The Best Family-Friendly Accommodations In Cologne

Cologne, Germany's oldest major city, is a great place to visit for families. The city is known for its stunning river views, popular shops, and medieval charm. The best areas to stay for families include the Altstadt (Old Town), Deutz, and Altstadt-Süd.

The Altstadt (Old Town) is a great area for first-time visitors. It is conveniently located just steps from the main train station and a short walk from the hip Belgian Quarter. The neighbourhood has a lively, festive atmosphere all year round, with colourful timber-framed houses, cosy breweries, and outdoor plazas with restaurants and cafes. The iconic Cologne Cathedral is also located here.

Deutz is a family-friendly area near the Messe & Cathedral. It offers a quieter atmosphere while still being within easy reach of Cologne's top attractions. The neighbourhood has several parks and playgrounds, including the large Rheinpark, and is home to the Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in Germany.

Altstadt-Süd is a central location with budget-friendly prices. It is filled with budget hotels and hostels, and is just a 10-15 minute walk to the bustling Old Town. The neighbourhood is well-connected by trams and buses, making it easy to get to other parts of the city. There are also plenty of affordable dining options, from cozy cafes to ethnic eateries.

Deutz

The most famous landmark in Deutz is the Hohenzollern Bridge, a beautiful steel arch bridge that connects the neighbourhood to the Old Town. Take a stroll across the bridge and enjoy panoramic views of the river and cathedral. You'll also see thousands of love locks attached to the railings, left by couples as a symbol of their commitment.

The neighbourhood has several parks and playgrounds, including the large Rheinpark with its sprawling lawns, walking paths, and river views. Kids will also love visiting the Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in Germany, home to over 10,000 animals from around the world.

For a unique experience, visit the Odysseum science museum, where you can explore interactive exhibits on topics like space, the human body, and music. It's a great activity for a rainy day or when you need a break from sightseeing.

Where to Stay in Deutz

Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne – The Radisson BLU Hotel Köln features spacious and modern rooms with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and chic design. All bathrooms include a shower, while some also come with a bathtub.

Günnewig Stadtpalais – This hotel opposite Cologne's Lanxess Arena offers a unique mix of historic and modern architecture and good transport links. It provides spacious, elegantly furnished rooms. Free satellite sports channels are provided in the lounge area and all rooms.

Hotel Ilbertz Garni – The 3-star Hotel Ilbertz in Cologne offers air-conditioned rooms. The Messe (trade fair) is a 5-minute walk away and Deutzer Freiheit underground station is right outside. A daily breakfast buffet is offered.

Kolpinghaus Messehotel Köln-Deutz – Each room provides a desk, TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet in the morning at this family-friendly hotel.

Altstadt-Süd

• B-Chill Cologne: A 4-star hotel in the heart of Altstadt-Süd, just a 5-minute walk from the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.
• Hotel im Wasserturm: A converted historic water tower in the centre of Cologne's Old Town. The elegant rooms are decorated in a modern style and feature satellite TV, handheld room controls, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
• Hotel Allegro: This charming hotel offers wonderful views of the Rhine and Deutzer Brücke bridge. The comfortable rooms are furnished in a modern style and come with free WiFi.
• 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 within easy reach of 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.

Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter, or Belgisches Viertel, is a trendy, inner-city district in Cologne, Germany. It is known for its hip cafes, indie boutiques, art galleries, and nightlife. Here are some reasons why the Belgian Quarter is a great place to stay for families visiting Cologne:

Accommodation

The Belgian Quarter offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and condo hotels. Some family-friendly options include:

• Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft: Located in the heart of the Belgian Quarter, this hostel features design interiors and free Wi-Fi. It is also just a 1.2-mile walk from Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine Embankment.
• Courtyard by Marriott Cologne: This modern 4-star hotel is situated in the heart of the Belgian Quarter and offers contemporary rooms and suites. It also features an indoor pool, fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
• Hotel Cologne Rudolfplatz: This hotel offers spacious rooms with views, a restaurant with a buffet breakfast, and free WiFi. It is conveniently located on Rudolfplatz Square, just 200 meters from Hahnentorburg Castle.
• Hotel Flandrischer Hof: A 3-star hotel located near the city centre, offering modern rooms with free WiFi. It is also just a 15-minute walk from the Rhine promenade.

Dining

The Belgian Quarter is a food lover's paradise, offering an eclectic mix of international cuisines. Here are some family-friendly dining options in the area:

• Fräulein Fiona: A cosy cafe offering amazing breakfast and brunch options.
• Ban Canteen: Authentic Thai street food.
• Freddy Schilling: Gourmet burgers and cocktails.
• Mashery: Innovative fine dining.

Shopping

The Belgian Quarter is a shopping haven, with unique fashion, home decor, vinyl records, and more. Here are some spots to check out:

• Brüsseler Platz: Stroll along this square and explore the many independent shops.
• Magasin 2: A concept store offering unique fashion and home decor.
• STUF vintage: A vintage boutique with a curated selection of clothing and accessories.
• Boutique Belgique: Another concept store worth visiting, featuring a variety of fashion and lifestyle products.
• Stadtgarten market: On weekends, browse the artisan stalls at this market for unique, handmade goods.

Arts and Culture

The Belgian Quarter boasts a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries, a cinema, and live music venues. Here are some cultural attractions to explore:

• Ruttkowski;68 contemporary: A contemporary art gallery featuring established and emerging artists.
• Galerie Biesenbach: Another notable art gallery in the area, showcasing diverse artistic talents.
• Filmpalette: Catch an indie film at this cinema, which showcases independent and arthouse films.
• YUCA and Tsunami Club: Popular venues for live music and performances.

Convenience and Accessibility

The Belgian Quarter is very walkable and easy to navigate. It is about a 20-minute walk to the train station, and you can also access the U-Bahn (subway) lines 3 and 4 at Friesenplatz to get around the city quickly.

Altstadt (Old Town)

The Old Town has a lively, festive atmosphere all year round. In spring, you can enjoy sunny days sipping kölsch on the squares; in summer, there's a laidback, convivial vibe as locals and tourists mingle; autumn brings a magical feel as the leaves change colour and the Christmas markets start setting up; and in winter, you can experience the enchantment of the Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas market.

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

No visit to the Old Town 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. For the ultimate view, head to the Rheinauhafen riverfront area across the Rhine River.

• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: This luxury hotel stands out for its elegant decor and first-class amenities, including a spa and gourmet restaurant. The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed.
• Sofitel Cologne Kurfürstendamm: Set in a former church building, this upscale hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury. Enjoy a drink at the atmospheric bar or dine at the acclaimed restaurant, just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral and the train station.
• Hyatt Regency Cologne: This stylish business hotel offers panoramic city views and gourmet cuisine. It is located centrally in Cologne, right beside the River Rhine, and features free WiFi throughout the property.
• Stern am Rathaus: This highly-rated 3-star hotel offers excellent value for its prime location on a lively Old Town square, near the Cologne Cathedral. The modern rooms are comfortable, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
• CityClass Hotel Am Dom: A clean and comfortable boutique hotel just a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral. The rooms are basic but well-equipped for a good night's sleep. An excellent budget choice in the heart of the Old Town.
• Eazires Hotel am Augustinerplatz: This cosy hotel overlooks a lively Old Town square filled with beer halls and cafes. The rooms are clean and the staff is welcoming, making it a charming budget option.

Ehrenfeld

Where to Stay

• Imperial Cologne: This fine 4-star hotel is located near the Stadtgarten park, just west of the city centre. It offers free WiFi and peaceful surroundings.
• Ameron Hotel Regent: Just a 7-minute tram ride from Cologne Cathedral, this hotel offers large rooms with free WiFi and hot drinks facilities. There is also a fitness area with a sauna.
• Park Inn by Radisson Cologne City West: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi.
• Black Hotels Köln: Black Hotels Köln provides accommodation with a bar, private parking, and a terrace. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the rooms are spacious.
• Best Western Plus Hotel Koeln City: This 4-star hotel offers a fitness centre, terrace, restaurant, and bar. It is well-located for a city tour, with comfortable beds and clean rooms.
• B&B Hotel Köln-City: Located 3.2 km from Neumarkt Square, this hotel provides air-conditioned rooms and a bar. The staff are very helpful, and the tram station is a 10-minute walk away.
• B&B Hotel Köln-Ehrenfeld: Located within 4.2 km of RheinEnergie Stadion and 4.5 km of Neumarkt Square, this hotel provides air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms. It is family-friendly, with clean facilities and friendly staff.
• Svyvo Cologne - Serviced Apartments Ehrenfeld: These recently renovated apartments are located 3.2 km from the National Socialism Documentation Centre and 3.4 km from Neumarkt Square. They are clean and comfortable, with helpful staff.

Things to Do

• Bunte Burger: Gourmet burgers with unique toppings.
• Haus Scholzen: A cosy tavern serving classic Kölsch beer and hearty meals.
• Rubinrot: A stylish cafe with great breakfast and vegetarian options.
• Kebapland: Authentic Turkish kebabs and mezze.

For unique shopping, head to Ehrenfeld's independent shops along Venloer Strasse, the neighbourhood's main shopping street. On Saturdays, don't miss the Ehrenfeld Market, where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts.

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to the Ehrenfeld Railway Park, a former industrial site turned green space with walking paths and playgrounds.

Frequently asked questions