A full guide to where to stay in Cologne, Germany (+ the best places to stay for the Christmas market, hotels near the Central Train station and castle hotels near Cologne).
Located on the banks of the Rhine River, Cologne is the largest city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. With its excellent transport links, Cologne is an ideal base to explore this beautiful region of Germany. Places like Bonn, Aachen, Essen, and Düsseldorf are reachable in less than an hour by either train or car.
In this guide to where to stay in Cologne, you’ll find the best hotels near the Cologne Cathedral, the Central train station and the best places to stay for the Christmas market. And if you’re dreaming of staying in a castle near Cologne, I’ve got you covered as well!
Where I stayed in Cologne
My favourite area to stay in Cologne is Altstadt (the Old Town). It’s the ideal place to stay for sightseeing and the Christmas market. I stayed here during my first trip to Cologne, and it was very convenient, as the train station was just a few minutes away. Moreover, I found myself within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants and, of course, the iconic cathedral.
💖 My favourite hotel in Cologne: Legend Hotel
Perfect for: sightseeing – just a short stroll away from Cologne Cathedral and the train station
What I loved: rooftop bar with cathedral view, fantastic restaurant
Check details & prices: Booking.com | Expedia
I found the Legend Hotel on my last trip to Cologne, and it’s been my favourite spot to stay ever since. It’s right in the middle of the Altstadt, next to the old City Hall, so you’re super close to everything. I loved the rooftop terrace (it’s got gorgeous views of the cathedral) and their restaurant, Puls, was a real highlight (definitely try the cocktails!).
Readers’ most booked hotel in Cologne
Looking for a great hotel, conveniently situated in Altstadt, close to the cathedral and the train station? Then check out CityClass Hotel am Dom – with over 4,800 reviews, it is the most booked hotel in Cologne.
CityClass Hotel am Dom – Most booked hotel
This stylish 4-star hotel is situated right in front of the stunning cathedral. The location is fantastic, close to restaurants, museums and the Christmas markets at the cathedral and Alter Markt. Rooms are modern with comfy beds, and some of them feature beautiful views of the cathedral.
Where to stay in Cologne, Germany (My top picks)
- Altstadt – for sightseeing (Hotel Mondial am Dom – best hotel in Altstadt)
- Cologne Central Station – easy access to trains (Savoy Hotel – best hotel near the station)
- Alter Markt – for the Christmas market (CityClass Hotel – best hotel near Alter Markt)
- Friesenplatz – for nightlife (Ruby Ella Hotel – best hotel near Friesenplatz)
- Koelnmesse – for events and exhibitions (Radisson Blu Hotel – best hotel near Koelnmesse)
- Best hotel at Cologne Bonn Airport – Hotel Moxy
- Best castle hotel near Cologne – Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg
Tips for booking a hotel in Cologne
Book early (if you’re visiting for the Christmas market or the carnival in February) – the Christmas market in Cologne is among the most popular ones in both Germany and Europe. Therefore, if you plan to visit during the holiday season, be sure to book your accommodation months in advance.
Visiting Cologne for the first time? Then take a look at my 1-day Cologne itinerary, which includes the most popular attractions and where to taste the famous local beer Kölsch.
Altstadt – best area to stay in Cologne for sightseeing
The best place to stay in Cologne is Altstadt (Old Town), in particular the area south of Cologne Cathedral. Altstadt is full of history and charm, with old streets and pretty squares, such as Alter Markt and Heumarkt. By staying here, you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s most popular attractions, including the cathedral, Museum Ludwig, Great St. Martin Church, and the Rhine River.
The Rhine River divides the city of Cologne into two parts, connected by several bridges. The Old Town (Altstadt), which lies on the west bank, is the city’s historic district. It is home to some of the city’s major landmarks, the most famous of which is Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This impressive Gothic cathedral has dominated the skyline for centuries and is one of the most visited attractions in Germany.
For shopping, head to Schildergasse and Hohe Straße, home to department stores and flagship stores of major international brands. At their intersection, you’ll find Galeria Kaufhof, the city’s largest department store.
Why stay in Altstadt (Cologne City Centre) for sightseeing
- Altstadt is the best area to stay in Cologne for sightseeing, as it offers proximity to all major attractions and the train station as well
- Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), located just a short stroll from Altstadt, provides convenient connections to the rest of Germany
- easy access to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) by train from Köln Hauptbahnhof
- walking distance to all major attractions, including the cathedral, Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Museum Ludwig, City Hall and Rhine River
If you’re visiting Cologne for the first time, I highly recommend staying in the Altstadt, near the cathedral. You’ll be just a short stroll away from museums, great restaurants, transportation links and the boat terminals on the Rhine River.
In Altstadt, you’ll find plenty of traditional breweries (known as brauhauses). Here you can enjoy the famous local Kölsch beer alongside delicious regional dishes. Some of my favourite places are Gilden im Zims, known for their fantastic pork knuckles, and Peters Brauhaus, where you can enjoy delicious sausages.
Best hotels in Cologne City Centre
CityClass Hotel Alter Markt – Most popular 4-star
Situated at the main square in the Old Town, Alter Markt, this hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. The location is super, within walking distance of all main attractions, restaurants and the Rhine River. Rooms feature a modern design with a touch of history, and some of them offer amazing views of Kölner Dom.
Hotel Mondial am Dom – Best rated 4-star
Hotel Mondial am Dom boasts a fantastic location, opposite Museum Ludwig and a few minutes away from Cologne Cathedral. At Mondial 1516, you can try traditional German dishes while enjoying a view of the cathedral. There is also a Legs 11 café, offering snacks and exclusive coffee specialities. There is also a nice spa centre on-site and parking, which is handy if you’re driving.
Marriott Hotel – Most popular 5-star
Marriott Hotel is ideally located within a 5-minute stroll from the cathedral, the train station and the riverbank. There’s a great restaurant on-site, Cast Iron Grill, serving fresh, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Make sure to visit the Plüsch Bar, offering over a hundred whiskeys and bourbons, including rare finds from Buffalo Distillery.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom – Best rated 5-star
For an unforgettable luxury experience, reserve a room at Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom. This grand hotel, family-owned since 1863, is located directly opposite the cathedral. You can enjoy exotic Asian dishes at Taku (a Michelin-star restaurant) and French gourmet cuisine at Hanse Stube. There is also a Wintergarten, offering delicious patisserie and afternoon tea, and a Piano Bar with live music.
Hotel Sandmanns am Dom – Best 3-star
Hotel Sandmanns am Dom is a great budget-friendly option, just a short walk from the Kölner Dom and the main train station. The rooms are clean, comfy, and have a quirky desert theme. The Bedouin-style breakfast buffet is great, with lots of local goodies and a good start to the day.
Haus am Dom – Best apartments
Offering a stunning view of the cathedral, these apartments are conveniently located just a short distance from everything. Each apartment features a small kitchenette with a coffee machine and a microwave. Check-in is super easy, and they’ve got luggage storage, too.
Best hotels near Cologne Central Station
Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), is one of Germany’s busiest railway stations. It serves as a major transportation hub for both regional and international travel, offering connections to cities such as Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, and beyond.
The central station is in the heart of the city, right beside the stunning Cologne Cathedral. It’s the first thing you’ll see as you step out of the station. Köln Hauptbahnhof is known for its impressive architecture, featuring a large glass roof and a historic facade.
Staying next to the central station means you’ll have easy access not just to major transportation connections but also to the Cologne Stadtbahn (light rail system). Plus, you’ll be just a short walk from all major attractions, including the cathedral, Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, City Hall and numerous shops and restaurants.
Here are some of the best hotels near Cologne Central Station.
Urban Loft – Most popular 4-star
Just a 5-minute walk from the main train station, Urban Loft offers modern, soundproof rooms. The rooftop terrace has awesome views of the cathedral, and the bar is worth checking out, too. They make cocktails with local ingredients, like gin from a nearby distillery and homemade ginger beer. A nice bonus: complimentary coffee all day from the city’s oldest coffee roaster, Schamong.
Savoy Hotel – Best rated 4-star
Located just a short stroll from the central station, the Savoy Hotel is the perfect choice for an overnight stay. There is a wellness centre, featuring a bio sauna, steam room, polar ice pool and infrared cabins. You can enjoy afternoon tea at the fireplace lounge, great cocktails at the DIVAS bar and BBQ dishes at the roof terrace and sun lounge.
Marriott Hotel – Best 5-star
For a luxury overnight stay, book a room at the Marriott Hotel. The hotel is conveniently situated just a short walk from Köln Hauptbahnhof and the Rhine River. You can enjoy delicious meals made with local ingredients at the on-site Cast Iron Grill Restaurant. Don’t forget to check out the Plüsch Bar, which features a selection of over a hundred whiskeys and bourbons, including rare gems from the Buffalo Distillery.
Hotel Ludwig Superior – Best 3-star
A great budget-friendly place, only a short walk from the main train station, but still tucked away in a quiet spot. Perfect if you’ve got an early train to catch. The rooms are cosy and modern, just what you need for a comfortable short stay.
Alter Markt – where to stay in Cologne for Christmas market
Dating back to 1820, the Christmas market in Cologne is one of the most popular markets in Europe. The city is home to several themed Christmas markets, with the largest ones situated at the cathedral, in front of the City Hall, and at Neumarkt Square.
The best place to stay in Cologne for the Christmas market is Alter Markt. Adjacent to the City Hall (Rathaus), this is the city’s main square, home to the biggest Christmas market in Cologne.
Two other large Christmas markets (at the cathedral and Heumarkt) are just a quick walk from Alter Markt. By staying here, you’ll have easy access to the festive atmosphere and the stalls with seasonal delights.
In addition to the Christmas market, staying near Alter Markt also puts you close to other tourist attractions, such as the Kölner Dom, Hohenzollern Bridge, and Museum Ludwig. You can easily explore the city’s landmarks and attractions during your visit to the Christmas market.
I love staying near Alter Markt when I visit the city for the Christmas markets. Everything I need is conveniently within reach – from markets to restaurants and historic landmarks. And my favourite Christmas market, Heinzels Wintermärchen, is just around the corner!
Find everything you need to know to plan your Christmas holiday in Germany in my Cologne Christmas Market guide.
Why stay near Alter Markt for the Christmas market
- Alter Markt is the most central place to stay for the Christmas market, putting you within walking distance of three big Christmas markets
- Alter Markt is home to one of the best Christmas markets in the city – Heinzels Wintermärchen
- the Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) is less than 10min away, providing easy access to Cologne Bonn Airport and the rest of Germany
Best hotels near Cologne Christmas Market
CityClass Hotel Alter Markt – Most popular 4-star
Located at the main square, Alter Markt, this hotel overlooks one of the city’s biggest Christmas markets, Heinzels Wintermärchen. Its superb location means you can easily walk to all the main attractions, restaurants and the nearby Christmas markets at the cathedral and Heumarkt Square. The rooms blend modern design with a touch of history, and some even offer stunning views of Kölner Dom.
B-Chill – Best rated 4-star
This place has a great central location for the holiday season – just 2 minutes away from Heinzels Wintermärchen at Heumarkt. You can easily walk to the other Christmas markets, the Kölner Dom, and even the Chocolate Museum. The rooms are modern and super stylish, perfect for a festive city break.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom – Best 5-star
For a luxury holiday, stay at Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom. This historic hotel, owned by the same family since 1863, sits right across the Christmas market at the cathedral. There is a Michelin-starred restaurant, Taku, offering exotic Asian cuisine and a French gourmet restaurant, Hanse Stube. Relax in the afternoon at the Wintergarten with tasty pastries and tea, and later, enjoy live music at the Piano Bar.
Eden Hotel Früh am Dom – Best 3-star
A great budget-friendly hotel just steps from the Christmas markets at the cathedral and Alter Markt. The rooms are modern, spacious, and the beds are really comfy. Best part? Their own historic brewery and beer garden, FRÜH am Dom, is right next door!
DASKöln – Best apartments
If you’re looking for more space during your trip, this aparthotel offers modern, stylish apartments with fully equipped kitchens. The location is spot-on for the holiday season, just a 10-minute walk from the main Christmas markets at Neumarkt, the cathedral, and Alter Markt. Plus, you’re right next to the shopping district and two supermarkets.
Friesenplatz – where to stay in Cologne for nightlife
The best area to stay in Cologne for nightlife is the Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel), near Friesenplatz. This area is known for its trendy vibe and cool variety of bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you’re into electronic music, live bands, or cosy pubs, you’ll find something to suit your tastes near Friesenplatz.
Located northwest of the city centre, the Belgian Quarter is known for its hip and trendy atmosphere. This area is filled with everything from chic cocktail bars and trendy cafes to underground clubs and vintage shops. Staying near Friesenplatz also puts you within walking distance (20-minute walk) of the Old Town and the major tourist attractions, including the cathedral.
Here are some of my favourite cocktail bars in the area – Seiberts (known for its stylish atmosphere and fantastic cocktails), Woods (a cosy spot with unique cocktails), Spirits (a relaxed classic cocktail bar) and Little Link (serving creative and funny cocktails).
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood with a cool vibe and trendy cafes and bars, I’d highly recommend staying near Friesenplatz.
Why stay near Friesenplatz for nightlife
- Friesenplatz, with its numerous bars, clubs and pubs, is the best place for nightlife in Cologne
- join this Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings and discover the city’s famous brewing culture
- the Altstadt (Old Town) and the famous shopping streets Schildergasse and Hohe Straße are within walking distance (20-minute walk), or a short metro ride away (lines 3, 4, 5 from Friesenplatz station)
Best hotels near Friesenplatz
Ruby Ella Hotel – Most popular 4-star
Conveniently located right next to Friesenplatz, Ruby Ella Hotel is the ideal base to explore the city’s nightlife. The hotel’s modern and trendy design connects with its rich history, as it occupies the former studio where Germany’s top talk shows were once filmed. There is a 24-hour bar, where you can enjoy coffee or a cocktail any time of the day or night!
Lindner Hotel City Plaza – Best rated 4-star
Situated in the trendy Belgian Quarter, Lindner Hotel is only a short stroll from Friesenplatz and its vibrant nightlife. The hotel features a lively bar with a large terrace (and great cocktails) and a modern spa area with a sauna. Rooms are modern with comfy beds, offering the perfect place to rest after a night out!
Maison Marsil – Best 3-star
Maison Marsil is a charming, budget-friendly boutique hotel near the Belgian Quarter. It’s just a short walk from lots of great restaurants and bars. The breakfast is a highlight, with freshly made scrambled eggs and plenty of vegetarian options to choose from.
Best hotels near Koelnmesse, Cologne
Founded in 1924, Congress-Centrum Koelnmesse is one of the largest trade fair organisers in the world. The Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre covers a vast area, with approximately 284,000 square meters of exhibition space spread across multiple halls and buildings. Some of the most popular events at Koelnmesse include Gamescom (Europe’s largest gaming trade fair), Imm Cologne (International Furniture Fair) and Anuga (the world’s largest food and beverage trade fair).
Koelnmesse is the best area to stay if you’re visiting the city for an event or exhibition. The trade fair grounds are conveniently situated in the Deutz district of Cologne, adjacent to the River Rhine. It is within walking distance of the city centre and its major tourist attractions, including Kölner Dom. The area is also well-connected by public transportation to Altstadt (Old Town) and its main shopping streets (metro lines 3 and 4 or S-Bahn line S11 from Koelnmesse station).
Here are the best hotels near Koelnmesse and Lanxess Arena.
Radisson Blu Hotel – Best 4-star
Situated directly opposite the trade fair grounds, Radisson Blu Hotel is the best place to stay near Koelnmesse. Rooms are modern and spacious, featuring heated bathroom floors. The hotel’s restaurant, Ellipse, offers international cuisine and Mediterranean specialities.
Hyatt Regency – Best 5-star
Situated directly on the riverfront, Hyatt Regency is the ideal place for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel is only a 15-minute walk or 2-minute ride by public transport from Koelnmesse (metro line 3, 4 from Deutz/Messe station or tram ride line 1, 9 from Deutzer Freiheit station). Additionally, you can reach the Old Town and the city’s iconic cathedral in less than 15 minutes on foot. There are 3 restaurants to choose from – Glashaus (International cuisine and sushi), Grissini (Italian cuisine), Sticky Fingers (street food) and the Legends bar, which features a summer terrace and excellent cocktails.
Best hotels at Cologne Bonn Airport
If you’re planning a trip through western Germany, there’s a good chance you’ll fly in or out of Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). Located right between Cologne and Bonn (about 15–20 minutes from each), CGN is super convenient. Plus, it’s not overwhelmingly huge like Frankfurt! It’s also one of the few airports in Germany that’s open 24/7.
One of my favourite things about CGN is that it’s directly connected to the German rail network. You can literally roll your suitcase from your ICE train to the check-in counter in a few minutes. No shuttle buses, no airport transfers. Whether you’re headed to Cologne’s old town, Bonn’s museums, or even hopping over to Frankfurt or Düsseldorf, the train makes it easy.
To reach Cologne city centre from the airport, simply catch the S19 or a regional train, conveniently located right beneath Terminal 2. The ride takes just 15 minutes and costs around €3. If you prefer a taxi, expect to pay around €45 for the trip to the city centre.
While it’s super easy to get to the city centre, I wouldn’t recommend staying at the airport unless you have an early or late flight. There’s only one hotel right at the airport, and the others are a bit farther away, making it less convenient for quick access to the city. Plus, the area around the airport is mainly residential and industrial. However, if you do need a hotel near the airport, here are the best options at Cologne Bonn Airport.
Hotel Moxy – Nearest to the airport
Located just a 5-minute walk from Terminal 2, Hotel Moxy is the nearest hotel to Cologne Bonn Airport. The hotel features Seven Hills, a restaurant offering tasty regional dishes. Be sure to head up to the panoramic terrace for spectacular views, perfect for relaxing before or after your flight.
Leonardo Royal Hotel – Best 4-star
Leonardo Royal Hotel is just a 5-minute drive from the airport and offers a free shuttle service. The rooms are spacious and modern, perfect for a quick overnight stay. Don’t miss the hotel’s restaurant, where you can enjoy Levantine cuisine and watch the chefs in action at the front cooking station.
Best castle hotels near Cologne, Germany
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’re probably aware that I’m a big fan of castles. And in my opinion, staying in a castle or palace is a special and unforgettable experience. The best part? It costs the same as a hotel room in Cologne. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to explore the scenic area nearby, consider these fantastic castle hotels near Cologne, Germany.
Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg – Best luxury
Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is my favourite castle hotel near Cologne. It is located in Bergisch Gladbach, just 16km from Cologne (a 30-minute drive or metro ride from Bensberg station). The hotel is set in an 18th-century Baroque palace with scenic gardens, built by Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Düsseldorf. The 1000m² wellness centre, complete with an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. For dinner, you have the option of dining at the 2-Michelin-starred Restaurant Vendôme, serving gourmet German cuisine, or Trattoria Enoteca, where you can enjoy Italian cuisine and wines. And don’t miss the Sunday champagne brunch at Jan Wellem Restaurant!
Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel – For golf lovers
Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts. It is located in Lohmar, less than 30 minutes away by car from Cologne. This boutique castle hotel occupies a converted 14th-century water castle. Schloss Auel features a 27-hole golf course and a private spa. You have the option to stay in any of the boutique rooms within the castle, or you can opt for the Forest Lodge or Golf Lodge.
FAQs about where to stay in Cologne
The best place to stay in Cologne is the Legend Hotel. The hotel’s location is ideal for sightseeing, just a brief walk from Cologne Cathedral and the train station. There is also a rooftop bar with amazing city views and an excellent restaurant.
If you’re visiting Cologne for the Christmas market, stay in Altstadt, near Alter Markt. This is the main square in the Old Town, home to the city’s biggest Christmas market. Additionally, you can easily walk to two other big Christmas markets, located at the cathedral and Heumarkt.
Altstadt (Old Town) is the best area to stay in Cologne for first-time visitors as it offers easy access to iconic attractions, such as Cologne Cathedral, Rhine River cruises and the train station.
Pin for later
