Where to stay in Cologne [Best Places to Stay for 2025]
There are many reasons to visit Cologne, the largest city of Germany’s western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This university town is known for Christmas Markets, over a dozen cathedrals, cultural attractions, and a scenic spot along the Rhine River.
With over 1 million residents and nine city districts, deciding where to stay in Cologne is an important decision. With this guide, we can help you find the best area for tourists, and the best Cologne hotels for every budget.
We will cover off all types of accommodation in Cologne Germany; options from Hostels to luxury Cologne hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Cologne Germany 2025.
Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Cologne
| ❤️ Best Area first timers | Old Town Cologne |
| 💸 Best Luxury Hotel | Hilton Cologne |
| 👪 Best Hotel for For Families | Radisson Blu Hotel Köln |
| 🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel | Motel One Köln-Neumarkt |
| 🛏️ Best Budget Hotel | Hotel im Kupferkessel |
| ✨ Best Hostel | Weltempfänger Hostel |
This guide shows off the best Cologne hotels, best places in Cologne to visit, the best places to stay in Cologne, hotels near Cologne attractions, Cologne neighborhood guide and many more.
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Altstadt (Old Town)- Where to stay in Cologne for first timers
Over 70% of Cologne was destroyed with the rest of Germany in the second World War, so the Old Town is not as old as other “old towns” of Europe, but retains a colorful look that is quite picturesque.
Old Town is one of the best areas in Cologne for first timers, as it’s a centralised location.
Much of Cologne’s Old Town has been restored and it holds many of Cologne’s best tourist attractions. The Cologne Cathedral, or Kolner Dom, is a landmark seen for miles, and a designated World Heritage Site.
The Hauptbahnhof is located in Old Town, which is perfect for those day trips from Cologne by train. Below are some hotels near Cologne train station.
If you are visiting Cologne in winter and want to know where to stay in cologne for Christmas market, then Old Town is the best choice as the main market is right in front of the cathedral. Along with New Town, or Neustadt, these two districts make up the city center called Innenstadt, also known as the Ring.
Best places to stay in Cologne Old Town
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Cologne Old Town
Budget accommodation in Cologne Old Town
Mid range accommodation in Cologne Old Town
- URBAN LOFT Cologne
- Classik Hotel Antonius
- Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery
- Lindner Hotel Cologne Am Dom
Family Friendly accommodation in Cologne Old Town
- Haus am Dom – Apartments und Ferienwohnungen
- Eden Hotel Früh am Dom
- Hotel am Museum Köln
- Wyndham Köln
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Cologne Old Town
Neustadt – Where to stay in Cologne for tourists
The other part of the “Ring” in Cologne is Neustadt, or New Town. Many of Cologne’s modern hotels are located in Neustadt, making this a family friendly place to stay in Cologne, in easy reach of the Old Town attractions, with the modern conveniences of an urban center.
Rudolfplatz is a main hub of this area, and a U-Bahn station, which separates two sub-districts of Neustadt; the Belgian Quarter and Friesenplatz. Neustadt is quite a large area, and encompasses Cologne accommodation for every type of traveler.
Best places to stay in Neustadt
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Neustadt
Budget accommodation in Neustadt
Mid range accommodation in Neustadt
- XII Apostel Albergo
- Motel One Köln-Neumarkt
- Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln
- Koncept Hotel International
Family Friendly accommodation in Neustadt
- Hotel am Augustinerplatz
- Mauritius Komfort Hotel in der Altstadt
- NH Köln Altstadt
- Mauritius Hotel & Therme
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Neustadt
Belgian Quarter – Where to stay in Cologne for nightlife
Travelers wanting to know where to stay in Cologne for nightlife should look to the trendy Belgian Quarter of Cologne.
This district has a high concentration of chic bars and trendy restaurants, which also makes it the best place to stay for foodies visiting Cologne.
By day, it’s a fun residential area to explore, as it’s allegedly one of the best places to live in Cologne. Shopping is fun, with used bookstores and vintage boutiques, and quaint cafes to while away the day people watching.
Best places to stay in Belgian Quarter
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Belgian Quarter
Budget accommodation in Belgian Quarter
Mid range accommodation in Belgian Quarter
- Hotel Flandrischer Hof
- Schickes 1-Zimmer Apartment im Herzen Köln
- NEU Innenstadt Altstadt Apartment in Top Lage von Köln
- Appartment mit großem Balkon im belgischen Viertel
Family Friendly accommodation in Belgian Quarter
- Novum Hotel Leonet Köln Altstadt
- Hotel Esplanade
- Chelsea Hotel
- Zentrales Apartment 7min zum Kölner HBF
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Belgian Quarter
Friesenplatz – Where to stay in Cologne on a budget
Another nightlife destination of Cologne is Friesenplatz, an area between the Belgian Quarter and the city center.
Friesenstrasse is lined with bars and restaurants popular with students, making this a budget friendly place to stay in Cologne. In fact, “clubbing on the Ring” is a phenomenon of Cologne, having to do with all of the clubs along the Ring.
Friesenplatz best area to stay in Cologne for those looking for budget friendly hotels, while the clubs further north, back towards Neustadt, tend to more chic, and more expensive.
Best places to stay in Friesenplatz
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Friesenplatz
Budget accommodation in Friesenplatz
Mid range accommodation in Friesenplatz
- Park Inn by Radisson Köln City West
- NH Collection Köln Mediapark
- Mercure Hotel Köln City Friesenstraße
- THE QVEST hideaway
Family Friendly accommodation in Friesenplatz
- limehome Köln Friesenplatz
- 25hours Hotel The Circle
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza
- Penthouse Apartment mit Rundumterrasse
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Friesenplatz
Deutz – Where to stay in Cologne with family
Across the Rhine River from the city center of Cologne is the area of Deutz. This is the sports and entertainment hub of Cologne, with destinations like the Lanxess Arena, the Fair Trade Grounds, and the Rheinpark.
If you are visiting Cologne for a rock concert or a hockey match, then Deutz is a great place to stay in Cologne.
The location outside of the city center means you can also find budget friendly accommodation with easy reach of Cologne’s attractions just a quick train ride away.
Being outside of the nightlife districts also makes Deutz a family friendly place to stay in Cologne.
Best places to stay in Deutz
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Deutz
Budget accommodation in Deutz
Mid range accommodation in Deutz
Family Friendly accommodation in Deutz
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Deutz
Bergisch Gladbach – Where to stay near Cologne for country lovers
If you prefer a more rural retreat that is less than 45 minutes from Cologne city center, then Bergisch Gladbach is a great location.
This is the outdoor adventure hub of the Cologne region, with Bergisches Land encompassing mountains, forest and rivers stretching up to the famous Neanderthal Valley.
Staying in Bergisch Gladbach allows you to experience the Germany countryside, with a quick nip into town for nightlife and cuisine.
Best places to stay in Bergisch Gladbach
Budget accommodation in Bergisch Gladbach
Mid range accommodation in Bergisch Gladbach
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