Originally Posted by
LondonElite
Cologne will have a big party in the old town, stretching south from the cathedral. Same sort of mood as Berlin, but much more compact. I would say that Berlin is the more interesting of the two. Don't worry so much about accessibility, there will be plenty of options to get back to the hotel and it really isn't going to be a riot!
My choice for New Years celebrations in Cologne would probably be the at the (artists) Hotel Chelsea bar close to the local Synagogue. It's classic, other interesting venues are located nearby and the atmosphere far more pleasant than in the Old Town. Booking essential, however.
In Berlin, along and around the Weserstrasse in Neukölln (my morning jogging route in Berlin runs across it) even if the street itself is in every possible travel guide already.
There are great, classy bars at Sonnenallee and along the canal just a stones throw from the hipster tourists. And equally good Arab and Persian food to be had on the Sonnenallee.