Cologne, or Köln as it’s known to the locals, is Germany’s fourth most populous city. Most of the residents and sports fans from all around the world are already football-mad for Bundesliga matches.
If you’re planning to travel to Cologne for a Bundesliga match, you’ll obviously need somewhere to stay. We’ve put together a guide to accommodation in Cologne for football travels, complete with everything you need to know about Cologne’s role as a host city and where you should stay to have the best experience possible.
What Types of Accommodation are Available in Cologne for Sports Travelers?
If you’re traveling for Bundesliga match and visiting Cologne, where should you stay, and what types of accommodation are available? Whether you’re looking for a hotel or an Airbnb-style vacation rental, here are some of the best options for accommodation near sports areas.
Cologne Hotels for
When it comes to finding a hotel in Cologne, you have a few decisions to make. Although some people like to find accommodation that’s close to the stadium, Cologne’s stadium is a fair way away from the action of the city itself, and is in a bit of a “dead zone.” That said, there are still a few options if you’d prefer to be within walking distance of the stadium, including:
- The Garten-Hotel Ponick, which is popular and has great reviews
- Hotel Osteria Centovini, a tiny hotel and Italian restaurant with just a few rooms
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, and want to make it as easy as possible to get to your games, these are good options. However, if you want to soak up the best of what Cologne has to offer, or visit the fan zones when you’re not watching a game at the stadium, there are better options.
Along the Rhine River, and in the inner-western part of Cologne, there are a huge number of hotels to choose from, close to all the best restaurants, pubs, and sports bars the city has to offer. These options are situated on the western side of Cologne, near the Old Town football village fan zone:
- The Hotel Stern am Rathaus, a top-rated but small hotel
- Motel One Cologne-Neumarkt, which is affordable and conveniently located
At these venues, you’ll be close to all the best action in Cologne, a short walk from the fan zone, and around a 30-minute public transit ride or around a 20-minute drive from Cologne Stadium. You can also easily make your way over the Rhine River to the Tanzbrunnen, where the main fan zone will be in full swing.
However, these are further away from the stadium (around a 30-minute drive or a 45-minute transit ride), and there are fewer restaurant and nightlife options on this side of the river.
Vacation Rentals in Cologne for
If you’d prefer a house or apartment over a hotel, there are also a number of vacation rentals around Cologne to choose from. You can search these platforms for accommodation:
- Airbnb, which tends to have the most options
- Vrbo, which tends to focus on whole-home listings
- 9flats, where you may find more budget-friendly options
- Homestay, which gives you the option of staying with a host
If you’re traveling to a football game with a group of friends, vacation rentals can sometimes work out cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms. However, there are restrictions in Germany around the number of days that owners can rent out their properties. This means that sometimes, owners request you to pay and communicate privately (outside of the official platform), which does leave you open to scams and limits your chances of a refund if anything goes wrong.
How to Save on Your Cologne Accommodation
Let’s face it, it doesn’t take long for your sports travel costs to start spiralling out of control. Between flights, tickets to the actual games, and accommodation, your wallet can be dry before you know it. To prevent premature bankruptcy, here are a few savvy tips to help you save on lodging in Cologne.
- Book Your Accommodation Well in Advance
During sports events, securing accommodation early is crucial. As soon as your travel plans are confirmed, start searching for lodging options. Booking in advance not only guarantees better prices but also ensures a wider range of choices, from hotels to vacation rentals.
- Check out Deals
Never settle for the first offer you come across! Explore different booking platforms, compare prices, and keep an eye out for discounts or special deals. You might even find hotels or rental properties that are offering exclusive rates or packages. Signing up for newsletters or alerts from booking sites may also give you access to limited-time offers.
- Explore Travel Packages
Depending on where you’re traveling from, packages that bundle accommodation with flights, tickets, transportation, or city tours can be worthwhile. These often give you cost savings compared to booking each part separately, and it’s usually less of a headache to plan! Look for reputable travel agencies or websites offering packages that suit your budget.
- Book With Friends
Traveling with friends or fellow fans? Don’t book your accommodation separately! Splitting the cost among multiple people can significantly reduce expenses, and you might also end up with somewhere nicer and more spacious. Many properties offer discounts for group bookings, making it a win-win and leaving you all with some much-needed extra beer money.
More Accommodation Tips for Cologne Sports Travelers
Still have questions about staying in Cologne for a sports event? We have the answers! Here’s what else you need to know before setting foot in the cathedral city.
Accommodation Safety and Security
Saving money is important, but staying safe is much more important. Cologne is relatively safe with a low crime rate, but it’s still a good idea to research different neighborhoods before booking your accommodation, just to make sure you’re in a safe, busy area. Many reviews for specific hotels mention the neighborhood itself, so be sure to check those out.
Also, book your accommodation from reputable platforms that verify properties and host identities. Look for certified hosts and properties with (preferably a lot of) positive reviews, with specific mention of safety and security. Verified listings help to reduce the chances of fraud or unsafe situations.
Although not specific for Cologne, you may want to look into travel insurance for your trip. If you’re traveling to multiple sports events, have several different flights, and accommodation in different parts of Germany, travel insurance could be a worthwhile investment for added peace of mind – just make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Don’t Leave Your Cologne Bookings to the Last Minute!
Whether you need a hotel room for one, and plan on making new friends at the fan zone, or you and your buddies need a vacation rental that fits everyone, don’t snooze on your booking! Cologne accommodations are filling up quickly, and prices will only go in one direction from here.
Secure your accommodation before it’s too late, so you can focus all your energy on more important things, like cheering in an amazing football match!
