Best Airbnb Markets in Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany

Cologne, the vibrant metropolis on the Rhine, is world-famous for its cathedral, Carnival, and open-minded lifestyle. As one of Germany’s most important trade fair and media hubs, it attracts millions of visitors year-round. The Airbnb market here is extremely dynamic, with over 1,837 listings and a strong occupancy rate of 58%. Guests seek the typical Cologne ‘Veedel’ charm in neighborhoods like the Belgian Quarter or Ehrenfeld, resulting in a substantial annual revenue of €29,129. Its status as a global tourism and business hub ensures consistently high profitability.

Düsseldorf, the elegant state capital on the Rhine, is famous for its luxury shopping mile Königsallee, the Old Town (‘longest bar in the world’), and its status as a leading center for fashion and advertising. As a major international business hub, it attracts high-spending clients from around the globe. The Airbnb market here is very lucrative, featuring an occupancy rate of 53%. Travelers value high-quality apartments in central locations or along the Rhine, resulting in an average annual revenue of €26,564. Constant trade fairs and the city’s exclusive image ensure premium demand for hosts.

Winterberg in the Sauerland region is the most important winter sports center in western Germany and a magnet for active travelers from the Ruhr area and the Netherlands. As a year-round destination, it offers premier slopes in winter and one of Europe’s leading bike parks and hiking trails like the Rothaarsteig in summer. The short-term rental market is very high-performing here, featuring an average daily rate of €168. Guests primarily seek modern apartments with mountain views or spacious chalets for groups, resulting in an annual revenue of €25,834. Its massive appeal for short breaks ensures peak occupancy levels.

Essen, the heart of the Ruhr area, has transformed from an industrial hub into a green cultural city, with the UNESCO World Heritage site Zollverein Coal Mine as its stunning landmark. As a major trade fair destination and home to major corporations, it attracts a mix of business and cultural travelers. The Airbnb market here is very efficient, boasting an occupancy rate of 53%. Visitors prefer modern apartments in central locations or near Lake Baldeney, resulting in an annual revenue of €17,879. Continuous economic activity and cultural diversity ensure stable and reliable demand.

Duisburg, located at the confluence of the Ruhr and Rhine rivers, fascinates with the world’s largest inland port and spectacular industrial culture at the Landscape Park North. It is a market characterized by excellent logistics links and a growing tourism offer. The Airbnb market here is solid, featuring an occupancy rate of 57%. Travelers value functional accommodations with good transport connections, resulting in an average annual revenue of €23,354. Its role as a major industrial hub and growing city tourism ensures regular demand for hosts.

Wuppertal, famous for its unique suspension railway, charms with its hilly setting, grand villa districts, and a rich cultural heritage such as the Pina Bausch Dance Theatre. As a significant industrial hub in the Bergisches Land, it attracts both business travelers and culture enthusiasts. The Airbnb market here is stable, featuring an occupancy rate of 53%. Guests often seek characterful apartments in historic 19th-century neighborhoods, enabling an annual revenue of €17,058. Its unique topography and solid economic base ensure regular demand throughout the year.

Bielefeld, located by the Teutoburg Forest, is a powerful economic hub and home to world-famous companies, making it a key destination for business travel. Simultaneously, Sparrenburg Castle and proximity to the mountains offer attractive targets for city travelers and hikers. The Airbnb market here is very efficient, boasting an occupancy rate of 57%. Visitors prefer modern, well-connected apartments in the center, resulting in an annual revenue of €20,104. Constant economic importance and a growing range of leisure activities ensure reliable and stable demand.

Monschau, the ‘Jewel of the Eifel’, enchants with its picturesque half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and its location deep in the Rur valley. It is a premier destination for romantics and hikers seeking the untouched nature of the Eifel National Park. The short-term rental market is exceptionally high-performing here, featuring an occupancy rate of 64%. Guests seek an authentic experience in historic buildings, resulting in a high annual revenue of €33,406. The timeless beauty of the old town and its year-round appeal make Monschau one of the region’s most profitable markets.

Dortmund, the largest city in the Ruhr area, has successfully transitioned from steel to a hub for technology and services, while remaining a football capital as the home of BVB. As a major logistics hub and university city, it attracts a broad audience. The Airbnb market here is solid, featuring an occupancy rate of 50%. Travelers value modern apartments with good connections to the city center and the stadium, resulting in an annual revenue of €15,657. The passion for football and economic dynamism ensure regular and loyal demand.

Krefeld, known as the ‘City of Velvet and Silk’ on the Lower Rhine, blends industrial tradition with expansive parks and architectural highlights like Mies van der Rohe’s Haus Lange. As part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, it is a key hub for business and design. The Airbnb market here is solid, featuring an occupancy rate of 56%. Guests prefer quiet apartments in prime residential areas or with quick connections to neighboring Düsseldorf and Duisburg, resulting in an annual revenue of €17,675. The mix of culture, business, and quality of life ensures steady demand.