If you’re into arts and you love to party, welcome to the guide that will give the best hostels to stay in Cologne.
We give you the coolest hostels that offer great value deals with superb service, rooms, and facilities.
You deserve to stay at the best that’s why we give you only the best.
Your shortcut:
- Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft – top pick for couples
- Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel – great for solo travellers
- HI Koln Riehl – pefect for older travellers
Any questions about hostels in Cologne?
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This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
From uniquely themed rooms to great BBQ facilities, from affordable room deals to overlooking terrace, we got all the best for you!
Any questions about hostels in Cologne?
🤔Join our Facebook Group here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- cheapest hostels in Cologne
- best hostels in Cologne for solo travelers
- fun party hostels in Cologne
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostel and sights on a map
- FAQ
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Cologne
The average price for a bed: Hostels in Cologne cost 17€ – 30€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 34€ up to 69€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Köln vs Cologne: Remember, the German name of Cologne is Köln. Same city, same fun!
New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:
- how to book hostels (and websites to use)
- 23 items for the hostel packing list
- Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels
The 3 Best Hostels in Cologne
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Cologne.
- Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft – perfect for couples
- Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel – best for solo travellers
- HI Koln Riehl – perfect for older travellers
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | HI Koln Riehl |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft |
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
1. Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft
Hostel Die Wohngemeinschaft definitely proved us wrong when we say that nothing is perfect in this world.
From uniquely designed rooms, great location, exciting activities and to amazing facilities – the hostel is surely the complete package deal there is in Cologne for all kinds of travelers.
The hostel has 16 rooms, each designed with undeniably incredible themes and style.
You can choose between an amber-jeweled decadence fit for a princess, glitz and, excitement of Bollywood cinema, a stylish photo studio or even the austere beauty of a cabin in the woods and many more.
Only not could you choose your own special themed room but you can also choose among the many cafes, boutique shops, clubs and restaurants in the Belgian Quarter which is just a few walks away from the hostel.
The Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter) is one of the must-visit neighborhoods in Cologne. Offering tourists and travelers a great deal to meet friendly locals, have fun explore the city, and have the best travel experience in Cologne.
Amenities you can access at Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft:
- FREE WiFi
- Café-Bar
- Theater
- Playroom
And for the facilities?
Get ready to get knocked off your feet because Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft has the perfect package of facilities for you.
Play a little competition among other guests and have a good camaraderie in the hostel’s playroom.
On the first floor, a Café will satisfy your craving for great coffee and cakes from Cologne’s finest pastry chef.
And if in the evening you don’t find the café there, don’t panic, you’re not hallucinating.
The café is transformed into a bar and serves as a harbor for travelers and guests that loves to conquer the night, listen to DJ’s and party.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
But the amazing facilities don’t stop there.
Aside from the transforming Café-Bar, the hostel also has a Theater room which is said to be Cologne’s smallest stage with an international program.
From poetry, literature reading, film showing, local singer-songwriter to a known artist, the theater is the perfect place to witness all kinds of performances that complement the city’s diverse attractions.
So if you’re looking for a complete package hostel, Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft is definitely the one you are looking for.
Location: Being located at the center of almost everything, you can take a walk to Rhine Embankment and to the Dom which is Cologne’s world-renown cathedral.
Subway stations Moltkestraße, Rudolfplatz and Main Station are also just a few walks away from the hostel giving you great ease and access to travel more of Cologne.
This is one of the best hostels in Cologne for
- Young adults
- Couples
Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft is also great for solo travelers.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel
If you’re looking for a peaceful stay and a location accessible to the city, a former church building, right in the center of Cologne is Pathpoint Cologne Backpacker Hostel.
Offering guests a friendly, corporate and international ambiance that gives you a warm kind of stay and feel like your home.
And for the rooms?
Each room is equipped with modern furniture and a private bath & shower which gives a small group of travelers to have better room privacy.
Guests can also make their own meals at the shared kitchen or choose among the hostel’s sumptuous menu. You can also purchase drinks and snacks at vending machines available in the building.
And if the weather permits, you can also enjoy a good afternoon barbeque with your new backpacker friends and relax at the hostel’s garden.
Great BBQ, relaxing garden, and new acquaintances – amazingly fun way to spend the day and chill.
Amenities you can have in Pathpoint Cologne:
- FREE WiFi
- Book and Computer Corner
- Garden
- Wash Room (laundry)
You can also invite your new found friends and hostel mates to play table football tournament or use computers at the shared lounge.
Location: The hostel is just a five-minute walk from the Central train station and 13 km away from Airport Cologne while just 1 km away is Rhein River.
They also have bike rentals if you’re up to cycling down the city and see the neighborhood since restaurants, cafes and museums are just a few minutes away from the hostel.
This is one of the best hostels in Cologne for
- Solo Travelers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. HI Koln Riehl
Alright, last but not least we have a much bigger hostel offering a whopping 186 rooms altogether!
HI Koln Riehl is also known as Youth Hostel Cologne Riehl and Jugendherberge City Hostel – Koln Riehl. It just depends which booking platform you land on.
As this is a big property, it is kept simple with modern facilities and large communal spaces for people to mingle.
It’s set up to allow travellers to please themselves for the most part. That means, there aren’t any organised activities here.
Still, there are good amenities for use, including:
- Conference rooms
- Bar w/ big screen & music
- Party room for upto 80 people
- Coffee bar
- BBQ area
Super cool: A buffet breakfast is included in the booking price!
No matter which room you choose – single, double, triple or 4-bed dorm – each one comes with a shower, WC and individual lockers.
There is a large car park right in front of the hostel which guests are welcome to use for free.
Just be aware that the Wifi connection is only very good in the common areas and does not reach to the bedrooms. Therefore, we would not recommend this hostel for digital nomads.
Location: In a beautiful area right next to the Rhine River. Large playgrounds and big green spaces are right behind the hostel. It’s an 8-minute tram ride from the center of Cologne, or alternatively you could walk which would take 40 minutes.
This is one of the best hostels in Cologne for
- Older travellers
- Groups
- Families
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Cologne?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels.
We think it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Cologne.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Cologne
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Make sure you use than the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight into what to expect.
Best Hostels in Cologne for Solo Travellers?
What is the serious, best hostel in Cologne for solo-travelers?
Aside from being included in our best hostels in Cologne, Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel also makes it to our best hostel for solo travelers.
Offering solo travelers great value deals for rooms with great space and great facilities
The hostel is situated in a peaceful place right in the center of Cologne that gives you great access to the downtonwn of Cologne.
Rooms feature modern furnitures and a private bathroom and shower.
You can also prepare your own preferred meal at any time of the day at the hostel’s fully equipped kitchen.
And if you are into biking your way through the city, the hostel also offer bike rentals to guests.
So if you are traveling solo and these matches your taste, this hostel is for you.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Party Hostels in Cologne
Cafe transforming to a bar, what would sound cooler than that?
Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft truly exemplifies the ordinary, yet it is not technically a party hostel, but a great social hub with all the makings.
Serving as a harbor for tourists and locals to great nightlife experience with good beverage deals, dazzling music and DJs, this hostel bar is definitely one of your to-go-to places.
Dance your night away with new acquaintances and cheers to your great travel to Cologne.
The hostel also has a Theater Room you could always try and visit during the day while waiting for the night to come in.
They have from local to famous performers that features variety of arts and performances like poetry, literature reading and music.
And in case you love coffee, don’t miss the chance to try their best selling coffee that are served at the cafe before it transforms to a bar.
Nightlife and arts combined, this is the hostel for you.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Hostelworld is the most popular website when it comes to hostel bookings.
Read: a step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- HI Koln Riehl: Booking.com | Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!
All of Cologne best hostels are popular; especially in high season. To make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
Any Discounts?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Cologne. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
All 3 Hostels put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Cologne hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you plan your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know on this list:
- Cologne Cathedral
- Basilica of St. Ursula, Cologne
- Wallraf-Richartz Museum
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
- Three King’s Shrine
- KölnTriangle
- Stadtwald
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
What are the best hostels in Cologne?
You can find the best Cologne hostels in this article!
- Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft – top pick for couples
- Pathpoint Cologne – Backpacker Hostel – great for solo travellers
- HI Koln Riehl – pefect for older travellers
What is the best party hostel in Cologne?
Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft truly exemplifies the ordinary, yet it is not technically a party hostel, but a great social hub with all the makings.
Serving as a harbor for tourists and locals to great nightlife experience with good beverage deals, dazzling music and DJs, this hostel bar is definitely one of your to-go-to places.
What is Cologne best known for?
Here are the Cologne main tourist attractions:
- The Cologne Chocolate Museum
- Cologne Cathedral
- Old Town Cologne
- Cologne City Hall (Rathaus)
- Alter Markt
- Hohenzollern Bridge
- The Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums
- Kolumba - art museum
- St. Gereon's Basilica
- Altenberg Cathedral
- Rheinpark Park Cologne
Are hostels in Cologne safe?
Not all hostels in Cologne are necessarily safe, especially the one that offers the cheapest price in sketchy areas. It might be an illegal hostel, without proper license to run and safety measures.
So in all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Cologne. You can find backpacker hostel with top ratings! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also send us an email and ask us!
How much are hostels in Cologne?
According to Hostelz.com, prices start from $22 for a dorm bed in Cologne.
Prices may vary depending on season.
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com
We are doing our best to deliver the best hostels to you. Check out the best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
You can also have a look at Hostelworld.
Flights to Cologne?
We enjoy Skyscanner, Omio.com and Kiwi.com to find cheap flights all over Cologne.
This new website has super cool features like a so-called radius search. Just draw a circle over Europe and find the cheapest rates for the area.
Here is our review of Kiwi.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Cologne.
Hot off the press: 29 FUN hostels in Germany
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- 3 Best Hostels in Berlin
- 3 Best Hostels in Hamburg
- 3 best hostels in Munich and best party hostels in Munich
- 3 Best Hostels in Dresden
- best hostels in Frankfurt
- 3 Best Hostels in Bruges, Belgium
- 3 Best Hostels in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 3 Best Hostels in Rotterdam, Netherlands
- 7 Best Hostels in Luxembourg
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Cologne hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your question will help me to understand what I have missed mentioning.
Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
– – –
CLOSED: Cologne Downtown Hostel
Update: Our former #3 hostel has permanently closed its doors. We keep this content here for your information.
Museum Ludwig, Cologne Chocolate Museum, Neumarkt Square, Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Philharmonic – only one of the many sights that you must-go-to in Cologne.
If these popular sights ring your ear and are included in your to-do list, then Cologne Downtown Hostel is the right hostel for you.
Just a few walks and you’re there!
And when you’re back at the hostel after a long tiring day of sight-seeing, shopping, and exploration, you can rest and relax at the hostel’s balcony with the awesome view of the great Cologne.
Amenities you can use in Cologne Downtown Hostel:
- FREE WiFi
- Kitchen
- Market
About the rooms?
Cologne Downtown Hostel has rooms with 2-8 beds furnished with private bathrooms that are very suitable for small groups of travelers but all at affordable deals.
Some rooms also have their own balcony that is great during summer where you can have a taste of sunshine of your own.
Whatever room you may choose, all give you the taste of the city right at your footsteps.
The hostel also has an integrated market located on the ground floor where guests can buy groceries and prepare their own meals at their beautiful common kitchen.
But in case you’re not in the mood to cook your own meal, the reception is happy to show you to nearby restaurants, cafes, and bars you can go to.
The hostel is also equipped with washing rooms so you can worry no more about your laundry.
Location: Being situated at the heart of the city, everything Cologne has to offer is within your reach. Shop all you want at one of the longest promenades in Germany.
With just a few kilometers away from the hostel, you are readily accessible for a day of adventure and exploration in Cologne, Germany.
Best Travel Websites we recommend ❤️
(Fresh Update 2023)
Booking Hostels and Discounts 👏👏👏
As a user of Hostelgeeks, you also have access to exclusive hostel discounts. For booking hostels, we use:
- Hostelz.com - hostel price comparison
- Hostelworld
We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
- Our review of Safetywing, compared to others
- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Onward Ticket - get a proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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