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Where to stay in Cologne: Best Areas & Hotels (By a Local)

Maybe not as popular as some other major cities in Germany, but let me tell you, Cologne is an absolute gem that's totally worth a visit!

It's famous for its amazing Christmas Markets and the breathtaking Cathedral, which happens to be the second-largest religious building in the entire country.

Where to stay in Cologne

Over the years, Cologne has captured the hearts of countless travelers with its old architecture and, of course, its delicious local beer. When I lived in Frankfurt, I travelled countless times to Cologne and some of my best friends still live there, so I will always be coming back and keep updating this post with new hotels in Cologne that I come across.

Now, when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Cologne, it can be a bit tricky. With so many unique areas to choose from, it's hard to make a decision. That's why I gathered my favorite areas and hotels to help you decide where to stay in Cologne.

Best areas to stay in Cologne

North Cologne

The northern areas of Cologne are definitely the busier and more popular ones. Here, you'll find good nightlife, many impressive city landmarks, and super relaxed vibes in areas like the Altstadt/Old Town, the Belgian Quarter, or Ehrenfeld.

South Cologne

The neighborhoods of Deutz and Old Town South are my absolute favorite areas in southern Cologne! They have the wonderful charm of being a little quieter yet incredibly central. Plus, they are perfect for families and people on a budget.

1. Where to stay in Cologne for the first time: Altstadt/Old Town

If you're planning your first visit to Cologne, I can't stress enough how amazing it is to stay in the Old Town! You'll be welcomed by charming cobbled streets, Rhine River views, centuries-old houses, and cozy bars serving the local brew of Kölsch beer.

And of course, on top of all that, you will find plenty of cafes and beer gardens here as well, which are especially fun and enjoyable in the summer months.

Cologne Cathedral

The highlight of Cologne Old Town, which you definitely won't miss because of its size, is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece was built from 1248 to 1880, taking over 600 years to complete.

Don't forget to also visit the Cologne City Hall and Alter Markt, a beautiful old square that are also home to the best Christmas markets in winter.

All in all, it's the perfect spot to explore popular landmarks and enjoy delicious local food, and is conveniently located right in the city centre for easy access to other parts of Cologne.

It's also the best location if you're in Cologne for a short stay, as the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is right next o the Cathedral.

Best area for:

  • First-timers

  • Sightseeing

  • See the Cologne Cathedral

  • Central location close to the main train station

Things to do in Cologne Old Town

The Cologne Cathedral is the star of the show for your stay in Cologne. You can always walk inside the cathedral for the mass, or better yet, take a guided tour. I highly recommend you also hike up the narrow stairs to the bell tower. It's a fantastic experience and you'll be rewarded with the best views of Cologne's skyline from the top.

If you're starting to feel hungry or thirsty and you're in the mood for an authentic traditional experience, check out ‘Gaffel am Dom' right across from the Cologne Cathedral. It's one of Cologne's most popular breweries where you can enjoy delicious heartwarming German dishes along with their famous beer, the ‘Kölsch'.

($$$) Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

One of the best luxury hotels in Cologne's Old Town is the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom. Located right in front of the Cologne Cathedral, the hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, as well as an amazing breakfast buffet every morning.

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($$) Savoy Hotel

A little more affordable yet just as amazing is the Savoy Hotel. The modern hotel is located a few additional footsteps away from the Cologne Cathedral, but it's still within walking distance of all the popular landmarks and the city centre.

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($$) City Apartment am Dom

For a different vibe, you can book the City Apartment am Dom. This self-catering apartment offers great value for money if you're looking for more spacious family rooms.

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($) Lindner Hotel Cologne

If you are looking for a place that won't break the bank, then the Lindner Hotel in Cologne is a great affordable hotel in the area. It's just a short walk from all the tourist attractions and the Rhine River, and it offers great value for money.

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2. Where to stay in Cologne for nightlife: Belgian Quarter

Cologne's Belgian Quarter is an awesome spot for those who want to experience the real nightlife scene of Cologne! This area is often called the ‘hipster' part of town, and you'll find loads of fantastic bars, clubs, and restaurants here.

Located west of the Old Town, it's a bit less touristy here, and that means you'll encounter plenty of locals and students having a great time. The area definitely has a more edgy vibe than the Old Town, with lots of graffiti and a bohemian atmosphere.

Aachener Weiher, Cologne

One of my absolute favorite spots in the Belgian Quarter is the Aachener Weiher. It's a charming little lake surrounded by a park where people gather in the summer to listen to music, play sports, dance Bachata, or enjoy other activities!

Best area for:

  • Nightlife

  • Laid-back atmosphere

Things to do in the Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter is one of those amazing neighborhoods where you can spend a whole day just wandering around, grabbing some delicious coffee and breakfast, sitting in a park, and maybe exploring some cool thrift shops.

To kick off your day, head to my all-time favorite cafe, Miss Päpki, where you can enjoy a superb flat white or latte along with their variety of delicious cakes. And don't forget to check out Vintage & Rags or Pick Weight for some truly unique second-hand clothes.

Friesenplatz is where you find the majority of nightlife and clubs.

Best hotels to stay in the Belgian Quarter

($$$) Steigenberger Hotel

The Steigenberger Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels if you want to stay right in the heart of the Belgian Quarter. It's located near some of the most popular bars and clubs, so you won't have to go far after dark!

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($$) Limehome Köln Friesenplatz

Limehome Köln Friesenplatz is my favorite mid-range option in the Belgian Quarter. This hotel offers modern rooms and a great location with easy access to the nightlife scene of Cologne.

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($) Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft

An even more budget-friendly option is the amazing Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft. This hostel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with incredibly friendly staff members and a super cozy common area and kitchen.

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3. Where to stay in Cologne for the coolest atmosphere: Ehrenfeld

If you're up for an awesome mix of people, art, and alternative culture, then Ehrenfeld is the place to be!

This former industrial neighborhood has transformed into one of the coolest and most exciting areas in Cologne. 

Even though Ehrenfeld is a bit further from the city center, don't worry, it's still easily accessible by public transportation. Plus, the neighborhood is a hotspot for street art and graffiti, attracting artists from all over the world. You can join local guides for art tours or simply explore on your own.

Ehrenfeld, Cologne

Lastly, Ehrenfeld also offers a super cool and unique nightlife scene with many techno clubs, as well as plenty of bars playing 80s and 90s music.

Best area for:

  • Cool atmosphere

  • Nightlife

  • Art & culture

Things to do in Ehrenfeld

To fully experience and appreciate the street art scene and its cultural significance, you should definitely join one of the amazing Street Art tours. It's an incredible way to explore Ehrenfeld from a fresh perspective and learn about the different artists and their murals and graffiti.

Ehrenfeld is a bit outside the city center and might not be as well-known, but let me tell you, when it comes to nightlife, they really know how to have a good time! 

Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld is a cool nightclub with a fantastic beer garden. It's the perfect spot to start your night or dance until the early morning hours.

Best hotels to stay in Ehrenfeld

($$$) JOYN Cologne

The best luxury hotel option for the Ehrenfeld area is JOYN Cologne. Not only does it offer a modern design and a cool urban flair, but it's also located right in the heart of the neighborhood, just a short walk from all the best attractions.

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($$) Stayery Apartments Ehrenfeld

The Stayery Apartments Ehrenfeld offers great value for money if you're looking for something more independent. This self-catering apartment features spacious rooms and is centrally located within walking distance of public transportation. 

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($) Hotel Imperial

If you're traveling on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Hotel Imperial. This small hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms and is just a stone's throw from several attractions in Ehrenfeld. 

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4. Where to stay in Cologne for families: Deutz

Just across Cologne's main river, the Rhine, you'll find the quieter and greener neighborhood of Deutz.

When you're visiting Cologne with your family, Deutz is definitely the best area to stay in. It's not as touristy as the Old Town and offers a more residential atmosphere, with plenty of parks, supermarkets, and restaurants nearby.

Duetz, Cologne

And for all sports and concert enthusiasts out there, Deutz is a great area to be in. The Lanxess Arena, home to the Kölner Haie ice hockey team, is located here. You can catch exciting ice hockey matches or enjoy some amazing music concerts.

Best area for:

  • Families

  • Sports

  • Relaxation

Things to do in Deutz

A fantastic activity for families, especially for the kids, is the Odysseum Museum. It's an interactive museum that currently features a Jurassic Park exhibition, which, even for the older ones, is super cool and entertaining.

On a beautiful summer day by the Rhine River, I highly recommend heading to the Rheinpark. It's a massive green area right by the river bank, perfect for playing some sports or having a cozy picnic.

One last tip for you: If you want an iconic view of Cologne with the Hohenzollern Bridge and the skyline in the background, head over to Deutz. Make your way to the Kennedy Embankment, and you'll be treated to some amazing views, day or night.

Best hotels to stay in Deutz

($$$) Hotel Stadtpalais

Hotel Stadtpalais is an excellent option if you're looking for a luxury hotel in Deutz. This 4-star hotel offers modern and spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the Rhine River and easy access to public transportation.

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($$) Hotel Freiheit

The Hotel Freiheit is a great mid-range option in Deutz. This hotel has a cozy atmosphere with friendly staff members and simple but comfortable rooms. There's also an on-site restaurant offering delicious local cuisine.

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($) Insel Hotel

The Insel Hotel is a basic budget hotel with clean and quiet rooms. It's conveniently located within walking distance of the Lanxess Arena, making it a great option for sports fans. 

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5. Where to stay in Cologne for budget travelers & the real Cologne: Old Town South

The Old Town South neighborhood is the perfect area to stay in if you're a budget traveler. This hip and trendy area has plenty of cheap restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as fairly priced hotels that won't break the bank.

Severins-Viertel is part of the Old Town South (Köln-Altstadt-Süd) and is very quintessential Cologne and offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich history, explore quaint shops, savor authentic German cuisine, and still enjoy easy access to landmarks like the Cologne Cathedral and St. Martin's church.

Crane Houses, Cologne

Best area for:

  • Local Cologne vibes

  • Backpackers and budget travelers

  • Central Location

  • Close to the famous crane houses (Kranhäuser)

Things to do in Cologne Old Town South

In Old Town South, you're in for a treat with some truly quirky museums that are not only interesting and fascinating but also incredibly yummy. I highly recommend checking out the Cologne Chocolate Museum and the Mustard Museum, they're both amazing!

If you're looking for a more relaxing day, you've got to visit some of the best cafes and restaurants in town.

For a delightful coffee break, my go-to spot is Löwen Cafe on Severin Street. And if you're craving something more substantial, you can't go wrong with Ristorante Toscanini, my absolute favorite pizza joint.

Best hotels to stay in Old Town South

($$$) Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln

Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln is a great hotel in Old Town South if you're looking for something on the higher end. This 4-star hotel offers modern and stylish rooms with top-notch amenities, such as a luxury spa and gym.

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($$) Art'otel Cologne

The Art'otel Cologne is a great mid-range option in the area. This hotel has a unique design and offers comfortable rooms that are both cozy and stylish. Plus, it offers a breakfast buffet every morning and with its great location, it's super close to the Rhine River and the Historic City Centre.

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($) Mercure Hotel Severinshof Köln City

The Mercure Hotel Severinshof Köln City is an excellent value for money. This 3-star hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms in the heart of Serverins District, with easy access to public transportation and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. 

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Where to stay in Cologne – Frequently Asked Questions

🪩 Where should I stay in Cologne for good nightlife?

If you're looking for great nightlife in Cologne, then the Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld neighborhoods are your best bet. These two areas offer plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy a fun night out!

💸 Is Cologne expensive?

Cologne is actually quite affordable compared to many other cities in Europe, which is great news! Especially if you choose to stay in budget hostels and hotels. Of course, not everything is cheap here, but no worries, there are plenty of ways to save money while visiting. Cologne definitely has a lot of hostels and cheap eats to offer, making it much more affordable than, let's say, Munich. So you can have a fantastic time without breaking the bank!

🚶 How can I get around Cologne?

Cologne is a very safe and easy city to get around. You can use the metro, bus, or tram to get from one place to another. If you're staying in Old Town, Old Town South or Deutz, you can actually walk everywhere and explore the city on foot. There are also plenty of bike rentals available throughout the entire city.

📅 How many days do I need in Cologne?

If you want to get a good taste of Cologne and make the most out of your trip, I recommend staying for at least three days. This way, you'll have enough time to explore all the amazing attractions and enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer.

📍 Where is the best area to stay to see the Cologne Cathedral?

The Cologne Cathedral is located in the Old Town, so you should definitely stay in that area for optimal sightseeing. The Old Town/Altstadt and Old Town South, and both central neighborhoods and are all great options. You'll be close to many attractions, with easy access to public transportation and plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. 

Where to stay in Cologne – Final Words

Cologne definitely holds a special place in my heart! For anyone visiting, this German city is often overlooked, but it's truly worth visiting and it offers incredible value for your money. You'll find iconic landmarks, fascinating museums, and super cool vibes and nightlife, all at a much more affordable price compared to other major German cities like Munich, Hamburg, or Berlin. 

I highly recommend Cologne to everyone, but especially to budget travelers and backpackers who are sure to have an amazing time here. This was my guide to where to stay in Cologne from the local eye, and I hope it will make your decision a little easier.

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