Cologne: A Perfect Stag Do Destination?

Cologne is a great destination for a stag do, with its buzzing nightlife, beer gardens, breweries, football and delicious food. The city has more bars and clubs per capita than any other German city, so you're guaranteed a good time. There's also plenty to do during the day, from paintballing and go-karting to boat parties and brewery tours. And, of course, you can't forget the famous German beer, including the local brew, Kölsch. So if you're looking for a unique, action-packed and fun stag do, Cologne is definitely the place to be.

Nightlife

Cologne is known for its buzzing and underrated nightlife. With more bars and clubs per capita than any other German city, it's the perfect place for a stag do. The city has a diverse and unique nightlife scene, from pubs and bars to clubs and strip clubs.

Pubs and Bars

When it comes to pubs and bars, Cologne has something for everyone. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

• Jameson Irish Pub Köln: This Irish pub will make you feel right at home, offering amazing food, drink, and atmosphere.
• Papa Joe's Biersalon: A traditional German pub with a great atmosphere and a huge variety of food and drink.
• Craftbeer Corner Coeln: This pub offers a wide variety of beers and drinks in a traditional setting.
• Cubana Bar: Boasts the best cocktail menu in Cologne and has a laid-back vibe, making it the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink.
• IceBAR: Located in the Hilton Cologne, this bar offers a wide variety of vodka and gin cocktails.
• Harry's New York Bar: A casual bar that serves impressive cocktails and has a large dance floor.

Clubs

Cologne is known for its close-knit cluster of clubs, making it easy to hop from one to another. Here are some of the top clubs in the city:

• Ebony Club Köln: This nightclub offers high-quality drinks and urban music like rap and hip-hop.
• Reineke Fuchs: A club that opened in 2012, known for its great atmosphere, cosy interior, and diverse music genres.

Strip Clubs

Cologne is also famous for its risqué side, with strip clubs that are said to be on a whole different level. Here are some options for a more adult-oriented evening:

• Pascha: One of the most well-known strip clubs in Cologne, featuring gorgeous girls and a tempting atmosphere.
• Bootshaus: An EDM haven with bass-heavy music and a high-energy atmosphere.
• Crystal Cologne: A more upscale club offering a VIP experience with cocktails and classy vibes.

Beer

Cologne is a great destination for a stag do, especially if you and your mates love beer. The city is known for its local brew, Kölsch, a light, hoppy beer that is served in all the local bars. In fact, the city has more pubs per capita than any other German city! So, if you're looking for a drinking experience like no other, Cologne is the place to be.

One of the top things to do during a stag do in Cologne is to visit the famous beer halls and breweries. You can take a guided tour, sip on tasty beer, and learn how it's made. Some breweries even offer dinner, so you can enjoy a traditional German meal along with your drinks. The Brauhaus Früh in the Belgian Quarter and Früh am Dom in the Old Town (Altstadt) are popular choices for a true German beer hall experience.

If you're looking for some active fun with your beer, why not try the Mini Beer Bike? This pub on wheels lets you pedal your way through the city while guzzling 15 litres of beer on board. Or, if you're feeling more competitive, you can try beer pong or indoor go-karting, which are also popular activities in Cologne. For a more relaxed option, you can simply do a pub crawl and hit up some of the city's best watering holes.

When it comes to food, Cologne has a lot to offer beyond the typical beer and bratwurst. For a modern take on burgers, you can check out Hans Im Glück, a swanky German burger chain. Or, if you're craving something spicy, GINGER restaurant offers a selection of authentic Chinese dishes. And of course, you can't forget the traditional Kölsch feast, complete with plenty of beers and shots.

So, if you're planning a stag do centred around beer, Cologne is definitely the place to be. With its abundance of breweries, beer halls, and beer-related activities, you and your mates are sure to have a memorable time.

Food

When it comes to food, Cologne has a lot to offer. Germans are known for their love of meat, and you will find a variety of meat dishes to choose from. One of the city's traditional foods is Schnitzel, typically served with dumplings and beer. If you're looking for a good burger, Hans Im Glück is the place to go. This swanky German burger chain offers a range of options, including chicken, vegetarian, and vegan burgers. For authentic German cuisine, Früh Em Jan von Werth and Haxenhaus, located right next to the Rhine River, are excellent choices. Haxenhaus, in particular, offers delicious food with amazing views.

In addition to the traditional German fare, Cologne also has a diverse range of international cuisine. GINGER restaurant offers a selection of authentic Chinese dishes. For a unique dining experience, you can try Salon Schmitz, which is known as an empire of food and drink located across historic row houses. With over 3000 pubs, cafes, and restaurants, you will find something to suit every taste in Cologne.

If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of pubs and bars that serve food as well. Jameson Irish Pub Köln, for example, offers amazing food, drink, and atmosphere. Papa Joe’s Biersalon is another great option, with a huge variety of food and drink and a traditional German pub atmosphere.

Transport

Cologne is easily accessible by plane, with a swift flight from any of the UK's major airports. The city's airport, Cologne Bonn Airport, is just 29 miles from the city centre, about a 35-minute drive.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Airport S-Bahn (S13) train will get you to the city centre in no time. Alternatively, there is a solid bus network that covers the city and its outskirts.

Taxis are readily available and are a great option if you're carrying heavy luggage or want to rest those legs after a long night of partying. Cologne's city centre is compact and walkable, so you can easily get around on foot once you're there.

For a unique arrival experience, book a Hummer limo transfer. This option will have you feeling like a VIP as you're chauffeured around town in style. And if you really want to kick things up a notch, you can even book a Hummer limo with a stripper on board!

Once you're in the city, there are plenty of options for getting around. Public transport is efficient and straightforward, with buses, trams, U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains available. To make your travels stress-free, purchase a KölnCard from Cologne's Tourist Board Service Centre near the cathedral, ticket machines, or select hotels and hostels.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a bike to explore the city. Or, for a truly memorable experience, gather your mates and hop on the Mini Beer Bike. This unique mode of transport combines sightseeing with drinking as you pedal your way through the city while guzzling 15 litres of beer on board.

So, whether you're travelling on a budget or looking to splurge, there are plenty of transport options to choose from when planning your stag do in Cologne.

Attractions

Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city that sits on the Rhine River in western Germany. It is known for its Gothic architecture, buzzing nightlife, and lively student population.

Drinking and Partying

Cologne is known for its beer gardens, beer cellars, and breweries. The city's local brew, Kölsch, is a must-try. The cost of a pint is only €2.00. The city also has more bars and clubs per capita than any other German city, so you'll be spoilt for choice.

For a unique drinking experience, you can try a beer bike tour. This involves pedalling through the city with your friends while guzzling 15 litres of beer on board. Alternatively, you can opt for a traditional pub crawl with a guide, or a party boat cruise on the Rhine River with unlimited drinks.

If you're looking for a more relaxed drinking experience, there are plenty of pubs and bars to choose from. Some popular options include Jameson Irish Pub Köln, Papa Joe’s Biersalon, and Craftbeer Corner Coeln.

For clubs, you can check out Ebony club Köln for urban music, or Reineke Fuchs for a mix of different music genres and a cosy atmosphere.

Food

When it comes to food, Cologne is known for its meat dishes and has its own traditional food, Schnitzel, which is served with dumplings and beer. For burgers, Hans Im Glück is a popular choice. GINGER restaurant offers a selection of authentic Chinese dishes, while Früh Em Jan von Werth and Haxenhaus serve traditional German cuisine.

Sightseeing

The most popular tourist attraction in the city is the grand gothic cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby is the Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine River and is known for its love locks.

For stunning views of the city and the river, you can take a cable car cruise across the Rhine.

Other notable sights include the Basilica Church of St. Ursula, which has an interior decorated with human bones and skulls, and the Rhein Energie Stadion, a football stadium that hosted the 2006 World Cup Finals.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained during the day. Some popular options include:

• Bubble football
• Paintballing
• Go-karting
• Brewery tours
• Football stadium tours
• Comedy clubs
• Hot rod city tours
• Boat cruises

Frequently asked questions