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The large cinema complexes are all found on, or near to, the Ring. Notable examples are the Cinedom, where premiers of international films are sometimes held, and the UFA Palast Kino Center between Rudolfplatz and Friesenplatz. There are plenty of smaller cinemas throughout Cologne. The Filmhaus, Lupe 2 and Broadway, on the Ehrenstraße, usually show the most interesting films. English language original versions are mainly shown in the excellent Metropolis, as well as at the Cinemathek.

Comedy

Comedy is big in Cologne. Many German comedians make their debut here on the stages of the city's many theatres, such as the Comedia Colonia, the Senftöpfchen Theatre, and the famous Kaiserhof Theatre on the Hohenzollernring. Many other theatres feature comedy, for example, the Theater am Sachsenring in the Südstadt or the Ateliertheater on Roonstraße.

Museums

Those travellers alighting at Köln Hauptbahnhof bus station, will immediately see two of Cologne's most important museum complexes. The Museum Ludwig is the city's main art museum, and right next door is the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, where you can marvel at ancient artifacts and excavations. At Neumarkt, you'll find the Josef-Haubrich Kunsthalle, where large travelling exhibitions are held. There is also an abundance of smaller museums and galleries. Still more art is to be seen on the walls of many cafés and bars, such as the ArtCafé and the Die Zeit der Kirschen. The unique Popdom is also worth a mention, an unusual museum of 60s and 70s design and pop music.

Classical Music

Classical Music is mainly presented in the Kölner Philharmonie, where artists from around the world perform, and oncerts are heldalmost daily. The WDR television and radio broadcasting company holds classical concerts in their auditorium studio at Wallrafplatz, performed by the Kölner Rundfunkorchester. The many free chamber music concerts by students of the Hochschule für Musik Köln also have a good reputation.

Rock/Pop/Jazz

There are many concert venues in Cologne, deserving of mention are the huge Köln Arena in Deutz, the E-Werk, Palladium in Mülheim, the Live Music Hall in Ehrenfeld and the Prime Club near Barbarossaplatz. Good gigs for less money are held mainly in the MTC on Zülpicher Straße and the Underground in Ehrenfeld. There is a big electronic music scene in Cologne, which is regularly featured at the Gebäude 9 in Deutz and the ARTheater. Jazz fans can find good live music in the Metronom and Em Streckstrump in the Altstadt, which has held more than 10,000 concerts!

Nightclubs

On the weekend, the many clubs along the Ring, between Zülpicherplatz and Christophstraße, hold big events for a mainly younger crowd, sometimes featuring well known DJs. During the week, it's a bit more relaxed. Most of the clubs have different themes, depending on the night. The price of admission varies considerably, but many don't charge any entry, for example the Underground.

Opera

The programme at the Opernhaus Köln concentrates on past masters like; Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and Wagner. It is found in the centre of town, along with the Scahuspielhaus. Thoughtfully, youngeropera fans are taken into consideration; the tent-like construction of the Kinderoper in der Yakult-Halle, or children's opera, enjoys great popularity.

Theatre

Day in; day out, the theatres of Cologne offer an impressive programme of events, from classics to modern theatre of the Twentieth century. The main stages are the Schauspielhaus, the Schlosserei and the West-End-Theatre. There are also many dedicated independent theatres. Good cabaret can be found at the Die Machtwächter and in the Senftöpfchen. The tickets for independent productions are relatively inexpensive, and the Schauspielhaus offers a last-minute box office and discounts for students.







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Atelier Theater


Theatre in the Uni-Viertel
Roonstraße 78
Cologne, NRW 50674
Germany
+49 221 24 2485
http://www.ateliertheater.de/
This small theatre on Roonstrasse offers a variety of theatre, cabaret, satire and Kleinkunst, usually with musical accompaniment and often from a markedly feminist perspective. The program changes regularly, every few days. The 99 seat theatre presents comedy, chanson, travesty and gay/lesbian-oriented productions and caters for a wide audience. The Atelier also hosts the yearly Front-Frauen Festival, featuring international performers and is supported financially by a variety of patrons, many well known from television and the media. The Atelier café is open from 11a-1a during the week, from 5p weekends, and is a nice place for a drink before the performance.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cinemathek


Cinema in the Ludwig museum
Bischofsgartenstraße 1
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
The Cinemathek, like the Metropolis, usually shows films in their original language. They show classics as well as recent films, and it's a good place to catch something you missed the first time, or would like to see again. The program changes frequently, and the films are normally shown just a few times. Hidden in a corner of the Museum Ludwig, the cinema isn't very easy to find, though the location right next to the Philharmonie and the Rhine is great. Tickets:

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Die Zeit der Kirschen


Culinary oasis
Venloer Straße 399
Cologne, NRW 50825
Germany
+49 221 954 1906
http://www.dzdk.de/
The relaxed atmosphere, cosy decor, attractive wicker chairs and good food all combine to make this one of the nicest places in town. Local artists exhibit their latest works on the yellow and orange walls; and if you are particularly taken by one, you'll be pleased to know that they are all for sale. The evening menu changes continually—the only thing that remains the same is the generous portions. Lunch time specials are available and the leafy patio is the perfect spot to enjoy your meal on a warm summer night.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
E-Werk


Entertainment in Mülheim
Schanzenstraße 37
Cologne, NRW 51063
Germany
+49 (0)221 96 2790
http://www.e-werk-koeln.de
"The E-Werk, a 2200-capacity hall in Köln-Mülheim, is one of the city's larger venues. This former power station boasts of a big-name, international acts and German comedians. The acoustics are what one would expect from a warehouse-type facility. The weekend discos are frequented by young people from nearby towns and suburbs. Situated in an industrial zone, a good fifteen minutes' walk from Wiener Platz, it is not easy to find, so bring a map to be certain. The nearby Keupstrasse, full of Turkish shops, restaurants and takeaways is a great place for a snack before or after a concert. Details of coming events can be found on their homepage.

Review © 2007, Wcities
E-Werk photo by Sven Ellingen
Photo: Sven Ellingen
E-Werk photo by Stefan Klaas
Photo: Stefan Klaas
E-Werk photo by Robert Brands
Photo: Robert Brands
E-Werk photo by Silke van Exel
Photo: Silke van Exel
E-Werk photo by Sven Kleuter
Photo: Sven Kleuter
E-Werk photo by transCam
Photo: transCam
E-Werk photo by Tobiasz
Photo: Tobiasz
E-Werk photo by Jakob Behrends
Photo: Jakob Behrends
E-Werk photo by Thorsten Neuhaus
Photo: Thorsten Neuhaus
 

 
Ehrenfeld


Cologne
Germany
Lots of students and down-to-earth people live here. What was once a bit run down has since been revived as an area of cultural activity. Lots of bars and cafés can be found in the side streets off the long Venloer Straße, which runs right through Ehrenfeld. Café Sehnsucht is a well loved place for Sunday Frühstück-breakfast. The area around Herbrands with the Cinenova cinema and café offers a full program of events. Ehrenfeld's live music venues, Underground and the Live Music Hall can be found further down towards Gürtel. If you turn right at the corner Venloer Straße / Gürtel you will come to the ARTheater that is not only a theatre. Besides it offers art and readings and the electronical parties are very popular. The Königsblt is a new, friendly cocktail bar.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ehrenfeld photo by Clive K. Lavery
Photo: Clive K. Lavery
Ehrenfeld photo by Clive K. Lavery
Photo: Clive K. Lavery
Ehrenfeld photo by Friedhelm Thelen
Photo: Friedhelm Thelen
Ehrenfeld photo by Friedhelm Thelen
Photo: Friedhelm Thelen
Ehrenfeld photo by Frank Luetke
Photo: Frank Luetke
Ehrenfeld photo by Ole Wiemeler
Photo: Ole Wiemeler
Ehrenfeld photo by Frank Hessling
Photo: Frank Hessling
Ehrenfeld photo by Konstantin
Photo: Konstantin
Ehrenfeld photo by Philip Klein
Photo: Philip Klein
Ehrenfeld photo by Bettina Fredel
Photo: Bettina Fredel
Ehrenfeld photo by Seltene_Erden
Photo: Seltene_Erden
Ehrenfeld photo by babakONE
Photo: babakONE
Ehrenfeld photo by merlin veenhof
Photo: merlin veenhof
Ehrenfeld photo by onyda
Photo: onyda
Ehrenfeld photo by A. Noeh
Photo: A. Noeh
 

 
Em Streckstrump


Jazz Pub in the Altstadt
Buttermarkt 37
Altstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
+49 221 257 7931
In this Kneipe you know that you're in Cologne. Em is Kölsch (a local dialect quite different from normal German) for in. There are so many Em bars in Cologne that it would be impossible to list them all. The location of this bar, on the Buttermarkt in the middle of the Altstadt, is in itself a major selling point. For the last 25 years they have featured live Dixieland jazz nearly every evening. You can hear it as you walk toward the entrance. The crowd consists mainly of jazz fans and tourists If beer is your main interest than there is always the nearby Biermuseum.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Em Streckstrump photo by Terri Harrington
Photo: Terri Harrington
 

 
Hochschule für Musik Köln


Students and Concerts
Dagobertstraße 38
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50668
Germany
+49 221 912 8180
http://www.mhs-koeln.de
This institution is primarily for the study of music, though concerts are held very often, mostly to give the students a chance to perform. There is a concert hall and a chamber music hall, where most of the performances are held. The program varies, but is mostly classical music performed by small ensembles. A piano evening, viola or cello evening are some examples. Jazz and choir concerts, featuring the university choir, take place regularly. The concerts are free, so it's definitely worth going.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kaiserhof Theater


A hit amongst Cologne theaters
Hohenzollernring 92
Kölner Ringe
Cologne, NRW 50672
Germany
+49 221 139 0791
The Kaiserhof is by far the craziest theater in town. Opened in the 19th century, the Kaiserhof was closed for many years before re-opening in 1994. Solo performances by famous German comedians and cabaret artisits, as well as musicals such as Carmen - Die Königin vom Klapperhof and a La Traviata, both rather peculiar adaptations by Walter Bockmayer, are some of the most successful productions. The theater was the springboard for many famous German comedians, including Heinz Erhardt. Box Office: 10a-8p M-Su Tickets not bought in advance should be picked up 90 minutes before the show.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kinderoper in der Yakult-Halle


The only children's opera in Germany
Offenbachplatz
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
+49 221 2212 8400
The Yakult-Halle, with its tent-like construction, was designed by the American architecht Mark Beard, and was opened in 1996 with a production of The Nightingale. It is located in the upper foyer of the Opernhaus Köln, in the same complex as the Schauspielhaus and the West-End-Theater. The program, is aimed primarily at children and sung by grown-ups, but can be enjoyed by music-lovers of all ages.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kinderoper in der Yakult-Halle photo by Anita Watson
Photo: Anita Watson
 

 
Köln Arena


The new venue in Cologne
Willy-Brand-Platz 2
Deutz
Cologne, NRW 50679
Germany
+49 221 8020
http://www.koelnarena.de
In the beginning of June, the Köln Arena was voted the best European Venue by the European Arena Association and is now also an official member. Opened in 1998, the Köln Arena is brand new, and only the biggest attractions grace the stage here. Big musical events, such as Carmen, stars like Cher or Simply Red as well as the Kölner Karneval are held here. It is also the arena for Cologne's ice hockey team, the Kölner Haie. A tour of the arena is available, with plenty to see beneath the huge ceiling. There are a handful of restaurants and bars nearby, as well as the Backstage Restaurant in the arena, open two hours before and after the event. Opening hours: M-F 10a-6p, Sa 10a-2p.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Köln Arena photo by Thomas Koch
Photo: Thomas Koch
Köln Arena photo by out_of_cologne
Photo: out_of_cologne
Köln Arena photo by Miriam J.
Photo: Miriam J.
Köln Arena photo by jaymo99
Photo: jaymo99
Köln Arena photo by fedro
Photo: fedro
 

 
Live Music Hall


Concert venue in Ehrenfeld
Lichtstraße 30
Ehrenfeld
Cologne, NRW 50825
Germany
+49 221 9542 9910
http://www.livemusichall.de
The Live Music Hall is a large, warehouse venue with room for 1,500 people. Here, many well known groups make the Cologne stop on their European tour. The room itself is nondescript, but the P.A. is loud and clear. DJs make use of the powerful system when there isn't a gig on. On the way to or from a concert, the nearby Underground is a good place for a drink, especially when the beer garden is open.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Live Music Hall photo by Daniel Pietzsch
Photo: Daniel Pietzsch
Live Music Hall photo by sean williams
Photo: sean williams
Live Music Hall photo by Elaine Yeung
Photo: Elaine Yeung
Live Music Hall photo by Curtains23
Photo: Curtains23
Live Music Hall photo by Stephan
Photo: Stephan
Live Music Hall photo by Christof
Photo: Christof
Live Music Hall photo by dekolette
Photo: dekolette
Live Music Hall photo by Christoph Lenz
Photo: Christoph Lenz
Live Music Hall photo by Sandra
Photo: Sandra
 

 
Lupe 2


nostalgic cinema
Mauritiussteinweg 102
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50676
Germany
The Lupe 2 is an excellent place to finally have a chance to see an old film in the cinema. Classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany's or Doctor Zhivago can be enjoyed here on a nice, large screen, as well as newer films that are no longer showing in most cinemas. Unfortunately, they are nearly never shown in the original language, and the room could do with some rennovation, but the prices and selection are good. Be sure to double check what's playing, as the films are only shown a few times.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lupe 2 photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
MTC


Tubular club with good gigs
Zülpicher Straße 10
Uni-Viertel
Cologne, NRW 50674
Germany
+49 221 240 4188
http://www.angelfire.com/de/mt...
The MTC is a small, narrow, 300-capacity club on the circuit for lesser known touring bands and good local groups, with an emphasis on indie and rock music. A decent sound system and acceptable drink prices make this a fine place to see a gig. Conveniently located on Zülpicherstrasse, there are plenty of other good places nearby to get a bite to eat or have another drink.

Review © 2007, Wcities
MTC photo by Matthew Dolibog
Photo: Matthew Dolibog
MTC photo by Ines Dörrenhaus
Photo: Ines Dörrenhaus
 

 
Opernhaus Köln


The great Cologne Opera
Offenbachplatz
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
+49 221 221 8400
The Kölner Opernhaus is located in Germany's largest theater complex, along with the Schauspielhaus, the Yakult-Halle, and the West-End Theater. The repetoire is varied, with classic works from Verdi, Mozart and Händel, as well as works from the 20th century. With a highly rated orchestra and famous directors and singers, this is one of the best opera houses in Germany. Ballet from international dance groups, such as the Nederlands Dans Theater, are often featured here. The balconies and stalls provide seating for 1,320 people. Another feature: the operas are subtitled - the German translation of an Italian opera, for example, is displayed above the stage. Box Office: Evenings: +49 221 221 8248 Opening Times: 9a-6p M-F, 9a-2p Sa The Box Office opens one hour before the show.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Opernhaus Köln photo by Doris Lohmann
Photo: Doris Lohmann
 

 
Palladium


Concert hall in Mülheim
Schanzenstraße 40
Mülheim
Cologne, NRW 51063
Germany
+49 221 5691 0911
http://www.palladium-koeln.de
The recently-opened Palladium is located in remote Mülheim, across from the E-Werk. With room for up to 4000 people, it is a venue for big events and famous names. The warehouse-like room is unspectacular, but is adequately equipped for the demands of large rock concerts. Unlike the E-werk, there is no beergarden, disco or film nights, so it is only worth visiting if you have tickets for the event there.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Palladium photo by bumbanet_de
Photo: bumbanet_de
Palladium photo by susemueller
Photo: susemueller
Palladium photo by Julian Budke
Photo: Julian Budke
Palladium photo by swaymario
Photo: swaymario
Palladium photo by Herr Schmidt
Photo: Herr Schmidt
Palladium photo by Christian Münch
Photo: Christian Münch
 

 
Philharmonie


Famous concert hall
Bischofsgartenstraße 1
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
+49 221 20 4080
http://www.koelner-philharmoni...
The Philharmonie was built in the 1980s and ranks among the most important concert halls in Germany. Orchestras and soloists from around the world have performed here. The Philharmonie stages not only the most famous works by the greatest composers of symphonies, chamber music, jazz, but also folk and pop music. The Philharmonie also hosts groups such as the Harlem Gospel Singers. There is a concert on nearly every day, sometimes two. The circular hall has 2,200 seats, in every price range, all with a good view and excellent acoustics.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Philharmonie photo by Tobias Steinhoff
Photo: Tobias Steinhoff
Philharmonie photo by Jan de Wit
Photo: Jan de Wit
Philharmonie photo by baba_1967
Photo: baba_1967
Philharmonie photo by chantal kleine
Photo: chantal kleine
 

 
Prime Club


Music Club in the center of town
Luxemburger Straße 40
Uni-Viertel
Cologne, NRW 50674
Germany
+49 221 92 4460
http://www.primeclub.de
The Prime Club is a medium sized, 600-capacity club featuring concerts by touring rock and pop groups. Known for many years as the Luxor, this recently renovated club is a particularly good place to see UK bands that would be playing much larger venues at home. The sound system is good, a plus for weekend DJs. Before the show, enjoy a drink next door at the Blue Shell.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Prime Club photo by blogparty
Photo: blogparty
Prime Club photo by malin156
Photo: malin156
Prime Club photo by Katharina Zachos
Photo: Katharina Zachos
Prime Club photo by J. Van Humbeeck
Photo: J. Van Humbeeck
Prime Club photo by Dietmar Wittfeld
Photo: Dietmar Wittfeld
Prime Club photo by mischki
Photo: mischki
Prime Club photo by Felix Bruss
Photo: Felix Bruss
 

 
Ring


Cologne
Germany
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 and still not get bored. This guide follows the Ring from South to North through the various quarters, then further out to Nippes and Ehrenfeld.

The Hohenzollernring is another busy area for bars. It is also home to many bistros and restaurants, and excels in inexpensive Italian cusine. Quite a few Mexican-style restaurants can be found near here, such as Pocoloco. Joe Champs is also worth a mention, for all sports bar and American bar fans. There are three cinemas on the Hohenzollernring--UFA Palast Kino Center, UFA Scala and the One-Dollar-Kino (Rex).

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ring photo by eki
Photo: eki
 

 
Schauspielhaus


The most famous theater in Cologne
Offenbachplatz
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
+49 221 2212 8400
The greatest works of modern and classical theater are performed each year in the renowned Kölner Schauspielhaus. Along with the international classics that are part of the usual repertoire, newer pieces are also presented. The ensemble consists of 30 members, newcomers as well as seasoned actors. The large room has 800 seats, and is in the same building as the Kölner Oper.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Schauspielhaus photo by Christiane Eck
Photo: Christiane Eck
 

 
Schlosserei


Theatre next to the opera
Krebsgasse
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
+49 221 2212 8321
The Schlosserei doesn't share the same address as the Oper and Schauspielhaus, but is found in the same complex on the far side of the large Offenbachplatzes. The room is much smaller, with 130 seats. This theatre seems more like an independent theatre, with its factory-like room. The stage is also very changeable. The modern plays and readings are of interest to a slightly younger audience, and the tickets are also less expensive, than at the Schauspielhaus.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Südstadt


Cologne
Germany
The center of the Südstadt is Chlodwigplatz, a network of streets and lanes extends from it, hiding a multitude of bars and theaters. Good cocktails can be found at Chin's American Bar and the Fiffi Bar. The Südstadt is also a good part of town if you like rock music. This quarter also has plenty of bars for gays and lesbians, for example, the Mephisto or Indigo. During Karneval, the Südstadt goes wild, but otherwise it is usually pretty mellow. The Odeon is the only cinema in the Südstadt, but in exchange there is plenty of theater on offer, notably the Theater am Sachsenring and the Theater der Keller.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Südstadt photo by Ricardo Calovi
Photo: Ricardo Calovi
 

 
Theater am Sachsenring


Good theater in the Südstadt
Sachsenring 3
Südstadt
Cologne, NRW 50677
Germany
+49 221 31 5015
The Theater am Sachsenring was founded in 1987, and is located in the Südstadt. The program is varied, from cabaret to comedy or pantomime, and of good quality. This theater also hosts some English language theater: The Confederacy of Fools is a Cologne theater group that performs plays written by Tony Dunham, who lives in Cologne, in English and German. Check the program.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Underground


Live indie bands
Vogelsanger Straße 200
Cologne, NRW 50825
Germany
+49 221 542 326
http://www.underground-cologne.de
One of Cologne's best addresses for indie and alternative music. Reasonable prices and free entry to mid-week parties make the Underground extremely popular with locals. The main stage has a capacity of 350 and features up-and-coming US and UK bands on tour, as well as local groups. There are also club nights (after the gigs as well), which feature Britpop and hip-hop sounds. In summer the beer garden is packed with students, and is a good place to catch some oxygen after the loud, smoky club. No admission is charged for the bar and cafe.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Underground photo by Jennifer Rohini
Photo: Jennifer Rohini
 

 
West-End-Theater


The small theater above the Schauspielhaus
Offenbachplatz
Innenstadt
Cologne, NRW 50667
Germany
+49 221 2212 8400
The Westend-Theater is situated in the upper foyer of the Schauspielhauses.This theater was designed by the American architect Mark Beard. The Opera and the Yakult-Halle are also in the same building complex. The small hall is decorated in baroque style, and there are 62 seats. The name suggests London's flair for theater. Indeed, more modern plays, from Harold Pinter for example, are performed here rather than in the more traditionally oriented, Schauspielhaus.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Cologne - Art & Entertainment"
Cologne
Cologne - Historical Background
Cologne - Neighborhood Guide
Cologne - Where to Stay
Cologne - Dining & Drinking

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