10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Cologne

Alter Markt is Cologne's historic town square, where you can visit notable landmarks like Cologne Cathedral and Stadt Köln. In the evening, it's a fine place to relax at a cafe terrace and soak up the lively atmosphere of the square’s shops, restaurants and bars.

During the summer months, Alter Markt hosts a variety of open-air concerts and events. It is even more popular in winter during the annual Christmas market. The entire square gets lit up with festive lights and crowds come out to shop, enjoy street food, and skate at the nearby outdoor ice rink.

Cologne Cathedral is a 13th-century Catholic church with tall twin towers and stately gothic architecture, making it a defining feature of the city's skyline. Though most visitors visit in the daytime to see the shrine of The Three Wise Men and various holy relics, it's worth going in the evening just to take a moment to gaze at the towering building.

The haunting beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site really comes to life when its façade is lit up against the night sky. You can join an evening mass service (in German) at Cologne Cathedral at 6.30 pm from Mondays to Saturdays, or 5 pm and 7 pm on Sundays.

Cologne Philharmony is a modern concert hall that has hosted thousands of shows since it was built in 1986. Found along the Rhine River next to Museum Ludwig, it is the home base for the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne and the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne.

Along with the local orchestra, some 400 concerts take place at the Cologne Philharmony throughout the year. The concert hall’s amphitheatre-style performance space is known for its excellent acoustics and built-in pipe organ. 

The Belgian Quarter is a trendy area for Cologne visitors and residents at night. Its streets (named after Belgian cities and provinces) are lined with boutique shops, cafes, and bars. It’s about a 20-minute walk west of the popular Alter Markt in central Cologne.

Brüsseler Platz (Brussels Square) is a place livened up by crowds who often gather and relax in the evening, especially during summer. The century-old St. Michael Church is Cologne's third-largest church, serving as a stately example of Neo-Romanesque architecture.

Brauhaus Sion has a long history in Cologne – it has been brewing the German pale ale, called Kölsch, since 1318. Located in the Old Town area, the brewhouse offers a friendly welcome for those coming to enjoy a taste of Kölsch and traditional local fare such as riesenhämchen (pork knuckles).

While Brauhaus Sion is firmly on the tourist map, it has kept its prices reasonable over the years. Portion sizes are generous enough to keep bringing in local diners to its doors. You can choose to dine in its warmly lit wood-panelled interior or outside on the terrace, which is a great spot during the summer months.

The Rhine River winds through the heart of Cologne, and an evening cruise along the river offers a magical view of the city’s impressive buildings and bridges. Evening cruises are typically a few hours in length, taking visitors past iconic landmarks as Cologne Cathedral, the Basilica of St Cunibert, and the Church of St. Maria in Lyskirchen.

While aboard, passengers can enjoy a taste of Kölsch beer and a meal (usually for an extra charge), as well as live DJ sets while taking in the serene beauty of the Cologne skyline at night.  

Papa Joe’s Jazz Bar is a long-running nightlife venue offering music lovers a mix of live bands, cabaret, and vaudeville performances. Set in central Old Town Cologne, it has a cosy and jovial atmosphere that welcomes all to come and enjoy live music with no entry fee.

The decor is decidedly eclectic, with a collection of self-playing instruments and music marionettes. Its walls and ceiling are lined with vintage brass instruments. You could find tables on the ground floor and outdoor terrace, or head up to the upstairs balcony to watch the performances from above.    

Stadtgarten is a large concert venue at the fringe of Stadtgarten park. Every year, it hosts around 400 musical performances of various styles. Stadtgarten’s main focus is on jazz and improvisation. 

The JAKI nightclub is part of Stadtgarten, featuring a mix of pop and contemporary music, as well as electronic music nights. For those wanting to enjoy the evening breeze, check out an onsite outdoor concert venue called Green Room, as well as a restaurant patio and beer garden at Stadtgarten.

Bootshaus has earned international acclaim as a top clubbing spot in Cologne. Its mix of international and underground DJs attracts party-loving crowds night after night. Spread over 3 floors, the nightclub offers a huge space for up to 2,000 clubbers to mingle and dance.

Bootshaus hosts wild theme parties, elaborate light shows, and some of the world’s top DJs. You must purchase tickets to enter the nightclub, but there’s no strict dress code to comply with. 

The Friesen Quarter is a lively area to visit after dinner in Cologne. Its streets are lined with late-night restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Crowd favourites include Brewery Päffgen, Goldfinger, and Jameson Irish Pub.

There’s often an exhibition or performance of some kind happening at the Sartory-Saal concert hall, which also hosts fun parties during Cologne's annual Carnival. The Friesen Quarter is adjacent to the Belgian District and Old Town area, just a few blocks west of the Cologne Cathedral and Alter Markt.