Where to stay

From your hotel in historic Old Town, follow enchanting, narrow alleyways along the Rhine River to the city's major sightseeing attractions. Here, in Altstadt-Nord to the left of the Rhine, look for 14th-century houses, Romanesque churches, and, of course, the twin spires of the Gothic Cologne Cathedral. To the right of the Rhine, the Deutz neighborhood is a laid-back, family-friendly area convenient to major landmarks. Choose accommodations in Altstadt-Sued for its medieval ruins and Romanesque churches juxtaposed with striking contemporary buildings.

For warehouse-turned-nightclubs, stay in Ehrenfeld, a lively quarter lined with galleries, bars, theaters, fashion boutiques, and multiculturally diverse restaurants. Consider accommodations in other neighborhoods that come alive at night: casual Rudolfplatz, lively Neustadt-Nord, and Uni-Viertel for its university vibe and all the pubs, clubs, and cafés that go with the student lifestyle. Check out hotels in the Ring, with a variety of theaters, clubs, cinemas, and around-the-clock dining options.

Making a name for itself as a shopping destination, Cologne offers several neighborhoods with interesting shops and galleries. Look for a hotel in perennially popular Belgisches Viertel (or Belgian Quarter) if you love to shop for everything from quirky items to haute couture. More specifically, choose a room on this quarter's Maastrichter Strasse, the place to stay for cool concept shops and designer boutiques. Consider staying near pedestrianized Schildergasse in the city center for Cologne's famous eau de cologne and international clothing brands. Shoppers also love to stay in hotels in or near the smart areas of Rathenauplatz, Nippes, and Ehrenfeld.