Nightlife In Cologne: Are The Clubs Open?

Nightclubs in Cologne are dispersed around the town, with the biggest concentration of fashionable places to eat and drink found in the Altstadt (around Buttermarkt and Salzgasse) or the Belgisches Viertel (between Rudolfsplatz and Friesenplatz).

- Bootshaus

- Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld

- Diamonds Club

- Club Nachtflug

- Red Cat Lounge

- Papa Joe's Jazz Bar

- Sonic Ballroom

- Blue Shell

- GreenKomm

- Station 2B

- MTC Club

- Reineke Fuchs

- Club Einundfünfzig

- Tsunami Club

- Veedel Club

- Barracuda Bar

- Exile on Main Street

- Club Crystal

- Venus Celler

- Tomorrows Club

- Cafe Bastard

- Kokett Bar

- InCavall VIP Club

- OMClub

- IXOP

- Gravity

The best bars and clubs in Cologne include

Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal

A jazz bar that has been described as "EPIC" and offering "fantastic live jazz every evening". It has a "great intimate atmosphere" and has consecutively won the award for the best bar in Germany.

Koelner Kickerfabrik

A bar and game centre with "very friendly" staff. It has been described as a "wonderful pub to chill and enjoy yourself".

The Corkonian Irish Pub

An Irish pub in a "very good area of Cologne" with "plenty of pubs/bars and restaurants". It has a "great sound system, lots of toilets, [and a] great outdoor area".

Bootshaus

A club with a main floor that can hold 1200 people. It features "lush lighting technology" and robots on either side of the DJ. The BLCKBX has a unique character with futuristic shapes on the walls, fans on the ceiling, and an LED starry sky. There is also an open-air area with plenty of seating.

Nachtflug

A "cool location with high-end equipment, top DJs and crazy show acts". It is popular with "young, hip and chic" crowds, including prominent guests such as gangster rapper LLyod Banks.

Das Ding

A popular student club with special offers on drinks and parties. The music is likely to be popular and mainstream, and the drinks are cheap.

Live Music Hall

A nightclub in Cologne Ehrenfeld that can host up to 1,800 people. It hosts artists from different genres and themed parties.

Red Cat Lounge

A popular nightclub open on the weekend. You can drink a Kölsch at the bar, sip a cocktail in the lounge, or dance the night away.

Flamingo Royal

A club in the heart of Cologne with a varied nightlife inspired by modern Miami South Beach. It hosts a special student and after-work party on Wednesdays.

KlapsMühle

A well-known dance and party venue in Cologne with three floors where DJs play different genres of music, from RnB and pop to 80s classics. It has special offers during the week and themed parties on Saturdays and holidays.

Stadtgarten

A venue that hosts concerts in two areas: the studio 672 and the concert hall. It also has a restaurant and a beer garden that is open during the summer. Jazz is the main genre played here, but other genres are also featured. Over 400 events take place here every year.

Zum scheuen Reh

A venue with a wide cultural program of short films, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and parties with DJs and live acts. It also has sports-watching nights and serves specialty and classic cocktails, with Thursday designated as gin and tonic day.

Seiberts

Listed among the top 10 most influential bars in Europe, Seiberts is a chic spot for classic cocktails. It also serves modern twists on traditional drinks and delectable food.

Spirits

A modern and trendy bar where you can find cocktails made by some of the best bartenders in town.

Sonic Ballroom

A mix of graffiti, rock music, and cool cocktails. The walls are covered in graffiti, and the club plays loud music. If punk and rock n roll are your thing, then this is the place for you.

Six Pack Bar

A local hangout that serves different kinds of beer from around the world. It's a great place to meet new people, have a conversation, and groove to the latest tunes.

Odonien

An art centre, concert venue, cultural centre, and beer garden created by Odo Rumpf. It's the perfect spot for artists and travellers to spend a memorable night.

Brauerei Zur Malzmühle

A typical German beer hall that serves the famous Kolsch. This 150-year-old brewery is a popular spot for casual dining and features a special beer hall for those who love local German beer and aromatic German cuisine.

The best spots to dance the night away include

• Flamingo Royal: Located in the heart of Cologne, this club has a varied nightlife inspired by modern Miami South Beach. It hosts a special student and after-work party on Wednesdays.
• Klapsmuhle: This club has three floors where DJs play different genres like RnB, pop, and 80s classics. It also offers bar snacks and regular drink specials.
• Live Music Hall: This nightclub in Cologne Ehrenfeld can host up to 1,800 people and is popular for its various club nights.
• Red Cat Lounge: This disco club is decorated with neon lights, graffiti art, and high-energy techno beats. It's perfect for those who want to party all weekend long without worrying about Monday morning.
• Bootshaus: This club is known for its lavish light shows and themed parties, which attract famous international DJs.
• Odonien: This club caters to both artists and clubbers, with several indoor dance floors that are perfect for techno events in the summertime.
• Papa Joe's Jazz Bar: This intimate jazz club has live bands playing traditional jazz, blues, and swing music every night of the week. Admission is free, and Sunday afternoon jazz sessions take place throughout the winter months.
• Sonic Ballroom: This dark and gritty punk rock bar is located in Ehrenfeld on the outskirts of Cologne. It's a popular venue for live punk and rock acts, as well as Karaoke 'til Death.
• Station 2B: This popular gay night club has flashing neon lights and pounding music. It's open to men only and often hosts fetish events and parties with different themes.
• Die Kantine: This hip performing arts venue has music shows by indie, punk, and rock bands. It also hosts other events such as parties.
• Coco Schmitz: This disco club has a sleek and sophisticated atmosphere. DJs and live music can be enjoyed until late in the morning on Thursdays to Saturdays, making it an ideal spot for weekend parties and concerts.

The best spots for live music include

• Live Music Hall - This nightclub in Cologne can host up to 1,800 people and is known for its themed parties and events with international and German artists.
• Artheater - This club in Ehrenfeld is not just a nightclub but also a theatre and concert space. It has two dance floors and is known for its predominantly EDM music.
• Papa Joe's Jazzlokal - One of the oldest jazz clubs in Germany, this intimate jazz bar features live bands playing traditional jazz, blues and swing music every night of the week.
• Bootshaus - This techno club has lavish light shows and themed parties, attracting famous international DJs.
• Lanxess Arena - The largest multifunction hall in Germany, this arena has hosted the likes of Pavarotti, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Rod Stewart.
• Luxor - Following Nietzsche's mantra - "Life without music would be a mistake" - this live music venue is a local favourite in Cologne.

The best places to enjoy a cocktail include

• Spirits - modern and trendy, this bar is a local favourite for cocktails.
• Seiberts - this bar is one of the top 10 most influential bars in Europe, serving classic cocktails with a modern twist.
• Papa Joe's Jazzlokal - one of the oldest jazz clubs in Germany, this bar offers free entry and traditional jazz and swing bands every night.
• Sonic Ballroom - a dark and gritty punk rock bar, this venue is a popular spot for live punk and rock acts.
• Six Pack - a lively bar with over 100 beers available in bottles, this spot is a local favourite for electronic music.
• The Corkonian Irish Pub - a great range of drinks and a superb interior make this pub a popular choice for a night out.
• Monkeys Cocktail Culture - this intimate bar has a great selection of cocktails and a friendly atmosphere.
• Little Link - a unique bar with interesting cocktails, this spot is well worth seeking out.
• Toddy Tappers - a bar with a feeling of exclusivity, this spot serves up excellent cocktails.
• The Copper Pot - a modern and trendy bar, this spot is a great place to enjoy a cocktail.
• King Georg - a bar with a 70s-style interior, this spot is well worth a visit.
• La Galana - a cigar bar with a unique atmosphere, this spot is a must-visit for cigar enthusiasts.
• Toddy Tapper - a bar with a superb range of cocktails, this spot is a great place to enjoy a drink.
• Phönix Sauna - a gay sauna with a bar, this spot is a great place to relax and enjoy a cocktail.

The best LGBT+ nightlife spots include

The best LGBT+ nightlife spots in Cologne include:

Bars

• Ex-Corner: A quiet bar that transforms into a loud, atmospheric club as the night goes on. Expect heavy dance beats, tasty cocktails, and a mixed, younger crowd.
• Die Mumu: A Barbie dreamhouse-style bar with pink walls and glittery stars hanging from the ceiling. The music is camp, playing a mix of German folk-pop and Eurovision favourites.
• Barcelon Colonia: A bar with Mediterranean charm and Gaudi-inspired design. Expect a wide selection of cocktails, wines, spirits, and beers, as well as Latin and pop music.
• Baustelle 4U: A party-centric atmosphere with friendly staff and DJs playing pop, rock, and throwback hits.
• Amadeus: A fabulous bar with drag shows, fantastic drinks, and a great atmosphere on the dance floor. Friday nights are devoted to cocktails, and there are also erotic baking competitions.
• Barcelon Colonia: A bar with a Mediterranean feel and Gaudi-inspired design. The music is a mix of Latin and pop.
• Zum Pitter: A mixed LGBT bar in the Bermuda Triangle, Cologne's main LGBT area.
• Iron Cocktail Lounge: A sophisticated cocktail lounge with upscale decor, tasty drinks, and a mixed music selection.
• Schampanja: A mixed LGBT bar in the Bermuda Triangle.

Clubs

• Exile: A popular club with a hot, young crowd and a mix of Top 40 tunes and pop diva ballads. Expect long queues, especially on weekends.
• Die Mumu: A quiet bar that transforms into a busy club as the night goes on. Tuesday nights are karaoke nights.
• Rich Club: Hosts the monthly HomOriental Party, with a neon-lit dance floor, themed nights, and a playlist to appeal to all music lovers.
• GreenKomm: A mixed LGBT club in the Bermuda Triangle.
• Kattewinkel: A bar and cafe that hosts drag shows.

Saunas

• Babylon: Regarded as Cologne's best gay sauna. Features a steam room, a Roman-style whirlpool, and a bar.
• Vulcanus: A sauna for mature gay men, with stone walls and neon red lighting. Features a bar and a night sauna.
• Phoenix Sauna: A sauna with a mixed crowd, a huge jacuzzi, and an outdoor area.

Cruising

• Station 2b: A two-floor cruising venue with dark rooms, labyrinths, glory holes, and sex-themed parties.
• Pullermanns: A bar with dark rooms, glory holes, stripper poles, and swings. Hosts naked parties on Mondays.
• Deck 5: The smallest late-night bar in Cologne, attracting an older, bear-centric crowd.

Frequently asked questions