Cologne's Nightlife: Are Bars Open?

Cologne, Germany, is known for its vibrant nightlife and impressive cathedral. The city offers a diverse bar scene, from rooftop bars to cocktail lounges and dance clubs. The Old Town, Belgian District, and areas outside the ring road are popular for their lively atmosphere and array of drinking options. While some bars are open all week, others have specific days of operation. With a range of unique concepts and settings, Cologne's bars cater to various preferences, making it a perfect destination for nightlife enthusiasts.

Best rooftop bars in Cologne

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is known for its vibrant and youthful atmosphere, impressive cathedral, and lively bar scene. Here are some of the best rooftop bars to visit:

Sonnenschein Etage

Cologne has some cool rooftop bars, but none is as amazing as the Sonnenschein Etage. It’s a rooftop bar that looks like a beach bar but on top of a roof. There is beach sand, beach lounge and umbrellas, and everything you need for a day of fun and relaxation. You can order all kinds of drinks and snacks, like champagne, cocktails, tea, coffee, juice, and soft drinks. They also have beer and wines with options of multiple brands. It’s a great place to drink and meet new friends, or view the sunset from the top of a roof that makes you feel you’re at the seaside.

Monkey Bar Köln

Perched on the 8th floor of 25hours Hotel The Circle, Monkey Bar Köln comes with a fashionable urban jungle theme. It has an urban-chic interior lounge and bar, and an open-air rooftop terrace, where you get spectacular views of Cologne and its cathedral. The rooftop menu includes everything from highballs and classics to jungle-themed cocktails, as well as a bites menu from the rooftop restaurant NENI next door. Visit early evening for a relaxed vibe or late night for a more vibrant atmosphere.

Osman 30

Set on the 30th floor of the KölnTurm (Cologne Tower), Osman 30 is the highest rooftop bar in Cologne, offering spectacular views of the entire city. The stylish bar serves international gourmet dishes, creative meat and seafood plates, selected cocktails, long drinks, and a nice selection of wines. It's perfect for upscale and stylish evenings with amazing panoramas.

Sky Lounge at Savoy Hotel

The Savoy Hotel, located in the heart of Cologne, offers a top-floor oasis perfect for summer evenings. The Sky Lounge is a wooden decked terrace with dining tables, comfy lounge sofas, lush greenery, and urban art. The rooftop menu includes crafted signature cocktails, wine, sparkling drinks, beer, and champagne. From Thursday to Saturday, a grill menu with barbecue specialties is also available.

Wasserturm Hotel Cologne

The Wasserturm Hotel Cologne is a unique venue, housed in a historic water tower converted into a luxurious hotel. Its crown jewel is the innovative 11th-floor rooftop bar, designed as a botanical glasshouse. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air terrace, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city while sipping on flavour-filled beverages and enjoying bites and nibbles.

Best jazz bars in Cologne

Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal

Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal is a highly-rated jazz bar in Cologne, described as "intimate" and "EPIC" by reviewers. It offers fantastic live jazz every evening and has a speakeasy-style entrance. The bar has a great atmosphere, awesome cocktails, and reasonably priced drinks. It has consecutively won the award for the best bar in Germany.

Metronome

Metronome is Cologne's oldest jazz pub, founded in 1965. It is described as "very unique" by a reviewer on Reddit.

Jazz Schmiede

Jazz Schmiede is a good location in Duesseldorf for jazz music, according to a reviewer on Yelp.

Best cocktail bars in Cologne

Cologne is known for its vibrant nightlife and party scene, so it's no surprise that the city is home to some fantastic cocktail bars. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a meticulously crafted cocktail in the heart of this German city:

Little Link

Little Link in the Belgian Quarter is an award-winning mixology bar serving up delicious and unusual cocktails. The bar has been named the "most innovative bar in Cologne", and for good reason. The drink menu features seasonal ingredients that rotate throughout the year, as well as year-round cocktails and long drinks. The prices are reasonable, and there is a small patio out front along Maastricterstrasse. If you're feeling peckish, try one of their creative grilled cheese sandwiches.

Herr Pimlock

Located on bustling Aachener Straße, Herr Pimlock offers a buzzy atmosphere and a massive menu, making it well-suited for larger groups with diverse tastes. The quirky aesthetic and mismatched furniture add to the bar's charm.

Acephale

Acephale is the perfect spot for those seeking a nightlife vibe without the massive club crowds. Located in the heart of the student district, Acephale features live music or DJs most weekend nights, as well as a modest-sized dance area. You can dance the night away to funk, soul, hip-hop, electro, or techno. Plus, admission is free, and they have a great drink selection!

Café Storch

Café Storch is the ideal spot for a romantic evening. With candlelit tables, hushed chatter, and dim lighting, it exudes a cosy and intimate ambiance, especially during the dark winter nights. The menu offers a wide range of cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options, including a delightful hot chocolate. In the summer, there is a streetside terrace where you can watch the world go by.

Rosebud

Rosebud is a stylish little cocktail bar located just a stone's throw from the wild, student hustle and bustle of Zülpicher Straße. The bar offers a cosy ambiance and high-quality drinks, such as a Ginger Basil Smash or Espresso Martini, at affordable prices. Whether you're looking for a social evening with friends or a romantic date night, Rosebud is sure to impress.

Monkey Bar

Perched on the 8th floor of 25hours Hotel The Circle, Monkey Bar offers spectacular views of Cologne and the cathedral. The bar features a fashionable urban jungle theme, with an urban-chic interior lounge and an open-air rooftop terrace. The cocktail menu includes everything from highballs and classics to jungle-themed signatures, as well as a bites menu from the rooftop restaurant NENI next door.

The Grid Bar

The Grid Bar, located on Friesenstraße, brings a mysterious speakeasy flair to Cologne. From the outside, it's not immediately recognisable as a bar, and guests are admitted to the entrance after pressing a bell. Inside, you'll find a golden ceiling and an amber counter. The exclusive courtyard in the back features radiant heaters for cold days, and DJs spinning vinyl on Fridays, Saturdays, and before holidays.

Best bars in the Old Town

The Old Town area of Cologne is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with around thirty breweries all within walking distance of each other. Here are some of the best bars in the Old Town:

Papa Joe's Jazzlokal

Papa Joe's is one of the most popular bars in the Old Town, hosting live jazz performances every night alongside a wide selection of beers and cocktails. The bar has a speakeasy feel to it and has been described as "intimate" and "EPIC" by reviewers.

Bierhaus en d'r Salzgass

This charming pub is located in a narrow alley in the Old Town. Its cozy interior, friendly staff, and extensive selection of beers make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Brauhaus Sion

A traditional brewery that has been serving its own Kölsch beer since 1318. The interior has a rustic feel and is a must-visit for those looking for an authentic Cologne experience. Be sure to order a "Halve Hahn" (half a chicken) to go with your beer!

The Corkonian Irish Pub

Located along Alter Markt, a square teeming with pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants, The Corkonian has been described as having a "great soundsystem, lots of toilets, [and] great outdoor area." It's a good spot to watch sports and enjoy a beer.

The Copper Pot

With two floors, big screens, and a cool-looking bar, The Copper Pot is a great Irish pub to unwind in. It's located along Bolzengaße in the Old Town and is open Monday to Thursday from 6 pm till 3 am, Friday from 4 pm till 3 am, and Saturday and Sunday from midday till 3 am.

Monkey Bar Köln

Perched on the 8th floor of 25hours Hotel The Circle, Monkey Bar has an urban jungle theme with an interior lounge, bar, and open-air rooftop terrace. The rooftop menu includes cocktails, highballs, and classics, as well as a bites menu from the rooftop restaurant NENI next door.

Wasserturm Hotel Cologne

Housed in a historic water tower converted into a luxurious hotel, this modern bar on the 11th floor offers 360-degree views of Cologne. The innovative botanical glasshouse atmosphere, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air terrace make it a unique venue.

Fruh am Dom

This traditional Cologne brewery is located right next to the famous Cologne Cathedral. It serves authentic Kölsch beer, and its outdoor beer garden is the perfect spot to soak in the city’s atmosphere.

Valhalla Metal Pub

Located in the centre of Cologne, Valhalla is highly recommended for metalheads. Check ahead to see if there's a live show on the day of your visit!

Best bars for students

• The Corkonian Irish Pub - Located in the heart of downtown, this bar is a popular hangout with a varied program and different special offers every day. It is a truly international bar, with staff that are friendly and patient, making it perfect for big or small groups.
• Studentenclub das ding - Established in 1968, this lively, dimly lit nightclub is 'the' spot for students to unwind, offering a diverse cocktail menu that doesn't burden their wallets.
• Gottes Grüne Wiese - This bar offers a vibrant atmosphere with terrace tables and a doorway adorned with ivy. It is popular for its dedication to football, offering live broadcasts and table-football action.
• Brauhaus Em Kölsche Boor - This historic brewpub, located just a few steps away from the Eigelsteintorburg, serves traditional German dishes and their famous Kölsch beer since 1760.
• Brauhaus FRÜH am Dom - This beer hall is a popular spot for old-world German cuisine and beers. It has a cosy beer garden to the rear and is perfect for enjoying some tunes and good eats in the sun.
• Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch - This historic, 1600s beer hall serves its own house-brewed Kölsch as well as meaty dishes. It has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that makes it a great place to stop by for drinks or dinner.

Frequently asked questions