Cologne bars are Kölsch beer halls and modern Belgian Quarter cocktail rooms — the 10 below show why.
Part of our 10 Best Bars in Germany & Austria listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best bars in Cologne
01 · Cologne
Belgisches Viertel
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Iconic · Cocktails
Iconic Belgisches Viertel modern cocktail bar.
Order: A precise Manhattan
02 · Cologne
Belgisches Viertel
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Iconic · Cocktails
Iconic Belgisches Viertel cocktail bar.
Order: A bartender's signature
03 · Cologne
Altstadt
$
Iconic · Beer hall
Iconic Altstadt Kölsch beer hall.
Order: A 0.2L Kölsch
04 · Cologne
Altstadt
$
Iconic · Music
Iconic Altstadt music pub.
Order: A Kölsch during the late set
05 · Cologne
Belgisches Viertel
$$
Iconic · Vodka
Iconic Belgisches Viertel vodka bar.
Order: A vodka flight
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06 · Cologne
Belgisches Viertel
$$$
Iconic · Speakeasy
Iconic Belgisches Viertel hidden cocktail speakeasy.
Order: A precise Old Fashioned
07 · Cologne
Altstadt
$
Iconic · Beer hall
Iconic Altstadt Kölsch beer hall.
Order: A 0.2L Kölsch
08 · Cologne
Altstadt
$
Iconic · Brewery
Iconic Altstadt Kölsch brewery.
Order: A 0.2L Kölsch
09 · Cologne
Belgisches Viertel
$$
Iconic · Cocktails
Iconic Belgisches Viertel Hemingway-themed cocktail bar.
Order: A Hemingway Daiquiri
10 · Cologne
Ehrenfeld
$$
Iconic · Cocktails
Iconic Ehrenfeld modern cocktail bar.
Order: A bartender's signature
How Cologne drinks
The 10 above are where Cologne actually drinks — basement counters, beer halls, and modern cocktail rooms.
