Explore Cologne's Best Neighbourhoods For A Perfect Stay

Cologne, Germany's cultural hub, is a city steeped in history, stunning architecture, and a buzzing social scene. With its mighty cathedral, Roman ruins, and vibrant nightlife, it offers something for everyone. When it comes to accommodation, Cologne has a wide range of options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels. Here is a guide to help you decide where to stay during your visit to this charming city.

Where to stay for nightlife

If you're looking for a buzzing nightlife scene, Cologne has plenty to offer. The Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) is known for its trendy vibe, cool bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues. The area attracts people with its eclectic mix of chic cocktail bars, underground clubs, and vintage shops.

For a wide range of nightlife options, head to Friesenplatz, where you'll find everything from electronic music venues to cosy pubs and live music spots. The Ruby Ella Hotel, located right next to Friesenplatz, is a great choice if you want to be in the heart of the action. The Lindner Hotel City Plaza is also just a short stroll away and features a lively bar and modern spa.

For a more upmarket experience, explore the area between Friesenplatz and Rudolfplatz (Hohenzollernring). This area, known as the Ringe, offers sophisticated bars and clubs, as well as Paeffgen, a beloved local brewery.

If you're looking for a lively atmosphere and delicious German cuisine, Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch is a historic brewery-turned-pub in the heart of the city. Sion Brauhaus, located in the city centre, is another popular spot, known for its traditional yet quirky ambiance and excellent beer selection.

For a night of jazz, Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal is a must-visit. This intimate bar has a speakeasy feel and features fantastic live jazz performances every evening.

Where to stay for sightseeing

The best place to stay in Cologne for sightseeing is Altstadt (Old Town), in particular the area south of Cologne Cathedral. Altstadt is full of history and charm, with old streets and pretty squares such as Alter Markt and Heumarkt. By staying here, you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s most popular attractions, including the cathedral, Museum Ludwig, Great St. Martin Church and Rhine River.

The Rhine River divides the city of Cologne into two parts, connected by several bridges. The Old Town (Altstadt), which lies on the west bank, is the city’s historic district. It is home to some of the city’s major landmarks, the most famous of which is Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This impressive Gothic cathedral has dominated the skyline for centuries and is one of the most visited attractions in Germany.

For shopping, head to Schildergasse and Hohe Straße, home to department stores and flagship stores of major international brands. At their intersection, you’ll find Galeria Kaufhof, the city’s largest department store.

The best hotels in Altstadt include Excelsior Hotel Ernst, Hotel Mondial am Dom, Legend Hotel, CityClass Hotel am Dom, and Hyatt Regency Cologne.

Where to stay on a budget

Where to Stay in Cologne on a Budget

Cologne is a beautiful city in Germany that offers a plethora of attractions, including the tallest cathedral in Europe, fascinating museums, and vibrant nightlife. If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation options, here are some suggestions for where to stay:

Altstadt Süd

Located just south of the Cologne Old Town, Altstadt Süd is a great area to find budget hotels and hostels. It's also home to several museums, including the famous Chocolate Museum. The Rheinhaufen quarter, with its modern focus on creatives and digital technologies, is worth exploring.

Some recommended budget accommodations in this area include:

• Hotel Heinzelmaennchen: A brightly coloured hostel with comfortable and traditional rooms at reasonable prices.
• Motel One Koln-Waidmarkt: Stylish accommodation with comfortable beds and additional perks like a bar and breakfast.
• NH Köln Altstadt: Spacious rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)

The Belgian Quarter, located northwest of the city centre, is known for its trendy atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. During the summer, beer gardens pop up everywhere, and there are plenty of independent and small brands to explore.

• Die Wohngemeinschaft: A trendy hostel with private rooms and dormitory beds. It also has an in-house café that turns into a bar at night.
• Hostel Koln: Offering family rooms, free wifi, and a vast range of room options. It's within walking distance of the Cologne Cathedral.
• Park Inn by Radisson Köln City West: Stylish and modern rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Old Town (Altstadt-Nord)

The Old Town is the heart of Cologne, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and bars serving the local Kölsch beer. The Cologne Cathedral, or 'Kölner Dom', is a must-see, and entry is complimentary.

Some budget hotel suggestions in the Old Town include:

• Station Hostel for Backpackers: Located right by the train station and offering comfortable accommodation at budget-friendly prices.
• Hotel Kunibert der Fiese: Set in a 13th-century tavern, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and free wifi.
• Hotel Drei Kronen: A three-star hotel with a central location overlooking the Rhine. Rooms are basic but comfortable, and rates include breakfast.

Deutz

Deutz is located just across the Rhine River from the Old Town and is ideal if you're looking for a quieter area that's still close to top attractions. It's less touristy and offers a laid-back atmosphere.

Some budget-friendly options in Deutz include:

• The Penny Pincher Inn: Offering dormitory rooms at affordable prices.
• Hotel Alt Deutz City-Messe-Arena: A pet-friendly and family-friendly hotel with activities like cycling, hiking, and bowling.
• Youth Hostel Cologne Pathpoint: Located in a converted old church, this hostel offers basic but comfortable rooms and shared bathrooms.

With a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options, you can explore Cologne without breaking the bank!

Where to stay for families

If you're travelling to Cologne with your family, there are several great areas to consider staying in. Here are some recommendations for family-friendly accommodations and neighbourhoods:

Deutz:

Deutz is a family-friendly neighbourhood located just across the Rhine River from the city centre. It offers a quieter atmosphere while still being within easy reach of Cologne's top attractions. The most famous landmark in Deutz is the Hohenzollern Bridge, a beautiful steel arch bridge that connects the neighbourhood to the Old Town. Deutz has several parks and playgrounds, including the large Rheinpark, which offers sprawling lawns, walking paths, and river views. The Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in Germany, is also located in this neighbourhood. In terms of accommodations, the Radisson Blu Hotel and Günnewig Stadtpalais are great options.

Altstadt-Süd:

Altstadt-Süd is a charming area located just south of the city centre, filled with budget-friendly hotels and hostels. It is easily walkable, and you can reach the Old Town, the Belgian Quarter, and the banks of the Rhine River within 10 to 20 minutes. There are plenty of affordable dining options, such as Metzgerei Schmitz for traditional German sausages and Falafel Habibi for Middle Eastern cuisine. For a relaxing afternoon, head to the nearby Volksgarten park, which offers walking paths, a beer garden, and a botanical garden. Hotel im Wasserturm, Hotel Allegro, and Hotel zur Malzmühle are excellent choices for accommodations in this area.

Altstadt (Old Town):

The Altstadt, or Old Town, is a great option for families who want to be in the heart of the action. This medieval neighbourhood surrounds the iconic Cologne Cathedral and is delightful to explore on foot. Cobblestone alleys wind past colourful timber-framed houses, cosy breweries serving local beer, and lively small squares buzzing with restaurants and cafes. The Old Town is centrally located, just steps from the main train station and a short walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge to the Belgian Quarter. Many of Cologne's top museums, such as the Romano-Germanic Museum, are also located in this area. Recommended accommodations in the Old Town include Stern am Rathaus, CityClass Hotel Am Dom, and eazires Hotel am Augustinerplatz.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst:

If you're looking for a luxury option, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a great choice for families. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this elegant hotel offers opulent decor, spacious rooms, and first-class amenities such as a spa and gourmet restaurant. It is just steps away from the Cologne Cathedral and other top attractions.

Where to stay for first-time visitors

If you're visiting Cologne for the first time, the best place to stay is Altstadt (Old Town). This is the medieval heart of the city, with the iconic Cologne Cathedral and other attractions like the Romano-Germanic Museum within walking distance. The main drag, Hohe Strasse, is closed to vehicles, making it pedestrian-friendly for shopping and dining. Altstadt is also conveniently located just steps away from the main train station and a short walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge to the hip Belgian Quarter.

The Old Town has a lively, festive atmosphere all year round, with its cobblestone alleys, colourful timber-framed houses, and cozy breweries serving local beer. It's especially magical in winter, with the famous Christmas markets in full swing.

For accommodation, there are plenty of options in Altstadt, ranging from luxury hotels like the Excelsior Hotel Ernst to more affordable choices such as the highly-rated 3-star Stern am Rathaus, which offers incredible value for its location right on a lively Old Town square.

If you're looking for a quieter area that's still within easy reach of the city centre, Deutz is a good alternative. Located just across the Rhine River, Deutz offers a more residential atmosphere while being conveniently connected to the city centre by public transportation. The neighbourhood is known for the Hohenzollern Bridge, a beautiful steel arch bridge adorned with thousands of love locks. Deutz also has several parks, including the large Rheinpark, and is home to the Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in Germany.

For a truly local experience, consider staying in Ehrenfeld, a trendy, multicultural area known for its street art, indie boutiques, live music venues, and diverse food scene. Ehrenfeld is about a 30-minute walk or a short ride on the S-Bahn (train) or tram from the city centre.

For budget-conscious travellers, Altstadt-Süd, located just south of the city centre, offers a range of affordable hotels and hostels. It's a charming area that's easily walkable and well-connected by public transportation. Altstadt-Süd is also home to plenty of affordable dining options, from cozy cafes to ethnic eateries.

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