendees often receive a discount on their next purchase in the store, encouraging further exploration of the 4711 fragrance range. It's a fantastic way to understand the craft of perfumery and leave with a scent that's uniquely yours. Reddit [^review]

Exploring the 4711 Fragrance Collections

While the original 4711 Eau de Cologne is the star, the House of 4711 boasts a much wider array of fragrances designed to appeal to contemporary preferences. These collections often feature modern interpretations and innovative scent profiles, moving beyond the traditional citrus-forward profile. TikTok

Visitors can explore lines like the 4711 Floral Collection, which offers delicate and romantic scents, or discover more adventurous options such as the Smoky Tonka, noted for its intriguing depth. The Citric Atelier is another highlight, showcasing creative combinations of citrus notes like yuzu, lime, and grapefruit, often paired with complementary ingredients like basil or ginger. TikTokInstagram+1

Each collection is crafted with the same dedication to quality that has defined 4711 for centuries. The house of fragrances 4711 provides a diverse olfactory journey, ensuring there's a scent to suit every mood and occasion, from refreshing everyday wear to more sophisticated evening fragrances. TikTokInstagram

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