Exploring Cologne's Nightlife: Best Places To Visit After Dark

Cologne's nightlife offers something for everyone, from jazz bars to legendary nightclubs. The city's Old Town, Belgian Quarter, and Friesen Quarter are popular spots for an evening out, with their mix of shops, bars, pubs, and clubs. Cologne is known for its Kölsch beer, which can be sampled at traditional breweries or in the many bars and beer gardens throughout the city. For a magical view of the city, take an evening cruise along the Rhine River, or stroll through the historic Alter Markt square, lit up with festive lights during the winter months. Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Catholic church, is a stunning sight at night and is open for evening mass. The city also boasts an impressive cultural scene, with hundreds of galleries and over thirty museums.

Cologne's Old Town

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a must-see attraction in the Old Town. This UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, with its construction spanning from 1248 to 1880. The cathedral is especially breathtaking at night when it is lit up against the night sky. You can also attend the evening mass, which is held in German.

Alter Markt

Alter Markt is Cologne's historic town square and is considered the hub of the Old Town. It is the city's second-largest square and is full of lively cafes, restaurants, and bars. During the summer months, Alter Markt hosts open-air concerts and events, while in winter, it transforms into a magical Christmas market with festive lights and an outdoor ice rink.

Brauhaus Sion

For a traditional German dining experience, head to Brauhaus Sion, a historic brewhouse located in the Old Town. They have been brewing the local German pale ale, Kölsch, since 1318. Enjoy their generous portions of traditional fare, like riesenhämchen (pork knuckles), in their warmly lit, wood-panelled interior or on their outdoor terrace during the summer.

Papa Joe's Jazz Bar

For music lovers, Papa Joe's Jazz Bar is a must-visit. This cosy and jovial venue, located in the heart of the Old Town, offers a mix of live bands, cabaret, and vaudeville performances. The decor is eclectic, with vintage brass instruments adorning the walls and ceiling. There is no entry fee, and you can enjoy their performances from the first-floor tables, outdoor terrace, or the upstairs balcony.

Roman-Germanic Museum

For a glimpse into Cologne's Roman past, visit the Roman-Germanic Museum. Although the museum is currently closed for renovation, you can still peer through the window to see a fine mosaic floor depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus. This mosaic was once part of the dining room of a Roman merchant.

Squares of Cologne Old Town

Explore the charming squares of the Old Town, such as the Fischmarkt and the Alter Markt. Although the buildings look medieval, they are actually younger, having been rebuilt after World War II in a faux-medieval style. Stroll through these squares to admire the architecture and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the surrounding cafes and restaurants.

Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter is a trendy, inner-city district in the heart of Cologne, known for its young, hip, and creative atmosphere. The area is characterised by streets named after Belgian cities and provinces, such as Brussels, Limburg, Liège, and Brabant. The quarter offers a vibrant mix of shops, boutiques, ateliers, cafes, and restaurants, ranging from currywurst stands to gourmet temples. It is also known for its nightlife, with bars, pubs, and clubs scattered throughout the area.

At the heart of the Belgian Quarter is Brüsseler Platz, or Brussels Square, dominated by the neo-Romanesque St Michael's Church. On warm summer nights, the square comes alive with young people socialising and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The surrounding streets are lined with boutique shops, cafes, and bars, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The Belgian Quarter is also home to the Stadtgarten, a multifaceted park that offers a unique setting for a morning jog or a lazy afternoon. The Stadtgarten also features a beer garden, a restaurant, and a concert area, making it a popular destination for musical events and parties. During the winter, the Stadtgarten transforms into a magical Christmas market.

For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Belgian Quarter delivers with its collection of small specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, goldsmiths, and unique cafes and bars. Young fashion designers and goldsmiths offering handcrafted jewellery can be found in the area, along with interesting street art and a vibrant creative scene. The quarter organises events throughout the year under the name "Chic Belgique", encouraging visitors to explore the unique offerings of the area.

Whether you're looking for a lively night out, a relaxing evening in a picturesque square, or a unique shopping and dining experience, the Belgian Quarter in Cologne has something for everyone. With its trendy atmosphere, historic architecture, and diverse cultural offerings, it is a must-visit destination when exploring the city after dark.

Friesen Quarter

The Friesen Quarter (Friesenviertel) is one of the best places to visit in Cologne at night. Located in the heart of the city, this lively area is known for its vibrant nightlife, with streets lined with late-night restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Here are some reasons why you should consider spending your evening in the Friesen Quarter:

Diverse Dining and Drinking Options:

The Friesen Quarter offers a wide variety of culinary and drinking experiences. You can find everything from traditional German breweries like Brewery Päffgen to Irish pubs like Jameson Irish Pub, and even cocktail bars like the highly-rated Friesen-Bar. This diversity ensures that you can find something to suit your taste, whether you're looking for a cosy dinner or a lively drinking spot.

Cultural Experiences:

The Friesen Quarter is not just about nightlife; it also offers cultural experiences. The Sartory-Saal concert hall, located within the quarter, often hosts exhibitions, performances, and parties, especially during Cologne's annual Carnival. So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in local culture and arts, the Friesen Quarter provides a great opportunity to do so.

Proximity to Other Attractions:

One of the biggest advantages of spending your evening in the Friesen Quarter is its convenient location. It is adjacent to the Belgian Quarter and the Old Town area, and just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral and Alter Markt, Cologne's historic town square. This makes it easy to explore multiple attractions in one night, strolling through the scenic streets and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Atmospheric Venues:

The venues in the Friesen Quarter offer unique and atmospheric experiences. For example, the aforementioned Friesen-Bar takes inspiration from the American bar scene of the 1920s, with Chesterfield lounges and innovative cocktails. On weekends, they host top music acts and DJs, creating a vibrant party atmosphere.

People and Vibes:

The Friesen Quarter attracts a diverse crowd, from locals to tourists, and people of all ages. The atmosphere is generally described as festive, comfortable, and inclusive. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink or a lively dance floor, you can find spots that cater to your preferred vibe within the quarter.

Night cruise on the Rhine River

The Rhine River winds through the heart of Cologne, and an evening cruise along the river offers a magical view of the city's impressive buildings and bridges. The river is surrounded by Cologne's magnificent architecture, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Catholic church with tall twin towers and stately Gothic architecture. The cruise typically lasts a few hours, taking visitors past other iconic landmarks such as the Basilica of St Cunibert and the Church of St. Maria in Lyskirchen.

As you sail along the Rhine, admire the medieval buildings of the Old Town and the silhouette of the Hohenzollern Bridge, which connects the two sides of the city. The sunset cruise offers an exclusive perspective of the city, with the warm glow of the setting sun illuminating the buildings and bridges. Recorded commentary in English provides interesting facts about the city's history and its people.

Onboard the cruise, passengers can enjoy a taste of the local pale ale, Kölsch, and a meal (usually for an extra charge), as well as live DJ sets. The cruise creates a serene and romantic atmosphere, with the sparkling lights of the city reflecting on the gentle waters of the Rhine. It's the perfect way to experience the beauty of Cologne from a different viewpoint.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is a defining feature of the city, and its majestic silhouette is visible from almost every point in the city centre. The building is impressive in size, with a footprint of 145 metres by 86 metres, and a total area of almost 8000 square metres. It can accommodate over 20,000 people, and its towers stand at 157.38 metres and 157.31 metres, respectively. The cathedral is illuminated at night, creating a magical sight for evening strolls or river cruises.

The cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men from the Bible. This shrine has attracted pilgrims to the city for centuries and is adorned with medieval gold craftsmanship. The cathedral is also home to the Madonna of Milan, an elegant wooden sculpture of Mary and the Christ Child, created in 1290.

Evening masses are held from Monday to Saturday at 6:30 pm and on Sundays at 5 pm and 7 pm. The cathedral is open to visitors daily from 6 am to 8 pm.

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