Where to stay in Cologne for families with kids: 4 Best areas

Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Cologne for first-timers  (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Cologne for families with kids.

I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Cologne for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Cologne and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for visitors with various budgets.

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany, situated on the Rhine River. It is famous for its stunning Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the historic old town.

The old town of Cologne is packed with narrow cobblestone streets, charming pubs, and colorful buildings. You can explore various museums like the Museum Ludwig, and the Romano-Germanic Museum, showcasing Roman artifacts.

Cologne is famous for its annual carnival celebration, called the Kölner Karneval or Fastelovend, which takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. During this time, the city comes alive with colorful parades, parties, and street performances.

Is Cologne a good place to visit with family?

Yes, Cologne is a fantastic place to visit with family! It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and entertainment that can appeal to visitors of all ages. 

Your family can explore the Cologne Cathedral, the Chocolate Museum, the Ludwig Museum, Cologne Zoo, and take a boat tour on the Rhine River, or ride the Cologne Cable Car across the Rhine for fantastic views of the city.

If your family visits during the winter months, Cologne’s Christmas markets are enchanting and offer a festive atmosphere with delicious food, crafts, and entertainment.

Where to stay in Cologne for families with kids?

The best areas to stay in Cologne for families with kids are Altstadt-Nord (Old Town), Deutz, Altstadt-Süd, and Neustadt. These areas offer a variety of family-friendly accommodations, easy access to major sights and public transportation.

Altstadt (Old Town) is the most popular area to stay in Cologne for families. Staying here puts you in the heart of the city, close to main attractions, such as the Cologne Cathedral, Kölner Zoo, and the Chocolate Museum. There are plenty of family-friendly hotels and restaurants in this area.

Deutz, located on the east bank of the Rhine River, offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling Old Town while still being close to family-friendly attractions like the Odysseum science center. It’s well-connected to the city center by public transportation.

During my trip to Cologne, I stayed at the mid-range 25hours Hotel The Circle. I traveled as a couple, but they also have family rooms. It was a great base to explore the city, as its location is close to everything, within walking distance from the Central Station and the Cathedral. There are lots of restaurants and shops nearby. My room was spacious and clean.

Below is a map of the popular areas in Cologne for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.

Map of the best areas to stay in Cologne for families with kids
Map of the best areas to stay in Cologne for families with kids

Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Cologne, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget. 

All hotels in Cologne have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. 

If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.

4 Best areas to stay in Cologne with family:

1. Altstadt-Nord (Old Town) 

Staying in Altstadt-Nord (Old Town) in Cologne is an excellent choice for a family holiday, especially if you want to be at the heart of the city’s historic and cultural attractions. 

Being in Altstadt-Nord means you’re just steps away from the iconic Cologne Cathedral. It’s a must-visit for its stunning architecture and panoramic views from the top.

In addition to the cathedral, the Old Town is home to many other family-friendly attractions, such as the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum), which offers interactive exhibits and tastings that kids will love.

Much of Altstadt-Nord is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot with children. You can stroll along the charming cobblestone streets, visit bustling squares like Alter Markt, and stop for a meal or ice cream at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Altstadt-Nord is situated along the Rhine River, and a stroll along the Rhine River Promenade offers beautiful views and opportunities for family-friendly activities like boat tours or simply feeding the ducks by the riverbank.

Staying in Altstadt-Nord means you’ll have easy access to public transportation hubs like Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), making it convenient to explore other parts of the city or take day trips to nearby attractions.

Best places to stay in Cologne in Old Town with kids:

Luxury ($$$): Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom, 5-star family-friendly hotel centrally located in the heart of Cologna, very close to the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Main Station. It features comfortable family rooms, paid airport shuttle services, and wonderful breakfast. Great base for exploring Cologne.

Luxury ($$$): Cologne Marriott Hotel, 5-star kid-friendly hotel conveniently situated in the city center of Cologne, close to everything, including the famous Cathedral. The hotel welcomes children of all ages, and children 13 and above will be charged as adults.

Mid-range ($$): CityClass Hotel am Heumarkt, 3-star children-friendly hotel located in Central Cologne, on the historic Eisenmarkt Square, right next to the Hänneschen-Theater Theater. It features a 24-hour front desk and a great buffet breakfast. Short walk from the Rhine River, Wallraf – Richartz Museum, Great St. Martin Church, Old Market, and Heumarkt. Family rooms are great for families of 4.

Mid-range ($$): Eden Hotel Früh am Dom, 3-star kid-friendly hotel welcomes children of all ages. It has a prime location, in front of the Cologne Cathedral and shopping district. Only 5 mins walk from the central station. There is a good range of food at breakfast.

Budget ($): NUVA Apartments, great aparthotel, featuring rooms that can accommodate up to 6 members. It is within walking distance to several attractions, including the Romano-Germanic Museum, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and National Socialism Documentation Center. Rooms come with a well-equipped kitchen.

Budget ($): Haus am Dom – Apartments und Ferienwohnungen, good value for money family-friendly accommodation located in central Cologne, within walking distance from the banks of the River Rhein  and The Main Train Station. Each apartment has its own private kitchen, which is a bonus if you want to cook your own meals.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN

2. Deutz

Deutz is one of the great areas within Cologne for your family trip. It is located on the east bank of the Rhine River, offering beautiful views of the city skyline. It tends to be quieter compared to the Old Town, and home to attractions like Odysseum science museum, Rheinpark, Lanxess Arena, and Cologne Fair.

The Old Town is easily reachable by walking or taking a short tram ride. Deutz is linked to the city center via several bridges including the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge and Deutzer Brücke.

Best places to stay in Cologne in Deutz with kids:

Luxury ($$$): Hyatt Regency Köln, 5-star family-friendly hotel, conveniently located near the River Rhine and Hohenzollern Bridge. It has great views of the city’s skyline and the Cathedral. It has an indoor swimming pool, comfortable family rooms, and wonderful breakfasts. Children 13 and above will be charged as adults.

Mid-range ($$): Hotel Stadtpalais, 4-star family-friendly hotel located near the Lanxess Arena. It has good transport links, so you’ll have easy access to the city center by public transportation. Family rooms are great options for families of 4. It is not far from the old town, 30 min walk to the main train station and the Cathedral. 

Mid-range ($$): Radisson Blu Hotel Köln, 4-star family-friendly hotel located in Deutz district near Lanxess Arena and KölnMesse Exhibition Center. Easy access to trams for links to the city center. Also 20 mins walk to the Cologne Cathedral over the River Rhine.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DEUTZ

3. Altstadt-Süd (Old Town South)

Old Town South is a great base for families looking for a budget-friendly area to stay in the heart of the city. This area is home to numerous attractions including the Lindt Chocolate Museum and Volksgarten Köln. You’ll also have easy access to major sights such as the Cathedral, Alter Markt, and Heumarkt.

Best places to stay in Cologne in Altstadt-Süd with family:

Mid-range ($$): Novotel Köln City, 4-star family-friendly hotel located on the Rhine River Promenade in Cologne, within walking distance from the Chocolate Museum and the Ubierring/ Severinstrasse Underground Stations. Children 16 and above will be charged as adults. It features a children’s play corner, and family rooms. The triple room is a great option for a family of two adults and two kids.

Mid-range ($$): Hotel Lyskirchen, 4-star children-friendly hotel located in the Old Town South, 5 mins walk from Heumarkt Underground Station and Lindt chocolate museum. It has family rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and very good breakfast. Walking distance to almost everything in Cologne. Just be mindful that the Apartment for 2 adults and 2 children has no access to the elevator.

Budget ($): Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft, good value for money accommodation that has family rooms, and dorm rooms. It is conveniently located in the Belgian Quarter, within walking distance/short metro ride from major sights. Your Kids may love the circus themed room. 

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ALTSTADT-SÜD

4. Neustadt

Neustadt, or the New Town, is a more residential area with a mix of modern and historic buildings. It offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the Old Town but still has amenities like shops and restaurants. It has a more local vibe while still being within walking distance or a short tram ride from the city center.

Best places to stay in Cologne in Neustadt with children:

Mid-range ($$): limehome Köln Friesenplatz – Digital Access, great condo hotel in a nice lively neighborhood, near to the train and tram station. 10 mins walk from  Neumarkt Square. Many cafes and restaurants around. The rooms are well equipped.  

Budget ($): Köln City Apartments, 3-star family-friendly aparthotel located in Neustadt-Süd, a short distance from  Cologne Chocolate Museum and Volksgarten Park. Some rooms come with a kitchen. Studio Apartment Is great for families of 4.

Mid-range ($$): B49 – City & Messe Apartment, good value for money accommodation in Neustadt Nord, close to Cologne Ring and Stadtgarten. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it a great base for families of 6.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NEUSTADT

In conclusion, Altstadt-Nord (Old Town), Deutz, Altstadt-Süd, and Neustadt, are the best places to stay in Cologne for families with kids. These areas offer central locations and easy access to major attractions, making them great locations for families to book their accommodations and explore the city.

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

There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Cologne. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both 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 content.

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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