Cologne Entertainment

Cologne has some of the most laid-back, ‘don't worry, be happy’, fun-loving people in Germany. Even though Cologne is less than a third the size of Berlin with barely a million people and lacking the former’s majesty, if we’re talking about partying, then the people of Cologne are always there with heart and soul.

Nightlife

Cologne has a vibrant club and bar scene, and a popular place to start an evening is the Biermseum in the Altstadt, a cosy bar with eighteen different beers on tap. Friesenwall has trendy bars and small eateries. The main nightlife hubs are close to the ring road, with a number of fashionable clubs in the Belgisches Viertel, including the Blue Note on BrŸsseler Strasse that plays mostly drum 'n' bass and hip-hop.

Filmdose on Zÿlpicher Strasse is a pleasant bar with a tiny cabaret stage, and the main techno venue is H90 on Hohenzollernring. The Tiefenrausch and Petit Prince discos, specialising in house and latin music respectively, are also along the Hohenzollernring. For top-quality jazz, Papa Joe’s Klimperkasten on Alter Markt is a deservedly popular Altstadt bar with twenties décor and live music most nights.

Theatre and music

Since 1986, the Kölner Philharmonie (Cologne Concert Hall) has been an integral part of Europe’s music scene. It’s one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world and hosts over 400 events a year. The 2,000-seat concert hall lies underground between the Dom and the Rhine, and hosts everything from the classics, to jazz, to musicals. Phone: +49 221 280 280;http://www.koelner-philharmonie.de

If you’ve a free evening with nothing planned, get a ticket to the Kölner Opernhaus (Cologne Opera House). The Kölner Opernhaus is about 500m north on Offenbach-platz, and incorporates elements of Schauspielhaus drama, Yakult-Halle and West End theatre. Built in 1957 by architect Wilhelm Riphahn, the Opera House is the most exquisite example of structural art out of the 1950s. It stages a wide range of opera and theater, as well as ballet, and is recognized as one of the best opera houses in Germany. Phone: +49 221 221 8248

Festivals

Open-air street festivals are what summer is all about, and Cologne is no exception. The city has something to offer throughout the year at various markets: four Christmas markets, Easter egg exchange, Easter market, wine festivals, book markets, flea markets and historic fairs take place, for the most part, in the city centre.

Cologne carnival (Karneval)

In February, Germany’s biggest carnival celebration turns the city into a huge street party that includes parades, parties and outrageous costumes, attracts over a million visitors. Cologne is the German Karneval capital, which has been celebrated here since the town was founded.

Christopher Street day

Continuing the carnival atmosphere, Christopher Street Day is a gay and lesbian pride street celebration that takes place every July on the Heumarkt square. Attracting more than a million people visitors from around the world, the festival is a highlight of summer in Cologne, with exotic costumes, music, and a candle light vigil in remembrance of those with HIV/AIDS.

Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt)

The Christmas Market tradition was founded in Germany in the 15th century, and Cologne remains the most popular of them all, attracting some two million visitors annually. The four main Christmas Markets, each with its own distinctive character, are set in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance of the Dom Cathedral, run from the end of November through to Christmas. The decorated stalls offer a huge range of traditional German craftwork, ornaments, toys, foods and drinks, in an atmosphere full of Christmas sights, sounds and scents.