Exploring Cologne's Nightlife: Fun Things To Do After Dark

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a cultural hub with a vibrant nightlife scene. From clubs to cosy bars, there is something for everyone when the sun goes down. The city boasts the highest number of pubs per capita in Germany, with approximately 70 clubs, countless bars, and restaurants. The Belgian Quarter, Ehrenfeld, and the Old Town are popular areas for nightlife, with a variety of options for people of all ages and interests.

One of the must-see attractions in Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated at night, casting an enchanting glow on its surroundings. The Rhein Boulevard offers a romantic setting and a unique experience, with stunning views of the glowing city. The Old Town, with its charming pubs, breweries, and traditional German cuisine, is another enchanting destination for a night out.

For those seeking a lively atmosphere, the Brüsseler Platz square is a popular gathering spot for young people, with nearby attractions such as the illuminated Church of St. Michael and a variety of bars and restaurants. Aachener Straße Street is another bustling destination, known for its diverse nightlife options, including popular late-night venues like Six Pack Bar and Coco Schmitz.

Cologne also offers a range of clubs and music venues, such as Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld, a former train station turned nightclub, and Kantine, which has been a cornerstone of the city's party scene for over 20 years. Overall, Cologne provides a diverse and vibrant nightlife, ensuring that visitors and locals alike can enjoy a range of experiences after the sun sets.

Explore the historic old town

Cologne's Old Town is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city, and it becomes even more enchanting at night. With a variety of charming bars, pubs, and restaurants, there's no shortage of things to do and see in this historic area after dark.

The Old Town is home to several breweries, where you can enjoy a delicious Kölsch beer and soak up the local atmosphere. If you're a fan of traditional German cuisine, the Haxenhaus may be the perfect destination for you. This restaurant is known for its specialty dish, the haxen, a roasted pork knuckle served with sauerkraut, potatoes, and gravy. The Haxenhaus also offers a range of other traditional German dishes such as bratwurst.

In addition to its culinary delights, the Old Town also boasts impressive architecture. The Kölner Pegel, a water level meter installed in 1951, is located along the scenic River Rhine. As you walk along the riverbank, you can admire the stunning Renaissance buildings in the area, including the elegant City Hall Tower and the Jan von Werth Fountain.

The Old Marketplace near Cologne City Hall is another highlight of the Old Town. Here, you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the surrounding architecture. The area is known for its romantic ambiance, especially in the evening when the soft glow of lighting enhances the beauty of the historic buildings.

For a truly magical experience, don't miss the Cologne Cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated at night. Even if you've visited during the day, seeing this iconic landmark lit up in the evening casts a whole new light on its architectural grandeur.

Whether you're a photographer, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, exploring Cologne's Old Town at night is a delightful way to spend your evening. With its unique blend of history, cuisine, and charming nightlife, it's no wonder that the Old Town is a favourite among visitors and locals alike.

Admire the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a sight to behold and a must-see when visiting the city. This Gothic masterpiece is Germany's most visited tourist attraction and the world's second-tallest church. It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, making it a top place to visit in Cologne.

The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a tourist hotspot for 800 years. It is the pride of the people of Cologne, dominating the city's panorama with its gigantic pair of towers. The North Tower stands at 157.38 metres, while the South Tower is 7 centimetres taller. The entire cathedral covers almost 8000 square metres and can accommodate more than 20,000 people.

The construction of the cathedral is a fascinating story in itself. Building work began in 1248, but it wasn't completed until 1880, a staggering 600 years later. Even then, there was a 7-centimetre discrepancy between the heights of the two towers. The cathedral survived the Second World War despite extensive bombing, and today, stonemasons, glaziers, roofers, and other specialists constantly work on its maintenance and restoration.

The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as its exterior. Intricate stained glass windows, beautiful artwork, and ornate architectural details adorn the inside of the cathedral. One notable feature is the 'Richter-Fenster' in the southern transept, a 106-square-metre window composed of 11,000 hand-blown glass panels in 72 different colours.

The cathedral is also home to the Shrine of the Three Kings, said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men from the Bible. This shrine has made the cathedral a significant pilgrimage destination for over 1,000 years. Other highlights include the Madonna of Milan, a 13th-century wooden sculpture of Mary and the Christ Child, and the choir stalls, which feature 104 ornately carved oak seats surrounded by frescoed walls, painted statues, and stained glass.

To truly appreciate the cathedral, consider climbing to the top of the tower. The tower is open year-round, and you can arrange a guided tour of the belfry with the cathedral staff. From the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

If you're looking for a sweet evening activity in Cologne, why not visit the Chocolate Museum? Located on the River Rhine, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of chocolate and its production process. Here's what you can expect during your visit:

The Exhibition

The museum showcases the diverse cultural history of cocoa and chocolate over 4,000 square metres of exhibition space. You will learn about the 5,000-year history of cocoa, from its origins in Central America to its global cultivation and industrial production. The exhibition includes a walk-through greenhouse, exhibits on pre-Columbian cultures, a collection of baroque porcelain and silver, and historical machines from the Industrial Revolution.

Interactive Experiences

Get ready for some interactive fun! The museum features a famous chocolate fountain, where you can dip in and taste molten chocolate straight from a metal cocoa tree. You can also create your own customised chocolate bar with your choice of ingredients. There are various vending machines where you can buy treats, and historical exhibits where you can learn about the advertising and marketing of chocolate.

The Chocolate Studio and Factory

In the glass-walled production facility and chocolate studio, you can witness the art of crafting chocolate products through both mechanised and manual processes. See the modern chocolate-making process up close and learn how cocoa beans are transformed into delicious treats.

The Café and Shop

After exploring the museum, relax and indulge your sweet tooth at the CHOCOLAT Grand Cafe. Enjoy delicious chocolate specialities, a chocolate fondue, drinking chocolates, fresh waffles, and more while taking in the magnificent view of the Rhine. Before you leave, don't forget to visit the CHOCOLAT Shop to purchase some unique chocolate creations and souvenirs.

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a delightful experience for all ages, combining education, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of chocolate treats. It's the perfect way to spend an evening indulging your sweet tooth and learning about the cultural history of one of the world's most beloved treats.

Take a boat tour

Cologne is a city where Germany's old traditions meet modern influences, and there is plenty to do in the daytime and at night. One of the best ways to experience the city is from the water, with a boat tour on the Rhine River. Boat tours offer a unique perspective of the city's sights, panoramas and atmosphere. In the evening, Cologne Cathedral lights up green, and the sparkling lights of the city reflect in the gentle rhythm of the swirling water.

You can start a boat tour from the Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge landing stage or Cologne's Old Town. There are a variety of tours to choose from, including romantic evening cruises, panoramic tours with interesting facts about the city's history, musical tours, and trips to the Crane Houses and the Chocolate Museum. You can also take a day trip to small neighbouring towns and the picturesque Siebengebirge hills.

If you're looking for a longer tour, a three-hour harbour boat tour is a great option. This tour takes you under the magnificent Cologne bridges and includes a friendly and knowledgeable guide. You can also book a one-hour panoramic city cruise, or a two-hour evening cruise, which is perfect for taking in the city's lights and reflections.

For a unique twist, you could try a Rhine River Cruise with live music or, in the winter, a festive music cruise. If you're looking for a more energetic experience, there's even a Techno Dampfer cruise.

Enjoy the nightlife

Cologne is a great place to experience the nightlife, with the maximum number of pubs per capita in Germany. The city has approximately 70 clubs, countless bars, restaurants, and pubs. So, whether you're looking for a quiet drink or want to dance the night away, there's something for everyone.

Pubs and Bars

For a traditional German drinking experience, head to one of the breweries (brauhaus) in the Old Town, where you can enjoy a delicious Kölsch beer. Some popular options include Fruh am Dom, Brauhaus Sion, and Haxenhaus.

If you're looking for something more modern, check out Seiberts - Classic Bar and Liquid Kitchen, which has been listed among the ""10 most influential bars in Europe". The bar has a grand hotel ambience, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and original Chesterfield sofas.

For a cosy night out, try the Corkonian Irish Pub, a popular and truly international Irish bar that ranks among the best in the city. Or, if you're a fan of jazz, head to Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal, an authentic-style bar located right in the centre of the city, where food and drinks are served alongside live jazz, cabaret, and piano playing.

Clubs

Cologne has a buzzing club scene, with more than 70 clubs and party hotspots. One of the most popular is Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld (CBE), a former train station turned nightclub. With a diverse program of parties, concerts, and cultural events, CBE sets cultural and programmatic accents through its content and quality.

Other notable clubs include Kantine, a cornerstone of Cologne's club scene for over 20 years, and Live Music Hall, which hosts a range of diverse parties catering to different musical tastes.

Nightlife Areas

The main nightlife street in Cologne is Zülpicher Strasse in the district of Neustadt-Süd, which is particularly popular with students and young people. Here, you'll find a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from.

Another popular area for nightlife is the Belgian Quarter, known for its many bars, cafes, and restaurants. This area has a local vibe and is within walking distance of the city centre.

For a more alternative scene, check out the Ehrenfeld district, which is home to a diverse range of bars, clubs, and music venues.

Night Tours

If you want to experience the best pubs in Cologne's south side, consider booking a guided pub crawl. This is a great way to stay safe, enjoy delicious food, hear interesting stories, and visit the most iconic pubs in the area.

You can also take a night tour of the Old Town to see the illuminated architecture, or a night ride on the Kölner Cable Car for stunning panoramic views of the city.

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