Cologne is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia district of Germany and one of the most populated cities in the country. It is located on both sides of the river Rhine, near the borders to Belgium and the Netherlands. The famous Cologne Cathedral is seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne, and the University of Cologne is one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.
The city was founded in the 1st century as Roman settlement. During the Middle Ages it flourished due to its location on one of the most important trade routes in Europe and was further onward, one of the largest cities north of the Alps in medieval and Renaissance times.
Today, Cologne is a major cultural centre for the region, with numerous museums and galleries as well as art exhibitions and live music venues. Also not to forget the famous Cologne carnival.
For detailed music related sightseeing tips and venue information, check out our Cologne city page.
Cologne Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in the heart of Cologne city. World Heritage Site since the year 1996. As one of the tallest churches on planet at 157 metres height, it is Germany's most visited landmark. Its construction began in 1248 and was finally completed in 1880. Cologne Cathedral today is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.
With panoramic views onto the city of Cologne: 25 hours is always a good choice. One of the best things about it: visit the record store attached to the hotel for vinyl shopping.
Book NowLocated in the heart of the city, the Cologne branch of Hard Rock Café is always a good place for burgers, beer, and cocktails. That perfectly goes with music memorabilia on the walls and Rock tunes in the background. Also offering live music from time to time. Don't forget to visit the merchandise store attached.
Lanxess Arena is the biggest venue in the city of Cologne when it comes to the major names in music business. Numerous big players from Rock and Pop have graced this stage in recent years. Up to nearly 20.000 seats in combination with a variety of bars and restaurants and the newest standards of technical equipment will make any event a very special one to remember.
Find TicketsIndustrial exterior and interior make the special atmosphere of Cologne's E-Werk. Live music for an audience of up to 2.000 people - ranging from Rock and Pop genre up to Metal and Punk.
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If you are into tunes ranging from Indie and Alternative to Punk, Rock and Grunge - head to this charming bar in Cologne. Stereo Wonderland is for music lovers instead of hipsters.
Nice one. Cologne based Frieda Bar is for all those music lovers fond of Punk, Heavy Metal, Rock, and similar.
This gritty Punk Rock bar is located in Cologne. People come here to get their fix of Punk, Hardcore and Rockabilly. Undiscovered and lesser-known bands from all over the world play the stage from time to time, and people also come here to hang out in the beer garden.
Underdog record store was established in 1997. Mainly focussing on Indie, Punk and Hardcore, but also offering a great selection of Hip Hop, Noise, Garage, or Metal.
The historical city of Aachen, close to the border to Belgium and the Netherlands is also called Aix-la-Chapelle in French. It developed from a Roman settlement to the preferred medieval imperial residence of Charlemagne and was the place where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned as Kings of the Germans.
Ghent is located in the Flemish part of Belgium, with a medieval architecture that is remarkably well preserved and restored. The historical city features beautiful riversides to stroll along.
Bruges is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe featuring notable architecture. The historic centre of the Belgian city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Canterbury is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kent city lies on the River Stour and is home to a beautiful cathedral. Still today, the impressive building is focus of pilgrimage and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury who is primate of the Church of England.
The city of Oxford is globally known as home of the University of Oxford, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Numerous historical university and college buildings boast with marvellous architecture. Everything surrounded by green parks and lush nature walks.
Birmingham is not only birthplace of once entirely new music genres such as Heavy Metal or New Romantic, but also home for globally renowned bands like Black Sabbath or Duran Duran. Brum also offers a really vibrant live music scene.
Stratford-upon-Avon situated on the River Avon is a welcoming market town with more than 800 years of history. It is worldwide known as the birthplace of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare.
Cologne (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
