Event Dates
From: Thursday, February 27, 2025
To: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Koelner Carnival in Cologne is one of the world’s Carnival events with spectacular parties and events, plus an epic Gay Circuit Party weekend!
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 27th – Wednesday March 5th 2025 – 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 27th, 2025 – 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 March 3rd, 2025 – 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 March 4th, 2025 – 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 28, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025 – 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 March 2nd 2025 – 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,
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Steigenberger Hotel is our
choice located in the gay district!
For further information and advice on
Cologne Carnival, check out The Website
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
Pipinstraße 3 50667 Cologne, Germany
The Barcelon has been a popular gay gin bar in Cologne's old town since 2011 with a large outdoor terrace.
Art Cafe with some Mediterranean inspiration from Barcelona
Am Rinkenpfuhl 51, 50676 Köln, Germany
Busy gay bar with nice decor and lighting. The bar staff are friendly (and hot:-) and the drinks are well priced
Mühlenbach 53, 50676 Köln, Germany
Bear Bar in the center of Cologne.
Welcomes the Bear community and their allies
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 gay bar can be a lot of fun
Vor St. Martin 8, 50667 Köln, Germany
Cafe Bar in the old town close to the Kiein St Martin tower
Energetic, pink-hued gay bar featuring drinks, cafe bites & drag shows, plus outdoor tables.
Mauritiuswall 43, 50676 Köln, Germany
Alternative gay bar, popular with guys in the 30s and 40s in the heart of the gay "Bermuda Triangle"
Pipinstraße 5, 50667 Köln, Germany
Small gay bar in the old town close to several other popular venues
Mathiasstraße 22, 50676 Köln, Germany
Longest running gay fetish bar in Cologne open daily until 3 am
Mathiasstraße 5, 50676 Köln, Germany
Small gay cruising bar with darkroom, popular with 30+ crowd.
Balduinstraße 20, 50676 Köln, Germany
Gay Fetish bar right in the heart of Cologne Men Only!
Greesbergstraße 2, 50668 Köln, Germany
The busiest gay bar in the Eigelstein quarter always a fun night
Pipinstraße 5 50667 Cologne, Germany
Here everyone is welcome to have a good time and party either gay, trans, old or young, fetish rubber, sneaker, leather or none fetish at all.
Opened in June 2010 at the premises of former “Zille” we are a meeting point in the gay scène of Cologne.
Kasinostraße 1A, 50676 Köln, Germany
Since 2008, Josef and Wolfgang run the Casino-Eck, the slightly different neighbourhood pub.
Here everyone is welcome, whether young or old, male or female, hetero, lesbian, gay or transgender - here is simply lived tolerance.
Cosy and full of atmosphere; nice people meet with delicious beer and enjoy the season themed evenings, such as May Party, Holland evening, Octoberfeast or Travesty show.
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 61 50676 Cologne, Germany
Your bar on Schaafenstrasse. Open Wednesdays to Saturdays with changing mottos, DJs & regular events
Schaafenstraße 45 50676 Cologne, Germany
Schaafenstraße 51 50676 Cologne, Germany
The Mumu is a somewhat wacky gay bar Cologne's hottest pub, open since June 2008
Mühlenbach 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
The traditional bar in the gay scene for 54 years in a cultivated communicative atmosphere for men from 30 + years and their admirers!
Alter Markt 58 50667 Cologne, Germany
Our Zum Pitter Cologne has been the first point of contact for gays and friends in the middle of Cologne's lively and popular old town for many years.
With us you can forget the worries of everyday life, meet very nice people and just feel good. It is not for nothing that our guests often refer to the Zum Pitter Cologne as the "living room"
Pipinstraße 7, 50667 Köln, Germany
A popular gay Inclusive & relaxed watering hole with outside seating
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
Carnival Cologne – Rose Monday Parade
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.
Nicknamed “The Bermuda Triangle”, located west of town and home to Babylon & Phoenix saunas.
Known for its hip atmosphere offering a blend of chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, & lively bars.