COLOGNE, GERMANY

Ring

The Ring begins at Chlodwigplatz and ends at Ebertplatz, following the contours of the old city wall. It forms a giant semi-circle around the center of town and supplies one with ample sources of amusement. You could spend months just going from place to place along this road without getting bored. This guide follows the Ring from South to North through the various quarters, then further out to Nippes and Ehrenfeld.

Südstadt

The center of the Südstadt is Chlodwigplatz, and a network of streets and lanes extends from it, hiding a multitude of bars and theaters. Good drinks can be found at the Fiffi Bar. The Südstadt is also a good part of town if you like rock music. In addition this quarter has plenty of bars for gays and lesbians. During Karneval, the Südstadt goes wild, but otherwise it is usually pretty mellow. There is plenty of theater on offer, notably the Theater am Sachsenring and the Theater der Keller.

Univiertel

Cologne's main student hang-out is found around Barbarossaplatz and Zülpicher Platz. Masses of bars and pubs are located ... more