Parties and more: Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld and Yuca
Two of Cologne’s most exciting clubs can be found in the heart of the subcultural district of Ehrenfeld, beneath the railway arches. Clubbahnhof Ehrenfeld hosts concerts, parties, flea markets, poetry slams, exhibitions and record fairs. Its “little sister” Yuca, which stands for “Your Urban Club of Arts” and is right next door, is the place to see live bands outside the mainstream. With their focus on black music, jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, house, salsa, Latin jazz, reggae and blues, the two clubs have earned a far-reaching reputation as party meccas.
Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld and Yuca, Bartholomäus-Schink-Str. 65/67, 50825 Cologne
A club with a long history: Gloria
With its grand foyer, plush walls and cute little bar, this venue is full of little reminders of its 1950s origins as a cinema and theatre. Today, Gloria is a popular place for fabulous parties, sweaty gigs, readings, cabaret performances and top comedy acts, and a favourite with many locals, including cult band Planschemaöör (photo). It’s also seen some once-in-a-lifetime live concerts, with Coldplay, Oasis, Foo Fighters and Muse being just a few of the bands to have performed gigs (sold out in minutes) in a hall that holds less than a thousand fans.
Gloria, Apostelnstr. 11, 50667 Cologne
All that jazz: Stadtgarten and jaki
With more than 400 events per year, ranging from jazz and electronic music to literature and debates, Stadtgarten is one of Cologne’s most multi-faceted venues. It’s main hall, basement club (named after Jaki Liebezeit) and beer garden provide the perfect backdrop for an eclectic mix of music, from rock and pop for all tastes and ages to more unconventional acts. For some time now, the club has received funding from Cologne City Council and the regional government with the aim of strengthening its position as a European hub for jazz and contemporary music.
Venloer Straße 40, 50672 Cologne
From major acts to student parties: Luxor
Luxor has been a venue for live gigs and dance-til-dawn clubbing since 1982, making it one of Cologne’s longest established clubs. Many of the acts that play here go on to become stadium-filling superstars. Over the years, big names such as R.E.M., Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow, Blur and Oasis have appeared at Luxor (including its spell as “Prime Club” from 1997 to 2008) in front of audiences of around 400. Top-league German artists have also performed at the venue, including Herbert Grönemeyer, Nena, Die Ärzte, Bosse and Mia. Luxor is synonymous with handcrafted rock and pop as well as house and electro music – and student parties.
For fans of indie rock: Gebäude 9
For many revellers, Gebäude 9 on the right bank of the Rhine is one of Cologne’s most exciting places to party. Recently refurbished, it’s kept its industrial charm and its penchant for the experimental. The creme de la creme of national and international indie rock play to packed audiences here and then the city’s best DJs take to the turntables as the partyers take to the floor.
Deutz-Mülheimer Strasse 117, 51063 Cologne
Another brilliant (multiple award-winning) place that’s not included here is Bootshaus, voted Germany’s best club.
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