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Cologne Nightlife

Many visitors are content to while away most of the evening drinking Kölsch (the famous local beer) in one of Cologne's brewhouses (Brauhäuser), which is cross between a Bierkeller (beer cellar) and a traditional British pub.

Nightclubs and stylish bars are dispersed around the town too. Look in the Altstadt (around Buttermarkt and Salzgasse) or go a little further out to the Belgisches Viertel (between Rudolfsplatz and Friesenplatz) to find the biggest concentration of fashionable places to drink and eat. Else the Univiertel (University Quarter), around Barbarossa Platz and Zülpicher Platz, rarely disappoints.

Bars in Cologne

Cubana Bar

Boasting the best cocktail menu in town, this laidback bar has Che Guevara as its core theme. It also stocks an enviable range of aged Cuban rums and serves a wide selection of tapas. Located close to several top clubs, it's a popular meeting point for those heading out for the night.

Address: , Barbarossaplatz 5, Cologne, 50674
Telephone: +49 221 923 5481.
Website: http://www.cubana-koeln.de

Früh am Dom

Früh am Dom is a labyrinthine Brauhaus, where sooner or later everyone ends up. It's always busy but still manages to provide excellent service and top-quality food (try the Brauhausteller). Make the most of the chance to drink Kölsch, the light, refreshing local beer delivered by bartenders beneath chandeliers and enjoyed besides antique wooden screens and furniture.

Address: , Am Hof 12-18, Cologne, 50667
Telephone: +49 221 261 3215.
Website: http://www.frueh-am-dom.de

Seiberts

This elegant, award-winning bar offers a unique experience away from the buzzle of the city. With attention to detail and a passion for cocktails, Seiberts has made it its mission to create a personal connection between the bartender and the guests. You can choose from handpicked champagnes and barrelled spirits as well as an extensive selection of cocktails.

Address: , Friesenwall 33, Cologne, 50672
Telephone: +49 221 301 950 13.
Website: http://seiberts-bar.com

Clubs in Cologne

Diamonds

Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s, when disco and soul ruled the airwaves, or prefer modern hip hop and techno, the themed nights at Diamonds can satisfy all cravings. Clubbers pack the dancefloor to strut their stuff to modern house music and retro tunes too, all basking in the reflected beams of a giant glitterball.

Address: , Hohenzollernring 90, Cologne, 50672
Telephone: +49 178 517 3273.
Website: http://club-diamonds.de/

Wartesaal am Dom

Set in a former waiting room in the vaults beneath Cologne's Hauptbahnhof (central station), this beautifully converted restaurant and club holds 80s and 90s nights each Saturday. It's worth a detour just to look at the facade by night, even if you have no intention of going in. The golden arches backlit against the sky make a striking entrance as revellers make the most of the party atmosphere inside.

Address: , Johannisstrasse 11, Cologne, 50668
Telephone: +49 221 126 064 718.
Website: http://www.wartesaalamdom.de

Live music in Cologne

Artheater

Located in Ehrenfeld, an area known for its alternative party scene, Artheater is not just a night club but also a theatre and concert space. On two dance floors party-goers can dance to predominantly EDM. Alternatively, listen to live music from upcoming artists or watch in-house and guest productions on stage.

Address: , Ehrenfeldgürtel 127, Cologne, 50823
Telephone: +49 221 550 9960.
Website: http://artheater.de

LANXESS arena

The largest multifunction hall in Germany, LANXESS arena has hosted the likes of Pavarotti, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Rod Stewart. It's big, it's bold and it’s busy but it's the sort of place where you can have a good time if you book your tickets well in advance.

Address: , Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Cologne, 50679
Telephone: +49 221 8021.
Website: http://www.lanxess-arena.de/startseite.html

Luxor

Following Nietzsche's mantra - "Life without music would be a mistake" - this live music venue is a local favourite in Cologne. Its ever-changing line-up features anything from rock and pop to house and indie, and it prides itself on moderate prices, good music and a great atmosphere. This isn't a place for restraint, though and the place pumps through the week as well as at the weekend.

Address: , Luxemburger Strasse 40, Cologne, 50674
Telephone: +49 221 924 460.
Website: http://www.luxor-koeln.de

Papa Joe's Jazzlokal

So pokey the bands almost play on top of the audience, but that’s part of the charm of Papa Joe's Jazzlokal, one of the oldest jazz clubs in Germany. Traditional jazz and swing bands play every night and Sunday afternoon. Admission is free and Sunday afternoon jazz sessions take place throughout the winter months.

Address: , Buttermarkt 37, Cologne, 50667
Telephone: +49 221 257 7931.
Website: http://www.papajoes.de

Classical music in Cologne

Dance in Cologne

Theatres in Cologne

Music and Dance in Cologne

Culture in Cologne

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Hopper Hotel St Antonius

This very reasonably-priced design hotel is housed in a historic journeyman's hostel and set within walking distance from the main railway station and the banks of the Rhine. It comes complete with an excellent restaurant, original modern artworks and one of Cologne's most popular private theatres.

Stern am Rathaus

Nestled in the heart of the Altstadt, between the Rathaus and the Dom, this small family-run hotel couldn't wish for a more central location. There are only ninw rooms here, but each is spotlessly clean, modern in design, and equipped with everything you'd expect from an international chain hotel.

Savoy Hotel

The individually designed rooms in the Savoy are themed around different world destinations. So whether you're slumbering in the San Tropez suite or sleeping in the Samurai room, this smart boutique hotel allows you to travel the world without wandering any further than the wardrobe. It also has an excellent restaurant and spa facilities.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

This grand dame of accommodation in Cologne continues to impress with its sweeping spiral staircases, great service and central location. Rooms come in beige and earth tones or calming blue and white. Taku, one of Cologne’s most exciting restaurants, is housed here and the Piano Bar offers an interesting range of cocktails.

Hyatt Regency Cologne

If you're looking for luxury and arresting views, Hyatt Regency Cologne fits the bill perfectly. The spacious, well-appointed rooms look out onto the Rhine and towards looming towers of the Dom. It also has an indoor pool, fitness club and spa, and a restaurant housed in a panoramic glass atrium.

Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg

Visitors are easily dazzled by the Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg. Housed in a renovated baroque palace, each of the 120 rooms and suites maintains a sense of grandeur while supplying all the mod cons. Look out for the midnight blue ceiling above the swimming pool and spa. It's a way out of town but the payoff for that is the easy access to horse riding and golf.