Cologne is seductive. The fragrance, that is, but also the German city. There’s a lot to do in Germany’s fourth-biggest city that lures LGBTQ+ travelers who can pull themselves away from Berlin’s party scene long enough to explore the rest of the country. Germany actually has a big “gay five” when it comes to cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Cologne. Each has its own distinctive personality while being efficiently beautiful in a way that is unmistakably German. Cologne is like a politer, more mature, albeit smaller version of Berlin—yet one that still has that German naughty side if you dig deep enough… and you don’t really have to dig that deep to find it.

Cologne’s skyline is impressive, especially when viewed from the banks of the River Rhine that runs alongside it. Much of the city was utterly obliterated during World War II, yet somehow its massive Gothic cathedral, Kölner Dom, survived and has become the most visited attraction in all of Germany. This, along with the twelve Romanesque churches and its old town, stands as a testament to old-school Germany, making for a stark contrast with the rebuilt parts of the city and the youthful energy brought by the university students milling around.

Cologne has a thriving arts scene, great nightlife, and an unmistakable gay side. Like many German cities, it has a wide range of museums—from the Museum Ludwig, which houses the third largest Picasso collection in the world, to the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, with artifacts dating back to Cologne's Roman heritage. Cologne’s annual Christopher Street Day Parade is one of Europe’s largest pride events, and it celebrates carnival twice a year because… why not? It also has not one but two gay scenes. The east side is home to an older, kinky, and often leather-clad group, whereas the west-end boys tend to be a younger crowd in an area dominated by bars and clubs known locally as “the Bermuda Triangle,” where many a gay has been known to lose their way, only to be rediscovered emerging from one of Cologne’s saunas at 6 a.m. the next morning. Like everything in Cologne, though, both sides coexist in perfect harmony.

In short, the city has a bit of everything, more than warranting at least a weekend of your time. Oh, and try the local Kölsch beer—they are very proud of it!

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfers
3. Gay Hotels in Cologne
4. Sightseeing and Activities in Cologne
5. Gay Tours in Cologne
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Cologne Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars in Cologne
9. Gay Events in Cologne
10. Day Trips from Cologne

General Tips

You can visit Cologne any time of the year, but just like Europe as a whole, the shoulder seasons provide the best balance of fewer crowds, cheaper hotels, and still reasonable weather. That said, Cologne is known for loving a good party and hosts many annual events to plan your trip around. Pride takes place in July and is one of the biggest in Europe. Cologne’s carnival is legendary in February, but it also has a smaller one in November that’s a lot of fun. Finally, Cologne’s Christmas markets are gorgeous, making it a great choice for a festive getaway as well.

Cologne is one of Germany’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, so you’re unlikely to have any problems in that regard—no matter how conservative the German central government becomes. There are two gay areas though. Heumarkt-Mathiasstrasse to the east in the old town pulls in an older crowd and is where you’ll find the cruising bars. Rudolfplatz-Schaafenstrasse on the other hand, to the west, has a younger crowd and houses the saunas.Take your pick, or dabble in both.

There are a few things to bear in mind when visiting Cologne—or Germany in general. Sometimes stereotypes are based on fact, and it is indisputable that Germans like their rules. Here are a few of the most important you’re likely to come across: Germans don’t jaywalk under any circumstances; a lot of places prefer if you pay in cash; you’ll have to pay for water in restaurants and cafes; waiters may seem cold, but it isn’t personal; all shops, including supermarkets, close on Sundays; you’ll have to pay to use most restrooms; and blocking bike lanes is punishable by public execution. However, you can drink outside anywhere, and Germans leave their bottles on top of bins so homeless people can take them to stores to reclaim money.

Airport Transfer and Transportation

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located just 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city and is well-connected by public transportation. The most convenient and budget-friendly option is the regional train (S-Bahn line S19), which takes about 15 minutes to reach Köln Hauptbahnhof, the central station, with tickets costing approximately €3. If you prefer a direct route, taxis are readily available and cost around €25–30 for a trip to the city center. Private transfer services can also be pre-booked for added convenience.

Once in Cologne, you’ll find public transportation epitomizing German efficiency. There’s an extensive network of trams, buses, and trains, with the S-Bahn (metro) being the easiest to navigate. For frequent travel, consider purchasing a multi-day ticket for unlimited access.

Gay Hotels in Cologne

Luxury

Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, Curio Collection by Hilton – The Hilton stamp always means an elevated experience, and this hotel takes that quite literally by being housed in what was once Europe’s highest water tower. Although the building may be old, the interior is pure luxury blended with rustic touches, like intricate brickwork and arches outside your window. The rooms are gorgeous, and the hotel features a fitness center, spa, boutique, and on-site restaurant. The highlight is their rooftop bar, offering 360-degree views of the city and Cologne Cathedral from one of the city’s highest vantage points.

Maritim Hotel Köln – The Maritim Hotel Köln is more like a complex rather than just a hotel, its centerpiece being a stunning glass-covered atrium reminiscent of an exclusive shopping arcade. The atrium houses a variety of boutiques and six dining options, as well as a sizable indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center. Highlights include the full breakfast buffet each morning in the spacious Rôtisserie restaurant with its glass ceiling, international dishes served in the roof garden restaurant, the rustic-style Kölsche Stuff pub, and the stylish Piano Bar. The rooms themselves are elegantly decorated, with great views thanks to the hotel’s location right on the picturesque Rhine River.

Mid-Range

Mercure Hotel Köln City Friesenstraße – This 4-star hotel offers simplicity done right, with an excellent downtown location in the Friesenviertel district within walking distance of sights like the cathedral and conveniently situated between both gay scenes. Both the rooms and the hotel, in general, are homely with a touch of understated luxury. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of regional and international cuisine and features a stylish bar perfect for trying Kölsch beer. They also offer a generous breakfast buffet and a terrace to enjoy it on. A pride flag is displayed outside during the season, emphasizing the hotel’s LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

Hotel Lyskirchen – Close to the Old Town and the Rhine Promenade, this boutique hotel is housed in a vibrant red building just shy of Heumarkt, one of Cologne’s gay zones. It has a hip, modern feel, with impeccably clean rooms, some equipped with kitchenettes. Hotels with swimming pools and saunas are rare in Cologne, earning this one extra points for its standout amenities.

25hours Hotel The Circle – Located in Cologne's Friesenviertel district, this distinctive boutique hotel is housed in a restored 1960s rotunda. (What is it with Cologne and hotels in unique places?) Its 207 rooms feature a retro-futuristic design, blending 1950s charm with modern amenities. Guests can choose between “Inner Circle” rooms with courtyard views or “Outer Circle” rooms with city vistas. All accommodations include rain showers, Bluetooth speakers, and smart TVs. The hotel boasts the NENI restaurant and Monkey Bar on the eighth floor, offering panoramic views of Cologne Cathedral. Additional amenities include a wellness area with a sauna, a co-working café, and complimentary bike rentals for exploring the city.

Budget

Ibis Hotel Koeln Centrum – Ibis hotels always offer good value for money, and Cologne’s location is no exception. This 2-star superior hotel is situated in the heart of Cologne, just steps from Barbarossaplatz and a short walk from Cologne Cathedral and the city center's nightlife. The hotel features 208 simplistic yet comfortable rooms. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet served from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and a 24-hour bar offering snacks and beverages.

Sightseeing & Activities in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece and one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. It's the tallest twin-spired church in the world, with its spires dominating the skyline at 515 feet. Construction began in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete, resulting in intricate craftsmanship and stunning stained glass windows. Somehow, it managed to survive the heavy bombing of the city during World War II relatively unscathed. Visitors can marvel at the vast interior, which houses treasures like the Shrine of the Three Kings. Climb the 533 steps of the South Tower for a predictably amazing view. Book tour →
Cologne Old Town – Cologne has everything you could want from a German old town: quaint cafes and bakeries, colorful gabled houses, buzzing squares, cobblestoned streets, historical churches, and old-school German pubs serving the local Kölsch beer. The banks of the River Rhine running alongside it are the ideal place to grab a strudel and enjoy the view. Book tour →

St. Martin’s Church – You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to historic churches in Cologne, and if the cathedral isn’t enough, you have eleven other large churches to visit. St. Martin’s is the most popular. The Romanesque church, located in Cologne’s Old Town, is easily recognizable by its towering quadrilateral structure and distinctive turrets. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries on the site of a Roman warehouse, it was damaged during World War II but has been restored to much of its former glory. The church's elegant interior features soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, and serene, minimalist decorations. Book tour →

Rhine River Cruise – Riverside cities always look good from the water, and this is especially true for Cologne. You can either take a short hour-long panoramic cruise, seeing the best of the city from the Old Town to the modern crane houses in the Rheinauhafen district, or make a romantic evening of it on a themed evening cruise with an illuminated cityscape, live music, and dinner. Tickets can be purchased online or at the departure points, commonly located near the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Old Town. It's advisable to check schedules in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. Book tour →

Hohenzollern Bridge – Of late, love has been breaking bridges rather than building them, at least in the case of the love lock tradition of attaching locks to famous bridges’ railings as a symbol of affection and tossing the keys into the river below. The Pont des Arts bridge in Paris has banned the practice due to the bridge almost caving under the sheer weight of the padlocks. However, Germans know how to build a sturdy bridge, and no such ban has been put on the Hohenzollern Bridge, which was reconstructed stronger than ever after World War II. Even if you aren’t there to mark your enduring love, the bridge offers wonderful views of the cityscape. Book tour →

Museum Ludwig – For something a little different from the city’s historical sites, head to the Museum Ludwig for an extensive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The museum is celebrated for its Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism pieces, as well as its comprehensive photography and avant-garde collections. It’s especially interesting for Picasso fans, as it has the third-largest collection of his works in the world, including the first-ever piece made by him.

Römisch-Germanisches Museum – Adjacent to the cathedral, this museum is a fascinating repository of artifacts showcasing the city's rich Roman and early medieval history. It houses treasures like the Dionysus Mosaic, an in-situ Roman floor mosaic, and the world-famous Roman glass collection, including the delicate Diatreta cage cups. The museum also displays ancient jewelry, tools, and monumental tombstones, reflecting life in Roman Cologne (Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium).

Cologne Cable Cars – This aerial tramway connects the Rhine River’s east and west banks. The journey provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, including the Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine, and lush greenery below. It also takes you across to the zoo and botanical gardens.

Cologne Botanical Gardens – Established in 1864, the free-to-enter gardens feature 10,000 plant species from around the world across beautifully landscaped areas, including tropical greenhouses, themed floral displays, and a historic palace-like entrance building. Visitors can explore a variety of environments, from Mediterranean terraces to lush rainforests, while enjoying the serene pathways and fountains. Make a day of it by taking the cable cars across from the center and visiting Cologne Zoo, right in front of the gardens too. Book tour →

Belgium Quarter – Cologne's trendiest neighborhood has streets all named after Belgian cities. Located west of the city center, it boasts an eclectic mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and independent cafes. The area comes alive with its buzzing nightlife, featuring stylish bars and hip restaurants serving diverse cuisines. Brüsseler Platz, the quarter’s heart, especially exudes hipster vibes. So, get yourself a coffee or beer and watch the world go by.

Gay Tours in Cologne

Gaily Tours in Cologne – On this three-hour LGBTQ+ walking tour, you'll see all the iconic landmarks of Cologne, while learning about how the city became the inclusive place it is today. Gaily also offers a gay nightlife tour in Cologne, showcasing all the best gay bars in the center.

Restaurants and Cafés

Café Rico – This gay-friendly café in Cologne's fashion district, not far from the westside gay area, is the go-to spot for LGBTQ+ locals seeking coffee or brunch. It features a charming outdoor terrace, a tasty menu, and delicious Viennese-style coffee. Occasionally, they also host lounge parties.

Era Café & Bar – As the name implies, Era is a café by day with homemade cakes, specialty coffees, and a good breakfast menu. By night, it transforms into a bar with an extensive cocktail list. Located right within the Rudolfplatz gayborhood and boasting a large outdoor terrace, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local gay scene, whether by day or night.

Peters Brauhaus – You can’t visit Germany without having the full beerhouse experience—it’s practically a requirement—and they always serve the best traditional German food. Peters Brauhaus, located in Cologne's historic Old Town, is a cherished establishment offering just that. The menu features hearty dishes like smoked and boiled pork with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, and the Peters brewhouse plate, which includes two small pork schnitzels. All this is best washed down with Peters Kölsch, a crisp and refreshing beer brewed in-house. The interior enhances the experience with its wooden furnishings and stained-glass accents.

Brauhaus Pütz – Another excellent option for traditional German food, located in the Rudolfplatz gayborhood. This quaint beerhouse may be small, but its atmosphere and menu are anything but. It’s one of the best places to enjoy German sausage—outside of the sauna—as well as specialties like crispy pork knuckle and “Himmel un Ääd” (mashed potatoes with apple sauce and black pudding). One of its coolest features is a central open tapping area where patrons can watch the Köbes (traditional waiters) at work.

Cloud Kitchen – For a more chic, modern option, head to Cloud Kitchen, which specializes in all-day brunches. Its location in Rudolfplatz makes it especially popular with the local LGBTQ+ community and those who love sharing meals on Instagram. The menu features hearty breads, vibrant smoothie bowls, and avocado burgers, catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Beef Brothers – No, the name is not a euphemism—but it should be! Situated on Aachener Straße, Beef Brothers is a small restaurant known for serving the best burgers in town. It's perfect if you’re seeking a quick and satisfying meal of high quality. Their chili burger is, without a doubt, the best hangover cure in Cologne.

Cologne Gay Bars and Clubs

Cologne has two gayborhoods. Heumarkt-Mathiasstraße, to the east near the Old Town, tends to attract an older crowd, whereas Rudolfplatz-Schaafenstraße, to the west and also known as the “Bermuda Triangle,” is more popular with the younger generation. That’s not to say anyone isn’t welcome at either, though.

Barcelon – Over on the east side of town in the Heumarkt-Mathiasstraße gay area of the Old Town, Barcelon is one of the most popular gay bars—especially with bears. The name comes from its artistic tile mosaics inspired by Gaudí, crafted with tiles imported from Barcelona. The cocktails are great, and so is the big sun terrace.

Amadeus – It’s pink, it’s fabulous, it’s fun, and they serve both cake and cocktails. Amadeus is another gay bar on the east side of town with a lot of atmosphere. They also host drag shows and themed events.

My Lord – Situated on Mühlenbach, My Lord is a super-friendly gay bar that’s very popular with older guys and their admirers. It has cozy pub vibes with its half-timbered interior, and the staff are particularly welcoming.

ExCorner – Right at the heart of the west-side gay scene, ExCorner is the most popular bar with a younger crowd. On weekends, the crowds spill out onto the street, thanks to the street-drinking rule. The interior is a mix of traditional Kölsch pub and modern gay bar, and the music is a blend of German pop hits and dance tunes. If you want to feel part of Cologne’s gay scene, ExCorner is a great place to start.

Kattwinkel Bar – Located on Greesbergstraße, Kattwinkel Bar is beloved by the local LGBTQ+ community and has won awards from local gay magazines. The bar exudes a warm and cozy ambiance, with comfortable seating, eclectic décor, and plenty of space—including a huge terrace with lovely views of the surrounding area! The clientele is diverse, and it offers an extensive selection of beverages, including 56 varieties of gin, assorted beers, cocktails, and—for the adventurous—their annually prepared rumtopf (rum pot).

Iron Cocktail Lounge – As you’d expect from the name, this lounge serves the best cocktails in the gayborhood—crafted by some of the hottest bartenders as a bonus. Iron has a nightclub feel, with neon lights, a dance floor, and DJs. It’s a guaranteed great start to a night out.

Exile – Situated in the heart of the “Bermuda Triangle,” Exile is one of the busiest gay bars/clubs on Schaafenstraße. It features live DJs on weekends playing pop music, a dance floor, two bars, and a seating area, making it something between a bar and a club. The crowd tends to be young, attractive, and most likely single!

Die Mumu – Another establishment straddling the line between bar and club in Cologne's “Bermuda Triangle” gay district. The interior features playful décor, such as pink walls adorned with glittery stars and swirling disco balls, giving it a fun camp vibe that the crowd embraces. Resident DJs play a mix of pop and dance music, with the whole bar turning into a dance floor on weekends.

Cologne Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Babylon Cologne – Located right in the center, this sauna is easy to find and even easier to enjoy. It is most famous for its huge outdoor pool in the courtyard, which hosts pool parties throughout the year. In addition, it is fairly large and has a Roman-inspired ambiance, featuring a Finnish sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, dark rooms, cubicles, a garden, bar, and lounge areas.

Phoenix Sauna – This gay sauna is conveniently located next to all the gay bars in Rudolfplatz. It’s always full of attractive men and features a well-illuminated sauna, whirlpool, dark rooms, slings, and a unique steam labyrinth. They host towel-free evenings on weekends and various events throughout the year, including bear nights and foam parties.

Sauna Vulcanus – Over on the east side of town, you’ll find the oldest gay sauna in Cologne, which is especially popular with mature men and their admirers. Facilities include a traditional Finnish sauna, steam room, dark room, and a bar area that even serves food should you get peckish between encounters.

Kinkz – “Don’t be shy, be kinky,” reads the sign above the door, so there’s no confusion about what to expect inside. Known for its fetish-friendly atmosphere, Kinkz is a haven for enthusiasts of leather, rubber, and any other fetish that likes to go bump in the night. The interior features dance cages and dim lighting, creating the perfect setting for kinky adventures.

Deck 5 – A small gay cruise bar located at Mathiasstraße 5 in Cologne's Old Town. The venue features a dark room in the basement and attracts a clientele primarily in their 40s and 50s.

Pullermanns – One of the city's longest-running gay cruise and fetish bars, having opened in 1972. The venue caters primarily to men over 35 and welcomes a diverse clientele, including leather enthusiasts, suit wearers, bears, and skater boys, all coexisting—sometimes with each other.

Gay Events in Cologne

ColognePride (Christopher Street Day) – Held annually in July, ColognePride is the largest Pride event in Germany, attracting even more visitors than Berlin. The two-week event features over 100 activities, including political discussions, cultural performances, and parties, culminating in a vibrant parade through the city center. Dyke March Cologne is a highlight within the event that promotes lesbian visibility and rights.

Cologne Fetish Pride – It should come as no surprise that Cologne has a thriving fetish scene and hosts one of the largest fetish events in Europe. This celebration of the fetish community takes place over five days in June on the Whitsun weekend (ironically). Organized by Rheinfetisch e.V., it includes a fetish boat party (where their Mr. Fetish events occur), pub crawls, a fetish brunch, parties, and workshops—in case you want to brush up on your rope work or other BDSM skills.

Carnival (Jeck op Deck) – Carnival is a major event in Cologne, with festivities taking place throughout February and March, as well as a smaller carnival in November. Jeck op Deck (“All Clown on Deck”) is a legendary costume boat party on the Rhine focused on the LGBTQ+ community. It always happens the weekend before Carnival, featuring performances by the ship’s brass band, sea shanty choruses, dance groups, and about 1,500 guests.

Heavenue Cologne – Let’s face it: Christmas is pretty campy anyway. So there’s nothing campier than a gay Christmas market, and Cologne’s is one of the best. Heavenue (as in “Heaven Avenue”) feels like stepping into a gay Christmas wonderland filled with dazzling lights, pop art installations, festive stalls, live shows, and food vendors selling mulled wine and German sausages. It runs throughout late November and December at KölnBonn near Rudolfplatz.

Bear Pride Cologne – Bear Pride Cologne is an annual international gathering celebrating the bear community, typically held at the end of November in Cologne, Germany. The event features a diverse array of activities, including parties, bar nights, sauna events, sightseeing tours, and the esteemed Mr. Bear Germany contest.

Gayoween – See what they did there? Gayoween is Cologne's premier LGBTQ+ Halloween celebration, uniting the community for a night of extravagant costumes, pulsating music, and captivating performances. Held annually on October 31st at Quater 1, the event features two distinct areas: a pop floor and a house floor, offering space for everything that bumps together in the night.

Day Trips from Cologne

Bonn – Just a short 30-minute train ride away, Bonn is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, with a museum dedicated to his life and works. The city itself is stunning, and you should stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, explore the historic Old Town, visit the Baroque Poppelsdorf Palace, and take in Bonn’s Museum Mile, featuring institutions like the Bonn Museum of Modern Art and the Museum Koenig. End your visit with a relaxing walk through the lush Rheinaue Park, enjoying the cherry blossoms, before heading back to Cologne. Book tour →

Düsseldorf – The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, just 30 minutes from Cologne, is a vibrant city blending modernity with tradition. Renowned for its fashion and art scenes, it features the upscale Königsallee, a boulevard lined with designer stores and a picturesque canal. The Altstadt, or Old Town, is famed for its historic charm and lively pubs serving the city’s signature Altbier. Along the Rhine, the Rheinuferpromenade offers stunning views and a relaxing ambiance. Book tour →

Augustusburg – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Baroque palace was the residence of Cologne’s prince-electors and boasts a stunning grand staircase by Balthasar Neumann. Its serene gardens and parklands are perfect for those wishing to take a peaceful stroll while role-playing royalty. Nearby, the Rococo-style Falkenlust Hunting Lodge adds further charm and insight into 18th-century aristocratic life. Brühl is also home to the Max Ernst Museum, dedicated to the Surrealist artist born here, showcasing his innovative works. Book tour →

Featured image by Stefan Bernsmann from Pixabay

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