Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of hotels. The best areas to stay in depend on individual interests, but here is an overview to help you decide where to stay.

Altstadt-Nord (Old Town):

This is a great option for first-time visitors as it is packed with iconic attractions, such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, the Great St. Martin Church, and the Museum Ludwig. It is also home to the Duftmuseum im Farina Haus Fragrance Museum, where Eau de Cologne originated in 1709. The area boasts narrow cobbled streets with 14th-century coloured houses and trendy cafes and bars. The Central Cologne Train Station is also located here, making it a convenient base for day trips.

Belgian Quarter:

Located in Neustadt Nord, a 25-minute walk from the Old Town, this super trendy and stylish neighbourhood offers a bohemian atmosphere, amazing street art, galleries, entertainment venues, and friendly cafes. It is known for its nightlife, with popular spots like Little Link and Sixpack for cocktails. The area also has tons of boutique stores for unique shopping experiences. Accommodations here are generally cheaper than in the Old Town.

Altstadt-Süd:

Located south of the Old Town, this neighbourhood offers affordable accommodations, including hotels and hostels. It is home to the Lindt Chocolate Museum, the 13th-century Ulrepforte watchtower, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, and the Basilica of St. Severin. The Rheinhaufen quarter, with its famous Kranhaus buildings, and the Riverside Promenade for stunning sunset views, are also nearby.

Deutz:

Deutz is located across the Rhine River, about a 20-minute walk east of the Old Town. It offers a tranquil atmosphere and is ideal for families. The area has parks like Pyramiden Park and attractions such as the Odysseum interactive museum and the Lanxess Arena, the largest ice hockey arena outside of North America. Accommodations range from small boutique hotels to large business hotels.

Ehrenfeld:

Ehrenfeld is about 6 kilometres outside the city centre but easily accessible via underground connections. It has a similar trendy and artsy vibe to the Belgian Quarter while retaining its authentic German character. Ehrenfeld is known for its street art, small boutique shops, and coffee shops. It is also home to The Mystery of Banksy Museum and Cologne's Central Mosque.

Where to stay in Cologne for first-timers

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, museums, and vibrant nightlife. If you're a first-time visitor, here are some recommended areas to stay:

• Altstadt-Nord (Old Town): Set on the banks of the Rhine River, the Old Town is packed with iconic attractions, including the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and the Great St. Martin Church. It's also a great place to explore narrow cobblestone streets lined with historic houses and cosy cafes. The Central Cologne Train Station is located here, making it convenient for those arriving by train. Recommended hotels in the area include the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, 25hours Hotel The Circle, and Stern am Rathaus.
• Belgian Quarter: Located in Neustadt Nord, about a 25-minute walk from the Old Town, the Belgian Quarter offers a trendy and stylish atmosphere with plenty of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. It's known for its bohemian vibe and street art. The area is ideal for those seeking a lively nightlife scene, with popular spots like Little Link and Sixpack for cocktails. The Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne is a recommended accommodation option in this neighbourhood.
• Deutz: Located across the Rhine River, about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, Deutz offers a tranquil atmosphere and is ideal for families. The neighbourhood is home to Lanxess Arena, the largest ice hockey arena outside of North America, and Koelnmesse, a popular venue for conferences and events. There are also several parks, such as Rheinpark, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Recommended accommodations include the Hyatt Regency Cologne and Hotel Stadtpalais.
• Neumarkt: West of Altstadt, Neumarkt is Cologne's main shopping area, with bustling streets like Schildergasse, Ehrenstrasse, and Mittelstrasse. It's also home to the Romanesque Basilika St. Aposteln and the Käthe Kollwitz Museum. For accommodations, consider 25hours Hotel The Circle or the Lindner Hotel Cologne City Plaza.
• Altstadt-Süd: Located south of the Old Town, Altstadt-Süd is perfect for those seeking affordable accommodations while still being close to attractions. The neighbourhood is home to the Lindt Chocolate Museum, the 13th-century Ulrepforte watchtower, and the Basilica of St. Severin. The Riverside Promenade offers stunning sunset views. Recommended accommodations include the Hopper Hotel St. Antonius and Hotel im Wasserturm.

Where to stay in Cologne for nightlife

If you're looking for a lively night out in Cologne, the Belgian Quarter (or Belgisches Viertel) is the place to be. Set in Neustadt Nord, it's just a 25-minute walk from the Old Town and is known for its trendy, bohemian atmosphere and amazing street art. The area is packed with galleries, entertainment venues and friendly cafes, as well as tons of boutique stores for vintage shopping.

When it comes to nightlife, you'll be spoilt for choice. Little Link and Sixpack are great places to grab a cocktail, and Brussels Square is a popular spot to meet up with friends and plan your night. In the summer, you might even catch a live concert somewhere in this area.

As for accommodation, the Belgian Quarter has something for everyone. Here are some top picks:

• Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne: Stylish and bright rooms, most with large windows and views of the city. The hotel also offers a delicious breakfast, private parking and a bar.
• Limehome Köln Friesenplatz: A modern suite with a small kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and an inner courtyard view.
• Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft: A friendly hostel with uniquely designed rooms and breakfast included.
• A great Airbnb for two people, with a kitchen, a backyard and a flat-screen TV.

Where to stay in Cologne on a budget

Cologne is a bustling city in Germany, full of history and heritage dating back to the Roman Empire. The city is renowned for its vast Gothic cathedral and sweeping riverside position. The city is usually safe, with only a few areas to avoid, such as Ostheim, Ossendorf and Chorweiler.

If you're visiting Cologne on a budget, here are some of the best areas to stay and places to check out:

Altstadt-SüdLocated just south of the Old Town, this neighbourhood is perfect for travellers looking for affordable accommodation. Altstadt-Süd is home to several museums, including the Lindt Chocolate Museum and the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum. The Rheinhaufen quarter, with its modern Kranhaus buildings, is also worth a visit.

Hotel Recommendations:

• NH Köln Altstadt: Clean, spacious rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.
• Ibis Cologne Centrum Hotel: Small but adequate rooms; located near Barbarossaplatz station.
• Cozy Apartment: Centrally located private room in a shared apartment with kitchen and bathroom facilities.

DeutzDeutz is located across the Rhine River, about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. This neighbourhood is ideal for families seeking a tranquil atmosphere and convenient access to attractions like the Lanxess Arena and Koelnmesse.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hotel Alt Deutz City-Messe-Arena: Pet-friendly and family-friendly hotel offering activities like cycling, hiking, and bowling.
• B&B Hotel Köln-porz: Offers free parking and is located near the airport.
• Charming family home: Bright and modern apartment with shops, pubs, restaurants, and supermarkets nearby.

Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)The Belgian Quarter, a 25-minute walk from the Old Town, is known for its trendy and stylish vibe, with bars, restaurants, and boutique stores. It's a great area for those seeking nightlife and entertainment.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne: Stylish and bright rooms, some with large windows and city views.
• Limehome Köln Friesenplatz: Modern suite with a kitchenette and an inner courtyard view.
• Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft: A friendly hostel with uniquely designed rooms and an in-house café/bar.

EhrenfeldEhrenfeld is located about 6 km from the Old Town and has a more chilled-out vibe compared to the city centre. It's known for its street art, small boutique shops, and coffee shops.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Park Inn by Radisson Köln City West: Stylish and modern rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.
• NH Collection Köln Mediapark: Spacious rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs; offers a fitness centre, sauna, and steam room.
• Room in industrial loft: A room in a shared industrial loft with other international flatmates; access to a kitchen and washing machine.

Where to stay in Cologne with family

Cologne is a wonderful city to visit with family, offering a range of attractions and activities for all ages. When it comes to choosing a family-friendly neighbourhood to stay in, here are some great options:

• Deutz: Located across the Rhine River from the city centre, Deutz is a convenient and quieter alternative. It is known for the famous Hohenzollern Bridge, a beautiful steel arch bridge adorned with thousands of love locks. Deutz also boasts several parks and playgrounds, including the sprawling Rheinpark with river views. The Cologne Zoo, one of Germany's largest, is also nearby. Deutz is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, making it easy to access other attractions.
• Altstadt-Süd: Located just south of the city centre, this charming neighbourhood offers a variety of budget-friendly options, from hotels to hostels. It is within walking distance to the Old Town and the Belgian Quarter. Altstadt-Süd has plenty of affordable dining options for families, ranging from traditional German cuisine to ethnic eateries. The neighbourhood is also home to the lovely Volksgarten park, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Altstadt (Old Town): The historic Old Town is a great choice for first-time visitors and families looking to stay in the heart of the action. It is home to the iconic Cologne Cathedral and charming medieval architecture. The neighbourhood is easily navigable on foot, with cobblestone alleys leading to cosy breweries and lively outdoor squares. The Old Town is also central, providing easy access to other neighbourhoods via public transportation.
• Belgian Quarter: This trendy neighbourhood is ideal for families seeking a vibrant and artsy atmosphere. It offers a diverse food scene, ranging from Thai to Mexican to Italian cuisine. The Belgian Quarter also boasts indie boutiques, art galleries, and nightlife venues. It is a very walkable area, making it convenient for families to explore.
• Radisson Blu Hotel: Located in Deutz, this hotel offers spacious and modern rooms with chic designs and all the necessary amenities. It is a short distance from the city centre and provides easy access to attractions like the Cologne Cathedral.
• Hotel im Wasserturm: Housed in a historic water tower, this unique hotel features elegant and modern rooms. It is centrally located in the Old Town, providing convenient access to top attractions.
• Cologne Marriott Hotel: This centrally located hotel boasts spacious rooms and a variety of food and beverage options. It is within walking distance of major attractions, making it a convenient choice for families.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: A luxurious option, this elegant hotel is located near the Cologne Cathedral. It offers spacious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a piano bar.
• Hotel UHU: A family-friendly option close to the Cologne Cathedral and the train station. It provides comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.
• Hotel Domstern: Another family-friendly choice near the Cologne Cathedral, offering modern rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

Whether you choose to stay in Deutz, Altstadt-Süd, the Old Town, or the Belgian Quarter, Cologne has a lot to offer for families in terms of accommodations, dining, and attractions!

Where to stay in Cologne for a local experience

Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and is situated on the Rhine River. The city has a diverse range of accommodation options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels. Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in for a local experience:

Ehrenfeld

Located about 6 km away from the Old Town, Ehrenfeld is a trendy and artsy district known for its vibrant street art and international creators. The area has a mix of vintage clothing stores, small boutiques, and unique coffee shops. It also has a Red Light district and The Mystery of Banksy Museum. Ehrenfeld is easily accessible via underground transport from the city centre. Some recommended places to stay in Ehrenfeld include:

• Black Hotels Köln
• STAYERY Köln Ehrenfeld
• B&B Hotel Köln-Ehrenfeld
• Weltempfänger Hostel

Nippes

Nippes is a diverse and relaxed district located about 2 miles north of the Old Town. It offers a mix of budget-friendly stores, Turkish eateries, and traditional beer halls. The neighbourhood also boasts several attractions, such as Kölner Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and the Sculpture Park. Recommended accommodation options in Nippes include:

• Adolph's Hotel
• Hotel Köln 2020
• Hotel Bürgerhof
• Hotel Fortune

Südstadt

Südstadt, or South Side, is a hip neighbourhood located south of the Old Town. It is known for its excellent restaurants, tapas bars, and beer halls. The area also features unique local cafes and the famous Südstadt Kiosk, one of Cologne's iconic "büdchen" (convenience stores). The neighbourhood hosts a popular flea market, "flohmarkt", on the first Sunday of every month. A recommended place to stay in Südstadt is Hotel am Chlodwigplatz.

Rheinauhafen

Rheinauhafen is a stylish, modern neighbourhood located along the Rhine River, south of the Old Town. It is a former 19th-century dock that has been redeveloped with residential and commercial towers, a marina, museums, and restaurants. Rheinauhafen is home to the Schokoladenmuseum (chocolate museum), Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum, and the Mustard Museum. Recommended accommodation options in the area include:

• Art'otel Cologne
• NH Köln Altstadt
• Motel One Köln-Waidmarkt
• Novotel Köln City

Zülpicher Viertel

Zülpicher Viertel, also known as the "Latin Quarter", is centred around Zülpicher Strasse and the University of Cologne. It is a student-focused area with a lively atmosphere, featuring independent theatres, live music venues, and unique bars and restaurants. The GeoMuseum, located within the university, is a highlight for fossil and gemstone enthusiasts. While there are no recommended hotels in Zülpicher Viertel, it is worth visiting for the evening or afternoon.

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