4 reviewed party hostels · from €20.91/night · Hostelworld rated
Cologne’s nightlife runs on Kölsch, the local beer served in those tiny 0.2-litre glasses: because the faster you finish, the quicker the next one arrives. Head to **Friesenstrasse** on a Friday night and you’ll see the street packed with groups spilling out of bars like Goldfinger, where the city’s biggest pub crawl kicks off at 9 pm. The hostel scene here keeps it simple: budget beds, social vibes, and easy walks to the action. **Hostel Die Wohngemeinschaft** stands out with its own bar and nightclub downstairs, meaning you can start the party without leaving the building. Most hostels sit in Ehrenfeld or near the Belgian Quarter, putting you within 15 minutes of the Rhine and the cathedral, so you’re never far from either a club or a quiet bench by the water.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Fun and crazy party hostel with an individually designed room. Great café for socializing, especially in the evening, when it turns into a bar full of people. And the atmosphere is even better when DJs are playing live. The common room is always vibrant and full of other travelers happy to join quiz nights, beer pong, and table tennis.
Social hostel perfect for travellers who like to enjoy the natural surrounding. One of the biggest hostel in Germany, with 186 rooms and several common areas. Guests can enjoy free breakfast, café, and bar. There is even a party room able to accommodate up to 80 people.
Station Hostel for Backpackers offers the ultimate party vibe right in the city's heart. Steps from the train station and Cologne Cathedral, it’s perfect for backpackers looking to explore the city by day and party by night.
SMARTY Cologne City Center Hostel, a place that offers the best prices as also a 24-hour reception and bar. This place is great for any type of traveler and where you will be able to meet people from different cultures. SMARTY has 24hrs snack and coffee place and the best part is that you can spend your nights partying or doing an exciting city tour.
Organised nights out with a local guide
The city’s biggest pub crawl visits three clubs, starting at Goldfinger on Friesenstrasse. Your €15 ticket includes a welcome shot, drink discounts, and entry to all venues. The group is mostly backpackers, and the crawl runs until 3 am. No need to book: just turn up at 9 pm.
How Cologne's nightlife zones break down
A former industrial district turned artsy nightlife hub. The streets around Heliosstraße and Venloer Straße are lined with bars, clubs, and street art. It’s where Cologne’s creative crowd goes to drink, dance, and argue about music. Trams 3 and 4 run through the middle, so it’s easy to reach from the city centre.
A grid of streets packed with vintage shops, trendy cafés, and cocktail bars. Moltkestraße and Brüsseler Straße are the main drags, and the crowd is a mix of students and young professionals. It’s more relaxed than Ehrenfeld but still lively until the early hours.
The postcard-perfect centre, with the cathedral, Rhine promenade, and traditional beer halls. It’s touristy but essential for a Kölsch with a view. The streets around Heumarkt and Alter Markt are the busiest, especially on weekends. Walk along the Rhine for a quieter escape.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The starting point for Cologne’s biggest pub crawl. Expect a mix of backpackers and locals, cheap shots, and a dance floor that fills by 11 pm. The crowd is friendly, and the music leans toward chart hits and throwback anthems. If you’re here for the crawl, arrive by 9 pm to grab your wristband.
This hostel has its own bar and nightclub downstairs, so you can pre-drink without stepping outside. The bar serves €2 Kölsch and €3 cocktails, and the club plays everything from techno to indie. It’s a solid spot to meet other travellers before heading into the city.
A converted train station in Ehrenfeld with three floors of music: techno, house, and live bands. Entry is €8–€12, and it gets busy after midnight. The outdoor area is perfect for a breather between sets. Trams 3 and 4 stop right outside, so it’s easy to reach from the city centre.
A traditional beer hall next to the cathedral, serving Kölsch since 1904. The wooden benches fill up by 7 pm, and the waiters keep the glasses coming until 11 pm. It’s touristy but worth it for the atmosphere: order the pork knuckle if you’re hungry.
A two-floor club in the Belgian Quarter with a rooftop terrace. The music is a mix of house, disco, and indie, and the crowd is a bit older than the backpacker scene. Entry is €7–€10, and it’s open until 5 am on weekends. The terrace is a great spot for a late-night snack.
A bar and club in Ehrenfeld with a cinema upstairs. The music downstairs is mostly techno and drum & bass, and the crowd is a mix of locals and travellers. Entry is €5–€8, and it’s open until 4 am. The cinema shows indie films if you need a break from dancing.
A dive bar in the Belgian Quarter with €3 beers and a jukebox. It’s small, smoky, and always packed with students and backpackers. The staff don’t tolerate bad behaviour, so it’s a safe spot to start your night. Open until 3 am.
More party hostel destinations