Best Areas To Stay During Cologne's Christmas Market

Cologne, Germany, turns into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season, with over four million visitors partaking in its must-see Christmas markets. The city has over seven Christmas markets scattered throughout, meaning you could spend an entire weekend exploring them. The best place to stay is in the city centre, with the Hyatt Regency Cologne being the perfect hotel for a German trip. It's right along the Rhine River and offers unparalleled views of Cologne. The Legend Hotel Cologne is another great option, as it's newly renovated and located off Alter Markt, where the famous Heinzels Christmas market takes place. If you're looking for luxury, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom is a five-star hotel located right across from Cologne Cathedral.

Hotels near the market

If you're looking for a hotel near the Christmas markets in Cologne, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some recommendations, all within walking distance of the markets:

• Legend Hotel: Located in the centre of Cologne, just 100 ft from the Christmas Market. It features a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. Rated highly for its modern, minimalistic style and convenient location.
• CityClass Hotel Alter Markt: Situated on the Alter Markt marketplace, just 50 ft from the Christmas Market and 984 ft from Cologne Cathedral. This hotel offers elegant interiors, modern bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
• Lint Hotel Köln: Well-situated in the Altstadt-Nord district, just 300 ft from the Christmas Market. It's also within walking distance of several museums, including the Museum Ludwig and the Romano-Germanic Museum.
• B-Chill Cologne: A 4-star hotel located in the Altstadt-Süd district, a 5-minute walk from the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Rated highly for its location and cleanliness.
• Hyatt Regency Cologne: Located right along the Rhine River, offering unparalleled views of the city.
• Coellner Hof Hotel: About a 10-minute walk from the train station, this hotel offers a highly-rated breakfast buffet and prettily decorated rooms.
• Senats Hotel: Located in a quiet side street in the middle of the Altstadt, close to the Cathedral, museums, and Christmas markets. While the hotel may be a little outdated, it's a good choice for its location.
• Pullman Cologne: Situated close to the shopping centres and streets.
• Eden Hotel Früh am Dom: Located in the heart of Cologne, opposite the Cathedral and the shopping district. It offers an outdoor terrace and international cuisine.
• Hotel Drei Kronen: Found near the Philharmonie concert hall, the River Rhine, and Cologne Cathedral. It features an Italian restaurant and a terrace.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom: A luxury 5-star hotel situated right across from Cologne Cathedral and a 2-minute walk from the main train station. It offers award-winning cuisine and elegant rooms with a free minibar.

There are also several budget-friendly options near the Christmas Market, including Rhein Hotel St. Martin, a&o Köln Dom, Kommerzhotel Köln, and Hotel am Augustinerplatz.

Travel tips for visiting

The Cologne Christmas Markets are a truly magical experience, with the city turning into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. There are several markets to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Wear warm clothes: It gets cold during the winter months in Cologne, so make sure to dress warmly when visiting the Christmas markets. This will ensure you're comfortable as you stroll through the markets and enjoy the festive cheer.
• Carry cash: Many stalls at the Christmas markets do not accept card payments, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. This will make it easier to purchase those delicious treats and handmade crafts without worrying about payment methods.
• Bring a camera: The Cologne Christmas Markets offer a plethora of festive photo opportunities. From the dazzling lights to the beautifully decorated stalls, you'll want to capture these magical moments to cherish for years to come.
• Book accommodation in advance: As the Christmas markets are a popular attraction, it is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance. This is especially true if you want to stay in a hotel that is within walking distance of the markets, as these tend to fill up quickly.
• Stay in the city centre: To fully enjoy all that Cologne has to offer during the holiday season, consider staying in the city centre. This will allow you to easily access multiple markets and other attractions without relying heavily on public transportation.
• Visit the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market: This is the largest and most popular market in Cologne, with over 200 stalls spread across two floors. It is set against the backdrop of the iconic Gothic cathedral and is a must-visit during your trip.
• Explore the Old Town Christmas Market: If you're seeking small-town charm, head to the Old Town Christmas Market. With about 120 stalls and a 1,800-square-meter ice landscape, this market offers a traditional German market experience.
• Sample the local delicacies: Indulge in the delicious food and drinks that the Christmas markets have to offer. Try the Glühwein (mulled wine), Reibekuchen (hot potato pancakes), and traditional German sausages. Don't forget to leave room for sweet treats like waffles and crepes!
• Take a break from the markets: While the Christmas markets are a highlight of your trip, don't forget that Cologne has a lot more to offer. Take some time to explore the city's rich culture and history, visit museums, or enjoy the shopping districts and parks.
• Use public transportation: If you're not staying within walking distance of the markets, don't worry! Cologne has a great public transportation system. You can easily get around by bus, train, or even scooter.
• Book your train tickets early: If you're planning to visit Cologne as a day trip from nearby cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, or Frankfurt, remember to book your train tickets in advance. This will ensure you get the best prices and avoid last-minute rushes.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to having a wonderful and memorable time at the Cologne Christmas Markets!

Christmas markets in Cologne

Cologne is a beautiful city with a rich history that turns into a Christmas wonderland during the festive season. The city boasts several Christmas markets, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. From the bustling market at Cologne Cathedral to the quaint Angel's Market, there is something for everyone. If you're planning to visit, here is a guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Where to Stay

To fully enjoy all that Cologne has to offer during the holiday season, it is recommended to stay in the city centre. The Hyatt Regency Cologne, located along the Rhine River, offers unparalleled views of the city and is a perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious experience.

For those seeking a more affordable option, there are numerous hotels located near the Christmas markets that provide easy access to the attractions. These include the Legend Hotel, B-Chill Cologne, Lint Hotel Köln, and CityClass Hotel Alter Markt, all of which are highly rated and offer modern amenities.

The Christmas Markets

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom)

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the largest and most popular market in the city, attracting over four million visitors annually. With over 200 stalls spread across two floors, it offers a wide variety of traditional Christmas foods, drinks, and gifts. The market is set against the backdrop of the iconic Gothic cathedral, filling the air with festive cheer.

Advent Village with Christmas Pyramid (Adventsdorf mit Weihnachtspyramide)

Just around the corner from the Cathedral Market, the Advent Village Market is a small but charming stop. It features a sizable Christmas pyramid, a traditional element of German Christmas markets. Here, you can enjoy treats, mulled wine, and Gingerbread cookie ornaments.

The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town

The Old Town Christmas Market, also known as "Heinzel's Winter Fairy Tale", is one of the largest markets in Germany. It transforms the historic old town into a winter wonderland, with about 120 stalls offering fabulous Christmas treats and a 1,800-square-metre ice landscape. The market is split into two sections: the Heumarkt and the Alter Market, each with its unique attractions and entertainment.

The Angels' Market (Markt der Engel)

The Angels' Market, located on Neumarkt Square, is adorned with hundreds of twinkling starlights, creating a festive and dreamy atmosphere. It features a variety of craft and food stands, including handmade chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine. Visitors may even have the chance to meet the "angels" working at the market, adding to the memorable experience.

Nicholas Village (Weihnachtsmarkt am Rudolfplatz)

The Christmas market on Rudolfplatz features an enchanted village with cosy half-timbered houses, creating a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers handmade crafts, hot drinks, tasty treats, and entertainment for all ages. Santa Claus makes a special appearance every day, spreading holiday cheer to guests of all ages.

The Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten (Weihnachtsmarkt im Stadtgarten)

For those seeking a smaller, alternative market, the Stadtgarten Christmas Market is a perfect choice. Located in Cologne's Belgian quarter, it features a myriad of festive decorations and unique stalls offering stylish products, craftwork, and jewellery. With over 80 vendors rotating weekly, there is always something new and exciting to discover.

Harbor Christmas Market (Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt)

The Harbor Christmas Market, located on the banks of the Rhine River, is a relatively new addition to Cologne's Christmas market scene. It features 70 stalls offering high-quality gifts, arts, and crafts from local artisans. Visitors can also enjoy culinary delights, including winemaker mulled wine and grilled dishes, as well as a 48-metre-tall Ferris wheel offering incredible views of the city.

Foods to Try

When visiting the Christmas markets of Cologne, there are some traditional foods and drinks that you must try:

• Grilled sausage (Wurst)
• Potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)
• Raclette (toasted bread with melted cheese)
• Handbrotzeit (soft bread filled with melted cheese and ham or mushrooms)
• Slow-grilled salmon
• Waffles and crêpes
• Roasted sugared almonds and other nuts
• Glühwein (mulled wine)

Travel Tips

• Wear warm clothes as the temperatures drop during the winter days.
• Carry cash, as many stalls do not accept card payments.
• Bring a camera to capture the festive moments and beautiful decorations.
• Book your accommodation in advance, as hotels near the markets tend to fill up quickly.
• Consider leaving your luggage at a local vendor if you don't want to carry it around the markets.
• If you have time, explore the city's cultural and historical attractions, such as museums, churches, and palaces.

Things to do and see in Cologne

There are plenty of things to see and do in Cologne during the Christmas period. Here is a list of some of the top attractions:

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the largest and most popular market in the city, with over 200 stalls spread across two floors. Here, you can sample local delicacies such as mulled wine, kölsch beer, and Reibekuchen (hot potato pancakes). The market is set against the backdrop of Cologne's iconic Gothic cathedral and fills up with vibrant lights and classical carols at night.

Advent Village with Christmas Pyramid

This small but charming market is located just around the corner from the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market. It features a sizable Christmas pyramid, a traditional element of German Christmas markets. Here, you can enjoy treats such as mulled wine and gingerbread cookies.

The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town

Cologne's Old Town Market, also known as "Heinzel's Winter Fairy Tale," is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. It transforms the historic old town into a winter wonderland, with about 120 stalls, a 1,800-square-metre ice landscape, and a sleigh ride around the square. The market is divided into two sections: the Heumarkt and the Alter Market, each offering a unique experience.

The Angels' Market

The Angels' Market, located in the popular shopping district of Neumarkt, is adorned with hundreds of twinkling starlights and colourful craft and food stands during the day. At night, the market takes on a magical atmosphere with its starlights and angelic figures. It is known for its intricate and festive stall designs, illuminated oak stars, and angel figures.

Nicholas Village

This Christmas market features an enchanted village with cosy half-timbered houses, giving visitors the feel of a small "Nicolaus village." It offers a relaxed atmosphere, handmade crafts, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a favourite for all ages. Santa Claus makes an appearance every day, walking through the village and spreading holiday cheer.

The Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is smaller but packed with festive cheer. Located in Cologne's Belgian quarter, it features a variety of unique stalls with stylish products, jewellery, and crafts. With over 80 vendors rotating weekly, you're sure to find something special.

Harbor Christmas Market

The Harbor Christmas Market is a relatively new addition, located on the banks of the Rhine River near the Chocolate Museum. This nautical-themed market features 70 stalls offering high-quality gifts, arts, and crafts from local artisans. Visitors can also enjoy culinary delights, such as flame-grilled salmon, steaks, and original Hamburg fish rolls. The market also has a 48-metre-tall Ferris wheel, providing incredible views of the city.

China Lights at the Zoo

As part of the Christmas festivities, the Cologne Zoo puts on a magical display called China Lights, where you can explore an enchantingly luminous world after dark.

Christmas Market Express

If you don't feel like walking between the markets, you can take the Christmas Market Express operated by Wolters Bimmelbahnen. This festive train runs a loop between the Cathedral Market, Heinzel's Winter Fairytale, Harbor Market, and Angels' Market, allowing you to rest and enjoy the sights.

How to get to Cologne

There are several ways to get to Cologne, Germany, from the United States. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get there by plane or train.

By Plane

The closest airport to Cologne is Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). However, it may be cheaper to fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) or Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) and take a connecting train to Cologne. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Brussels Airport (BRU) are also options, but they are further away and would require a longer train journey to Cologne.

When booking your flights, consider looking for a "Rail and Fly" ticket. This allows you to take any train on the day of your arrival and is often a cheaper option than booking a separate train ticket. Some airlines also offer codeshare deals on trains between Cologne and Frankfurt Airport.

If you are flying into Frankfurt or Düsseldorf, you can book your train ticket in advance through the Deutsche Bahn website.

By Train

If you are already in Europe, you can easily reach Cologne by train. The city is well-connected to other European destinations, with direct trains available from Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, and Düsseldorf, among others.

The train journey from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne takes less than an hour, while the journey from Düsseldorf Airport is approximately 30-40 minutes. The train ride from Brussels to Cologne is a bit longer, taking around 2 hours.

Once you arrive in Cologne, you can easily get around the city using the public transport system, which includes trams, buses, and suburban railways. The S-Bahn trains are particularly useful for connecting to the airport and outer suburbs.

The city center is also walkable, and taxis or ride-sharing services are available.

Frequently asked questions