The Best Areas To Stay In Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is a popular destination for tourists, and for good reason. Founded by the Romans, it is one of the oldest cities in Germany and has a rich history, wonderful architecture, and a buzzing social scene. The city is known for its striking Gothic cathedral, its friendly and lively atmosphere, and its position on the Rhine River.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, there are several options. The Old Town, or Altstadt-Nord, is a great choice for first-time visitors, with its Gothic buildings, historic houses, and famous attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and the Great St. Martin Church. The Belgian Quarter, or Belgisches Viertel, is ideal for those seeking a trendy and stylish neighbourhood with a bohemian atmosphere, street art, and a lively nightlife scene. For those on a budget, Altstadt-Süd offers affordable accommodation without compromising on location, with several museums, the Lindt Chocolate Museum, and the beautiful Basilica of St. Severin to explore. Deutz is a tranquil neighbourhood located across the Rhine River, ideal for families, with parks, the Lanxess Arena, and the Koelnmesse conference centre. Finally, Ehrenfeld is a little further out from the city centre but has a similar trendy vibe to the Belgian Quarter while retaining its authentic German character, with vintage shops, small coffee shops, and street art to discover.

Altstadt-Nord (Old Town)

Set on the banks of the Rhine River, which runs through Cologne and separates into two halves that are connected by four bridges, the Old Town is absolutely packed with iconic attractions.

The most famous one is the majestic Cologne Cathedral, which took 600 years to build. The area also features the fun Wallraf-Richartz Museum, the Great St. Martin Church, and Museum Ludwig. The Duftmuseum im Farina Haus Fragrance Museum celebrates Eau de Cologne, which originated in Cologne in 1709 when Johann Maria Farina named the fragrance in honor of the city.

Take some time to explore the narrow cobbled streets, which are filled with 14th-century colored houses and the famous Hohenzollern Bridge, which has lots of padlocks. It’s a pedestrian bridge so you can walk on it and admire the views, but the train also crosses it.

As you explore, you’ll find trendy, friendly cafes and bars at every corner. Papa Joe’s Biersalon is a great place to start the night—this old pub serves Rhineland food and the local Kölsch beer.

If you’re arriving by train or planning to take some day trips, the Central Cologne Train Station or The Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is located in the Old Town, so it’d be super convenient to book your hotel here.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom is a family-run five-star hotel with elegant decor, modern rooms, a spa, and a great location just a minute's walk from the train station.

Other accommodation options in Altstadt-Nord include:

• 25hours Hotel The Circle — a cool hotel with a quirky design, spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar
• Die Wohngemeinschaft — a friendly hostel with uniquely designed rooms and breakfast included
• Hotel Sandmanns am Dom — set within 300 meters of Cologne Cathedral, this small and simple hotel is very clean and comfortable
• Stern am Rathaus — a 5-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral and a 9-minute walk from Cologne Central Station, this hotel lies on a side street in the Old Town and has air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi
• Hotel Mondial Am Dom Cologne- Mgallery — a stylish hotel in central Cologne with spacious rooms and a modern gym
• CityClass Hotel am Dom — this hotel in central Cologne offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi
• Hotel Ludwig Superior — situated just a 5-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral, this quiet hotel offers a central city location, great transport connections, and classically furnished rooms
• Lindner Hotel Cologne Am Dom, part of JdV by Hyatt — offering a unique design and fine Mediterranean cuisine, this stylish 4-star hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Central Station
• Cologne Marriott Hotel — this stylish hotel in central Cologne offers spacious rooms and a modern gym
• Legend Hotel — featuring a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, this hotel is located in the center of Cologne, 400 meters from Museum Ludwig

Altstadt-Nord is also a great location for those who want to experience Cologne's Christmas Markets, specifically the Cathedral Christmas Market.

Belgian Quarter (Bohemian nightlife)

The Belgian Quarter, or Belgisches Viertel in German, is a super trendy and stylish neighbourhood with a bohemian atmosphere and amazing street art. It's located in Neustadt Nord, a 25-minute walk from the Old Town, and is known for its nightlife, bars, restaurants, and great hotels.

The area is filled with galleries, entertainment venues, and friendly cafes. Little Link and Sixpack are popular spots to grab a cocktail, while Brussels Square is a central location where people gather to socialise and plan their evenings. The Belgian Quarter also offers a range of shopping options, from boutique stores to vintage treasures.

For food, Maria Eetcafé is a popular gathering place overlooking the plaza in front of the Köln West train station. It serves a range of Belgian and Dutch snacks, including thick-cut fries, Frikandel, and Kipcorn, as well as Belgian waffles for dessert. They also have over 10 Belgian beers on tap. Other notable eateries include the Belgian/French restaurant Belgischer Hof, Café Bauturm, and Café Belgique.

The Belgian Quarter is particularly appealing due to its creative, bohemian vibe, attracting many young creatives and artistic souls. The street corners, lamp posts, and garage doors are often decorated with murals and stencil art. There are also several galleries dedicated to urban art, such as KUNst&So, which showcases the work of local artists.

The Belgian Quarter is a great choice for those seeking a vibrant and eclectic experience in Cologne, offering a mix of nightlife, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Altstadt-Süd (Budget-friendly)

Altstadt-Süd is a great budget-friendly area to stay in Cologne, located south of the Old Town. Altstadt-Süd has a similar charm to its more famous brother, Altstadt-Nord, with a few museums, including the Lindt Chocolate Museum, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, and the Basilica of St. Severin.

The Rheinhaufen quarter is also worth a visit, with its old commercial port and famous Kranhaus buildings, which are built in the form of a crane over the Rhine River. At sunset, head to the Riverside Promenade for a nice walk and stunning views.

• Hotel im Kupferkessel – a great budget-friendly option with a central location, offering rooms with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and free WiFi.
• B-Chill Cologne – a 4-star hotel located 400 meters from Wallraf-Richartz Museum, offering comfortable rooms and great location.
• Hotel im Kupferkessel – a highly-rated, affordable hotel with spacious rooms, a terrace, and a restaurant.
• Altstadt-Süd Apartment – a well-equipped apartment with a gorgeous balcony, a small kitchen, and a beautiful courtyard.
• Hotel Lyskirchen – a modern hotel with a great location, offering spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness centre.

Deutz (Family-friendly)

Deutz is a family-friendly area located across the Rhine River, just a 20-minute walk from Cologne's Old Town. The neighbourhood offers a tranquil atmosphere and convenient access to major landmarks, making it an ideal choice for families visiting Cologne. Here are some reasons why Deutz could be a great option for your stay:

Attractions and Activities

Deutz may not have as many attractions as the Old Town, but it still offers some interesting options for families. The neighbourhood is home to the Lanxess Arena, the largest ice hockey arena outside of North America, which also hosts concerts and events. There's also the Koelnmesse, a massive trade show complex where various conferences and exhibitions take place. For families with children, the Odysseum, a high-tech interactive museum with a cinema and live shows, is a must-visit. Additionally, Deutz has several parks, including Pyramiden Park, where families can enjoy a peaceful afternoon and organise picnics.

Accommodation Options

Deutz provides a diverse range of accommodation options, from small boutique hotels to large business hotels. If you're looking for a luxurious stay, consider the Hyatt Regency Cologne, which offers elegant family-friendly rooms and stunning views of the historic Cathedral. There are also more affordable options, such as the Insel Hotel, Moxy Cologne Mülheim, and The New Yorker Hotel, which provide comfortable stays without breaking the bank.

Dining Options

Deutz has an abundance of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. While the neighbourhood itself has plenty of restaurants and eateries, its proximity to the Old Town and other areas of Cologne means you can easily explore a wider range of culinary delights.

Transportation

Deutz is well-connected to the rest of Cologne, making it easy to get around. The neighbourhood is served by the Deutzer Freiheit U-Bahn and Deutz Koelnarena U-Bahn, providing convenient access to the city's metro system. Additionally, its location across the Rhine River means you can enjoy scenic walks or bike rides along the riverbank.

Safety

Cologne is generally considered a safe city, but it's always good to be vigilant, especially at night and in certain areas. Deutz, being a family-friendly neighbourhood, is likely to be safer than some other parts of the city. However, it's still important to take standard safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Ehrenfeld (Local experience)

Located about 6 km (4 miles) from the Old Town, Ehrenfeld has become a trendy and stylish neighbourhood with the same vibes as the Belgian Quarter. However, Ehrenfeld has managed to retain its authentic German character. The area is filled with art and attracts international creators. Ehrenfeld is also known for its small boutique shops, vintage clothing stores, and unique coffee shops.

For accommodation, there is a 4-star hotel set near a park with elegant design and room service. There is also an affordable hotel with a lovely terrace and restaurant, and a comfy studio for two people with a kitchen and lounge area.

Ehrenfeld has a few attractions, including:

• Street art
• Cologne's Central Mosque
• Café Rotkehlchen
• Cologne's Red Light area
• The Great Escape

Ehrenfeld is well-connected to other central parts of the city by underground, so it's easy to get around and visit all the attractions.

Frequently asked questions