Cologne & Youth Hostels made easy - Part 2

Where to stay did not require much choosing as I am a life time YHA member and my friends were keen to watch the euros before their trip really started. Booking the accommodation on-line was easy and due to the popularity of the Cologne Marathon we were located at Rhiel rather than in the city. 

This was perfect for visiting the Zoo and Botanic Garden as well as being an interesting area beside the Rhine. Having used both city hostels I can recommend them to anyone as they really served their purpose for our stay.

The U bahn was easy to understand and enabled us to get around within the city when we did not want to walk. Getting further out from the city is not difficult either with regular train services wherever you want to go. You don't have to travel far to find interesting countryside. Runderoth was my destination one day and made a great excursion into farmland and woods.  

The food, beer and wine, friendly atmosphere and culture of the city makes Cologne a very good destination, easily travelled to from London thanks to Eurostar and I will be returning as soon as possible - my shopping is not yet finished.

Julie - Iver. Bucks
October 2008