Cologne Hostels

Hostels in Cologne welcome you to one of Germany's hippest cities. They nestle into the fairy tale Altstadt area and spread into the newer districts of Deutz and Ehrenfeld, straddling both sides of the mighty River Rhine. That puts half-timbered Westphalian beer halls and the Gothic spires of the iconic cathedral on the menu, along with the off-radar beatnik cafes and cool eateries that are the hallmark of modern Cologne. When you're done sightseeing, hostels in Cologne also promise somewhere comfy and stylish to return to. There are upscale options with private doubles, if you like your own space, rubbing shoulders with lively backpacker dives, with shared kitchens and glass-clinking bars.

Hostels in Cologne have plenty to catch the eye

Don't go thinking that hostels in Cologne are your run-of-the-mill sort of budget stay. No chance. This cutting-edge city of North Rhine-Westphalia throws out some of Germany's most bold and boisterous dormitories. They take the meaning of "boutique" to new and dizzying heights, as they meld all sorts of pop culture references and architectural styles. A Tiki bar next to a futuristic DeLorean, circa 1983? Normal. A baroque dormitory with filigreed beds rubbing shoulders with a Mexicana mural depicting a Latin love scene? These are the sorts of things you might encounter in the city's design hostels.

Of course, it's not all out there and beyond. There are some hostels in Cologne that prefer to stick to getting the basics right. They focus on reducing rates and offering in-house laundry facilities, snack bars and the occasional free breakfast – German white sausage, cereals, fresh fruit and coffee are the norm. As you venture out of the heart of the city, things tend to become a little more spacious. That means getting places with modest gardens, BBQ grills and even plenty of private double and twin rooms, for those travelling as a twosome.

Where to look for hostels in Cologne

Most first-time visitors to this enthralling, action-packed city will want to be within walking distance of the Altstadt. That's the heart of historic Cologne, where you can delve into the great cathedral, wonder at its soaring twin spires and hop between the famous series of 12 Romanesque churches. The closest pad of all to that is the Station Hostel for Backpackers, which – as the name implies – is just a few minutes' walk from the platforms of the main train hub. Hostels in Cologne don't get more outlandish than the die wohngemeinschaft Hostel, on the fringes of the old town. It's bursting with vintage paraphernalia from a hotchpotch of eras, and promises a stay in the vicinity of the University of Cologne and its vibrant beer halls. Those on a real budget could consider the Penny Pincher Inn. It's over the Rhine, in Deutz, which is a business district, but also a great place to launch hiking explorations of the beech and pine woods of the Konigsforst – one of the largest urban nature reserves in the area.