Parking Tips For Cologne's Christmas Market

where to park cologne christmas market

If you're planning to drive to the Cologne Christmas Markets, you'll want to know where to park. The markets are spread throughout the city, so there are several parking options to choose from. One option is to park at the Koln Arcaden shopping centre, which costs €3 per 24 hours and is a 10-minute train ride to the central station. Alternatively, you can try the Clever Straße 12 Parking, which is cheaper at 5€ per day and a 10-15 minute walk to the Dom. If you want to park closer to the markets, there is a parking garage next to the cathedral, which is a great starting point. However, be aware that parking in the city during the Christmas Markets can be a nightmare, so it might be better to park outside Cologne and take a train in.

Characteristics Values
Number of Christmas Markets 6 or 7
Location of Parking Outside of the city centre, near a train station
Cost of Parking €3-5 per day

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Parking near the cathedral

If you're looking for parking near the cathedral in Cologne, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions to make your trip easier:

Parking Garages and Lots

  • There is a parking garage located right next to the cathedral that can accommodate larger vehicles such as vans. This option is convenient as it puts you right at the starting point for exploring the Christmas markets.
  • Parkhaus "An Farina" is another parking garage option that is just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. It is a bit hidden and not directly at the Dom, but it can be a good alternative.
  • The Koln Arcaden shopping centre offers parking for €3 per 24 hours. It is located just 100 metres from Trimbornstraße station, where you can catch a train directly to Cologne Central Station and the cathedral.
  • Clever Straße 12 Parking is a small street parking lot between Theodor-Heuss-Ring and Ebertplatz. It is very affordable at €5 per day, and from there, you can either walk about 10-15 minutes to the Dom or take a train from the nearby station.

On-Street Parking

On-street parking in the city centre can be challenging due to limited availability and traffic. It is generally advised to park outside the city centre and use public transportation to reach the cathedral and Christmas markets.

Public Transportation

Consider leaving your car at a park-and-ride location outside the city and taking public transportation into the centre. Cologne has an extensive local rail system called the Stadtbahn, which is often referred to as the U-Bahn. This can be a convenient way to get to the cathedral and avoid the hassle of finding parking.

Additional Tips

  • If you plan to drive into the city, try to arrive early in the day to secure parking, as spaces can fill up quickly during the holiday season.
  • The Dom or Philharmonie park houses tend to be extremely crowded during this time, so it is recommended to avoid them unless you arrive early.
  • If you are visiting with a baby or small children, consider leaving the stroller at home, as the markets and surrounding areas are typically very crowded, making it difficult to navigate with a stroller.
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Parking near the old town

If you're looking for parking near the old town of Cologne, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, there is the Parkhaus Heumarkt Cologne, a modern parking garage located near the Heumarkt square in the Old Town. The address is Markmannsgasse 3, 50667 Köln, and it is a convenient choice for those wanting to explore the historic centre.

Another option is the Parkhaus Rheinauhafen Cologne, situated in the Rheinauhafen district. The address for this one is Harry-Blum-Platz 2, 50678 Köln. It is a good option for those interested in visiting the trendy waterfront area.

If you don't mind a bit of a walk, the Clever Straße 12 Parking, suggested by a user on Reddit, is a small street between Theodor-Heuss-Ring and Ebertplatz, about 10-15 minutes from the Dom. It's a cheaper option at only 5€ per day.

For those wanting to park right by the Christmas markets in the old town, the market itself is located between Heumarkt and Alter Markt. There is also the option to park at the Parkhaus Gürzenich Cologne, near the Gürzenich event hall. The address is Quatermarkt 5, 50667 Köln.

Lastly, for those combining their trip to the Christmas markets with a visit to the famous Cologne Cathedral, the Parkhaus Kölner Dom is located directly beneath it at Kurt-Hackenberg-Platz 2, 50667 Köln. This option is ideal for those also wanting to explore the surrounding area.

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Parking near the gay Christmas market

If you're looking for parking near the gay Christmas market in Cologne, there are a few options to consider. Heavenue, the city's gay Christmas market, is located in the pedestrian zone around Sparkasse KölnBonn at Rudolfplatz. This area is known as the "Bermuda Triangle" and is one of two gay districts in the city, the other being the Old Town.

  • Clever Straße 12 Parking: Located between Theodor-Heuss-Ring and Ebertplatz, about a 10-15 minute walk to the Dom. It's a small street with cheap rates (5€ per day).
  • Köln Arcaden shopping center: Parking is just €3 per 24 hours, and you can take a train from the nearby Trimbornstraße station to the central station, where the cathedral Christmas market is located.
  • Parkhaus "An Farina": A bit hidden and not directly at the Dom, but still within a 10-minute walking distance.

If you're staying in a hotel near the gay district, here are some options that are close to the market and offer parking:

  • Maison Marasil: A design hotel in the heart of the old town.
  • 25hours Hotel The Circle: Located in the gay district and offering a great on-site restaurant.
  • Hotel Lyskirchen: Features an indoor pool and modern gym, with elegant and spacious rooms.
  • Dorint-Cologne: Spacious rooms with soundproofed windows and modern décor.
  • Maritim Hotel: Centrally located with panoramic views of the Rhine and an on-site spa.

Keep in mind that Cologne gets very busy during the Christmas market season, so booking your accommodation and parking in advance is highly recommended. The markets themselves can also get quite crowded, so it might be worth considering visiting on a weekday or exploring some of the smaller markets in the city.

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Parking near the Belgian quarter

The Belgian Quarter is a small, trendy, and popular district in the heart of Cologne, Germany. It is known for its hip, creative, and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with tram stops at Hans-Böckler-Platz, Rudolfplatz, and Friesenplatz, and is served by lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, and 15. The most central stop is Moltkestrasse.

When it comes to parking near the Belgian Quarter, there are a few options to consider:

  • Street Parking: As the Belgian Quarter is located in the inner city, there may be limited street parking available on the surrounding streets. However, it is important to note that parking in the city centre can be challenging due to high demand and limited spaces. Always be sure to check parking signs and restrictions before leaving your car.
  • Parking Garages: There may be private or public parking garages located near the Belgian Quarter. These can provide a more convenient and secure option for parking your car. Look for signs or follow navigation apps for nearby parking garages.
  • Park-and-Ride: Consider using a park-and-ride option, where you can park your car outside the city centre and then take public transport into the Belgian Quarter. This can be a good way to avoid the hassle of finding parking in the busy neighbourhood.

It is always a good idea to check for parking restrictions and fees, especially during special events or holidays, as these can vary by location and time of day. Additionally, the Belgian Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife and kiosk culture, so keep in mind that parking availability may be more limited during the evenings and weekends.

Overall, while parking near the Belgian Quarter can be challenging due to its popularity, with some planning and flexibility, you should be able to find a suitable option for your visit to this trendy and lively neighbourhood in Cologne.

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Parking near the Chocolate Museum

If you're looking for parking near the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, there are a few options to consider. The museum itself is located on the river Rhine, between the Deutzer and Severin bridges, and there is a huge underground parking garage called "Rheinauhafen" directly underneath it. This garage has three entrances from Rheinuferstrasse, and it is recommended to drive straight to the "red sector" to park near the museum for a shorter walk.

Another option is to park at 'Parkplatz unter der Severinsbrücke', which is about a 5-10 minute walk to the museum. This parking spot can get busy during the day, so it is advised to arrive early.

If you don't mind a longer walk or taking public transportation, you can also try the Koln Arcaden shopping center parking, which is about a 10-15 minute walk to the Dom (cathedral) and then a short distance to the museum.

For those travelling with family, it is recommended to avoid driving into the city centre and instead park outside of Cologne, taking a train into the city to avoid the busy streets.

Frequently asked questions

There are several parking options near the Cologne Christmas Market. One option is to park at the Koln Arcaden shopping centre, which costs €3 per 24 hours and is a 10-minute train ride to the Cologne central station. Another option is to park at Clever Straße 12 Parking, which is a small street between Theodor-Heuss-Ring and Ebertplatz, costing €5 per day. Alternatively, you can try the parking garage next to the cathedral, which is a convenient starting point for the markets. However, it is recommended to avoid the Dom or Philharmonie park houses as they tend to be overfilled.

Yes, you can try the Musical Dome park house or the Ampido parking space. Additionally, "An Farina" parkhaus is located about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.

It is recommended to avoid driving into the city centre as it tends to be crowded. Instead, consider parking outside of Cologne and using a train to get to the market. Additionally, it may be worth visiting on a weekday or exploring other markets in smaller towns, such as the medieval market in Siegburg, which are likely to be less crowded.

For families with young children, it is recommended to avoid bringing a stroller to the market as it can be challenging to navigate through the crowds. Instead, consider visiting smaller markets in nearby towns or leaving your child with grandparents or someone else to make the experience more enjoyable.

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