Cologne
No other German city has as many pubs per capita as Cologne. The nightlife of Cologne is vibrant and diverse. Usually, a party night in Cologne starts with pre-drinks at a friend's house or in a bar at about 9-10pm. Don't even try to enter the club before 12ish, it won't be worth it. People from Cologne are known for their happy and friendly attitude, so don't hesitate to meet new people while dancing the night away. The entrance fees are normally between €8-€15.
Odonien, a place for everything and a real insider tip! It is a beer-garden, nightclub, event spot, scrap yard and sculpture garden, all in one. The venue is very creative and definitely not mainstream. If you can relate to this, check it out and listen to electronic and techno music with a crowd of individualistic people dancing the night away.
Want to party in a 'hip' place? Check out Ehrenfeld. Ehrenfeld is a city district in Cologne with a large variety of bars, pubs and clubs where you will definitely meet a bunch of hipsters while partying. Heinz Gaul and the Underground are famous nightclubs around this area.
The Klapsmühle is a place where you can listen to typical German 'Schlager', as well as chart music, 80s and 90s, and so much more. This place is an institution in Cologne where you can get the Karneval feeling throughout the year. You either love it or hate it - but it's definitely worth a try, as everyone knows the 'Klapse'. The Travelfriends insider tip: if you go to the 'Klapse' the Friday after your birthday and get there before 11pm with 7 friends, you and your 7 friends will have free entrance and get a 5 liters beer barrel for free! How great is that?
If you like after hour partying until early in the morning, visit the Venus Celler. This club opens daily at midnight and is a cellar night club in a rather alternative party area of Cologne around Zülpicher Straße and Luxemburger Straße. This area is known for its various cocktail bars and pubs with great atmosphere.
Extra
If you are in Cologne at the end of February or beginning of March, it is a must to check out the Cologne Karneval! It isn't without reason that Karneval is called the 5th season of the year. During these few crazy days, people go out on the streets in costumes and attend parades, stage shows and parties. The events last from Fat Thursday to Ash Wednesday, but the highlight is Rose Monday. And make sure to memorize this before you go: Kölle Alaaf!! (Cologne above all!!).
Want to party in a 'hip' place? Check out Ehrenfeld. Ehrenfeld is a city district in Cologne with a large variety of bars, pubs and clubs where you will definitely meet a bunch of hipsters while partying. Heinz Gaul and the Underground are famous nightclubs around this area.
The Klapsmühle is a place where you can listen to typical German 'Schlager', as well as chart music, 80s and 90s, and so much more. This place is an institution in Cologne where you can get the Karneval feeling throughout the year. You either love it or hate it - but it's definitely worth a try, as everyone knows the 'Klapse'. The Travelfriends insider tip: if you go to the 'Klapse' the Friday after your birthday and get there before 11pm with 7 friends, you and your 7 friends will have free entrance and get a 5 liters beer barrel for free! How great is that?
If you like after hour partying until early in the morning, visit the Venus Celler. This club opens daily at midnight and is a cellar night club in a rather alternative party area of Cologne around Zülpicher Straße and Luxemburger Straße. This area is known for its various cocktail bars and pubs with great atmosphere.
Extra
If you are in Cologne at the end of February or beginning of March, it is a must to check out the Cologne Karneval! It isn't without reason that Karneval is called the 5th season of the year. During these few crazy days, people go out on the streets in costumes and attend parades, stage shows and parties. The events last from Fat Thursday to Ash Wednesday, but the highlight is Rose Monday. And make sure to memorize this before you go: Kölle Alaaf!! (Cologne above all!!).
What to pack
Visiting Cologne for partying means that you and your travel friends definitely need to pack some extravagant clothes. You don't need high heels or glamorous dresses. Definitely not, leave it at home if you go to the mentioned places. It is better to be different, creative and a bit multicultural. And don't forget to bring your costume in the Karneval season - the more creative and funny your costume is, the more people are going to love you (and show it to you).