Event Dates
From: Thursday, February 12, 2026
To: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Cologne Carnival
Kölner Karneval 2026
Koelner Carnival in Cologne is one of the world’s Carnival events with spectacular parties and events, plus an epic Gay Circuit Party weekend!
With 1.5 Million People attending – Cologne Carnival is one big streetparty!
Koelner Carnival in Cologne is one of the world’s Carnival events with spectacular parties and events, plus an epic Gay Circuit Party weekend!
- Are you visiting for Cologne Carnival? Stay close to the party at 25 Hours Hotel Koeln The Circle, rated “Fabulous” by guests featuring beautifully decorated rooms and excellent on-site bar and restaurant.
The Event
- Thursday February 12th – Wednesday February 18th, 2026 – Parades, parties and sexy guys in skimpy outfits! This is a costume party after all. Cologne Carnival is one event not to be missed.
- Cologne is German’s most gay friendly city and Carnival is no different. The event is open to everyone and sometimes its hard to tell the straights from the gays!
- The city’s gay bars and clubs host special parties throughout the six day event including several circuit parties, sauna nights and late night after-hour events.
- Costumes are the order of the day, with just about everyone wearing one. The style is rather different from Brazilian carnivals. Think more “Prussian Soldier” than feathered muscle boy. But then everyone loves a man in uniform!
- Stay close to the heart of the Carnival events at the Exlsior Hotel, rated “Excellent” by guests, 150m from the centre of the city. The “Travel Proud” certified hotel features luxurious accommodation, an airport shuttle service and steps from the world famous cathedral.
Cologne Carnival – 24 Hours non stop partying
- The Carnival is six days of fun-filled events, making new friends and meeting old ones, if you can work out who is who, under all the makeup and sequins. Every night is a party or “Crazy Day”
- Carnival is a hectic event with days and nights of partying. Ensure you get enough rest between festivities; it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
- Bar closing times are suspended for the festival duration. The city fills with costumes, drinking and singing. Each day Cologne echoes to the sounds of the Carnival battle cry: “Kölle Alaaf”, which means “Long live Cologne!”
- The most popular days are the opening (Thursday), Monday’s parade and Tuesday’s closing celebrations.
- Stay close to the Carnival celebrations at Maison Marasil, a design hotel rated “Fabulous” by guests in the heart of the old town, featuring individually designed rooms and apartments.
Thursday (Weiberfastnacht)
- Thursday February 12th, 2026 – Head to the Alter Markt around 11:11 am to witness the “street carnival” official opening, followed by the women of Cologne symbolically taking over the city hall.
- A symbolic custom on this day involves women cutting men’s ties with scissors, symbolizing a temporary shift in male authority and power. If the man agrees, he receives a kiss as a reward. This tradition originates from a time when women had fewer rights than they do now. However in our opinion, this tradition is best left to the locals!
- Explore local pubs and watch live performances in traditional costumes.
Rose Monday Parade
- Monday February 16th, 2026 – The highlight is of Koelner Carnival is the Rose Monday Parade, Rosenmontagszug with over one million people lining the streets to see it from 10:30 a.m.
- The event is organized by the Cologne Carnival Committee of 1823. It is a colourful spectacle with sweets (“Kamelle”), little bouquets of flowers (“Strüßjer”), pecks (“Bützje”) and over one million of spectators in fancy dress.
- The parade traditionally starts in the Südstadt area and winds its way through the city center. It begins at 10 am and runs until late afternoon.
The Burning of the Nubble
- Tuesday February 17th, 2026 – Midnight Tuesday (Wed morning) is the symbolic burning of Nubbel, a straw doll “scapegoat” for all the sins of the year.
- Burnings take place at bars and venues throughout the city.
- Each neighborhood or district has its own Nubbel burning event.
- The event is followed by Ash Wednesday with traditional fish dinners.
- Restaurants can be busy; book your table in advance. Try Scampino, an elegant Mediterranean seafood restaurant with shaded terrace or Restaurant Poisson, a sleek seafood restaurant offering fresh and well-executed dishes with an expansive wine list.
Gay Parties and Carnival Events
- Make your way to Cologne’s Gay Street (Bermuda Triangle). Located around Schaafenstraße, this area is the heart of the gay scene in Cologne. The streets here buzz with activity, hosting various parties, drag shows, and special events in the numerous bars and clubs. It’s a perfect place to experience the lively spirit of the Gay Carnival.
- Check out the top hotels close to the gay bars and clubs.
- Friday, February 13, 2026 – Sunday 15th February, 2026 – The Sexy Cologne Carnival Circuit Weekend – featuring the world’s top circuit DJs, thousands of guys and one of the most epic productions in Europe!
- Sunday. February 15th 2026 – Rosa Sitzung – Carnival Saturday – A gala event featuring drag performances, comedy, music, and dance. It’s a blend of traditional Carnival entertainment with a distinct gay twist.
Gay Cafes
- Cafe Era – Modern gay friendly cafe with a busy street terrace open daily, perfect for lunch.
- Cafe Rico – Popular post-shopping meeting spot in the designer shops district, Open Wed-Sun
Popular Gay Bars
- Amadeus – Cafe Bar in the old town close to the Klein St Martin tower.
- Barcelon – Art Cafe with some Mediterranean inspiration from Barcelona.
- Baustelle 4U – Popular gay bar in the old town with camp music and friendly staff.
- Casino-Eck – German style bar open from Tuesday to Saturday with a traditional feel.
- ExCorner – Perhaps the busiest gay bar in Cologne, with more than 30 years of history.
- Exile – Busy bar with modern interior and younger guys, music videos. Open Wed to Sat.
- Gentle Bars – Bear-friendly bar in the old town with a fun atmosphere.
- Kattwinkel – The busiest bar in the Eigelstein quarter.
- Mumu – Home to the young and the pretty. Open daily from 7 pm.
- Schampanja – Alternative gay bar, popular with guys in the 30s and 40s in the heart of the gay “Bermuda Triangle”.
- Zur Kaiserin – Small gay bar in the old town close to several other popular venues.
Cruising Bars
- Deck 5 – Small cruising bar with darkroom, popular with 30+ crowd.
- Kinkz – Fetish bar right in the heart of Cologne.
- Pullermanns – Longest running fetish bar in Cologne open daily until 3 am.
Saunas
- Badehaus Babylon Cologne – Very busy sauna in Cologne complete with pool and host of several theme nights.
- Phoenix Sauna – Spacious sauna, busy at weekends when its open 24 hours and attracts lots of young guys.
Where to stay during Cologne Carnival
The following Cologne hotels are all close to the city’s popular gay bars and carnival festivities:
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
Cologne Carnival, check out The Website
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.
Filzengraben 26, 50676 Köln, Germany
This hotel lies in the heart of , 100 m from the Rhine Promenade. Guests enjoy free use of the large indoor swimming pool and modern gym, and the sauna can be used for a surcharge.
The bright and spacious rooms at Hotel Lyskirchen feature elegant interiors. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a coffee machine as well as a complimentary bottle of mineral water. Free WiFi is available.
Pipinstraße 15 0667 Cologne, Germany
This hotel is situated in Cologne city centre, 200 m from the Heumarkt Square. It offers spacious rooms and a restaurant. Some rooms include access to a health club with large indoor swimming pool (usable for a surcharge).
Dorint am Heumarkt Köln provides spacious rooms with soundproofed windows and modern décor. All rooms include free tea/coffee facilities and a stylish marble bathroom. Some rooms offer a view of Cologne Cathedral.
Heumarkt 2050667 Cologne, Germany
Centrally located in Cologne, this hotel provides panoramic views of the River Rhine. The Maritim Köln offers elegant accommodation and a spa with a gym and indoor pool.
The air-conditioned rooms and suites of the Maritim Hotel Köln are furnished in warm colours. All rooms include satellite TV, a desk and a modern bathroom. WiFi is provided free of charge for guests in the whole hotel.
Hohe Straße 30 51149 Cologne, Germany
Located next to the lively pedestrian areas Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse you find Hotel am Augustinerplatz, only a 4-minute walk to Cologne’s Old Town and the Rhine.
The rooms at the 4-star Hotel am Augustinerplatz were completely renovated in 2009 offering a comfortable, modern design. They all feature a TV with free sky channels, a telephone, minibar and a safe.
Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670 Köln,
Conveniently set in Cologne, 25hours Hotel The Circle provides air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The hotel has newspapers and a fax machine and photocopier that guests can use.
Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All units include a desk.
Komödienstraße 3, 50667 Köln, Germany
The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with bidet and a hairdryer. Free WiFi and a balcony.
Ehrenstraße 67, 50672 Köln, Germany
The apartment has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms with a bidet. Free WiFi and private parking
Friesenwall 24B, 50672 Köln, Germany
The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with bidet and a hairdryer. Free WiFi and a balcony.
Hämergasse 4-14, 50667 Köln, Germany
All apartments at DASKöln feature designer-style furniture, a safe, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom with a shower. Just a 10-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral & the Main Train Station
Friesenwall 26 / Kettengasse, Cologne 50672
● Modern design with a popular street terrace
● Great spot to unwind and socialize
● Offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone
Monday, Tuesday 16:00 – 24:00; Wednesday, Thursday 15:00 – 24:00
Friday 15:00 – 01:00; Saturday 12:00 – 01:00; Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
Mittelstraße 31-33, Cologne 50672
● Popular among shoppers from nearby fashion & design streets
● Gay-friendly with a cozy vibe
● Ideal for a coffee break or light meal
Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00 – 19:00; Thursday-Saturday 09:00 – 21:00;
Sunday 09:00 – 20:00
Pipinstraße/Vor St. Martin 8-10, Cologne 50667
● Cafe-bar in the Old Town of Cologne, next to the tower of Klein St.Martin ● Energetic, pink-hued gay bar featuring drinks, cafe bites & drag shows, plus outdoor tables.
Wednesday, Thursday 17:00 – 24:00; Friday 17:00 – 03:00 Saturday 14:00 – 03:00; Sunday 14:00 – 22:00
Pipinstraße 3, Cologne 50667
● Friendly gay bar in the Old Town, with a touch of Mediterranean
● The Barcelon has been a popular gay gin bar in Cologne's old town since 2011 with a large outdoor terrace.
Wednesday, Thursday 17:00 – 23:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 02:00
Sunday 14:00 – 20:00
Pipinstraße 5 / Vor St. Martin 12, Cologne 50667
● Popular gay bar in the Old Town of Cologne
Monday-Thursday 17:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 03:00+ Sunday 16:00/17:00 – 01:00
Kasinostraße 1a / Stephanstraße, Cologne 50676
● Traditional German pub with a mixed clientele
Tuesday-Saturday from 16:00
Schaafenstraße 61 A, Cologne 50676
● Modern fancy bar with drinks, DJs, music videos, and neon lights.
● Mainly young and middle-aged clientele.
Wednesday, Thursday 19:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 05:00
Schaafenstraße 45, Cologne 50676
● Mixed gay-straight-lesbian cocktail lounge bar.
● Stylish and with high-quality cocktails and drinks.
● Stylish and with high-quality cocktails and drinks.
Tuesday-Thursday 19:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 05:00
Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
● Long-standing gay bar in the Eigelstein quarter.
Monday-Thursday 15:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 16:00 – 03:00 Sunday 14:00 – 00:30
Balduinstraße 20, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Small fetish-friendly gay bar in the center of Cologne Men Only!
Tuesday-Thursday 19:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 19:00 – 04:00 Sunday 17:00 – 02:00
Richard-Wagner-Straße 25, Cologne 50674
● Small basement lounge bar with karaoke and mixed clientele.
Tuesday-Sunday from 20:00
Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
● Long-standing gay bar in the Eigelstein quarter.
Monday-Thursday 15:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 16:00 – 03:00 Sunday 14:00 – 00:30
Mühlenbach 53, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Bears-friendly bar in the Old Town of Cologne.
● Little and big bears in all sizes.
Wednesday-Saturday from 18:00
Alter Markt 58 50667 Cologne, Germany
● In summer with terrace at Alter Markt(Old Market), a popular area for tourists.
● The clientele outside is usually very mixed.
Daily 12:00/14:00–01:00/03:00
Pipinstraße 5, 50667 Köln, Germany
● Small bar in the Old Town of Cologne.
● Next to the gay bars Barcelon and Baustelle4U.
Wednesday,Thursday17:00–01:00;Friday,Saturday17:00–2:00 Sunday16:00–23:00
Mathiasstraße 5, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Small gay bar with a backroom.
● Mainly attracts thirty- and forty-something clientele.
Monday-Thursday 20:00 – 02:00+, Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 05:00+
Sunday 20:00 – 02:00+
Mathiasstraße 22, 50676 Köln, Germany
● The longest-running gay cruising and fetish bar in Cologne.
● Formerly known as Hands and Boners.
● Primarily attracts clientele aged 35+.
● Minimum consumption: 8 €
Monday 18:00 – 03:00, Tuesday-Thursday 21:00 – 03:00, Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 05:00, Sunday 21:00 – 03:00
Club Bogen 2, Gladbacher Wall 5, 50670 Köln, Germany
● Legendary party, well known for a great line up and light show. Cute crowd as well.
Schaafenstraße 49, 50676 Köln, Germany
● Popular busy gay bar can be a lot of fun
Daily from 7pm
Schaafenstraße 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
● Rather inconspicuous during the day, the Ex|Corner wakes up in the evening with regular entertaiment this bar is always busy
Schaafenstraße 51 50676 Cologne, Germany
● Gay bar with mainly very young clientele
Daily from 19:00
Mühlenbach 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
● Bar for gay seniors and their admirers.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday from 17:00 –01:00; Friday, Saturday17:00–03:00
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.
Official coverage of the main parades.
Carnival Cologne – Rose Monday Parade
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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