Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Cologne

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a popular tourist destination, offering everything from medieval architecture to modern dockland redevelopments. The city is known for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere, diverse culture, and lively nightlife.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Cologne, there are several attractive neighbourhoods to consider, each offering its own unique character and attractions. Here is an overview of some of the best areas to stay in Cologne to help you plan your trip.

Where to stay in Cologne for the first time

Cologne, Germany's fourth-biggest city, is a popular destination for tourists, with its stunning Gothic cathedral, rich history, and world-class shopping. The city straddles the Rhine River, with the Old Town (or 'Altstadt') on the left bank and Deutz on the right.

If you're visiting Cologne for the first time, the Old Town is a great place to stay. Here, you'll find the city's most popular attractions, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the National Socialist Documentation Centre, and the Museum Ludwig. The Old Town is also a convenient base for exploring the rest of the city, with easy access to public transport and the Central Cologne Train Station.

The Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a great luxury option in the Old Town, offering elegant rooms and views of the cathedral. For something more affordable, the Stern am Rathaus is a smart, centrally-located hotel with a rich continental breakfast.

Across the river, the Deutz neighbourhood is a laid-back, family-friendly area that's also convenient for major landmarks. The Hyatt Regency is a good choice in this area if you're looking for a hotel with a pool.

If you're hoping to experience Cologne's famous Christmas Markets, the Old Town is the place to be, with the popular Heinzels Wintermärchen market held in the Cathedral Square.

Where to stay in Cologne on a budget

Cologne is Germany's fourth-biggest city and the most important in the western part of the country. It is a laid-back, diverse, and fun place to visit, with a rich history and wonderful architecture. The city has a wide range of hotels, but during festivals and major events, availability can be limited and prices may increase.

Altstadt (Old Town)

The Altstadt is Cologne's medieval heart, now functioning as its traditional downtown. The area is well-suited to exploration on foot, with plenty of good bakeries, cafes, and traditional beer halls scattered among its narrow streets and squares. The Alter Markt, Alstadt’s central square, is surrounded by cafes and bars and hosts the popular Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas Market in December. The Kölner Dom, Cologne’s leading attraction, is a Gothic architectural marvel, built from 1248 to 1880. Visitors can climb 533 steps of the South Tower for breathtaking views or admire the medieval chapels and stained glass inside.

The best budget hotels in the Old Town include Eden Hotel Früh Am Dom, Hotel Bürgerhof, Hotel Fortune, and Hostel 404.

Neumarkt and Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)

Neumarkt, west of Altstadt, is Cologne’s main shopping area, particularly along Schildergasse, Ehrenstrasse, Pfeilstrasse, and Mittelstrasse. The Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter) in Cologne’s Neustadt, encircling Altstadt since the late 1800s with a central green belt of parks and gardens. This area is filled with boutiques, art galleries, theaters, cafes, and bars, centered around Brüsslerplatz and Saint Michael’s church.

The best budget hotels in the Neumarkt and Belgisches Viertel include Stadthotel am Römerturm, Insel-Hotel, Moxy Cologne Mülheim, and The New Yorker Hotel.

Right Bank: Deutz, Mülheim, and Messe

Deutz features a small riverside business district and the Köln Triangle with a panoramic city and cathedral view from its observation deck. Further north lies Mülheim, a former industrial area known for its Turkish community. Keupstrasse is a hub of Turkish and Kurdish eateries, bakeries, cafes, and shops.

The best budget hotels on the Right Bank include Moxy Cologne Mülheim, Zur Guten Quelle, ibis Hotel Köln Messe, and Jugendherberge Köln-Deutz.

Nippes

Nippes, just 2 miles north of Cologne’s Altstadt, is a diverse and relaxed district with enticing cafes and a handful of attractions. Wilhelmplatz hosts a daily market (Mon-Sat) where cheese and produce stalls share space with clothes and bric-a-brac vendors, and a monthly flea market. Local cafes include Café Eichhörnchen and Törtchen Törtchen (known for its macarons).

The best budget hotels in Nippes include Adolph’s Hotel and Hotel Köln 2020.

Rheinauhafen

Rheinauhafen is a narrow 1.2-mile strip along the Rhine south of Altstadt, a revamped 19th-century dock now hosting a residential-commercial complex that includes a marina, eateries, and museums. It’s modern Cologne at its most stylish, especially the standout “Kranhäuser” (Crane House) residential towers that cantilever over the river.

The best budget hotels in Rheinauhafen include Hotel Lyskirchen, Mercure Hotel Severinshof, and Premier Inn Cologne City Süd.

Where to stay in Cologne for nightlife

If you're looking for nightlife in Cologne, the best areas to stay are the Altstadt (Old Town), Neumarkt, and Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter).

The Altstadt is the city's medieval heart, housing the cathedral and major museums. It's known for its traditional beer halls, which tend to function more as restaurants nowadays. The best breweries in the area include Peters Brauhaus, Früh am Dom, Brauerei zur Malzmühle, and Brauhaus Sion. For a quirky little gem, head to Braustelle, a whimsical brewery with mismatched furniture and wacky decor.

Neumarkt and Belgisches Viertel are west of the Altstadt and offer a more diverse range of restaurants and bars. In Neumarkt, Friesenviertel and Belgisches Viertel are crammed with all sorts of bars, clubs, and late-night cafes. Some notable spots include Brauerei Päffgen for a traditional Kölsch, Sartory-Saal for concerts, and Jameson for live sports on TV. The Belgian Quarter is ideal for those seeking a more romantic setting, with stylish boutiques, independent stores, and intimate cocktail bars such as Little Link, Lorbass, and Spirits.

For an edgier scene, check out the studenty "Latin Quarter" or Ehrenfeld, with places like Sonic Ballroom or Live Music Hall. Across the river in Mülheim, Bootshaus is the place to go for serious clubbing. Lastly, for live jazz, Papa Joe's on Buttermarkt in the Old Town is a must-visit.

Where to stay in Cologne with your family

Cologne is a wonderful city to visit with your family, boasting wonderful architecture, a fascinating history, and plenty of cafes and eateries. The city is very walkable, with efficient public transport, and there are plenty of accommodation options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels.

The Old Town, or 'Altstadt', is a great place to stay for first-time visitors. Here, you can follow enchanting, narrow alleyways along the Rhine River to the city's major sightseeing attractions. Look out for 14th-century houses and Romanesque churches, as well as the famous twin spires of the Gothic Cologne Cathedral. The Old Town is also home to the Central Cologne Train Station, making it a convenient place to stay for those arriving by train.

For a tranquil area that's still close to the Old Town, Deutz is a good option. Located across the Rhine River, just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, Deutz has a laid-back atmosphere and some great hotels. It's home to Lanxess Arena, a famous ice hockey arena, and Koelnmesse, where many conferences and events are held. There are also a few parks, such as Pyramiden Park, where kids can play and families can enjoy a picnic.

If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Altstadt-Süd, located south of the Old Town, has a range of affordable hotels and hostels. This area has a mix of medieval ruins and Romanesque churches, as well as striking contemporary buildings. A highlight is the Lindt Chocolate Museum, which is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Another family-friendly attraction in this area is the Rheinhaufen quarter, a former commercial port now known for its Kranhaus buildings, which are built in the form of a crane over the Rhine River.

For easy access to the train station, there are several good accommodation options near Cologne Central Station, including the luxury Hotel Ludwig Superior, the mid-range Cologne Marriott Hotel, and the budget-friendly Hotel Domspitzen.

Where to stay in Cologne for a local experience

Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and the most important in the west of the country. It's a laid-back, diverse, and fun place to visit, with a rich history and culture. The city has a wide range of accommodation options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Cologne for a local experience:

• Altstadt-Nord (Old Town): This is the best area to stay in Cologne for first-time visitors. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River and is packed with iconic attractions, including the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, the Great St. Martin Church, and the Museum Ludwig. The Old Town also has charming narrow cobbled streets, colourful 14th-century houses, and trendy cafes and bars. It is also home to the Central Cologne Train Station, making it a convenient base for exploring the city and taking day trips.
• Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel): This trendy and stylish neighbourhood is located in Neustadt Nord, a 25-minute walk from the Old Town. It is known for its bohemian atmosphere, street art, galleries, entertainment venues, and friendly cafes. The Belgian Quarter is particularly popular for its nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. It's also a great area for shopping, with many boutique stores and vintage shops.
• Ehrenfeld: Located about 6 kilometres outside the city centre, Ehrenfeld is a cool and vibrant district with a local feel. It has a similar trendy vibe to the Belgian Quarter but retains its authentic German character. Ehrenfeld is known for its street art, small boutique shops, and lively restaurants and cafes. It is also home to Cologne's Central Mosque and Red Light area. Ehrenfeld has excellent underground connections to the city centre, making it easy to get around.
• Altstadt-Süd: Located south of the Old Town, this neighbourhood offers affordable accommodation options while still being in a great location. It is home to several attractions, including the Lindt Chocolate Museum, the Ulrepforte watchtower, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, and the Basilica of St. Severin. The Rheinhaufen quarter, with its unique Kranhaus buildings, is also worth visiting.
• Deutz: Located across the Rhine River, about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, Deutz is a tranquil neighbourhood with a mix of small boutique hotels and large business hotels. It is home to the Lanxess Arena, which hosts concerts and ice hockey games, as well as Koelnmesse, a popular conference and event space. Deutz also has several parks, including Rheinpark, which is perfect for families.

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