Where to Stay in Cologne: Best Areas & Hotels

Located on the Rhine River in western Germany, Cologne (Köln) is one of the country’s oldest cities and a major cultural center. Known for its lively Carnival, local Kölsch beer, and impressive skyline, it attracts travelers throughout the year. Join us as we explore the best areas to stay in Cologne.

Founded as a Roman colony in 38 BCE, Cologne became a key medieval trade hub and later an industrial powerhouse. The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) dominates the cityscape with its twin spires and is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. The Museum Ludwig houses one of Europe’s leading modern art collections, and the Roman-Germanic Museum displays archaeological finds from the city’s ancient past. Additionally, the Rheinauhafen redevelopment area combines historic warehouses with striking contemporary architecture.

Cologne is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region (one of Europe’s largest urban areas, including cities such as Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Dortmund) but has a relaxed rhythm and strong sense of local identity. The Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval) fills the streets with parades and music every February, while international events like Gamescom, Art Cologne, and the Christmas Markets bring thousands of visitors.

Cologne is compact and easy to explore, with an efficient public transport network that includes trams, U-Bahn, and regional trains. The central station, Köln Hauptbahnhof, sits next to the cathedral and links most districts within minutes. Whether you’re interested in history, nightlife, or local culture, this guide will help you explore the best areas to stay in Cologne and choose the neighborhood that fits your trip.

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What’s the best area to stay in Cologne?

The best area to stay in Cologne is Altstadt-Nord. The north end of the Old Town has iconic landmarks like the Kölner Dom and Great St. Martin Church, and cultural attractions such as the Roman-Germanic Museum, Museum Ludwig, and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Here, you’ll also find elegant hotels, charming cafes, and excellent dining options. In addition, its excellent tram connections and Cologne Central Station make it the perfect base for exploring the city and beyond.

Find available accommodation in the Altstadt-Nord quarter.

Best Hotels in Altstadt-Nord, Cologne

• Best 5-star hotel: Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
• Best 4-star hotel: Savoy Hotel
• Best 3-star hotel: Stern am Rathaus
• Best budget hotel: Hotel im Kupferkessel
• Best serviced apartments: DASKöln

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What are the coolest areas to stay in Cologne?

While we recommend the Altstadt-Nord as the best area to stay in Cologne due to its many attractions, other neighborhoods can be just as interesting. These are some of the coolest quarters to stay in Cologne:

• Altstadt-Nord is the historic heart of Cologne. It is home to the cathedral, the Roman-Germanic Museum, Museum Ludwig, and main shopping streets such as Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse. Its central location makes it ideal for first-time visitors and sightseeing.
• Altstadt-Süd covers the southern section of the old city. It includes Severinsviertel and parts of the old city wall. The area has narrow streets, local shops, and a quieter feel than Altstadt-Nord.
• Neustadt-Nord forms a semicircle around the old center and includes the Belgian Quarter, Agnesviertel, and MediaPark. It mixes 19th-century streets with bars, cafés, and live music around Brüsseler Platz and Friesenplatz. It suits travelers looking for a mix of culture, nightlife, and local life.
• Neustadt-Süd is home to Volksgarten Park and the University of Cologne. The area has a relaxed atmosphere and many small pubs and restaurants, and it is popular among students.
• Deutz stands on the Rhine’s east bank opposite the cathedral. It is home to Koelnmesse, Lanxess Arena, and the Cologne Triangle tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. The bridge and S-Bahn links make crossing the river quick and easy, making it convenient for business travelers and event visitors.
• Ehrenfeld lies northwest of the center and has become one of Cologne’s most creative districts. Murals, small galleries, and venues such as Live Music Hall give the area a distinctive character and make it a good choice for a younger crowd.
• Nippes is north of the old town and primarily residential. Its weekly market on Neusser Strasse, local cafés, and small parks make it feel like a typical Cologne neighborhood.
• Mülheim sits northeast of the city center on the right bank of the Rhine. It mixes converted factories, new apartments, and traditional residential streets. It offers lower hotel rates and a direct tram connection to the old town.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cologne

Home to the city’s most iconic sights, Altstadt‑Nord is the best neighborhood to stay in Cologne.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cologne:
• Cologne Cathedral
• Museum Ludwig
• Roman-Germanic Museum
• Old Town charm
• Rhine River views
• Heumarkt
• Alter Markt
• Great public transport
• Kölsch beer pubs
• Historic architecture
• Shopping streets

Altstadt-Nord forms the northern half of Cologne’s Old Town, between the Rhine and the Kölner Ringe. This district contains the cathedral and many of Cologne’s most visited landmarks.

Altstadt-Nord originated as the Roman colony Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium around 50 CE. Over the centuries, it evolved into the medieval trading center of Cologne, later rebuilt after WW2 with wider streets and open squares.

Today, the neighborhood is well-known for hosting Köln’s main historical attractions. Cologne Cathedral is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest churches in Europe. Its twin towers reach 157 meters and dominate the skyline, while the interior contains medieval stained glass and the famous Shrine of the Three Kings.

Altstadt-Nord is home to other Romanesque and early Gothic churches, including Great St. Martin and St. Andreas. Meanwhile, popular public spaces like the Alter Markt (Old Market) and Heumarkt offer cafés and shops and host Christmas markets. 

Altstadt-Nord also holds several major museums. Museum Ludwig displays twentieth-century art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The Roman-Germanic Museum exhibits mosaics and objects from Roman times found on-site during excavations. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum focuses on medieval and Baroque painting, while the Museum of Applied Arts presents European design.

Shopping is another reason to stay in Altstadt-Nord. Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse are lined with department stores, boutiques, and cafés, and form the busiest pedestrian zone in Cologne.

Nightlife in Altstadt‑Nord is very lively. The area features many traditional beer halls, known as Brauhäuser, where the local Kölsch beer is served in small glasses and usually accompanied by simple regional dishes. The streets around Alter Markt and Heumarkt have the highest concentration of pubs and restaurants, and many stay open late. In warmer months, terraces by the Rhine and outdoor tables on the squares fill with people enjoying the evening atmosphere.

Transportation in Altstadt-Nord is excellent. Köln Hauptbahnhof sits beside the cathedral and offers ICE, regional, and S‑Bahn trains. Meanwhile, the local Stadtbahn links the area via Dom/Hbf (lines 5, 16, 18), Appellhofplatz (lines 3, 4, 5), Neumarkt (lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 16, 18), and Heumarkt (lines 1, 7, 9). Tram and bus routes, taxis, and ride-sharing apps are also available. Altstadt-Nord is easy to explore on foot since most attractions lie within a short distance.

Best Hotels in Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt-Nord)

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Offering a quieter alternative to its northern counterpart, Altstadt‑Süd is an excellent location in Cologne.

Why is this the best area to stay in Cologne:
• Wallraf-Richartz Museum
• St Maria im Kapitol
• Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum
• Rheinauhafen
• Chocolate Museum
• Scenic river promenade
• Vibrant nightlife
• Quaint cobbled streets
• Kölsch breweries
• Art galleries

Altstadt-Süd encompasses the southern parts of the historic city center, which were bordered by the medieval city wall until 1881. It includes several historic quarters, including Severinsviertel, Neumarkt, and Georgsviertel. 

The area developed as Cologne expanded beyond its Roman walls during the Middle Ages. Craftsmen and traders settled along the old road to Bonn, and several religious buildings appeared around local marketplaces. Historic churches in the neighborhood include St. Maria im Kapitol, St. Georg, St. Pantaleon, and St. Mauritius. In addition, Kartäuserkirche, part of a former monastery, now hosts cultural functions, and Museum Schnütgen focuses on medieval sacred art.

Neumarkt and Cäcilienstraße are the area’s central shopping and transport hubs. Further south, Severinstraße connects the district to Severinstorburg, the southern gate of the medieval wall.

Meanwhile, the redeveloped Rheinauhafen, once Cologne’s main port area, features modern developments including the Kranhäuser towers. Its waterfront also houses the Köln Schokoladenmuseum, which traces the global history of chocolate, and the German Sport and Olympic Museum, located in a former customs building overlooking the river.

When it comes to dining and nightlife, Severinstraße has small pubs, bakeries, and restaurants serving local dishes, while Neumarkt and Cäcilienstraße offer modern cafés and international food. The riverfront around Rheinauhafen offers terraces and open-air venues.

Cologne is considered one of the most LGBTQ‑friendly cities in Germany, and Altstadt‑Süd has been the city’s gayborhood since the 1970s. Today, Neumarkt and Heumarkt remain the main LGBTQ+ nightlife hubs. These areas feature dozens of bars, dance clubs, and drag venues. Altstadt‑Süd is especially lively during Cologne Pride, which takes place in July and is one of the largest pride events in Europe.

Public transport covers the entire district. Major U-Bahn stations include Neumarkt (lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 16, 18), Poststraße (lines 3, 4), Severinstraße (lines 3, 4, 17, 18), and Ulrepforte (line 15). Tram and bus lines along the Ringe connect to Neustadt-Süd, Ehrenfeld, and Deutz, and the Rhine promenade is popular for walking and cycling toward Bayenthal and Rodenkirchen. The district is flat and easy to navigate on foot.

When it comes to accommodation, Altstadt-Süd offers everything from boutique properties to modern hotels and apartments with river views.

Best Hotels in Altstadt-Süd, Cologne

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Neustadt-Nord is one of the best districts to stay in Cologne for nightlife and dining.

Why is this one of the best areas to stay in Cologne:
• Belgian Quarter
• Stadtgarten concerts
• Trendy cafés
• Urban art scene
• Live music venues
• Agnesviertel charm
• Craft beer bars
• Green parks

Forming a semicircle north of the Old Town, Neustadt-Nord is one of Cologne’s most dynamic central districts. It is home to several well-known neighborhoods, including the Belgian Quarter, Agnesviertel, and Mediapark. 

Developed in the late 19th century after the old city walls were demolished, Neustadt-Nord is known today for its historic boulevards, parks, and nightlife areas.

Centered on Brüsseler Platz, the Belgian Quarter is one of Cologne’s liveliest neighborhoods. The area is full of cafés, bars, and small shops. Nearby, the Innerer Grüngürtel, a green belt built on the line of the former city fortifications, connects the different Neustadt quarters.

Surrounding a small lake, Mediapark was developed on the site of a former freight yard as a hub for media, broadcasting, and creative companies. Anchored by the KölnTurm, a 148.5‑meter tower with an observation deck and a restaurant, the complex also hosts the Cinedom multiplex. Nearby, Agnesviertel is home to St. Agnes Church, Skulpturen Park, and the Ringturm tower. 

Neustadt-Nord has an active food and nightlife scene. The Belgian Quarter is known for its mix of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, particularly between Rudolfsplatz and Friesenplatz. For a more laid-back night scene, Agnesviertel and Ebertplatz are home to many unassuming pubs and bars. Additionally, Stadtgarten’s music venue holds regular jazz and indie performances.

Transport in Neustadt-Nord is among the best in Cologne. Some of the area’s main stations include Rudolfplatz (1, 7, 12), Friesenplatz (3, 4, 5, 12, 15), Hansaring (12, 15, 16, S6, S11, S12, S13, S19), and Köln West (3, 4, 5, 12, 15). Several tram routes follow the Ringe and reach the main station in minutes. In addition, the district is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle thanks to its compact grid and numerous green spaces.

Best Hotels in Neustadt-Nord, Cologne

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Neustadt‑Süd is one of the best areas to stay in Cologne for young travelers and backpackers.

Why is this one of the best areas to stay in Cologne:
• Volksgarten park
• Südstadt charm
• Local wine bars
• Intimate theaters
• Cozy cafés
• Art house cinemas
• Historic Severinstraße
• Chill nightlife

Neustadt-Süd is located directly south of the Old Town and includes quarters such as Südstadt, Volksgarten, and Kwartier Latäng.

Like the rest of Neustadt, it developed in the late 19th century as Cologne expanded beyond its walls. It followed the construction of the southern Ringe and the creation of large squares lined with townhouses. The University of Cologne and several academic institutions established nearby helped shape its student character.

Neustadt‑Süd features several attractions, with Volksgarten Park as its main green space. Created in the 1890s, the park includes a large pond, a historic beer garden, and winding paths shaded by old trees. Another popular park in Neustadt‑Süd, Friedenspark, occupies the grounds of a former fort and contains open lawns, a small café, and remnants of the old ramparts that once encircled Cologne.

Other attractions in the district include parts of the city’s medieval fortifications, such as the Ulrepforte tower and the Severinstorburg gate, both preserved as reminders of the old wall. The Museum of East Asian Art, near Aachener Weiher, presents extensive Chinese, Japanese, and Korean collections in a modern lakeside building designed by Kunio Maekawa.

In addition to its attractions, Neustadt‑Süd is also one of Köln’s liveliest districts.  With a nightlife scene closely linked to its student community, the area around Zülpicher Straße, known locally as Kwartier Latäng, features bars, inexpensive restaurants, and late‑night venues that stay crowded well into the night. Meanwhile, Chlodwigplatz is home to smaller venues, jazz clubs, and pubs.

Public transport is extensive and connects every part of the district. Main U‑Bahn stations include Barbarossaplatz (12, 15, 16, 18), Zülpicher Platz (9, 12, 15), Chlodwigplatz (15, 16, 17), and Ulrepforte (15). Trams and buses along the Ringe provide direct access to Ehrenfeld and Deutz. Cycling paths follow the parks and connect with the city center in minutes.

Accommodation in Neustadt‑Süd features mid‑range and budget properties, making it an excellent choice for backpackers.  

Best Hotels in Neustadt-Süd, Cologne

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Deutz is one of the top areas to stay in Cologne for business travelers and major events.

Why is this one of the best areas to stay in Cologne:
• Lanxess Arena
• Cologne Trade Fair
• Rheinboulevard
• Stunning skyline views
• Direct train connections

Deutz lies on the eastern bank of the Rhine, directly opposite Cologne Cathedral. Several bridges, including the Hohenzollern Bridge, connect it to the Old Town.

Historically, Deutz developed as a Roman settlement, Divitia, built to protect the river crossing opposite Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. The area grew into a separate town during the Middle Ages and was later incorporated into Cologne. Today, its former factory buildings have been converted into offices and exhibition spaces.

Deutz is home to the Koelnmesse, the city’s main exhibition and trade fair center, which hosts international events throughout the year. The Lanxess Arena, one of Europe’s largest indoor venues, stages concerts and sports events. Meanwhile, the Cologne Triangle, with its 103‑meter observation platform, offers panoramic views of the cathedral and the riverfront skyline.

The district’s green spaces and riverside paths are ideal for walks and cycling. The Rheinpark, a vast landscaped park, stretches along the river and contains gardens, sculptures, and open-air performance spaces. In addition, the Rhein-Seilbahn cable car crosses the river and connects the Rheinpark to the Kölner Zoo.

Dining and nightlife in Deutz are quieter than on the opposite bank, but steadily growing. Restaurants near the Deutzer Freiheit U‑Bahn station serve international food, while small bars and breweries around Siegesstraße and Tempelstraße attract locals after work. During large trade fairs or concerts, the streets around Lanxess Arena fill with visitors until late.

Deutz is a major transport hub. Köln Messe/Deutz station serves long‑distance, regional, and S‑Bahn lines, including direct trains to Bonn, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt Airport. U‑Bahn stations such as Deutzer Freiheit (1, 7, 9) and Suevenstraße (3, 4) link the area with the old town and other central districts. Multiple bridges and pedestrian routes cross the Rhine in under ten minutes.

Accommodation in Deutz includes modern business hotels and serviced apartments concentrated near the Lanxess Arena and Köln Messe/Deutz station.

Best Hotels in Deutz, Cologne

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Ehrenfeld is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Cologne for alternative nightlife and street art.

Ehrenfeld is located directly northwest of Neustadt and about ten minutes from the Hauptbahnhof. Once a working-class industrial area, it has transformed into a lively district known for its street art, music venues, and creative energy.

Today, many walls and bridges around the Ehrenfeld railway station are covered in large-scale murals, many produced during the CityLeaks Urban Art Festival, which turned much of the district into an open-air gallery. Nearby, the Helios Lighthouse, a 19th-century factory tower, is one of Ehrenfeld’s defining landmarks. In addition to its art scene, the area features converted industrial sites that now house community projects, cultural centers, and exhibition halls.

Venloer Straße, the district’s main commercial corridor, is lined with international food shops and cafés. Meanwhile, Körnerstraße, Subbelrather Straße, and Ehrenfeldgürtel are known for their independent boutiques, vintage stores, and small galleries.

Home to a vibrant alternative nightlife scene, many of Ehrenfeld’s former industrial buildings have been turned into concert halls and clubs. Notable venues include Herbrand’s, which occupies a restored factory with a beer garden, restaurant, and event space. Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld, located under the railway arches, and the nearby YUCA host live music, DJ nights, and festivals throughout the year.

Ehrenfeld is well-connected to the rest of the city. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn meet at Bahnhof Ehrenfeld (3, 4, 13, S12, S13, S19), while tram lines 5 and 13 stop at Subbelrather Straße/Gürtel. Buses and cycle paths link the area to the Grüngürtel and the city center. Travel to the cathedral or the main station takes about ten minutes.

Accommodation in Ehrenfeld consists mainly of affordable hotels, hostels, and short-stay apartments perfect for younger travelers and visitors seeking a local experience.

Best Hotels in Ehrenfeld, Cologne

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Nippes and Riehl offer a quiet local atmosphere and proximity to some of Cologne’s most popular family-friendly attractions.

Nippes and Riehl are located directly north of the Neustadt-Nord district. Together they form a primarily residential area known for its calm streets and green spaces.

The main attractions in Riehl include the Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest in Germany and home to over 10,000 animals from around the world, and the Flora Botanical Garden, a 19th‑century park with glasshouses, themed gardens, and seasonal flower exhibitions. The nearby cable car (Kölner Seilbahn) crosses the Rhine to Deutz, providing panoramic river views. Meanwhile, Nippes is known for its weekly market (Wochenmarkt), which takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday on Wilhelmplatz. Altenberger Hof, a restored 19th‑century farmhouse, hosts concerts and cultural events. Nearby, the Nippeser Tälchen and Blücherpark offer walking paths, lawns, and small lakes.

Dining and nightlife remain modest in both districts. Nippes has small Kölsch pubs, cafés, and neighborhood restaurants, while Riehl’s riverside promenade features a few quiet beer gardens.

Public transport connects both areas directly to the city center. Köln-Nippes station (S6, S11, S12, S13, S19) provides train access, while U-Bahn lines 12, 15, and 16 serve Nippes, and line 18 reaches Riehl. Several tram and bus routes link the districts to Ehrenfeld, Mülheim, and Deutz. Cycling routes follow the Rhine and connect both areas to the old town.

Accommodation in Nippes and Riehl consists mainly of budget hotels, guesthouses, and short-stay apartments.

Best Hotels in Nippes & Riehl, Cologne

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Mülheim is an excellent place to stay near the Cologne Fair during major business events and trade shows.

Mülheim is located on the eastern bank of the Rhine, northeast of Deutz. It is known for its riverside redevelopment and proximity to the KoelnMesse fairgrounds.

The district’s main attraction is the expansive Cologne Fair or KoelnMesse, one of Europe’s largest exhibition centers. The complex covers more than 200,000 square meters of indoor space across multiple halls and includes modern conference facilities for trade shows, conventions, and business meetings. It hosts international trade fairs such as gamescom, Anuga, and Art Cologne, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Other sights include the Mülheim Harbor, which features repurposed old warehouses. E‑Werk, a former power station, and the nearby Palladium host major concerts and cultural events. Along the Rhine, Mülheimer Brücke connects the district to Riehl, and the river promenade provides wide views of Cologne’s skyline.

Transportation in Mülheim is extensive. Köln‑Mülheim station (S6, S11, S12, S13, S19) provides direct train access to the Hauptbahnhof and regional cities. The Berliner Straße stop (4, 13, 18) connects to Deutz and the inner districts, while Wiener Platz functions as the local tram and bus hub. In addition, many walking and cycling paths follow the river.

Accommodation in Mülheim consists mostly of mid‑range and business‑focused hotels, with some serviced apartments.

Best Hotels in Mülheim, Cologne

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The area around Cologne Bonn Airport is particularly convenient for travelers with early flights or short business visits.

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 15 kilometers southeast of the city center in the district of Porz.

Flughafen Köln/Bonn (CGN) connects Cologne with destinations in Germany, Europe, and beyond. It is one of Germany’s busiest regional airports and a major base for Eurowings and other low-cost carriers.

The airport features two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 mostly operates services by Eurowings and other Lufthansa Group carriers, while Terminal 2 serves most other airlines, including Ryanair. 

Transportation to and from the airport is direct and frequent. The Köln/Bonn Flughafen station (S13, S19, RE6, RE8) provides fast connections to the Hauptbahnhof, Bonn, and Düsseldorf. Highway A59 links the airport with central Cologne in about 15 minutes by car or taxi. Dedicated bus routes also serve the surrounding suburbs and business parks.

Accommodation around Cologne Bonn Airport mainly includes mid-range business hotels and short-stay options for passengers catching early or late flights. Many hotels offer transfer services to the terminals.

Best Hotels near Cologne Airport (CGN)

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