Cologne (Köln in German) is a city in western Germany. Cologne is made up of a multitude of neighborhoods, each with its own character and history that has shaped the landscape. In this article you will find some of the best areas to stay in Cologne with each area’s hotel tips in every price range.
We recommend doing a research and booking your hotel in advance, especially when traveling during peak season, to save time and nerves during your trip. The best websites to book hotels in Cologne are Booking.com and Agoda.com that always offer great deals.
Cologne, which is an important city in terms of tourism, has many options for accommodation that cater to different budgets so choosing a hotel in Cologne for your stay won’t certainly be a problem. If you are thinking about where to stay in Cologne, you should choose one of the hotels around Altstadt Nord, Altstadt Süd, Neustadt, Nippes, or Deutz area and your visit in this German city will be really convenient. Check the detailed guide to the best neighborhoods in Cologne to find the ideal place to stay.
1. Altstadt Nord
Altstadt means "Old Town" in German. Therefore it is the historic heart of the city of Cologne, divided into two parts, the north and the south.
The first area that we would recommend you to research when looking where to stay in Cologne is Altstadt Nord. Altstadt Nord, located on the eastern bank of the Rhine River, is known as the most central location of the city, where the historical atmosphere is blended with high level tourist facilities. This area is the large part of historic district of the city which listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All Cologne's main attractions such as Cologne Cathedral, Cologne City Hall, or the old market are within a walking distance so it is an ideal place to stay in Cologne if you want to make the most of your short-term visit while staying right in the heart of the city. If you are arriving by train, you can easily reach your hotel on foot.
Around the historic square you will find many small hotels between museums, breweries and shopping opportunities. Being the most touristic part of the city, Altstadt Nord is offering a great variety of accommodations but the room rates are higher than in other areas of Cologne, especially during the summer season. Some hotels in this area are located directly on the bank of the Rhine River. The rooms with a view to the river quite often cost a little more but they are definitely worth the money. It is possible to find affordable luxury hotels in Altstadt Nord when making early reservations.
Some of the best rated hotels in Altstadt Nord:
CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom
2. Altstadt Süd
Altstadt Süd is also located on the west bank of the Rhine River, just south of Altstadt Nord. Together with Altstadt Nord, Altstadt Süd forms the area of Cologne Old Town. There are interesting museums in the southern part of the old town and the most famous museum there is probably the Chocolate Museum.
In Altstadt Süd area, there are many charming and historic hotels to choose from. The upscale hotels in this area are often a little cheaper than in other parts of the city. The area is little quieter than Altstadt Nord so you can have a better relaxation.
Some of the best rated hotels in Altstad Süd:
Mercure Hotel Severinshof Köln City
3. Neustadt
Neustadt or the New Town is the area next to the western side Cologne Old Town. Neustadt is also divided into the northern (Neustadt-Nord) and southern (Neustadt-Süd) parts. Each of these two parts borders with the respective part of the old town.
Neustadt-Nord is a more popular place to stay because this area is known for its beautiful location and proximity to touristic places. When staying in Neustadt, you can easily get around Cologne by public transportation even or just easily reach the most important places of interest in the city on foot. Cologne Tower is in the list of places to visit for those staying in Neustadt area.
Neustadt is representing the modern face of Cologne, which attracts attention with its lively atmosphere. There is no doubt that this area preferred by those who love active nightlife and want to be close to it. In addition, Neustadt area has become one of the favorite places to stay for people visiting Cologne for business purposes. Therefore, you can also check for accommodation in this area during your next business trip.
Neustadt is one of the most ideal areas to stay in Cologne for those looking for an affordable hotel (compared to those in the old town) that would still be close enough to the city center.
Some of the best rated hotels in Neustadt:
Boutique Hotel 026 Köln St.Michael
4. Nippes
Nippes is located further north of Neustadt and is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Cologne. The area is not too far from the center so you can travel from there to other areas of the city by metro or train quickly and comfortably.
Nippes is a residential area with beautiful parks and Kölner Zoo, where you can go for a walk and visit. There are many boulevards of traditional cottages, vintage shops, chic cafes and supermarkets full of vegan and organic products. Although there are several pubs and clubs, the nightlife is not as active as in the center and other neighborhoods. There are few hotels in the Nippes district but they offer affordable rooms.
Some of the best rated hotels in Nippes:
5. Deutz
Deutz lies on the opposite bank of the Rhine River parallel to the Old Town. When staying here, you can cross the river at any time via the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge or using the cable car to visit the most famous attractions in Cologne. This area is the main commercial district of the city, hosting many administrative buildings and green areas, including the beautiful Rheinpark which extends right along the bank of the river in the northern part of the area. This area is excellently connected by “Köln Messe / Deutz” train station so if you will be traveling to Cologne by train, Deutz might be the right place to stay for you.
Accommodations in Deutz offer much more modern atmosphere than you can find in other Cologne areas. Hotels in this area are also providing affordable accommodation even when looking for a stylish or luxury hotel with the incredible view of the Rhine River illuminated at night. Deutz area is quieter than the Old Town so it is especially preferred by the families with children.
Some of the best rated hotels in Deutz:
Best Hotels in Cologne
If all of Cologne best areas seem equally attractive for you, you can shorten your search to the best hotels in Cologne as this list includes the best rated hotels in various parts of the city.