Event Dates
From: Saturday, November 8, 2025
To: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Backstage Diaries Cologne 2025
Backstage Diaries is a colourful pop-up gay party in Cologne, running since 2007
Backstage Diaries Cologne 2025
Backstage Diaries is a colourful pop-up gay party in Cologne, running since 2007.
- Visiting Cologne? Stay close to the gay bars of the old town in the “Superb” rated Legend Hotel, featuring stylish designer rooms and an excellent location.
The Event
- Next Edition – Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Backstage Diaries is one of Cologne’s most famous gay events for “Queer | Straight | Not Sure | Rock’n’Roll”.
- The pop-up event runs on several Saturdays throughout the year and during holiday celebrations.
- Enjoy two different dance floors playing pop and Techno and a chill out zone.
- The party attracts a mix of hot guys who love to dance and party.
- Featuring special live guest performances and stage shows with sexy hosts and fabulous drag queens.
- The party runs for 10 hours, from 11 pm until 9 am.
- Upgrade your Cologne experience at the Excelsior Hotel, located right next to the Cathedral, offering high-end amenities, designer rooms and superb breakfast options..
The Venue
- Artheater, Cologne – An offbeat, versatile arts venue with a theatre, a lively dance club & a concert venue for indie acts.
- Located in Ehrenfeld, Cologne’s coolest enclave, just a 13-minute drive from the gay bars of Cologne Old Town.
- Ehrenfeld, a trendy district in Cologne, effortlessly blends bohemian vibes with urban flair.
- It’s a magnet for creatives, offering colourful street art, eclectic cafes, and a dash of retro charm.
- Stay in Ehrenfeld at the Stayery Cologne, offering serviced apartments with a “Fabulous” rating.
Recommended Hotels in Cologne
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action,
Hotel Lyskirchen, Maritim Hotel, Dorint-Cologne, 25hours Hotel,
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Steigenberger Hotel is our
choice located in the gay district!
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Backstage Diaries Cologne Facebook
Gay Map of Cologne
There two gay areas in Cologne: Rudolfplatz, known locally as the “Bermuda Triangle” is more modern in style with Many of the cafes, bars and clubs around have started during the last twenty years. The Old Town is home to more Traditional pubs and bars for mixed ages.
Address: Filzengraben 26, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Calm stay near Rheinauhafen and Old Town.
- Tidy rooms with good beds and blackout curtains.
- Indoor pool, sauna, compact gym.
- Easy walk to river & Chocolate Museum, tram close by.
- Website
Address: Pipinstraße 15 0667 Cologne, Germany
- Central stay by Heumarkt and the Rhine.
- Spacious, quiet rooms; strong showers.
- Big breakfast; Harry’s New-York Bar on site.
- Pool and spa next door via Holmes Place.
- Website
Address: Heumarkt 2050667 Cologne, Germany
- Atrium hotel by the Rhine near Heumarkt.
- Quiet rooms, firm beds, strong showers.
- Big breakfast; bars and dining on site.
- Pool, sauna, gym; walk to Old Town.
- Website
Address: Hohe Straße 30 51149 Cologne, Germany
- Central stay near Heumarkt and Old Town.
- Compact modern rooms; comfy beds, blackout curtains.
- Reliable breakfast; friendly, efficient team.
- Lobby bar; easy tram links and river walks.
- Website
Address: Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670 Köln,
- Design hotel in a retro-futurist ring.
- Comfy rooms, blackout curtains, strong showers.
- NENI dining and Monkey Bar views.
- Walk to the Dom; bikes to borrow.
- Website
Address: Friesenwall 26 / Kettengasse, Cologne 50672
- Community-minded café-bar near Friesenplatz.
- Great coffee, cakes, and light bites.
- Relaxed, queer-friendly crowd all day.
- Easy meet-up before the gay bars.
- Open: Monday to Saturday 10am–12am, Sun 10am–10pm
- Website
Address: Mittelstraße 31-33, Cologne 50672
- Queer-friendly café-bar by Rudolfplatz.
- Great coffee, cakes, and breakfasts.
- Easy vibe, fair prices, kind staff.
- Handy meet-up before the gay bars.
- Open: Wednesday 12pm–8am, Thursday to Sunday 9am–8pm
(Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Pipinstraße/Vor St. Martin 8-10, Cologne 50667
- Welcoming pink bar near Heumarkt.
- Terrace vibe; drag on busy nights.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Handy start for a Cologne bar hop.
- Open: Friday 5pm-3am, Saturday 2pm–3am, Sunday 2pm–10pm
(Monday & Tuesday Closed)
Address: Pipinstraße 3, Cologne 50667
- Gay bar near Heumarkt with terrace.
- Cosy room, pink glow, friendly vibe.
- Kölsch and cocktails at fair prices.
- Great start for an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Wednesday & Thursday 5pm-11pm,
- Friday & Saturday 5pm–2am, Sunday 2pm–8am
- (Monday & Tuesday Closed)
Address: Mauritiuswall 43, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Camp-pop bar with mirror sparkle.
- Pop/disco tunes; sing-along vibe.
- Bubbles, Kölsch, friendly prices.
- Lively pre-club stop on the strip.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 7pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 7pm–3am
Sunday 6pm–12am (Monday–Tuesday Closed) - Website
Address: Pipinstraße 5 / Vor St. Martin 12, Cologne 50667
- Lively Old Town gay bar near Heumarkt.
- Terrace outside; party room inside.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Big weekend buzz, fun every night.
- Open: Monday to Thursday 5pm–1am
Friday 5pm–3am, Saturday 4pm–3am, Sunday 4pm–1am - Website
Address: Kasinostraße 1a / Stephanstraße, Cologne 50676
- Mixed gay pub near Heumarkt.
- Cosy room, fair prices, friendly crew.
- Classics and sing-along pop nights.
- Easy stop on an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Tuesday to Saturday 4pm-1a (Sunday & Monday Closed)
- Website
Address: Schaafenstraße 61 A, Cologne 50676
- Lively gay bar on Schaafenstraße.
- Pop and dance, DJs on weekends.
- Quick pours; fun, friendly crowd.
- Great stop on a Cologne bar hop.
- Open: Wednesday & Thursday 7pm–3am
Friday & Saturday 9pm-6am (Sunday to Tuesday Closed)
Address: Schaafenstraße 45, Cologne 50676
- Stylish cocktail lounge on Schaafenstraße.
- Strong drinks; pop/house energy.
- Mixed, friendly crowd; late buzz.
- Great pre-club stop on the strip.
- Open: Tuesday to Thursday 7pm–3am,Friday & Saturday 8pm–6am
(Sunday & Monday Closed)
Address: Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
- Cosy gay bar with retro charm.
- Pop/disco and sing-along nights.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Great stop on the strip.
- Open: Monday to Friday 4pm-1am Saturday 4pm-2am
Sunday 2pm-12.30am
Address: Balduinstraße 20, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Men-only bar with fetish-friendly vibe.
- Neon glow; pop/house; quick pours.
- No dress code; friendly crew.
- Busy weekends on Schaafenstraße.
- Open: Sunday Wednesday–Thursday 7pm–2am
Friday & Saturday 7pm–4am (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Richard-Wagner-Straße 25, Cologne 50674
- Gay bar with an Asian twist on Schaafenstraße.
- Cosy room, neon glow, pop tunes.
- Friendly prices; quick, easy pours.
- Chatty crowd; great pre-club stop.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 7pm–2am, Friday–Saturday 7pm–4am Sunday 7pm–2am (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
- Cosy weekend bar near Schaafenstraße.
- Pop tunes, cheeky vibe, friendly team.
- Fair prices; fast service; mixed crowd.
- Great pre-club stop, late buzz.
- Open: Thursday 8pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 8pm–5am
- (Sunday to Wednesday Closed)
Address: Mühlenbach 53, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Bear-friendly bar near Heumarkt.
- Cosy room, pop and retro tunes.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Great start to an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Wednesday To Thursday 7pm–late, Friday–Saturday 7pm–late (Sunday Monday & Tuesday Closed)
Address: Alter Markt 58 50667 Cologne, Germany
- Classic Old Town gay bar with terrace.
- Cosy room, pop hits, friendly vibe.
- Fair prices; fast pours; mixed crowd.
- Great first stop near Heumarkt.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 4pm–2am, Friday–Sunday 12pm–2am
- Website
Address: Pipinstraße 5, 50667 Köln, Germany
- Cosy Old Town gay bar near Heumarkt.
- Terrace people-watching, pink-lit interior.
- Fair prices, fast pours, fun crowd.
- Great first stop on a bar hop.
- Open: Tuesday–Thursday 6pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 4pm–2am Sunday 4pm–11pm, (Monday Closed)
Address: Mathiasstraße 5, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Small, friendly bar near Schaafenstraße.
- Neon glow, pop/retro, easy chat.
- Fair prices; fast, tidy pours.
- Busy late on weekends.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 6pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 6pm–3am Sunday 6pm–1am (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Mathiasstraße 22, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Men-only cruising bar by Heumarkt.
- Cabins, dark rooms, lockers on site.
- Monday naked night; fair prices.
- Late, busy weekends; central spot.
- Open: Monday 6pm–3am, Tuesday to Thursday 9pm–3am
- Friday–Saturday 9pm–5am, Sunday 9pm–3am
- Website
Address: Club Bogen 2, Gladbacher Wall 5, 50670 Köln, Germany
- Cheeky pop-house party in the center.
- Drag pop-ups, dancers, confetti hits.
- Fast bars; friendly, mixed crowd.
- Packed after midnight on big nights.
- Open: Event nights only 10pm–6am Some Fridays 10pm–5am
- Box office closes 3am
- Website
Address: Schaafenstraße 49, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Cloakroom-bar at the heart of Schaafenstraße.
- Drop bags, grab a drink, keep moving.
- Fast service, friendly crew, fair prices.
- Ideal base for an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Friday–Saturday 9pm–6am, (Sunday To Thursday Closed)
Address: Schaafenstraße 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
- Busy anchor bar on Schaafenstraße.
- Pop and dance; buzz from early evening.
- Fast pours; fair prices; friendly crowd.
- Perfect meet-up for a strip hop.
- Open: Monday to Thursday 6pm–3am, Friday–Saturday 6pm–6am
- Sunday 6pm–2am
Address: Schaafenstraße 51 50676 Cologne, Germany
- Kitschy pop bar on Schaafenstraße.
- Pop/90s/Schlager, drag moments.
- Fast pours; fun mixed crowd.
- Big weekend energy, late finish.
- Open: Wednesday to Thursday 7pm–3am, Friday–Saturday 7pm–6am Sunday 7pm–2am, (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Mühlenbach 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
- Classic gay bar for mature crowd.
- Cosy room, terrace, easy chat.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Handy first stop near Heumarkt.
- Open: Monday 5pm–1am, Wednesday 5pm–1am,
- Thursday 5pm–1am, Friday & Saturday 5pm–3am, Sunday 5pm–1am
- (Tuesday Closed)
Recommended Hotels in Cologne By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Cologne that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Dorint Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, health club, large indoor pool.
- Close to the gay district.
- Soundproofed, marble bathroom.
- Prime city center location, luxurious amenities, ideal for relaxation.
25hours Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, unique bar, vibrant ambiance.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
- Creative design, central location, perfect for a unique experience.
Hotel Lyskirchen
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, indoor pool, modern equipped gym.
- Close to the gay district.
- Flat-screen TV, elegant interiors.
- Heart of Cologne, great value, modern facilities, leisure comfort.
DASKöln
Serviced Apartments
- Modern-style, central, free WiFi.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Designer furniture, equipped kitchen.
- Quiet yet central, ideal for longer stays, close to attractions.
Video Cologne Top Things to See and Do
Explore the best things to see and do in Cologne
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Cologne
Cologne, affectionately referred to as the “Gay Capital of Germany”, boasts vibrant gay neighbourhoods brimming with history, culture, and LGBTQ+ pride. The city’s heart beats loudly in the districts of Rudolfplatz and the Old Town’s famous Bermuda Triangle.
Altstadt-Nord | Cologne Old Town
Photo: Cologne hosts huge Circuit Events, Kinky Festivals & even a Gay Christmas Market
- Cologne’s gay scene is around Heumarkt-Mathiasstrasse in the Old Town (Altstadt). It is the city’s original gayborhood.
- The gaybourhood is home to low-key gay bars, a leather vibe and famous cruise clubs.
- One of the pioneering districts for LGBTQ+ rights in Germany, it hosts several post-parade parties during Cologne Pride.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the old town.
Rudolfplatz
Nicknamed “The Bermuda Triangle”, located west of town and home to Babylon & Phoenix saunas.
Ehrenfeld
Artsy neighbourhood, 20-mins from the centre, with trendy cafes, boutiques, & a vivid street art scene.
Belgian Quarter
Known for its hip atmosphere offering a blend of chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, & lively bars.
Deutz
On the eastern bank of the Rhine River, with a quieter vibe and fantastic views of Cologne’s skyline.
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