From visiting Cologne Cathedral to walking around the quaint streets and houses in Old Town, Cologne is no doubt a place one should consider when exploring Germany. Visiting the fourth-largest city of this Western European country, an ordinary traveler may have to consider the budget of touring around Cologne. Considering the attractions, food, and transportation expenses that one should include in their budget, looking for affordable accommodation is a daunting task for a traveler planning a do-it-yourself getaway. Forget about the prejudice of vacationing and carry on with your travel plans as you discover the best hostels in Cologne, Germany, offering decent accommodation without breaking the bank. Scroll down to find out more.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 03, 2026.
1. Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft (from USD 41)
Enjoy your stay in this hostel located in the heart of the trendy Belgian Quarter offering a perfect jump-off to discover one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Cologne. Experience a one-of-a-kind stay in a unique themed room with parquet flooring or save more while staying in a dormitory room with cubicles and curtains for some privacy. Have a night of good sleep on a comfortable and oversized single bed with individual lighting and a large cabinet to store your luggage. Make new friends with other travelers in the common lounge that is decorated in a classic 1950s style or take advantage of its location and explore the nearby attractions via a walking tour.
Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft
Address: Richard-Wagner-Str. 39
1.76 km (1.1 mi) from Cologne Cathedral
2. Station - Hostel for Backpackers (from USD 26)
Simple breakfast available, on-site bar, nearby dining options
Affordable accommodation, good value for money, budget option in city center
Great central location, near train station, close to attractions, easy access
Spacious rooms, lockers, free luggage storage, bar, rooftop, individual beds, towels for rent
Enjoy easy access to nearby attractions while staying in this hostel that is extremely close to the main station. Unwind together with your friends within a fully functional and well-lit room complete with parquet or hardwood flooring and large glass window offering an excellent view of the neighborhood. Sleep soundly on a single bed with matching individual bed headlight perfect for checking your email even when you’re lying down. Feel less concerned about your valuables when using their free locker room with CCTV. Enjoy a bar, cafe, and restaurant on-site that is open until super late enough for some chilling out with friends before heading to bed.
Station - Hostel for Backpackers
Address: Marzellenstr. 44-56
329 meters (0.3 ft) from Cologne Cathedral
3. Weltempfänger Hostel (from USD 23)
Delicious food options in the neighborhood, reasonably priced breakfast at the hostel's cafe/bar
Affordable pricing, especially prior to the pandemic
Lively neighborhood with easy access to attractions, restaurants, and shops
Convenient location near public transport, clean facilities, well-equipped kitchen
Feel comfortable and at home during your getaway, in this hostel located in the Ehrenfeld district of Cologne and just a 12-minute ride from Cologne Cathedral. Offering a quality lodging option, you will never go wrong booking a bed in a shared dormitory room with shared bathroom facilities, perfect for a group of four travelers. Enjoy sleeping in a spacious room with sparkling clean flooring, bright interior design, and functional furniture, including a shared kitchen where you can cook something to eat. Feel the atmosphere of the city by being near cafes, restaurants, and shops giving easy access to everything you might need during your stay.
Weltempfänger Backpacker Hostel
Address: Venloer Str. 196
2.36 km (1.5 mi) from Cologne Cathedral
4. Jugendherberge Köln-Deutz (from USD 55)
Have a comfortable stay in this modern city hostel located just a 15-minute walk away from Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town. Take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy relaxing in an amazingly comfortable bed with crisp sheets in a dormitory room that’s perfect for solo travelers or a group of four guests. Book a single or a double room equipped with basic yet useful amenities such as an LCD TV, study table, and private bathroom if you’re looking for some privacy. Conveniently located in and out of Rhine metropolis and Rhineland region, you will never have a hard time commuting via train for Köln-Deutz Train Station is just opposite the property.
Jugendherberge Köln-Deutz
Address: Siegesstr. 5
1.1 km (0.7 mi) from Cologne Cathedral
5. Jugendherberge City-Hostel Köln-Riehl (from USD 55)
Good breakfast options, free and filling, but limited for dietary preferences
Reasonably priced for budget travelers, last-minute bookings available
Convenient access to public transportation, near parks and river, easy to reach city center
24/7 reception, free WiFi, clean and spacious rooms, helpful staff
Collect a handful of memories while staying together with your crew in this youth hostel located in the Riehl district of Cologne. Save more while staying in a budget room that can accommodate up to four guests who have no problem sleeping on a bunk bed with clean sheets and a huggable pillow. Book a well-kept room that’s equipped with modern furniture and a private bathroom if you wish to have an exclusive space during your stay, offering perfect views of the Rhine and the nearby park. If you have more time to spare and want to get close to wildlife, a zoo is just a walking distance from the hostel’s doorstep for you to explore.
Jugendherberge City-Hostel Köln-Riehl
Address: An der Schanz 14
3.12 km (2.0 mi) from Cologne Cathedral
6. Pathpoint Cologne - Backpacker Hostel (from USD 167)
You need not spend a fortune just to have the vacation of your dreams while staying in this hostel offering decent accommodation for backpackers. Enjoy spending time together with other travelers in a dormitory room with bunk beds complete with individual lamps and huge lockers for bags. Take delight in the basic but clean and comfortable furniture including small blocks inside the room or a wooden set of tables and chairs in the garden area enough to finish your freelancing job. If you wish to cook your meal, a supermarket is close by and the shared kitchen is enough to deal with your culinary needs.
Pathpoint Cologne - Backpacker Hostel
Address: Allerheiligenstrasse 15
496 meters (0.4 ft) from Cologne Cathedral
Awesome places to stay in Cologne
Don’t waste a perfect, sunny day lazing around the comforts of your hotel room when you can equally experience fun even when you’re on a tight budget. Plan your best vacation ever and choose from any of these hostels in Cologne, Germany, to ensure that your day is filled with nothing but excitement. Update your itinerary and check out the current rates and availability of these properties today!
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