10 Best Things To Do In Cologne At Night - Updated 2024

best things to do in cologne at night
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If you’re looking to experience some great nightlife, Cologne is definitely the place for you. Cologne is the largest city in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth-largest city in Germany. It is held within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region and is surrounded by the River Rhine, on both sides. The University of Cologne, being one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe, gives a charm of its own to the place.

Cologne is a major cultural centre for the Rhineland, as it hosts more than thirty museums and hundreds of galleries, in which exhibitions range from local, ancient Roman archaeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculpture. The Koelnmesse hosts a number of trade shows, such as Art Cologne, Imm Cologne, Gamescom, to name a few.

In the year 2008, Cologne had over 4.31 million overnight stays booked and 2.38 million arrivals. They also have the maximum number of pubs, per capita, in Germany. The city has approximately 70 clubs, countless bars, restaurants, and pubs. It is home to an international airport and summers (July to August) are warm and pleasant, but a little humid. Autumn (September to November) and spring (April to June) are perfect times of year, for sightseeing in Cologne.

Check out Cologne’s nightlife with these top 10 things to do in Cologne at night:

1. Seiberts - Classic Bar and Liquid Kitchen

night attractions
Source: Seiberts Bar

Seiberts - Classic Bar and Liquid Kitchen is one of Cologne’s most spectacular hotspots and features one of the most acknowledged bartenders, worldwide. The bar has also been listed among the “10 most influential bars in Europe”. Seibert has the ambience of a grand hotel, with its high ceilings, chandeliers, dark, red, heavy curtains, original Chesterfield sofas, along its with 100 percent, feel-good atmosphere.

The bar has a delicate selection of the finest culinary delights for late night hunger, combined with the best spirits for unique taste experiences.

Seiberts - Classic Bar and Liquid Kitchen

Address: Friesenwall 33, 50672 Cologne, Germany

Website: Seiberts - Classic Bar and Liquid Kitchen

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2. Taverne Alekos

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Taverne Alekos on Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Taverne Alekos is one of the best places to eat in Cologne, serving classical Greek specialties since 1974. The place caters to the needs of all age groups and has great hospitality, along with a touch of ancient Greece.

Taverne Alekos

Address: Venloer Str. 275, 50823 Köln, Germany

Website: Taverne Alekos

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3. Cologne Carnival Party

Cologne Carnival
Source: Photo by Flickr user Harold R Cologne used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Carnival in Cologne is a festival of fancy dress, with no limits to the imagination. The Carnival costumes are usually very bright and sometimes lacking all possible “elegance”. The closing times for pubs and bars are suspended for the duration of the festival, which gives the tourist a chance to enjoy the nightlife of the city, thoroughly.

Cologne Carnival Party

Dates: Festival takes place annually, in November.

Website Cologne Carnival Party

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4. Spirits Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Spirits Bar has been one of the best in town since 1999, serving up some properly inventive drinks to a cool crowd. The bar has a snazzy, warm and welcoming interior and the drinks menu features all the cocktail classics, as well a a range of well-made signature drinks. The bar uses the freshest ingredients and they stock a wide range of spirits – which you might well have guessed, given the name.

Spirits Bar

Address : Engelbertstraße 63, 50674 Köln, Germany

Website: Spirits Bar

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5. Love Lock Bridge

Liebesschlösser Köln 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Superbass used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For some romantic things to do, visit the Love Lock Bridge in Cologne. It stands as a symbol of affection, shown by the thousands of ‘Love Padlocks’ locked to the bridge. As a tradition, the sweetheart’s names or initials are inscribed on the padlock and its key is thrown away, to symbolize unbreakable love. It is a beautiful spot, with a spectacular night view and a must visit for love birds.

'Love Lock' Bridge

Address: Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Website: Love Lock Bridge

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6. Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Papa Joe's Jazz-lokal Im Strickstrumpf (Em Streckstrump) in Köln / Cologne on Monday, March 27, 2017

The Papa Joe’s Jazz Lokal is an authentic style bar, located right in the centre of the city. The food and beverages in the bar are served to the accompaniment of selected live music, cabaret, piano playing and vaudeville. The bar has a unique atmosphere and depicts a true picture of Cologne’s nightlife.

Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal

Address: Auf dem Rothenberg 22, 50667 Köln, Germany

Website:Papa Joe’s Jazz Lokal

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7. The Corkonian Irish Pub

Köln - Alter Markt 03 ies
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Frank Vincentz used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Corkonian Irish Pub is stuffed with a varied program and different special offers, every day. It is a popular, truly international, Irish bar and ranks among the best in the city. The pub has a comfy environment, along with good hospitality. It is a must-visit bar if you’re looking to get a glimpse of authentic nightlife, in Cologne.

The Corkonian Irish Pub

Address: Alter Markt 51, 50667 Köln, Germany

Website Corkonian Irish Pub

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8. Weihnachtsmarkt Kölner Altstadt / Heimat der Heinzel

Weihnachtszeit, Winterzeit (04)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Eremeev used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Weihnachtsmarkt Kölner Altstadt / Heimat der Heinzel is a must-visit for tourists who visit Cologne in the Christmas season. It highlights true Christmas spirit and gives a glance of the city’s nightlife, during this special time of year.

Weihnachtsmarkt Kölner Altstadt / Heimat der Heinzel

Address: Alter Markt, 50667 Köln, Germany

Dates: From the fourth Monday in November until the 23rd of December, annually.

Website Weihnachtsmarkt Kölner Altstadt / Heimat der Heinzel

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9. Little Link

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


The name of the bar Little Link signifies the connections it creates - between classic and modern, classy and casual, human to human and also between the kitchen and bar. This stylish drinking den is the brainchild of Stephan Hinz, one of Germany’s top bartenders and author of Cocktailkunst.

Little Link

Address: Maastrichter Str. 20, 50672 Köln, Germany

Website : Little Link

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10. Pub Crawl Colonge (from USD 27.11)

best things to do in cologne at night | pub crawl colonge

A pub crawl, also known as a bar tour, bar crawl or bar-hopping, is the act of drinking in multiple pubs or bars in a single night, normally travelling by foot or public transport to each destination and occasionally by bicycle. The activity is not only a great way to meet and socialize with new people, but it is also a great way to enjoy the nightlife of the city.

Pub Crawl Colonge

Address: Friesenwall 58, @Sinners & Saints, 50672 Köln, Germany

Website:Pub Crawl Cologne

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Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots

Duration: 1.0 day

397 reviews

Experience the cool nightlife of Cologne!

Hohenzollernbrücke - Kölner Dom - MusicalDome bei Nacht-2928
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Raimond Spekking used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The streets of Germany’s most beautiful city, Cologne, is best known for its nightlife and party atmosphere, with people from all over the world. The city has a buzzing nightlife, with more than 70 clubs and party hot spots. Hurry now to Cologne and get a sneak peek at their amazing nightlife. Be sure to check out the best non-touristy things to do and day trips to take from Cologne as well.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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