The Best Bars in Cologne for an Unforgettable Night Out

Cologne is a city that knows how to have a good time. By day, its historic streets and grand cathedral impress visitors, but by night, the city comes alive with a buzzing bar scene that caters to every taste. Whether you're after a perfectly crafted cocktail in an upscale lounge, a lively Brauhaus serving traditional Kölsch or a quirky hideaway with a creative edge, Cologne has it all. From trendy spots in the Belgian Quarter to legendary beer halls near the cathedral, here’s where to find the best bars in Cologne for a night to remember. If you're drinking alcohol, remember to plan your route back to your Cologne hotel beforehand so you can enjoy a safe evening.

If you can just visit one cocktail bar in Cologne, make it Seiberts. This upscale cocktail bar is famous in the city for its swish, Art Deco-inspired décor and meticulously crafted concoctions from award-winning mixologists. Cherry on the cake? There's a leafy outdoor area to enjoy your drink on warmer evenings.

• Must-try drink: The signature Seiberts Martini
• Address: Friesenwall 33, 50672, Cologne
• Open: From 4pm (Closed Mondays and Sundays)

A local hot spot since 1999, Spirits is a bar for people who like low lighting and friendly chatter with their evening tipple. The bartenders here are passionate about their craft and have an encyclopedic knowledge of cocktail culture – just tell them your preferences, and they are happy to whip up a bespoke cocktail for you. Spirits is great anytime, particularly good for a post-dinner tête-à-tête accompanied by a soft jazz soundtrack.

• Must-try drink: The Bartender’s Choice – let them surprise you!
• Address: Engelbertstraße 63, 50674 Cologne
• Open: From 6pm daily (Closed Sunday)

Located in the heart of Cologne, but with an intimate feel (you need to knock on the door to get in), Ona Mor Bar is a "cocktail creatorium" that pushes the boundaries of mixology with additions such as chocolate, fruit jams and even candy floss. It’s not for purists, but for a fun night out at one of the liveliest cocktail bars in Cologne, it’s hard to beat. Join one of their cocktail-making workshops or courses, and you'll also get an exclusive peek behind the bar counter.

• Must-try drink: Let your imagination guide you
• Address: Roonstraße 94, 50674, Cologne
• Open: Daily from 8pm (Closed Tuesday)

Perched high above Cologne's streets, Monkey Bar offers one of the city's most spectacular vantage points. From its stylish rooftop terrace, you're treated to breathtaking views of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, its Gothic spires piercing the skyline in dramatic fashion. The bar's sophisticated atmosphere pairs perfectly with its creative cocktail menu of highballs, classics and signatures, and there's a delicious street food menu — the Korean fried chicken bites are especially popular – if you get hungry.

• Must-try drink: The espresso and banana Martini
• Address: Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670 Cologne
• Open: Daily from 5pm

Situated in the lively Belgian quarter, this large bar-pub has been included in the World’s 50 Best Bars list and remains perennially popular. It has a trendy industrial feel and is popular for post-work chillax, particularly on the outdoor terrace where large groups can gather comfortably. Along with inventive cocktails, Little Link serves a range of tasty bar snacks, from mini burgers to mighty sandwiches filled with chicken schnitzel and pungent German cheeses.

• Must-try drink: Sea By Land, made with smoked salmon gin (it works!)
• Address: Maastrichter Str. 20, 50672 Cologne
• Open: Daily from 5pm

Kölsch is Cologne’s local beer, and it would be remiss not to throw down a glass or two of this light, clear and refreshing lager in one of the city’s many quaint and atmospheric pubs, or Brauhaus. These places express the true melting pot of local life where office executives meet construction workers, tourists meet locals and old and young get together in merriment and loud banter.
 

Be aware it’s part of local custom to keep the beers flowing. So if your glass or bottle is empty, make sure you tell the bartender you would like to call it a night, otherwise your Brauhaus experience may last a lot longer than originally planned!

Go straight to the heart of Kölsch culture in Cologne at MühlenKölsch, which has been brewing Mühlenbeer for over 150 years. Despite its illustrious history, this brewery is more intimate than most and is renowned for its food. Try the signature dish, Sauerbraten – a hearty, marinated pot roast. Former US President Bill Clinton did in 1999 and since then a plate of Sauerbraten washed down with a beer has been lovingly nicknamed the "Clinton Menu".

• Address: Heumarkt 6, 50667, Cologne
• Open: Daily from 2pm Monday to Thursday and 12pm Friday to Sunday

FRÜH am Dom is one of the oldest and most tradition-steeped breweries in Cologne. In this beautiful Weimar-era building, you will be seduced by the authentic German beer and dining culture. Situated on Hohe Straße (High Street) directly opposite Cologne’s famous cathedral and a short walk from the exclusive Mondial Am Dom Hotel, the FRÜH am Dom complex is as much of a landmark as any of the city’s sites. But it's also a popular place to sit and watch the world go by over a pint or two of Kölsch.

• Address: Am Hof 12-18, 50667, Cologne
• Open: Open daily from 11am (10am on the weekends)

On the other side of the Cathedral and a short stroll from the family-friendly Mercure Hotel Severinshof Köln City hotel, Gaffel am Dom is a modern version of a traditional brewery inside a landmark Wilhelmina-era building. With an extensive list of tasty bistro fare and tea and coffee also offered, it enjoys a relaxed, cosmopolitan vibe that can be enjoyed any hour of the day.

• Address: Bahnhofsvorpl. 1, 50667, Cologne
• Open: Daily from 10am

Hallmackenreuther is named after a character from the well-loved German comedian Loriot, and as soon as you enter the door you time travel back to the 1960s Mod era. It's filled with original furniture and décor but is far from a museum. This happening spot for cocktails and comfort food is popular with an arty and creative crowd. As a bonus, Hallmackenreuther hosts regular exhibitions and events showcasing local culture and design.

• Address: Brüsseler Platz 9, Cologne
• Open: Daily from 10am

In the heart of arty Aachener Strasse, this café-bar is situated in an old butcher’s shop. Gorgeously decked out with restored tiles and the original countertop, it’s a cosy place to kick back and enjoy a craft beer from their in-house microbrewery or a mixed drink made with their exclusive rhubarb liqueur. So popular is the Schmitz formula that they have opened several other venues in the immediate vicinity – Salon Schmitz, Coco Schmitz and Bar Schmitz – all with their uniquely fashionable atmosphere.

• Address: Aachenerstrasse 28 – 30, 50670, Cologne
• Open: Daily from 9am

For those on the prowl for a high-energy night out, Bootshaus is the biggest nightclub in Cologne. Consistently ranked among the top clubs in the world, Bootshaus hosts international electronic and techno DJs and offers a thrilling atmosphere with its world-class sound system and energetic crowd.

• Address: Auenweg 173, 51063, Cologne
• Open: Friday-Saturday from 10pm

Do you love to wiggle but are put off by large, packed nightclubs? This much-loved hangout in the Ehrenfeld neighbourhood could be for you. During the week it’s a laid-back cocktail bar, beer garden and occasional live performance venue, but on the weekends it transforms into a club spinning classic club hits. Non-touristy and with a happy vibe, Bumann & SOHN may well be your best night out in Cologne.

• Address: Bartholomäus-Schink-Str. 2, 50825 Cologne
• Open: Open from 7pm Monday-Wednesday, 9.30am Thursday, 5pm Friday, 2pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday

Did you know that Cologne is one of Europe's most affordable city destinations? As you can see, whether you are quaffing a Kölsch or enjoying a cocktail in a hipster hangout, bars in Cologne offer something for everyone, so let's drink to that. Prost!