Where to Stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets: 4 Best areas

Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about staying in Cologne for first-timers and families (I will put the links to them at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets.

I will provide you with a list of what I believe are the best areas to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Cologne and recommend some of the best hotels for Christmas Markets for all budgets.

The Cologne Christmas Markets offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy and warmth of the holiday season in one of Germany’s most beautiful cities.

Whether you’re shopping for gifts, sampling festive treats, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, a visit to the Cologne Christmas Markets is sure to be a memorable experience.

Here are some of the the best Cologne Christmas Markets:

  • Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market at Kölner Dom, 23rd Nov – 23rd Dec.
  • Heinzel’s Winter Fairy Tale, at Heumarkt and Alter Markt, 24th Nov – 23rd Dec.
  • The Angels’ Market, at Neumarkt Square, 20th Nov – 23rd Dec.
  • Nicholas’ Village Christmas Market, at Rudolfplatz, 20th Nov – 23rd Dec.
  • Stadtgarten Christmas Market, at Stadtgarten, 23rd Nov – 23rd Dec.
  • Harbor Market (Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt), near the Chocolate Museum, 23rd Nov – 23rd Dec.

The main Christmas market in Cologne is held in the city center, around the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). Here, you’ll find rows of wooden stalls selling everything from handcrafted gifts and ornaments to delicious festive treats like gingerbread cookies, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine (Glühwein).

Each stall is adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, creating a magical ambiance that truly captures the spirit of the season. You can browse a wide range of goods, including handmade crafts, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional German Christmas decorations.

Cologne can get quite chilly in December, so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the markets.

For a unique perspective of the city and its Christmas markets, consider taking a river cruise along the Rhine. Many operators offer special Christmas-themed cruises during the holiday season.

Where to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets?

Map of the best areas to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets
Map of the best areas to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets

The best areas to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets include Altstadt-Nord (Old Town), Altstadt-Süd, Belgian Quarter, and Deutz. Keep in mind that these areas can get quite crowded during the holiday season, so book your accommodation well in advance if possible.

Cologne Old Town is the most popular base in Cologne for Christmast market. This area is home to some of the most iconic Christmas markets, including the famous Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market and the Heinzel’s Winter Fairy Tale. Staying in the Old Town puts you right in the heart of the action, with plenty of historic charm and convenient access to the markets.

During my trip to Cologne, I stayed at the 25hours Hotel The Circle. It was a great hotel centrally located in the old town, within walking distance from major attractions and christmas markets, including the markets at the Cathedral, Rudolfplatz, Neumarkt, Heumarkt, and Alter Markt. They have a nice rooftop bar with the view of the Cathedral.

Below is a map of the popular areas in Cologne for Christmas Markets.

4 Best areas to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets:

1. Altstadt-Nord (Old Town)

Altstadt-Nord (Old Town) is the best location within Cologne for christmas markets, especially for those to be right in the midst of the Christmas market action. You’ll be surrounded by historic buildings, beautiful architecture, and of course, plenty of Christmas market stalls. 

The Old Town is a very atmospheric area during the holiday season, and you can easily walk to most of the major markets from here.

In addition to Christmas markets, you can easily explore major attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Romano-Germanic Museum, and Museum Ludwig.

The area offers a diverse array of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants scattered throughout its streets. You’ll find everything from trendy boutiques to traditional Cologne breweries (Brauhaus) where you can sample local Kölsch beer and hearty German cuisine.

The Old Town is also home to the Cologne Central Station, or Köln Hauptbahnhof in German, a major transportation hub in the heart of Cologne. Staying near here offers easy access from the airport, other cities across Germany, and neighboring countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.

Best places to stay in Cologne Old Town for Christmas Markets:

Luxury ($$$): Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom, 5-star hotel in the heart of the old town, easy access to the Central Station and Cologne’s major christmas markets such as the Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, Heinzels Wintermaerchen, and Markt der Engel. The hotel has spacious rooms, wonderful breakfast and paid airport shuttle services.

Mid-range ($$): CityClass Hotel Alter Markt, popular 4-star hotel set in the center of the old town, a fantastic location for the Christmas Markets. Within a short walk from several christmas markets including the ones at the Cathedral, Old Market Square, Haymarket Square, and the Chocolate Museum. Easy access to S-bahn, U-bahn for further exploration.

Budget ($): Motel One Köln-Neumarkt, great 3-star hotel in central Altstadt-Nord, perfect base for exploring the Christmas markets, shopping centers, and major sights. Stay here offers easy access to the markets at Neumarkt Square, Rudolfplatz Square, and at the Cathedral. Important museums such as the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Romano-Germanic Museum are also within walking distance.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN

2. Altstadt-Süd (Old Town South)

Old Town South is a great base in Cologne on a budget. This area also offers central location and easy access to major Christmas markets including the famous Harbor Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum and The Angels’ Market at Neumarkt Square.

Best places to stay in Cologne in Altstadt-Süd for Christmas Markets:

Mid-range ($$): art’otel cologne, Powered by Radisson Hotels, popular 4-star hotel located along the Rhine River, close to the famous Lindt Chocolate Museum, where you can find a lovely Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt here. Also within 15 mins walk to the famous Cologne Cathedral and other markets. It features a large rooftop terrace, parking, family rooms, and a fitness center.

Mid-range ($$): Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln, 4-star hotel located in a prime location, close to  close to city center, key christmas markets, and transportation. It has spacious rooms with soundproofed windows, an Indoor swimming pool, 2 restaurants, and very good breakfast.

Budget ($): Motel One Köln-Waidmarkt, great 3-star hotel located in the Old Town South of Cologne, close to everything and quiet. All christmas markets in the historic center are only walking distance/ short train ride away. Closest markets include Harbor Christmas Market, The Angels’ Market, and Nicholas Village. The hotel has a nice lobby and bar area.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ALTSTADT-SÜD

3. Belgian Quarter

Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) is a great location for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife. This is a trendy and eclectic neighborhood known for its hip boutiques, art galleries, and lively nightlife. 

Staying here offers easy access to numerous Christmas markets on foot and by trains. Closest Christmas markets to the Belgian Quarter include Stadtgarten Christmas Market, Nicholas Village Chrismast markets, and The Angels’ Market.

Best places to stay in Belgian Quarter for Christmas Markets:

Mid-range ($$): Steigenberger Hotel Köln, popular 4-star nice spacious hotel near Belgian Quarter, within walking distance from Hahnentorburg Castle, and various Christmas markets including the ones on Rudolfplatz Square and Stadtgarten. Easy access to U-bahn for a 10 mins train ride to the Cathedral.

Mid-range ($$): limehome Köln Friesenplatz – Digital Access, 4-star condo hotel located on Friesenplatz, easy distance from the old town and attractions. It has parking, an elevator, and rooms with a fully equipped kitchenette.

Budget ($): Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft, good value for money accommodation in Belgian Quarter, good base to explore the city and christmas markets on foot and by public transportation. Plenty of decent eateries and cafés nearby.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NEUSTADT

4. Deutz

Deutz, across the Rhine River from the Old Town, provides a more residential feel while still being conveniently close to the city center. It offers a quieter atmosphere, which can be a welcome respite during the busy holiday season. 

While you may need to take a short tram ride or walk across the bridge to reach the main markets, you’ll appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

Deutz is also a convenient location for easy access to numerous attractions such as the Cologne Trade Fair grounds, Lanxess Arena, Cologne Triangle, and the Odysseum science museum.

Best places to stay in Cologne in Deutz for Christmas Markets:

Luxury ($$$): Hyatt Regency Köln, great 5-star hotel located on the east bank of the Rhine River, offering stunning views of Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge. You can visit the old town and its Christmas markets by walking across the Hohenzollern Bridge. There are also plenty of public transportations nearby if you don’t feel like walking.

Mid-range ($$): Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne, popular 4-star accommodation in Deutz, close to Messe/Deutz Station for easy access to the historic center. Also a convenient base to explore  KölnTriangle, LANXESS Arena and Cologne Fairgrounds.

Mid-range ($$): Hotel Stadtpalais, great 4-star hotel located in Deutz, a bit removed from the city center of Cologne, but easily accessible by trains. Convenient location for Cologne’s Lanxess Arena.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DEUTZ

In conclusion, Altstadt-Nord (Old Town), Altstadt-Süd, Belgian Quarter, and Deutz are the best places to stay in Cologne for Christmas markets. Staying centrally allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city and explore other attractions in Cologne easily on foot and by public transportation.

You can continue reading about Cologne and other destinations in Germany in these articles:

I hope you enjoyed my article and find it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality travel guides.

About Author: Ocean Cameron

I'm Ocean, founder and main editor of travelhotelexpert.com. I’m a passionate traveler who specializes in uncovering the best hotels and locations in every city, especially for first-timers, all without the need for a car.

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