Restaurants and Cafés Drive Increased Visits to German City Centers

A study finds that dining options are an increasingly significant factor for city center visits, especially among younger people, as retail struggles with vacant storefronts.

• A new study by the IFH Cologne reveals that 40% of visitors cite restaurants, cafés, and bars as a key reason for visiting city centers, up from 35% in 2022 and 26% in 2020.
• Shopping remains the primary motivation for city center visits, with 61% of respondents listing it as a reason, though dining is gaining prominence.
• The study surveyed 68,451 people across 107 German cities in the fall of 2024, offering a representative look at changing urban trends.
• Younger demographics are driving the increased demand for city-center dining, reflecting a growing desire for social interaction and personal connections.
• Concerns persist over vacant retail spaces, with calls for improved infrastructure and measures to make city centers more attractive to visitors.

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