Insider tips Cologne: Varied, colorful, vivid and gay!

Meet Jochen! Amateur cook, city tourist, opera enthusiast, and of course host on misterb&b. He loves to be out in the nature, gardening, good food and wine - but mostly he loves to have guests as well as to be guest :-) Jochen offers the best tips to welcome you to Cologne!

What makes Cologne a favorite gay destination?

The mood in the town is unique. Cologne people are very open minded and Cologne offers a good mixture of cultural life and a vivid gay scene.

What is the best gay event that takes place in Cologne?

The Gay Pride in Cologne is definitely the highlight event of the year. I'd also say it's the best time of the year to get an impression of how fun living in Cologne really is.

What is your favorite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

I can recommend Rico's as a wonderful day bar with bistro dishes and cake or the Ripahn restaurant for dinner. And if you like chicken, you MUST try Die Gockel im Teichmann!

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?

Barcelon is definitely worth a visit! 

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

With its infinite selection of gins Kattwinkel is one of the places I favour the most.

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

Do you even need to ask? The Venue.

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?

Ex-Corner

Where to start a gay tour in Cologne?

At the Breite Str., a beautiful shopping street. But if you happen to visit Cologne on a thursday, you can't definitely miss the evening food market at the Rudolfplatz to grab some amazing street food.

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

Ruhrpott

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

It really depends on seasons, over summer I'd say Hennes' Terrasse is the place to be. During winter time Babylon Sauna is a better alternative to mingle. 

How gay-friendly is Cologne?

100% - the Cologne's motto "everyone is different" shows the wonderful sense of tolerance we have here.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Not especially gay, but definitely the best place for a brunch on a sunday: Cafe Noa. Then again, gay or not, it doesn't really matter in Cologne. 

What is gay life like in Cologne?

Varied, colorful, vivid - and gay!

What are your favourite gay venues in Cologne?

Come Together Cup in June, Gay Pride in July, Bear Weekend in November and Carnival, of course.