Best Accommodation Options In Central Cologne

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a popular cruise destination situated on the banks of the Rhine River. The city boasts excellent transport links, making it an ideal base to explore the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The best area to stay in central Cologne is Altstadt (Old Town), the city's medieval heart along the Rhine. This area includes the iconic Cologne Cathedral, museums, and the lively riverside promenade. Altstadt is also a convenient base for exploring other neighbourhoods, with easy access to public transportation.

If you're looking for accommodation near Cologne Central Station, there are several options within a mile radius, including the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom, Art'otel Cologne, and Hotel Casa Colonia. These hotels offer central locations, modern amenities, and easy access to the city's top attractions.

For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, Deutz, located just across the Rhine River, offers a mix of residential charm and proximity to top attractions like the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Cologne Zoo. The area is also well-connected by public transportation, making it a convenient choice for visitors.

Altstadt (Old Town)

The Old Town is also conveniently located, just steps from the main train station and a short walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge to the hip Belgian Quarter. Many of Cologne's top museums, such as the Romano-Germanic Museum, are right in the neighbourhood too.

The area has a lively, festive atmosphere all year round. In spring, you can enjoy sunny days sipping kölsch on the squares. Summer has a laid-back, convivial vibe as locals and tourists mingle. Autumn is magical as the leaves change colour and the Christmas markets start setting up. And in winter, you'll find pure enchantment with the Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas market in full swing.

The main drag of Hohe Strasse is closed to vehicles, making it pedestrian-friendly for shopping and dining. Be sure to download a navigation app to help you weave through the web of tiny alleys and find hidden gems like the Malzmühle brewery or Brauhaus Sion beer hall.

No visit to the Altstadt is complete without seeing the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral up close. This Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to build, and its intricate twin spires dominate the skyline. At night, the illuminated cathedral is a showstopper. For the ultimate view, head to the Rheinauhafen riverfront area across the Rhine river.

• Excelsior Hotel Ernst – This luxury hotel offers elegant decor, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant. The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed.
• Sofitel Cologne Kurfürstendamm – Set in a former church building, this unique hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury. Enjoy a drink at the atmospheric bar or dine at the acclaimed restaurant. It's just a few minutes away from Cologne Cathedral and the train station.
• Hyatt Regency Cologne – This stylish business hotel offers panoramic city views, gourmet cuisine, and free WiFi. It is located in central Cologne, right beside the River Rhine.
• Stern am Rathaus – This highly-rated 3-star hotel offers incredible value for its location right on a lively Old Town square, near the Cologne Cathedral. The rooms are comfortable and the staff is friendly.
• CityClass Hotel Am Dom – A clean and comfortable boutique hotel just a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral. The rooms are basic but have everything you need for a good night's sleep.
• Eazires Hotel am Augustinerplatz – This cozy hotel overlooks a lively Old Town square filled with beer halls and cafes. The rooms are clean and the staff is welcoming.

Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter (or Belgisches Viertel in German) is an inner-city district of Cologne, Germany, and is considered one of the coolest neighbourhoods to stay in when visiting the city. The area is known for its hip cafes, indie boutiques, art galleries and nightlife. It's also a foodie paradise, with an eclectic mix of international restaurants, from Thai to Mexican to Italian.

The Belgian Quarter is filled with unusual boutiques, galleries, theatres, trendy pubs, cafes and bars. It's a great place to shop for unique fashion, home decor, vinyl records, and more. Brüsseler Platz and Brussels Street are lined with independent shops, including Magasin 2 concept store, STUF vintage, and Boutique Belgique. On weekends, there are also artisan stalls at the Stadtgarten market.

The Belgian Quarter is also a hub for arts and culture. It has a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries like Ruttkowski;68 and Galerie Biesenbach. Filmpalette is an indie cinema, and there are live music venues such as YUCA and Tsunami Club.

The area is very walkable and easy to navigate. It's about a 20-minute walk to the train station, or you can take the U-Bahn (subway) lines 3 or 4 at Friesenplatz.

Some recommended places to stay in the Belgian Quarter include:

• Courtyard by Marriott Cologne – a modern 4-star hotel with a pool, fitness centre, and on-site restaurant and bar.
• Hotel Cologne Rudolfplatz – spacious rooms, a restaurant, and free WiFi.
• Hotel Flandrischer Hof – a 3-star hotel with modern rooms and free WiFi, located near the city centre.
• Limehome Köln Friesenplatz – a condo hotel with an elevator and free WiFi.

Deutz

The Deutz, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

This Marriott hotel is described as "the most lively and exciting hotel in Deutz". It is located near the trade fair centre and the Lanxess Arena, and it is dog-friendly. The hotel has its own car park, and guests can enjoy the benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy programme, such as room upgrades, late check-out, and access to special member rates.

Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne

This hotel is located opposite the Koln Messe/Deutz station and offers concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a fitness centre, and free WiFi. It is also close to the Lanxess Arena.

Radisson Blu Hotel Köln

This hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Lanxess Arena and KölnMesse Exhibition Centre. It offers free Wi-Fi and free use of the sauna and gym.

Hotel Stadtpalais

This hotel offers a unique mix of historic and modern architecture and good transport links. It is located opposite the Cologne Lanxess Arena.

Dorint An der Messe Köln

This hotel is located directly opposite the Cologne Trade Fair and is a 7-minute underground train ride away from the old town. It offers soundproofed rooms, hot drinks facilities, and free WiFi.

Ibis Budget Köln Messe

This budget hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Lanxess Arena and a 5-minute walk from the KölnMesse exhibition grounds. It offers free WiFi.

Ehrenfeld

The area boasts a diverse food scene, ranging from traditional German pubs to international cuisine. Some recommended spots include Bunte Burger for gourmet burgers, Haus Scholzen for classic Kölsch beer and hearty meals, and Rubinrot for a stylish cafe experience with great breakfast and vegetarian options. Ehrenfeld is also home to several cultural institutions, including the historic Ehrenfeld Train Station, which regularly hosts art exhibitions and events, and the Cologne Comedy Festival, one of Europe's largest comedy festivals, held every October.

For unique shopping, Ehrenfeld's independent stores offer stylish home goods and sustainable clothing. The neighbourhood's main shopping street, Venloer Strasse, is a hip mix of creativity and urban vibes. The Ehrenfeld Market, held every Saturday, features local vendors selling fresh produce and handmade crafts.

Some recommended places to stay in Ehrenfeld include:

• STAYERY Cologne Ehrenfeld: Located in the heart of Ehrenfeld, this accommodation offers modern studio apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes, spacious bathrooms, and high-speed Wi-Fi. It's just an 8-minute walk from the Cologne-Ehrenfeld S-Bahn station.
• Imperial Cologne: This hotel enjoys a peaceful location near the Stadtgarten park, just west of the city centre.
• Ameron Hotel Regent: A 7-minute tram ride from Cologne Cathedral, offering large rooms with free Wi-Fi and hot drinks facilities.
• Park Inn by Radisson Cologne City West: This hotel provides a range of amenities, including a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, room service, and free Wi-Fi.

Altstadt-Süd

The area has plenty of cheap eats, from cosy cafes to ethnic eateries. Try Metzgerei Schmitz for traditional German sausages, or Falafel Habibi for Middle Eastern food. For a quick bite, grab a slice at Pizza Pazza or a burger at Die Fette Kuh.

When you need a break from sightseeing, head to the lovely Volksgarten park, just a short walk from Altstadt-Süd. This expansive green space features walking paths, a beer garden, and a botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse.

• Hotel im Wasserturm: This converted historic water tower is in the centre of Cologne's Old Town. The elegant rooms are decorated in a modern style and feature satellite TV and handheld room controls.
• Hotel Allegro: Enjoy wonderful views of the Rhine and Deutzer Brücke bridge from this charming hotel, which offers cosy accommodation just steps from Heumarkt U-bahn station. The comfortable rooms are furnished in a modern style and come with free WiFi.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: This luxury hotel exudes elegance with its opulent decor and first-class amenities like a spa and gourmet restaurant. The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed. Its prime location just steps from the Cologne Cathedral is hard to beat.
• Odessa Apartment: This apartment offers private parking and a restaurant serving Russian cuisine, as well as free WiFi throughout the property. It's 1.4 km from the Cologne Chocolate Museum.
• Hotel Marsil: A design hotel situated in the heart of Cologne's Old Town, just 1 km from the Rhine River and near art/shopping areas and the Belgian Quarter. It offers individually designed rooms and apartments with free Wi-Fi.
• Hotel zur Malzmühle: This family-friendly hotel is located at Heumarkt square in the Old Town district. It offers free WiFi, views of the Cathedral, and a restaurant with a brewery. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, desk, and private bathroom.

Frequently asked questions