Search Cologne hotels

Top reasons to visit Cologne

• Stunning Cologne Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral is a must-visit landmark.
• Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries, theatres, and museums showcasing local talent.
• Scenic Rhine Strolls: Enjoy picturesque walks along the Rhine River, perfect for soaking up the city's atmosphere.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Cologne offers diverse activities suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for families.
• Variety of Accommodations: Choose from a wide range of hotels and guesthouses that cater to every traveller’s needs.

Find great hotels in Cologne

Explore a range of hotel options in Cologne, from family-friendly accommodations to business-themed lodgings. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly stays or unique guesthouses, Cologne offers diverse choices to suit every traveller's needs. Discover the best hotels and enjoy a memorable experience in this vibrant city, with convenient access to attractions and amenities that will make your visit truly special.

• Maritim Hotel Köln: Located in the heart of Cologne, the Maritim Hotel Köln is a sophisticated 4-star accommodation ideal for business travellers seeking a productive environment. The hotel's business-themed amenities include multiple meeting rooms and extensive conference space, making it perfect for corporate events. Additionally, it's pet-friendly, allowing furry companions to join your stay, with provisions like food and water bowls. Guests appreciate the professional atmosphere and the convenience of being close to key business districts.
• Steigenberger Hotel Köln: This elegant 4-star hotel caters to families and business travellers alike, blending comfort with a welcoming atmosphere. The Steigenberger Hotel Köln offers versatile meeting rooms and facilities designed for children, including complimentary cribs and a first aid kit, ensuring a family-friendly environment. Pets are welcome here too, with amenities such as food and water bowls. Its central location provides easy access to Cologne's attractions, making it an excellent choice for those travelling with family or on business.
• Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln: As a distinguished 5-star hotel, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln provides a luxurious stay with a focus on wellness and inclusivity. This LGBTQIA-friendly property features a full-service spa and pool facilities, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The hotel allows pets and offers amenities to ensure their comfort, including food and water bowls. Guests rave about the tranquil spa services and the hotel's prime location, making it an exquisite choice for a relaxing and indulgent getaway.

Where to stay in Cologne

Cologne, a vibrant metropolis, offers a captivating blend of culture and history. Explore downtown Cologne, where breathtaking architecture meets lively streets filled with friendly locals. Discover popular destinations like the iconic Cologne Cathedral and enjoy romantic strolls along the Rhine. With family-friendly activities and budget-friendly excursions nearby, you'll find a perfect mix of entertainment and relaxation in this charming city and its surroundings.

• Cologne: Situated in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne is a vibrant district that offers a mix of cultural experiences year-round. The peak travel seasons from July to September attract visitors eager to enjoy the city's rich theatre, music concerts, and family-friendly activities. Notable landmarks include the iconic Cologne Cathedral and various historic monuments that showcase the city’s storied past. The local arena also hosts a range of entertainment that appeals to diverse tastes, making Cologne a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
• Old Town Cologne: Nestled within the greater Cologne area, Old Town is the historical heart of the city, steeped in charm and culture. Visitors flock here predominantly in August and during the autumn months, drawn by the vibrant public markets and an array of shopping opportunities. The cobbled streets are lined with historic buildings, including the majestic cathedral and quaint spots for family outings. This neighbourhood perfectly blends business and leisure, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in Cologne's rich heritage while enjoying contemporary amenities.
• Innenstadt: Inside the bustling Innenstadt borough, you’ll find a dynamic urban landscape that thrives with cultural activities and entertainment. With peak visitor numbers in March and autumn, this area is ideal for those seeking a lively atmosphere packed with theatres and music venues. Historic buildings and monuments dot the landscape, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploration. Innenstadt’s vibrant vibe and plethora of options for family fun make it an essential stop for any visitor looking to experience Cologne’s modern yet historical charm.

Things to do in Cologne

Cologne offers a rich blend of culture and entertainment, making it ideal for family vacations. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including lively arena events, captivating theatre performances, and extensive shopping centres. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous galleries scattered throughout the city. With its vibrant atmosphere, Cologne promises a memorable experience filled with diverse entertainment options and engaging activities for everyone.

Shopping

The Old Market offers a vibrant public market experience, perfect for picking up unique gifts amid Cologne's bustling atmosphere. For a family-friendly shopping experience, head to City Center Porz, while Rathaus Galerie combines entertainment and shopping for all ages in a lively setting.

Recreation

At Claudius Therme, immerse yourself in soothing thermal baths and rejuvenating treatments that promote relaxation and well-being. For a vibrant atmosphere, enjoy live music at Tanzbrunnen Köln, where the energy of concerts creates a lively backdrop for leisure and entertainment.

Adventure

At Aqualand Leisure Pool, dive into thrilling water slides and relax in the family-friendly atmosphere. Experience high-speed racing at the Michael Schumacher Kart and Event Center, where adrenaline flows. For stunning views, take a ride on the Cologne Cable Car, perfect for outdoor family fun and adventure.

Nightlife

Cologne's nightlife buzzes with energy at the Musical Dome, where romance and entertainment meet. For a cultural experience, the Cologne Philharmonic and Theater am Dom offer captivating performances, perfect for families or a romantic evening. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that makes Cologne a memorable destination.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cologne

Cologne boasts plenty of free attractions, such as the stunning Cologne Cathedral and the vibrant Rheinau Harbour. To save on transport, consider using trains, trams, or renting a bike. For budget accommodation, the cheapest months to visit are February, July, and December, with Fridays often being the least expensive nights to stay. Booking a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can also yield savings. Don’t forget to use filters for eco-friendly options and sort prices to find the best deals on your hotel and activities.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Cologne are February, July and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Cologne is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Cologne is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Cologne is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make the most of Expedia's search tool to tailor your travel options according to your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your hotel stay in Cologne with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Cologne

Cologne is perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike, offering a rich blend of art museums, event venues, and historical sites. Notable attractions include the stunning Cologne Cathedral, or Dom, which is a must-see. With plenty of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, Cologne promises a memorable holiday for all visitors.

• Cologne Cathedral: Marvel at the breathtaking Gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows are a testament to medieval craftsmanship, making it a cultural icon and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
• Phantasialand: Experience thrilling rides and enchanting shows at Phantasialand, a vibrant theme park perfect for families. With its diverse attractions and immersive themed areas, it promises a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
• LANXESS Arena: Catch an exhilarating concert or sporting event at LANXESS Arena, one of Germany's leading entertainment venues. Its state-of-the-art facilities ensure an unforgettable experience, whether you're enjoying a family outing or a night out with friends.

Best time to go to Cologne

The best time to visit Cologne can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Cologne falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Cologne falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
February	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	50.5°F (10.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Cologne

When visiting Cologne, you can fly into several major airports. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is situated 12.9km from the city, with nearby hotels like Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln and Hyatt Regency Cologne offering convenient access and airport shuttle services. Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), located 40.2km away, features luxury options such as Hotel Kö59 and Steigenberger Icon Parkhotel, also providing airport shuttle services. For those considering Dortmund Airport (DTM), 78.9km from Cologne, hotels like Dorint An den Westfalenhallen Dortmund offer transfers. Each airport provides various transport options for easy travel to and from your accommodation.