Located in the west of Germany, Cologne has a real historical heritage, as some of Europe’s great cities can testify. Whether you visit for the charm of its streets or the ambience of its various districts, it will know how to welcome you. The choice of the ideal place to stay is vast, which is why it’s important to know where to stay in Cologne.
To make things easier for you, we’ll describe the must-sees and suggest the perfect places to stay in Cologne. Neighborhood locations, ambience, budget, monuments, we share everything you need for your stay
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Cologne, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. This should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Cologne:
- $ This inexpensive hostel is located in the Belgian Quarter,
- $$ This centrally located establishment features rooms decorated with modern art,
- $$$ This 5-star hotel is located near the Cathedral.
Map of Cologne’s various districts to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Cologne, you’ll find on the map below all the Cologne accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Cologne
Where to stay in and around Cologne
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Cologne.
Stay in Altstadt Nord: Cologne's Old Town
"Alstadt, which means "old town" in German, is divided into 2 parts: North and South. Known as the "historic center" of Cologne and bordered by the Rhine, Altstadt-Nord is the perfect place to stay. There's plenty to do, and you'll have no trouble getting around. The proximity of the train station and streetcar stations makes it easy to get around, although the biggest advantage is that you can do everything on foot.
A stay in Altstadt-Nord is sure to delight. In the city center, you'll find the Cathedral , which today represents the emblem of Cologne. You'll have the opportunity to stay in culturally historic places, visit museums, stroll through cobblestone streets and stay in architectural treasures.
Its tourist attractions include
- Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic Catholic building dating from the 14th century
- The Farina House-Perfume Museum, creator of the famous eau de Cologne.
- Fischmarkt, the fish market to discover new flavors
- Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne's oldest art museum
- Ludwig Museum, an art museum containing Peter Ludwig's former private collections
Altstadt-Nord is known as a lively district, and ranks among Cologne's major landmarks. Nightlife here is festive, with an abundance of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, particularly in the western part, also known as the "Friesenviertel".
Accommodation-wise, if you want to stay in Altstadt-Nord, you'll have no trouble finding a hotel or other type of accommodation. However, you'll need to budget for accommodation, as rates are rather high. And don't forget that this is Cologne's most popular area.
Altstadt-Süd, ideal place to stay
Altstadt-Süd also belongs to the city's historic center. Combining old-world charm with cultural joy, this district is one of the best places to stay in Cologne. Perfectly located, it offers you an exceptional stay!
Its proximity to Altstadt-Nord is a real plus, as you'll be close to the main shopping streets, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The perfect compromise for your stay and your accommodation!
Altstadt-Süd remains one of Cologne's most popular tourist areas. Considered a lively and bustling area, it knows how to satisfy its visitors. Not least thanks to its Chocolate Museum, the place to be for all chocolate lovers. You'll have the opportunity to discover the world of confectionery and learn more about the manufacture and history of chocolate! But the museum isn't the only highlight: you'll also find a host of other tourist attractions:
- Schnutgen Museum, dedicated to religious art of the 15th and 16th centuries
- The German Museum of Sport and the Olympic Games
- Neumarkt square, home to the city's shopping malls
- Rheinau harbor, embark for a Rhine crossing
- Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, based on ancient cultures and lifestyles
Altstadt-Süd may not have the same assets as the north, but the fact that it's a little further away makes it quieter and slightly less expensive! You'll find all kinds ofaccommodation here, from hotels and B&Bs to apartments. An ideal place to stay, with a wide choice of accommodation!
With its original architecture, this hotel occupies a former water tower. The rooms have been completely renovated and decorated in a modern style. The Rooftop Restaurant offers a magnificent panoramic view of the area. Just a 10-minute walk from the Rhine, it's the perfect place to stay!
Stay in the lively Belge district
A little more out of the way, the Belgian Quarter is still an ideal place to stay in Cologne. Its name comes from the many streets named after Belgian cities, such as Antwerpen Strasse (Antwerp Street) or Brüsseler Platz (Brussels Square).
It's often said to have 2 parts: a lively part where you can spend long evenings in restaurants and bars. The other part is reserved for quieter travelers, with a large number of independent boutiques and a less festive nightlife.
You'll find tall, colorful houses, often animated by artistic jokes. It's a place that's part old-world, part historic, part contemporary art. It's one of the best places to stay in Cologne!
You can stroll through the streets, each of which has its own particular strengths, such as the fantastic Michael Church Street, with its many bars and restaurants with their own unique style.
Despite its low occupancy rate, the Belgian Quarter is a must-visit part of Cologne! A perfect place to stay, it boasts a wide range of accommodation including hotels, aparthotels and youth hostels. There's something for everyone, so you'll find just the right place to stay!
Mediapark: accommodation east of Cologne
To the east of Cologne's historic center lies the Mediapark district. With less tourist activity than the previous sectors, this area is nonetheless interesting.
Here you'll find many bars, restaurants and cafés. Indeed, Mediapark was created to accommodate media and communications companies, as well as cultural institutions. You'll also find the area's highest point, the"KölnTurm", a 148-meter tower designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Mediapark has a more urban feel than its neighbors, but it also has its own charm.
What makes this area so special is that the buildings were constructed in the shape of a circle around a central square. Today, this square is surrounded by parks and a small lake.
With fewer accommodations than in the center of Cologne, Mediapark is close to a public transport zone, making it easy to get around. This district is also very attractive for the prices of the accommodation it offers. You'll find where to stay at very affordable prices!
Accommodation in Ehrenfeld or Deutz: two good alternatives
We'd now like to suggest two very different districts, each with its own qualities and advantages! Ehrenfeld and Deutz are two lively areas of Cologne. Being further from the center, you'll benefit from more affordable accommodation.
Ehrenfeld is located right next to the Belgian Quarter. This area is known for its seven lively and popular residential divisions, as well as its shopping streets. Ehrenfeld also boasts an active cultural life, with many interesting venues such as artists' studios, theaters and clubs.
Ehrenfeld's two landmarks are the Helios lighthouse and the former perfume factory!
Another alternative is to stay in Deutz, a more imposing area on the right bank of the Rhine. You'll have the opportunity to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, considered one of the symbols of Cologne and much appreciated by its visitors. It overlooks the Köln Triangle, the two towers that offer a panoramic view of the bridge.
Summary
Cologne, famous for its cathedral, is a real tourist gem. The choice of accommodation is vast, with something for everyone! And with so many things to do and see, there’s never a dull moment! You’ll discover the history of its monuments, the charm of its architecture, the festive atmosphere of its districts and its river trips on the Rhine.
The Altstadt-Nord district, with its historic center, is the best option for local accommodation. Other interesting alternatives for staying in Cologne are Altstadt-South and the Belgian Quarter. Cologne is a great place to stay with family or friends, so it’s up to you to find the right place to stay!