Cologne, Germany: A Welcoming Gay Paradise

Cologne, Germany, is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and cultural diversity. The city is also renowned for its thriving LGBTQ+ community and is generally considered to be very gay-friendly. Located in the western part of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne has a population of over 1 million people and is situated on the Rhine River. The city boasts a range of LGBTQ+ establishments, including bars, clubs, saunas, bathhouses, and drag shows, with many concentrated in an area known as the Bermuda Triangle in the Altstadt-Süd neighbourhood. The city also hosts a number of events and parties specifically geared towards the LGBTQ+ community, such as the annual gay pride parade, which celebrates diversity and acceptance. With its liberal attitudes, open-mindedness, and joie de vivre, or 'joy of life', Cologne is a welcoming and inclusive destination for LGBTQ+ travellers and locals alike.

Cologne's LGBTQ+ History

Cologne has a rich and storied history as a hub of queer culture and activism. The city's queer scene dates back to the 19th century, with the establishment of the world's first gay rights organisation, the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, in 1897. Throughout the 20th century, Cologne remained a vital centre for LGBTQ+ activism and culture, and in the 1980s and 90s, it played a key role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Today, the city continues to be a beacon of LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity, hosting one of the largest annual pride festivals in Europe, the Cologne Pride.

Cologne Pride, also known as Christopher Street Day (CSD), is a vibrant and inclusive celebration of LGBTQ+ culture that takes place every July in the heart of the city. The first CSD took place in 1979 and has since grown to become one of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe. The festival includes a diverse range of events, including parties, cultural performances, and political demonstrations. Cologne is also known for its annual Carnival, which takes place in February or March and is another celebration of diversity and inclusion that brings together the entire city.

In addition to its annual events, Cologne has a well-established LGBTQ+ community with a wide range of bars, clubs, and events catering to queer people of all ages and backgrounds. The famous "Bermuda Triangle" in the city's Old Town is home to a number of popular gay bars, and the city's Belgian Quarter is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Cologne is also a great place for LGBTQ+ travellers, offering a mix of historical intrigue and a progressive, lively gay scene.

Overall, Cologne has a long history of LGBTQ+ tolerance and activism, and it continues to be a welcoming and vibrant destination for the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and internationally.

Gay-Friendly Accommodations

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a haven for LGBTQ+ travellers. The city has a thriving gay scene, centred around the Bermuda Triangle, a lively district near Rudolfplatz, with a high concentration of gay bars, clubs, and saunas.

The city's gay-friendly hotels are mostly clustered around the Bermuda Triangle and the Old Town, within walking distance of each other. Here are some of the top-rated gay-friendly accommodations in Cologne:

• Steigenberger Hotel Köln: Located in the heart of the Rudolfplatz gay district, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a restaurant with an open kitchen, a spa, and free WiFi. It is within walking distance of gay bars, nightclubs, saunas, shops, and restaurants.
• Novum Hotel Leonet Koln Altstadt: Just a two-minute walk from popular gay bars like ExCorner and Iron, this hotel offers soundproofed, spacious rooms with free WiFi, cable TV, and private bathrooms. It is also close to the Schildergasse shopping street and Rudolfplatz underground station.
• Hopper Hotel St. Josef: Located just a few steps from gay saunas Phoenix Sauna and Pansauna, and a short walk from gay bars around Rudolfplatz, this stylish hotel offers modern en suite rooms, a gym, a solarium, and a sauna. The onsite restaurant serves international cuisine in its courtyard terrace.
• Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft: This stylish budget hotel is just a couple of minutes' walk from Cologne's gay nightlife and is within easy reach of the city's shopping district and sights. It offers both private en suite rooms and shared dorms, some with great city views.
• Hotel Lyskirchen: Located in the heart of Old Town Cologne, this hotel is just a short walk from the gay bars, saunas, and cruise clubs in Heumarkt. It features modern, renovated rooms with flat-screen Sky TV, a desk, and free WiFi. The hotel also has an indoor heated pool, a modern gym, and a sauna.
• Art'otel Cologne: This contemporary hotel is situated on the bank of the Rhine River, a 20-minute stroll from the Cathedral and a few steps from the Chocolate Museum. It boasts a rooftop terrace, a sauna, a library, and artwork by Korean-born artist SEO. The rooms feature free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a coffee maker.
• Maritim Hotel: Perfectly located for exploring Cologne's gay scene, this hotel is near the Rhine river, the promenade, and a short walk from Heumarkt Station, Club 21, and Vulkanus Sauna. The air-conditioned rooms feature free WiFi, satellite TV, a desk, and a minibar. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a gym, and an onsite spa.
• NH Cologne: A popular mid-range hotel with gay travellers, NH Cologne is conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town, close to the Rhine River and the Chocolate Museum. The modern, air-conditioned rooms include TV and free high-speed WiFi, with many offering city views. Guests have free access to the onsite gym, sauna, and spa.
• Motel One Cologne Waidmarkt Hotel: This excellent-value designer hotel is just a short walk from the gay bars and cruise clubs in the Old Town. The modern, air-conditioned rooms feature a workstation, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and a rain shower.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: Located across from the iconic Cathedral, this historic 5-star hotel combines traditional comforts with modern services. It offers classically styled Superior rooms and contemporary Deluxe rooms, and guests have free access to the onsite gym and two saunas. The hotel's restaurant, Taku, has a Michelin star for its East Asian cuisine.
• Hotel Santo: This modern 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms with oak furniture, a flat-screen cable TV, a minibar, and free WiFi. It is just a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral, Hauptbahnhof, and River Rhine, and the popular gay bar Kattwinkel is two blocks away.
• Lindner Hotel Dom Residence: Located just a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral and the central train station, and 15 minutes from the gay nightlife in Old Town and Rudolfplatz, this hotel features modern guest rooms with a flat-screen cable TV, a minibar, and a safe. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, solarium, courtyard, and bistro bar.
• Domstern: This gay-managed, compact hotel is situated on a quiet side street, within walking distance of the gay nightlife and sights in the Old Town. The non-smoking en suite rooms include free WiFi, satellite TV, a minibar, and a safe. A nice breakfast buffet is served every morning.

Gay Bars and Clubs

Cologne, Germany, is a city with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, centred around the Bermuda Triangle area near Rudolfplatz station in the Old Town. Here, you'll find a high concentration of gay venues, from bustling bars to intimate clubs. The city is also famous for its annual events, including Cologne Pride and the Cologne Carnival, which bring together the local and visiting LGBTQ+ community for celebrations of diversity and inclusion.

Cologne has a huge, friendly, and welcoming gay nightlife. Most of the city's gay bars are located in two general areas: the Bermuda Triangle, and the Old Town near Heumarkt station.

Exile on Main Street is a gay bar and lounge in the centre of the Bermuda Triangle. It's one of the busiest and brightest bars on the main gay strip, with live DJs on the weekends, two bars, a dance floor, and a seating area.

ExCorner is a long-running, popular gay bar in the Bermuda Triangle. It plays a selection of pop classics, house music, and karaoke. There's a daily happy hour, and it's packed on the weekend, with crowds spilling out onto the street.

Die Mumu has a very mixed crowd of gays and lesbians, meaning there are lots of new people to meet. Its interior looks like a Barbie dream house, with pink walls and glittery stars hanging from the ceiling alongside swirling disco balls. It can be a bit quiet in the early evening, but it picks up as the night goes on.

IRON Cocktail Lounge is a gay-popular lounge bar with a mixed crowd. It serves a great selection of cocktails and drinks and is located next to Die Mumu.

Barcelon Colonia is a friendly gay bar in the Old Town, with a touch of Mediterranean influence. It serves a range of wine, beer, cocktails, and tapas. The outdoor area is great for people-watching.

Amadeus is a vibrant, pink-hued gay bar known for its lively atmosphere, featuring a mix of delicious drinks, café bites, and entertaining drag shows. The bar also offers outdoor seating.

Baustelle 4U is a popular gay bar in the heart of the Old Town, with a relaxed setting during the week and an upbeat vibe on the weekends. It's gay-popular, but the clientele is mixed. The welcoming staff ensure everyone has a good time. There are various live music acts, cabaret, and drag shows.

Zum Pitter is a friendly gay bar that has long been a part of the gay scene in Cologne, with an outdoor terrace perfect for the summer months. Due to its location in the Old Market area, Zum Pitter attracts many tourists and a mixed crowd. Drag queens take to the stage on weekends for fantastic cabaret shows.

Kattwinkel Bar & Cafe was voted 'Best Bar of the Year' by a local gay magazine. It's a fun, relaxed hangout spot with a great atmosphere, delicious food, and a bar menu. There's also a sunny outdoor terrace with over 80 seats that look out at the historic Eigelsteintorburg.

Casino-Eck is a traditional German pub in the heart of the Old Town, with a relaxed setting during the week and an upbeat vibe on the weekends. It's gay-popular, but the clientele is mixed. The welcoming staff ensure everyone has a good time. There are various live music acts, cabaret, and drag shows.

Hühnerfranz is a small and rustic gay pub in Cologne. It's open from 6 am to 5 am every day, serving early breakfast and classic pub grub throughout the day. They have a wide range of German beers and other drinks. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, and people are very happy to get to know each other.

Mariechen is a cosy bar located close to the gay area of Cologne. It welcomes gays, straights, men, and women for chatting, chilling, and partying. It's open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm to late, serving beers and other drinks. Mariechen occasionally hosts special events like pride parties, single parties, and themed events.

Zur Kaiserin is another small gay bar in Cologne. This rustic venue has an unpretentious atmosphere and hosts regular drag shows with resident queen Lola Lametta. It's closed on Mondays.

Macky's Asia Lounge is a queer but hetero-friendly karaoke bar in Cologne. It's open daily from 8 pm until the early hours of the morning. Enjoy cocktails in their dimly lit basement bar and watch others sing their hearts out.

Kinkz is a men-only gay bar in the gay area of the city, near Rudolfplatz. This fetish-friendly venue is open Thursdays to Sundays. Check Facebook for upcoming events and parties.

Gay Pride Celebrations

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is known for its thriving cultural scene and is a major hub for media, business, and tourism. The city is especially known for its vibrant and well-established LGBTQ+ community and has been referred to as the "gay capital" of Germany.

Cologne's LGBTQ+ scene is centred around the "Bermuda Triangle" area near Rudolfplatz, where you'll find a high concentration of gay venues, including bars and clubs. The city also hosts several annual events that bring together the local and visiting LGBTQ+ community, the most notable of which is Cologne Pride.

Cologne Pride

Cologne Pride, also known as Christopher Street Day (CSD), is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in Germany and Europe. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators each year and promotes LGBTQ+ awareness, acceptance, and pride. It is a two-week-long celebration comprising film screenings, exhibitions, discussions, workshops, cultural events, and parties. The CSD Street Festival, which takes place in the city's public squares, is a highlight, featuring live music, DJ performances, and speeches by renowned LGBTQ+ activists and allies. The festival offers a diverse range of food, drinks, and booths from various LGBTQ+ organisations.

The pinnacle of Cologne Pride is the CSD Parade, a colourful procession that weaves through the city streets. The parade features floats and participants representing organisations, businesses, and community groups, showcasing their support for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The parade is filled with joy and excitement, with dancers in imaginative costumes and rainbow flags. Cologne Pride is not just a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and identity but also a powerful platform for political activism and social change.

Cologne Pride first started as a small demonstration in 1991, organised by the Cologne Association for Gays and Lesbians under the maxim of "Good Friends Come Together". Since then, it has grown exponentially, attracting a wide and diverse audience. The event usually lasts for about two weeks, with the street festivals taking place from Friday to Sunday in the old town and culminating with the parade on Sunday afternoon.

Cologne's LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of the city's culture and history, and the city's pride celebrations reflect its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal rights.

LGBTQ+ Safety

Cologne is known for its liberal attitudes, open-mindedness, and something called 'joie de vivre', meaning 'joy of life'. The city is welcoming to all, as long as visitors are friendly and laid back.

Cologne is vying with Berlin to become the gay capital of Germany, and for good reason. It's famous for its gay scene and gay events, in particular, Cologne Pride and the Cologne Carnival in November. The city is also well known for having the most pubs per person in all of Germany, largely thanks to its big student population.

There are plenty of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, so locals are all too aware of the big gay presence that Cologne holds. There is Cologne Pride in June, Carnival in February, and to top it all off, the Heavenue Gay Christmas market in December. Plus, with two gay scenes, on either side of the Rhine river, and a young population, there is nothing but acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community here!

The Bermuda Triangle, near Rudolfplatz, is a hub of LGBTQ+ venues, ranging from bustling bars to intimate clubs. The city also has a reputation for being safe for LGBTQ+ people to venture out in public while holding hands. Of course, it's always important to exercise caution wherever you go, but you shouldn't feel the need to be overly discreet in Cologne. The city is bursting with queer-centric spaces, so everyone here is pretty much used to the LGBTQ+ presence.

Cologne is one of the few cities in the world to have a memorial sculpture for LGBTQ+ victims of the Holocaust. The memorial is made from pink and grey granite, reflecting the triangle used by the Nazis to identify gay men in concentration camps.

Cologne has an easy-to-use public transport system, and the KölnCard provides unlimited travel for a certain time frame, as well as lots of discounts for attractions in the city.

Frequently asked questions