If you’re planning a sex-fuelled, hook-up filled trip to Germany, then Cologne is one destination that should definitely be on your itinerary.
What makes Cologne a sexy city?
Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany, but it’s always had a reputation as being a bit loose and wild. Cologne’s queer community is vibrant and visible. In terms of being a gay destination in Germany, Cologne is really only second to Berlin – in many ways, Cologne’s queer scene is more concentrated and easier to access.
There’s a strong leather scene in Cologne. It’s a city that embraces fetish-lovers and anyone who wants to let their freak flag fly. But whatever you’re into, it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to find it in Cologne.
Where’s all the action in Cologne?
Most of the gay venues are concentrated in the area around Rudolfplatz – this is a precinct in the city centre not far from the iconic cathedral that dominates the skyline.
Contrary to the popular perception of Germans drinking their beer out of enormous steins, in Cologne the beers are generally served in small glasses. They’re quick to drink and you soon lose count of how many you’ve had.
There’s heaps of gay bars to explore and get your teeth into.
- – Cafe Rico is a good spot for coffee or some pre-dinner drinks.
- – Reissdorf am Hahnentor is a great way to experience a German beer-hall for dinner. Another good food option is Hans im Glück for high-end burgers.
- – ExCorner is a friendly bar with good music – an ideal spot to kick-start your night.
- – Pullermanns is a good cruise bar.
- – If the weather is good, head to Babylon bathhouse – they’ve got an outdoor pool which is the perfect place to get naked and connect with some local guys.
- – Sexy is the big local party brand – they regularly host major club nights that feature live shows, great music, and lots of guys.
If you fancy some sightseeing, you can climb to the top of the cathedral, go for a boat trip on the Rhine, or explore the city’s massive zoo.
How do you meet guys in Cologne?
Even if your German is a bit rusty, you won’t have any trouble finding local guys who are up for a bit of fun. Pretty much everyone speaks English, so whether you’re after a bit of anonymous action at a cruising spot or giving your chat-up lines a go at a bar, you’ll find guys in Cologne are generally fairly friendly, welcoming, and up for anything.
Put the technology to work and use Squirt.org to connect with guys that are close to you. Nothing beats a bit of hook-up app banter to set the scene and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
When is Pride in Cologne?
Across Germany, LGBTQ Pride celebrations are referred to as CSD – Christopher Street Day. It’s called Christopher Street Day because the Stonewall Inn – the raid of which was one of the trigger points for the emergence of the Pride movement – is on Christopher Street in New York City.
In 2020, Cologne’s CSD celebrations will be 5 July. It’s generally held on the first weekend of July.
Another great time to be in Cologne is during the city’s Carnival celebrations. These are held the weekend before Lent starts, so generally some time around the end of February.
The Christmas Markets in Cologne are also a big deal. Cologne’s queer community is front-and-centre during the festive season and the city’s Christmas markets are fairly spectacular.
How do you find the best cruising spots in Cologne?
It’s easy – they’re all listed on Squirt.org. You can simply search for cruising spots in Cologne and Squirt.org gives you a handy list.
The options shown on Squirt.org are a good combination of bars, bookstores, and bathhouses, but also some local knowledge such as the bathrooms at Cologne University.
Lass uns ficken, Jungs!
Check out Squirt’s guide to the best cruising spots in Cologne
Thanks for the info some hot men
Not my type (of environment).
Lived within relative spitting distance of Cologne just over 20 years ago (Brussels, about an hour away), but never did make it there. Beyond the stuff listed in this article, would have liked to have spent more time in Germany in general.
this s not indicative of what gay men are like. Ridiculous.
Hi down_to_earth_man, thanks for your feedback. The article isn’t intended to represent the experience of all gay men – we’re a diverse bunch. But it does certainly represent the experience of some gay men, and the interests of some gay men. Cologne is a great destination for families, or history buffs, or food-lovers – whatever you’re into. With this article, we’re showcasing the kind of mini-break you can have in Cologne if you want to meet some local guys and have a sexed-up couple of days. There’s nothing ridiculous about that. Gareth.
Change of pace to show off the good times to be had in Cologne. Enjoy the live sex shows.
Would love to see one of these shows here in Canada.