Exploring Cologne's Nightlife: What To See After Dark

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a cultural hub with a vibrant nightlife scene. The city boasts a range of attractions, from its famous Cathedral to its charming Old Town, making it a perfect destination for a short break. Here's an introduction to some of the best things to see and do in Cologne after dark.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is Germany's second-tallest building, standing at 515 feet tall, and is home to the largest facade of any church in the world. It is renowned for its intricate Gothic architecture and spectacular stained glass windows.

The cathedral's construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, taking almost 600 years to build. The building features two towers, the North and South Tower, with the North Tower standing at 157.38 metres and the South Tower just 7 centimetres taller. The cathedral's stone mass rises almost weightlessly up to 43-metre-high baldachin-style arches. The narrow main nave leads to the chancel, accompanied by two side naves. The North Tower features five spectacular glass windows, while the South Tower offers an impressive view from a height of approximately 100 metres.

The cathedral is also home to the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to contain the bones of the three Wise Men from the Bible. This brought pilgrims to the town in the Middle Ages and continues to make it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Europe.

The cathedral is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a dramatic sight. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Cologne, offering a unique blend of history, art, and architecture.

Night cruises on the River Rhine

Cologne is one of Germany's most significant cultural centres, straddling the Rhine River. The city boasts a magnificent twin-spired Gothic cathedral, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river itself is a hub of activity, with boat tours and cruises offering unique perspectives of the city's sights and panorama. Here are some reasons why you should consider a night cruise on the River Rhine:

Breathtaking Views

Cologne's skyline is a stunning sight to behold at night, with the Cologne Cathedral lighting up in green and the sparkling lights of the city reflecting on the gentle waters of the Rhine. The river provides a perfect vantage point to take in the city's beauty and atmosphere.

Romantic Evening Cruise

A night cruise on the Rhine can be a romantic experience, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. As you sail along the river, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the illuminated cathedral and the charming Old Town.

Panoramic Cruise with Illuminated Sights

Night cruises offer a unique opportunity to see Cologne's landmarks illuminated against the night sky. As you glide along the river, you'll pass by the Hohenzollern Bridge, the Old Town, and the Crane Houses, all beautifully lit up. These cruises often include informative commentary, providing interesting facts about the city's history and culture.

Musical and Themed Event Cruises

For a more festive experience, you can opt for a musical or themed event cruise. These cruises combine sightseeing with entertainment, offering a unique way to enjoy the city's nightlife. Whether you're looking for live music, cabaret, or a particular theme, there are cruises that cater to various tastes and interests.

Explore Neighbouring Towns and Attractions

Night cruises on the Rhine often include stops at neighbouring towns and attractions. You can visit the picturesque Siebengebirge hills, explore the famous Chocolate Museum, or even take a day trip to nearby towns. These cruises provide a great opportunity to discover the region beyond Cologne's city limits.

So, if you're looking for a unique way to experience Cologne's beauty, culture, and nightlife, consider embarking on a night cruise along the River Rhine. With breathtaking views, romantic ambiance, and informative tours, it's an unforgettable way to create lasting memories of your time in this charming German city.

Nightlife in the 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 plenty 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 spot 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 breweries and restaurants, the Old Town also boasts a lively bar scene. One notable spot is Seiberts - Classic Bar and Liquid Kitchen, which features one of the most renowned bartenders in the world. Seiberts offers a delicate selection of fine culinary delights and unique taste experiences.

For a touch of Irish hospitality, head to The Corkonian Irish Pub, a popular and truly international bar that ranks among the best in the city. With its comfy environment and good hospitality, it's a great place to get a glimpse of authentic Cologne nightlife.

If you're looking for a romantic evening, stroll along the river or sit on the steps of the Cologne Cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated at night. Or, visit the Love Locks Bridge (Hohenzollern Bridge) in the evening when the lighting creates the perfect photo opportunity.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, Cologne's Old Town at night is a charming place that's not to be missed.

Night-time ghost tours

The Dark Side of the Dom Tour

This free walking tour is perfect for those seeking a different perspective on Cologne's history. Meeting at Heumarkt, in front of the 'Restaurant Heumarkt', on Fridays at 7 pm, this tour delves into the medieval past, witches, ghosts, and eerie tales. As the sun sets, you'll journey through the centre of the city, uncovering its darker side.

What to Expect

Prepare to be spooked by stories of witches, murderers, and ghosts, all while immersing yourself in the gloomy atmosphere of medieval Cologne. The tour concludes near Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch, offering a chance to warm up with a drink afterwards.

Booking Information

While the tour is free, booking in advance is required. The booking is free of charge and available until 2 hours before the tour starts. The group size is limited to 30 people, so be sure to secure your spot.

Other Ghostly Options

If you're unable to make it on a Friday, there are other ghostly options available, such as the "Guided Tour of Melatenfriedhof" and the "Haunted City Centre Exploration Game." These tours promise to reveal more of Cologne's haunted history and are sure to send a shiver down your spine.

So, if you're brave enough, join one of these ghost tours and discover a different, spookier side to Cologne's welcoming nature. It's the perfect way to spend an evening for those seeking a unique and chilling experience.

Cologne's Chocolate Museum

One of the most popular museums in Cologne, the Chocolate Museum attracts 650,000 visitors annually. The museum offers about 4,000 tours, tastings, and other delights, covering the 5,000-year history of chocolate.

The museum is located on a small island in the River Rhine and was opened in 1993 by German chocolatier, Hand Imhoff, in partnership with Swiss chocolatier Lindt. It is housed in an impressive building with multiple layers, showcasing the history and evolution of chocolate-making.

Upon entering, you will find a large cocoa tree model, leading into a 10-metre-high tropical house. The exhibition covers over 4,000 square metres and includes a walk-through greenhouse, a chocolate fountain, an 18th and 19th-century collection of porcelain and silver, exhibits from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and historical industrial machinery.

The museum also features a glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop, where visitors can witness both mechanised and manual chocolate-making processes. The attached Chocolat Grand Cafe offers delicious chocolate treats with a magnificent view of the Rhine.

The Chocolate Museum is a great experience for both adults and children, with interactive and informative exhibits. Visitors can also create their own customised chocolates with chosen ingredients. The museum offers various tours, including a guided public tour, which is highly recommended.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, with tickets priced at €13.50 for adults and €8.50 for children. It is easily accessible, located a short walk from the Heumarkt tram stop.

Frequently asked questions