Cologne Gay Bars

Exile on Main Street is a gay bar & lounge in the centre of Cologne's "Bermuda Triangle." It's one of the busiest and brightest bars on the main gay strip.

Exile features live DJs on the weekends. Two bars make getting a drink a breeze. There is also a dance floor and a seating area.

Temporarily closed as of January 2024.

Gay café bar with terrace & lounge area, open from the end of March to the end of October.

Hennes serves a selection of drinks, cocktails, wine and coffee. Located in the gay village, across from ExCorner bar.

Popular gay bar that attracts mostly young guys. Excellent pop/dance music, and if you're super nice to the bar man, he'll take requests for songs, too.

Located between ExCorner and Iron.

Long-running, popular gay bar in Cologne. ExCorner plays a selection of pop classics, house music and karaoke. Daily happy hour.

Packed on the weekend, with crowds spilling out onto the street.

IRON Cocktail Lounge is a gay-popular lounge bar with a mixed crowd. IRON serves a great selection of cocktails and drinks. Located next to Die Mumu.

Barcelon Colonia (since 2011) is a friendly gay bar in Old Town Cologne, with a touch of Mediterranean influences and serves a range of wine, beer, cocktails and tapas.

The outdoor area is great for people-watching.

My Lord by Olli is a gay bar & café for mature guys and admirers. The outdoor terrace is perfect for watching the world go by with an ice-cold beer.

Opened in 2012, Baustelle 4 U (formerly "Zille") is a popular gay bar run by a very friendly German guy and his team who'll make you feel right at home. Located in the heart of Old Town, the venue is especially lively in the evenings and at night, with singing, swaying, and dancing. On weekends and during Cologne's major events like Carnival and CSD, the party always reaches new heights at Baustelle 4U.

Amadeus is a vibrant, pink-hued gay bar known for its lively atmosphere, featuring a mix of delicious drinks, café bites, and entertaining drag shows. The bar also offers outdoor seating for guests to enjoy the lively surroundings.

Schampanja is an alternative gay bar in the "Bermuda Triangle" area, located close to the other gay bars in Cologne. The crowd is mostly in their 30's and 40's. 

Traditional German pub in the heart of Old Town, with a relaxed setting during the week and upbeat vibe on the weekends. It's gay-popular, but the clientele in mixed. The welcoming staff ensure you have a good time.

Casino-Eck features various live music acts, cabaret, and drag shows. check their website for more details.  Located opposite Sauna Vulcanus.

Zum Pitter is a friendly gay bar that has long been a part of the gay scene in Cologne, with an outdoor terrace, perfect for summer months.

Due to its location in the Old Market area, Zum Pitter attracts many tourists and a mixed crowd. Drag queens take to the stage on weekends for fantastic cabaret shows!

Voted 'Best Bar of the Year' by a local gay magazine, Kattwinkel Bar & Cafe is a fun, relaxed hangout spot with a great atmosphere. They serve delicious food and bar menu and also has a sunny outdoor terrace with over 80 seats that look out to the view of the historic Eigelsteintorburg.

Located in the gay area of Cologne, the Bermuda Triangle, this place translates to 'Central Cloakroom'. And that is what it is! Hand in your coats, bags, and other bits and go have fun in the neighbouring bars without worrying about your things.

Drinks and snacks can be bought here as well.

Hühnerfranz (Chicken Franz) is a small and rustic gay pub in Cologne, Germany. Open from 6am to 5am every day, serving early breakfast and classic pub grub throughout the day.

They have a wide range of German beers and other  drinks. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious. People are very happy to get to know each other here.

This cosy bar is located close to the gay area of Cologne, and is welcoming gays, straights, men and women for chatting, chilling and partying.

Open Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to late, serving beers and other drinks. Mariechen occasionally hosts special events like pride parties, single parties, themed events and more.

Zur Kaiserin is another small gay bar in Cologne, Germany. This rustic venue has an unpretentious atmosphere and hosts regular drag shows with resident queen Lola Lametta.

Closed on Mondays.

Macky's Asia Lounge is a queer but hetero-friendly karaoke bar in Cologne, Germany. Open daily from  8pm until the early hours of the morning.

Enjoy cocktails in their dimly lit basement bar and watch others sing their hearts out.

Kinkz is a men-only gay bar in Cologne, Germany. This fetish-friendly venue is located in the gay area of the city, near Rudolfplatz, and is open Thursdays to Sundays.

Check Facebook for upcoming events and parties.