Altstadt-Nord

The Altstadt-Nord or north part of the old town, is a modern area thought of as being the friendliest, liveliest area of Cologne. Where once stood the old wall protecting the town, now stands a ring of streets, promenades and gardens. Inside this ring it is crowded with bars, clubs and restaurants and staying here allows you to be right in the hub of this friendly, lively area of the city. Here, you will have the opportunity to submerse yourself in the local culture.

Neustadt-Süd

Neustadt-Süd or south part of the old town, is the urban heart of the city and combines the bustling city life in Kwartier Latäng with the uniquely appealing flair of the Südstadt. This area forms a crescent shape around the Altstadt (old town) of Cologne and extends between the Cologne rings and the railway line, between Aachener Straße and the Rhine. Neustadt-Süd includes parts of the Belgian quarter, as well as the Kwartier Latäng, which similar to its namesake is the Parisian `Quartier Latin`, the student quarter that offers a lively pub scene.

MesseCity

If you stay around the Messe (exhibition center) you`ll find it an easy drive to/from the motorway without going into the very center of the city. There is easy transport across the river to the center and you should have plenty of parking, assuming there is no major event on. The area is located directly opposite Cologne Cathedral on the other bank of the Rhine and can be reached in just a few minutes from Cologne city center by rail, ferry, car or on foot. The nearest railway station is Köln - Deutz train station.

MesseCity is a new hotspot that has emerged opposite Cologne cathedral between the Cologne Messe/Deutz station and the koelnmesse (exhibition center) in a central location. This area connects the exhibition entrance to the station. Just west of the trade fair grounds lies the Rheinpark, a 98-acre park on the River Rhine, and Tanzbrunnen, an open-air theater.

Outskirts

Depending on where you stay, the outskirts of Cologne are situated outside the busy commercial center of Cologne. These parts of town provide areas to enjoy the beautiful scenery and easy access to get around and explore other areas of western Germany, an area that includes the famous wine-growing regions along the Rhine and Mosel valleys, the ancient city of Aachen, and the Mittelrhein, the most scenic stretch of the river.

Some hotels listed on the outskirts are located just a few minutes from the historic city center on the banks of the Rhine River, opposite the Koelnmesse trade fair. Here you will have easy access to the airport and attractions such as Lanxess Arena and the Cathedral. If you plan on driving, many of the hotels on the outskirts allow on-site parking for a small fee.