Iron Bar
Schaafenstraße
When the bar was taken over by two women and remodeled into a sleek lounge with creative cocktails, there was hope for a (much needed) migration of gay ladies to...
- LGBTQ
- Bar
Die Mumu
Schaafenstraße
This alternative, even occasionally hipster-leaning bar on Schaafenstrasse showcases rotating DJs on a usually less-crowded dance floor, with a younger crowd and...
- LGBTQ
- Bar
Excorner
Schaafenstraße
At the corner of the Bermuda Dreieck (Bermuda Triangle) is Excorner, a cozy locale serving all the standards and playing them as well, with the occasional...
- For Men
- Bar
Exile on Main Street
Schaafenstraße
Exile on Main Street is a member of the Schaafenstraße trifecta, although any association with the Rolling Stones album ends at the name. With a paired-down but tidy
- For Men
- Bar
Gewölbe
Belgisches Viertel
A legendary electro-club under the Bahnhof-West in the Belgisches Viertel, Gewölbe returned to the scene renovated and better than ever after a brief absence. With...
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightclub
Schaafenstraße
Mauritiusviertel
Schaafenstraße is Cologne's gay street, a compact but busy stretch between Am Rinkenpfuhl and Habsburgerring. Home to nightlife greats like Ex-corner, Exile, Iron...
- LGBTQ
- Other
Red Cat Lounge
Latin Quarter
The Red Cat Lounge is a dance house of neon, graffiti and dizzying techno tracks especially designed for those who don't want the weekend to end.
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightclub
- 1
Nachtflug
Altstadt
Host to the monthly Green-Kom, Nachtflug is a flashy techno-pit surrounded by tables perfect for dancing among beautiful queers like everyone is watching. Staff is
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightclub
- 1
Blue Lounge
Georgsviertel
One of the few lesbian venues in Cologne, this "Tanzbar" (dance-bar) has been going strong for thirteen years and offers all kinds of parties and dance-nights for
- For Women
- Bar
Elle World
Rheinauhafen
Elle World is one of the few lesbian parties in Cologne. Held four times a year at the "Alter Wartesaal" (now "Wartesaal am Zollhafen"), admission is only eight...
- For Women
- Party
Kattwinkel
Eigelstein
Near Ebertplatz in the slightly out-of-center Eigelstein neighborhood, this small bar and café is certainly gemütlich, queer and a good option for those who prefer...
- LGBTQ
- Bar
Schampanja
Mauritiusviertel
Schampanja draws an edgier kind of queer than the neighboring nightlife in Cologne's gay district. Culty, dimly lit, and blasting indie and punk, this local hangout
- LGBTQ
- Bar
Badehaus Babylon
Gereonsviertel
One of the largest and well-visited gay saunas in Cologne, the Badehaus Babylon is relatively chic and tasteful, with multiple levels and bathing options. Tickets...
- For Men
- Sauna
Barracuda Bar
Belgisches Viertel
A popular gathering spot in the Belgian Quarter for techno fans and their friends, the bar packs a crowd on weekends, so best come early to claim a place at the bar.
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Bar
Bastard
Apostelnviertel
This small, stylish bar in a courtyard off of Friesenstraße attracts a mix of young queers who prefer their bars less high-strung and washed-out than what's up for...
- LGBTQ
- Bar
Braustelle
Ehrenfeld
In the basement of Cologne's smallest brewery, Peter Esser brews up micro-batches of his beloved Helios Kölsch. But don't stop there: the Ehrenfelder Alt,...
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Bar
Café Bauturm
Belgisches Viertel
The renowned, prize-winning theater has an equally beloved bar and café, which has a primarily hipster clientele. It also hosts musical performances and curates
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Café
Coco Schmitz
Belgisches Viertel
The basement club of the famed Salon Schmitz, Coco is a dimly lit and glitzy space made for sophisticated weekend parties and concerts.
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightclub
E-Feld
Ehrenfeld
This casual, friendly basement-disco between Birckendorf and Ehrenfeld rotates Ska, Punk, Techno and the like for a younger crowd, and the drinks are moderately
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightclub
Green-Komm
Altstadt
Over two-decades strong, the Green-Komm after-hours party starts at 6 am, filling the dance floor with fog and relentless, minimal beats. For the more hardcore...
- LGBTQ
- Party
Grünfeld
Belgisches Viertel
Across the street from Sixpack, the Grünfeld is another important spot to hit up on any bar tour: a warm, laid-back atmosphere with foosball, WiFi and a lovely...
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Bar
Homoriental
Georgsviertel
Political correctness be damned: an "oriental-party" for gays, lesbians and friends in Venue. Every fourth Saturday, dance the night away to Turkish Pop, "Oriental"...
- LGBTQ
- Party
Sixpack
Belgisches Viertel
Now firmly rooted as an institution in the Belgian Quarter, this incognito bottled-beer temple has an astonishing variety of labels from all over Europe, all stored...
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Bar
Station 2b
Altstadt Süd
Station 2b is the go-to cruise destination in Cologne. Set over 4,300 square-foot (400 m2), the club has a dance floor, bar and stage upstairs, but things get...
- For Men
- Cruising
Underground
Ehrenfeld
Classically Ehrenfeld, the graffiti-covered Underground is a chill-core bar with concerts and parties throughout the week tending towards metal and rock. All ages
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Bar
Venue
Georgsviertel
This trendy weekend dance club hosts a slew of gay parties including Poptastic, Secret Loverz and a gay students night.
- LGBTQ
- Nightclub
Zum Goldenen Schuß
Belgisches Viertel
Two of the Zum Goldenen Schuß's main features are its giant screens for game viewing, where players appear near life-size. The bar has become something of a hip...
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Bar
