Where to Stay in Cologne Germany: My Top Areas & Hotels 2025

Cologne is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated cities in Germany. Everyone always seems to run straight to Berlin or Munich, but so many people skip Cologne, and they’re definitely missing out.

The city has a gorgeous Old Town full of narrow alleyways, cozy cafés, and traditional restaurants, with the iconic Cologne Cathedral standing tall right in the middle of it all. 

Personally, I love being in Cologne during the summer, it’s so lively, with restaurants spilling out onto the streets and people enjoying the long, warm evenings. But I love Winter in Cologne just as much. Christmas in Cologne is honestly one of my favorites, thanks to some of the best Christmas markets in Germany.

So, to help you plan your trip, I’ve put together this guide on where to stay in Cologne. I’ll walk you through my favorite areas of the city, share a few of my personal favorite hotels I’ve stayed at, and keep everything simple and to the point. Let’s get into it.

Where to Stay in Cologne Germany – My Experience

To give you a better feel for the city, I want to start with some of my own experiences in Cologne. I grew up just outside of the city, so for most of my childhood and adult life I’ve been coming here, sometimes for weekend trips with my family, and later just for quick visits to see friends. Most of the time, I’d only stay for a day or maybe a single night.

More recently, I’ve been back a few times as a proper visitor again. About a year ago, I spent a few days in Cologne in the summer and stayed right in the middle of the Old Town. It was perfect, I could walk everywhere, and I spent most evenings sitting in beer gardens. 

In summer the sun doesn’t set until almost 10 pm, so the city feels alive well into the night, especially in areas like the Belgian Quarter and the Studentenviertel.

Then I came back this past winter, and honestly, I think winter might be my new favorite time in Cologne. The Christmas markets in Cologne are just some of the best I’ve ever been to. 

The Heinzels Wintermärchen market at the Old Market was incredible, definitely a must if you’re visiting around Christmas. Once again, I stayed in the Old Town, only about a 10-minute walk from the main markets, which made everything super easy.

On that trip, I stayed at the Maritim Hotel in Cologne, and I’d absolutely recommend it. It’s a bit more upscale but still good value for money, and the location couldn’t be better for exploring.

Best Areas to Stay in Cologne Germany

In all my trips to Cologne, I’ve almost always stayed in the Old Town (Cologne city center). Honestly, unless you have a specific reason, like wanting to be right by the airport or the convention center, I don’t see much point in staying anywhere else.

I’ll share a couple of other neighborhoods I like, but if I’m being real, I’d recommend 99% of you just stay in the Old Town. 

When you’re looking at a map or searching on Booking.com, focus on the west (left) side of the Rhine River, anywhere inside the “Ring” (Hohenzollernring road). Stay within that circle and you’ll be within walking distance from pretty much everything you want to see.

Cologne Old Town

Like I said, the Old Town is basically the heart of Cologne and my favorite area to stay. 

This is also where I’ve stayed on most of my visits. For me, it’s the best location if you’re here as a tourist. From my hotel, I can walk everywhere: the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Market, Heumarkt, all the Christmas markets and even the Chocolate Museum. And there are endless pubs, bars, and beer gardens just around the corner.

That’s really all I need for a trip to Cologne. And if I ever want to go further out, like to the Belgian Quarter or even the Cologne Zoo then the public transport system makes it super easy.

Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter is probably my second favorite area to stay in Cologne, and depending on what you’re after, I might even recommend it over the Old Town. 

It’s basically just outside the city center/Old Town, and I’ve stayed here a few times myself. I really like it here, but that’s also because I’ve already seen all the main sights. If it’s your first time in Cologne, I’d still say stick with the Old Town.

That said, the Belgian Quarter has such a fun, younger vibe with plenty of nightlife, beer gardens, cozy pubs, and restaurants. One of my favorite spots here is the Aachener Weiher, a little lake with a park where loads of students and locals hang out in summer with drinks. 

Deutz

Deutz isn’t my number one recommendation, but it does have its perks and I’ve stayed here before too. It’s located on the east side of the river, which means you get some of the best views of the Cologne Cathedral and the skyline. One of the big draws is that many of the larger, well-known hotels are here. 

If staying at the Hyatt Cologne with cathedral views sounds like your kind of thing, then this might be the area for you.

Deutz is also super practical if you’re in town for an event since it’s home to Cologne’s big convention center and the Lanxess Arena (where you’ll catch concerts, ice hockey, and other big events). So while it’s not the most charming or central neighborhood, it’s definitely convenient for certain types of trips.

My Favorite Places to Stay in Cologne Germany

1.Best Hotels in Cologne Old Town

Maritim Hotel Cologne

The Maritim Hotel is where I stayed on one of my recent visits to Cologne, and I think it’s officially one of my favorites now. It’s also probably the most upscale hotel I’ve ever stayed at in the city. We stayed for a whole weekend (two nights) and had the best time, the staff were super friendly and attentive from the moment we arrived.

Since we drove into Cologne, having easy parking was a big deal for us, and that worked out perfectly because the hotel has its own parking garage.

My favorite part though was definitely the view. One afternoon we had lunch and coffee in their restaurant, which has a rooftop terrace with incredible views over the Cologne Cathedral. Sitting up there with a coffee looking straight at the cathedral was one of those “yep, this was worth it” moments.

The rooms were spacious, the beds were so comfortable that I actually slept better than I usually do in hotels, and as a little bonus they have a heated indoor swimming pool. After walking around the Christmas markets in the cold, slipping into that warm pool was absolute heaven.

I’ll definitely stay here again on my next visit, especially if I’m traveling by car. It was just so easy, and the location couldn’t have been better.

Book Here: Maritim Hotel Cologne

Legend Hotel Cologne

I haven’t actually stayed here myself (yet), but when I was researching where to stay in Cologne, the Legend Hotel immediately caught my eye. It was honestly my top choice, but since we were driving and needed parking, the Maritim Hotel ended up being more convenient. If I were coming by train though, this is exactly where I’d book.

The Legend Hotel is a brand-new, beautifully renovated boutique hotel right in the middle of the Old Town, just steps from the Cologne Cathedral. The rooms look super stylish, and the location couldn’t be better, you’re about a 5–10 minute walk from Cologne’s main train station, which makes it ideal for anyone interrailing or traveling around Europe by train.

I keep thinking how perfect it would be to stay here at Christmas, because the markets would basically be right outside your doorstep. That’s 100% on my list for a future trip.

Book Here: Legend Hotel Cologne

Garner Hotel Cologne

The Garner Hotel Cologne used to be my go-to for quite a while. I’ve stayed here many times over the years and always found it to be one of the best value-for-money options in the city.

It’s modern, stylish, and has a really charming vibe. I especially love the lobby and breakfast area, they’re super cute and give the place more personality than you’d expect at this price point.

Yes, the rooms are on the smaller side, but honestly, that’s never been an issue for me since I’m usually out exploring all day anyway. Also, the beds have always been really comfortable, so no complaints there.

The biggest selling point though in my opinion is definitely the value. The hotel is clean, well-kept, modern, and whenever I booked a queen room here, I usually paid under $100 a night, which feels like a total steal considering the central location.

Book Here: Garner Hotel Cologne

2. Cologne Hotels in the Belgian Quarter

Steigenberger Hotel Cologne

The Steigenberger Hotel in Cologne is definitely one of the city’s most popular choices when it comes to luxury. It’s also one of the more expensive hotels in Cologne, so if you’re looking to splurge, this is a good one. 

I haven’t personally stayed here yet, but I’ve looked into it many times and the rooms are beautifully designed. Even though the hotel itself is older, it has gone through plenty of renovations, so it feels modern and up to date.

The best part about staying here is the location, you’re right next to the Belgian Quarter, which means restaurants, beer gardens, and shops are all at your doorstep. Plus, the tram station is literally right outside, so getting to Cologne’s main train station or the Old Town is super easy.

Book Here: Steigenberger Hotel Cologne

Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft

Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft is where I stayed ages ago, back in my early twenties, and I still think it’s one of the best budget-friendly options in Cologne. It’s modern, clean, and super affordable. Some of the rooms are designed in quirky, creative themes, which adds a bit of personality to the place.

The location is perfect if you’re planning on going out, it’s right by the Belgian Quarter and the Studentenviertel, so nightlife is basically around the corner. Back then I booked it simply because I wanted somewhere cheap and central, and for that it was perfect.

Book Here: Hostel Die Wohngemeinschaft

3. Accommodation in Cologne Deutz

Hyatt Regency Cologne

The Hyatt Regency Cologne is, in my opinion, the top hotel in Cologne. If you’re after the best of the best, this is the one. 

Needless to say, I’ve never stayed here myself, it’s a bit out of my budget (though if anyone from Hyatt Cologne is reading this, I’m absolutely available for a complimentary stay, thank you very much).

That said, I’ve done my research, and the location alone makes it worth it. The hotel sits right on the Rhine with stunning views over Cologne’s skyline and the cathedral. 

Every time I drive out of the city center over the Deutzer Brücke, this hotel is basically staring me in the face, it’s impossible to miss. Inside, the rooms are modern and spacious, and you also get an indoor swimming pool and a fantastic restaurant.

Book Here: Hyatt Regency Cologne

Zur Guten Quelle

If you want something more affordable, I can highly recommend Zur Guten Quelle. I stayed here a while back and really liked it. It’s a small, family-run hotel with only a handful of rooms, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier.

To be fair, I didn’t spend too much time in the hotel because I was in Cologne for a concert at the Lanxess Arena, but the location couldn’t have been more perfect for that. The room was clean and comfortable, and overall it felt like excellent value for money. Definitely a solid choice if you want something simple and cozy on the Deutz side.

Book Here: Zur Guten Quelle

FAQs About the Best Hotels in Cologne Germany

What is the best luxury hotel in Cologne, Germany?

You’ve got the big names like the Hyatt Cologne or the Marriott Cologne, but personally, I really like the Maritim Hotel Cologne. It feels a little more authentic, with more character and a great location right in the city.

What is the best area in Cologne, Germany?

Without a doubt, the Old Town. This is where I’ve stayed most of my visits, and honestly, it’s just the best location for exploring the city.

What to do in Cologne?

There’s a lot to keep you busy: climb the tower of the Cologne Cathedral, join a walking tour, check out the Chocolate Museum, and of course, have a beer and schnitzel in a proper beer garden.

Is Cologne worth visiting?

I think so, yes. It’s not my absolute number one destination in Germany, but I still think Cologne is underrated and worth at least a day or two.

Final Thoughts on Staying in Cologne

To wrap this up, I honestly think staying in the Old Town makes the most sense for most people. 

Anywhere else just makes things less convenient. I always stay in the Old Town because I can walk everywhere: the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Market, the Chocolate Museum, the Rhine River, or even the Christmas markets in winter.

If I do want to explore further out, Cologne’s public transport system is great. It’s super easy (and cheap) to get to the Belgian Quarter, Aachener Weiher, or even out to Flora and the Botanical Garden or the Cologne Zoo.

I hope this little guide on Where to Stay in Cologne Germany gives you a clear idea of the best areas and hotels in Cologne and helps you plan your Germany trip.

Check Out My Cologne Germany Travel Guides

The Best Time to Visit Cologne Germany: My Seasonal Guide

How Many Days in Cologne Do You Need: My Day by Day Guide

Food in Cologne Germany: My Top Restaurants in Cologne

1 Day in Cologne: One Day Cologne Itinerary

Is Cologne Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Things to Do in Cologne Germany: My Top Activities

Christmas Markets Cologne Germany: My Favorite Christmas Markets