Don’t know what to do in the evening in Cologne?
Whether you’re a fan of bars, pubs, concerts or any other lively place, what better way to feel the atmosphere of a neighborhood than to go out in Cologne?
The best vacations are the ones we spend partying and Cologne has no shortage of absolutely crazy places to spend an explosive evening dancing until dawn. The city also offers less lively activities, if you prefer a more romantic and relaxed atmosphere.
Here is our selection of the best places to spend a good evening in Cologne.
Table des matières
The best area to go out and party in Cologne
Friesenstrasse
This is the party district par excellence in Cologne. There’s no time to have fun here, but it all starts at dusk.
Start the evening with a drink at the Lotte Haifischbar and relax after a long day of running around the city’s sights
The exquisite XX Dos will then get you dancing on a crazy dance floor, listening to good funky Latin, hip hop or RNB music. You can also dine on its heated terrace in winter and enjoy its splendid view of the main square.
If you’re a big foodie who doesn’t hesitate to sit down to dinner in the middle of the night, you should definitely stop by Paffgen. It serves excellent mustard sausages and a superb smoked pork sauerkraut.
Best cocktail bars and lounge bars
The Rubinrot
This bar is not only perfect for drinking a cocktail, but you can also learn how to create your own. Your coach will reveal his little secrets for preparing fabulous drinks and teach you the basics of this exciting art.
The Königsblut
Johanna and I had a great time at this cool little bar during our stay in Cologne. As soon as we walked in, we were immediately dazzled by the decoration: all the ingredients were there to make us live a wonderful evening. The romanticism was really there with a subdued red light, authentic furniture and very comfortable velvet cushions.
The establishment offers a nice selection of drinks including some really delicious gins.
The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête! We recommend it without hesitation.
Best terrace bars in Cologne
Secco
This wine bar promises a night full of surprises, starting with its garden, which shines in a beautiful natural setting. You can enjoy excellent food and drinks here. We recommend their specialty; tarragon chicken. We’ll be sure to hear about it.
Secco is also a place where conviviality is the rule and where it is good to meet and share good times. You will feel so good that you will not want to leave. A must-see with your friends.
Heising und Adelman
This was the most beautiful revelation we had in Cologne. We were so happy to find such a quiet place in the middle of this bustling avenue.
The Heising und Adelman appeared to us like an oasis in the middle of the desert and offered us a wonderful evening. Its beautifully decorated terrace welcomed us for a few moments of relaxation and magic in the middle of its walls covered with ivy and beautiful plants.
Don’t hesitate to go there if one day, you find yourself in the area Friesenstrasse.
Best bars to listen to music
Odonien
We would especially like to share with you our memorable experience in Odonien. Let yourself be charmed by this incredible cross between an open-air studio, a cultural center and a workshop.
It contains sumptuous performance spaces, the artist’s studio and an open-air stage, as well as a gigantic store. But its highlight is of course its beautiful beer garden dotted with very original metal sculptures
Enjoy the mysterious atmosphere with a cool Kölsch and dance the night away to the best techno and house music.
Six Pack
If we had to choose only one place to go at night in Cologne, it would have to be the Six Pack. This is the pub that made us appreciate the Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter) so much. We loved its wide variety of beers delicately served in bottles and kept in a big fridge.
We went there before midnight so we could get in without being jostled by the crowd and we were right!
What makes it special is the electronic music that transports you to the end of the night. We also listened to a lot of tracks from very famous DJs in the business.
If you’re lucky enough to go one night, expect to meet a celebrity or two from the music world!
Best nightclubs and bars for dancing
Bootshaus
This former warehouse has been transformed into a nightclub and has become one of the most famous techno clubs in Cologne. Located in the Deutz district, at the port of Mülheim, it completely seduced us with its DJ stars like David Guetta, Ellen Allien, and Jeff Mills.
We were also able to visit its three rooms and its very pleasant outdoor space. We partied on the first floor in the middle of a crowd of people under a semblance of a starry sky created by LEDs.
Outside, we were treated to tasty snacks served at the various stands set up throughout the refreshment area.
The Body Check Party
The first time we went to this club in Cologne, we immediately felt the friendly and welcoming atmosphere inspired by the great hospitality of its inhabitants. The Body Check Party is a celebration of Germany’s diversity and generosity. We were very happy to meet young people from all cultural and sexual backgrounds who were having fun together, forgetting their differences, to good techno or neo-house music.
Best restaurants to go out at night in Cologne
Bali Restaurant
The best time of the year to go there is definitely in summer. You’ll have the chance to dine al fresco while admiring the majestic St. Michael’s Church. Enjoy typical dishes that offer you a simple trip to Indonesia with their intoxicating scents and exceptional flavors.
You will never see the Brüsseler Platz in the same way again after spending an evening in this very nice restaurant. Try it at least once in Cologne!
La Croque
Find all the originality and simplicity of French bistros in this colorful restaurant (blue, white, red) that transports you to Paris for an evening.
It’s the perfect place to have a snack if you’re feeling peckish or to order food to take with you.
Früh Am Dom
One thing is for sure, the Früh Am Dom doesn’t do things by halves, with a capacity of 1200 people. This huge brasserie offers you to eat in the middle of a 15th century decoration and in a really nice setting while enjoying the beautiful local cuisine. If the weather allows it, we advise you to spend some time on their terrace with a view on the city.
Where to go out around Cologne?
If you have some time to spare, we recommend a trip to Bonn, where you will easily find many trendy places to have fun.
The Old Jacob
This bar offers the best craft cocktails in town, concocted by professionals just for you.
The interior is very intimate with dim lights and a really classy decoration. The bartenders are also very friendly and will be happy to share their experiences with you.
As the Old Jacob is a private residence, you will have to ring the bell before entering.
James Joyce Irish Pub
This is the bar to go to for a great Irish time. The James Joyce Irish Pub is all about giving you a real Irish atmosphere as if you were there. First of all, the service is fast, the staff is very courteous and the tables are close enough to create a very nice group atmosphere.
We recommend their burgers and pizzas; a real delight!
Zone
Our evening at Zone was a great success. My friends and I stumbled upon this brewery by chance while taking a night stroll in Bonn, near Cologne , and we didn’t regret going in.
We got to know the barman, who was very nice by the way, and we were rocked by beautiful blues songs. The decoration was perfectly done and the drinks were delicious.
Other things to do in the evening in Cologne
We also thought of the lovers of quiet and peaceful places far from the animation of the discotheques and the trendy bars. If you are one of them, these places should interest you.
The Hänneschen Theater
We immediately fell in love with this theater with its graffiti painted facade and once inside, very entertaining shows were waiting for us: Jokes, songs and puppet shows were on the program.
Zippiri Gourmetwerkstatt & Wyn-Bar
Dining in this small Italian restaurant was a real pleasure. We were able to relax in a peaceful and restful atmosphere. We can’t recommend their octopus and tuna enough. A pure marvel!
Moreover, the waiters are very friendly and the service is impeccable.
Residenz Astor Film Lounge
This is without a doubt the best cinema in the city. Sit back and watch your favorite movie just like at home and enjoy the excellent service in every respect.
The Rheinpark
This little corner of paradise invites you to spend a magical night in an incomparable floral setting. Don’t miss to stop for a moment to see the effect of the night lights on its green spaces and its beautiful fountains.