Must-see nightlife in Cologne

  • Odonien

    Cologne

    The brainchild of artist Odo Rumpf, this subculture playground is creative lab, beer garden, concert venue, club, art centre, alfresco cinema and urban…

  • Biergarten Rathenauplatz

    Cologne

    A large, leafy park has one of Cologne's best places for a drink: a community-run beer garden. Tables sprawl under huge old trees, while simple snacks…

  • Brauerei zur Malzmühle

    Cologne

    Expect plenty of local colour at this convivial, family-run beer hall attached to a brewery in business since 1858. It serves the popular Mühlen Kölsch…

  • Päffgen

    Cologne

    Busy and boisterous, Päffgen has been pouring Kölsch since 1883 and hasn’t lost step since. In summer you can enjoy the refreshing brew and local…

  • Gewölbe

    Cologne

    The name translates as Vault so it's quite apropos that you have to negotiate a maze of small rooms to arrive at the main floor at this underground club…

  • Brauhaus Peters

    Cologne

    This beautifully restored 19th-century pub draws a crowd knocking back their Kölsch in a web of highly individualistic nooks, including a little 'chapel'…

  • Bootshaus

    Cologne

    Bootshaus is the offshoot of Warehouse, one of Cologne's oldest techno clubs (1991) and regularly hosts DJ royalty such as David Guetta, Ellen Allien and…

  • Frieda Bar

    Cologne

    Even if punk and stoner rock are not usually your thing, you'll get a warm and fuzzy feeling in this campy pub-style bar that pours Kölsch instead of…

  • Früh am Dom

    Cologne

    This warren of a beer hall near the Dom epitomises Cologne earthiness and is a great place to sample the typical Kölsch beer. Knock them back and tuck…

  • Schreckenskammer

    Cologne

    Empty chairs are a rare sight at this locals’ favourite with a pedigree going back to 1442. There's a fine beer garden, excellent food (mains €9 to €20),…

  • Six Pack

    Cologne

    An institution in the Belgisches Viertel, Six Pack is a worthy stop on any Cologne pub crawl. Pass through the battered door, belly up to the super-long…

  • Gaffel am Dom

    Cologne

    Right in the shadow of the Dom, this rambling beer hall pours traditional Kölsch beer for up to 1200 thirsty guests. Hearty Rhenish dishes, including some…

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