Are you heading to Germany? Your journey is sure to take you to at least one of the 10 most important cities in Germany, whether you are flying into Frankfurt Airport, breathing sea air in Hamburg, or enjoying the typical Bavarian gemütlichkeit in Munich. With a history spanning from tribal peoples to Roman times and the disastrous events of WWII, Germany has become a world power with much to see.
The country is easy to traverse by train, autobahn or plane. Germany encompasses both the low profile of beer and sausage as well as that of the best minds, such as the composers Bach and Beethoven, the writers Goethe, Schiller and the Brothers Grimm. That doesn’t even mention its world famous Oktoberfest or its magical Christmas markets.
Our list of the best cities in Germany showcases the diversity of this eclectic country. Discover the best of German cities, from the most charming altstadts (old towns) to progressive urban centers.
Sedan
Berlin is the capital and the largest city of Germany. After being separated into East and West during the Cold War, Berlin was reunited in 1990. It quickly emerged as a cosmopolitan and international city, loved for its avant-garde art, museums, architecture, history, and nightlife.
Iconic structures such as the fernsehturm (TV tower), the reichstag (government building) and the gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church ) have become symbols of the country, not just Berlin.
But despite its many attractions, Berlin can be difficult to navigate. Our list of 10 things not to do in Berlin outlines the many pitfalls. But if you keep an open mind and travel outside of the central Mitte neighborhood, this is one of the coolest places in the world. From its multicultural street food to one-of-a-kind accommodations, Berlin will broaden your definition of what a trip to Germany can be.
Berlin also plays host to some of the best festivals in Germany every year. Experience a variety of cultures during Karneval der Kulturen, or the somewhat tame Labor Day rebellion. At Christmas the city is more traditional with some of the best Christmas markets in the country.
Munich
Munich is known in Germany as München . It is the capital of Bavaria and the gateway to the Alps. This quintessential German city is the land of lederhosen, giant schweinshaxe (ham hock ) and Oktoberfest. People have their own proud accent, history, and traditions. Many Müncheners consider themselves Bavarian first and German second. This is what most people think of when they think of Germany.
The city offers first-class museums and majestic German architecture such as Marienenplatz and its famous glockenspiel, as well as Nymphenburg Palace. Munich is stylish, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t know how to have fun. This is also home to favorite spots like the English Garden with its well-known FKK (nudist) lawn and surf channel.
The city’s world-famous beer is not to be missed. A beloved export, best enjoyed in the city; in their traditional breweries, biergartens , or inside the glorious Oktoberfest beer tents. With more than 6 million visitors each year, it is just one of the beer festivals held here each year.
Frankfurt
Thanks to its international airport, Frankfurt is the main travel hub for Germany and much of Europe. Many travelers come to this modern city and pass by, but Frankfurt is worth a stop.
Largely destroyed in WWII, Frankfurt was the rare German city that decided not to recreate the past but to emerge again. It is the financial center of the country with its own stock market ( Deutsche Börse ) and gleaming skyscrapers. Its main tower is the only skyscraper open to the public and offers unbeatable views of the city skyline, as well as its namesake, the River Main.
If you crave something traditional in this modern forest, explore the recreated city center of Römerberg . Home to the Town Hall (the Römer ) dating back to 1405, it is lined with quaint half-timbered houses. To enjoy the best traditional drink of Frankfurt, apfelwein (or ebbelwoi), cross the river to the district of Sachsenhausen
Frankfurt is host to many important events and conventions, such as the International Book Fair in October. Started in 1478, it is the largest book fair in the world.
Hamburg
Hamburg is the second largest city in the country located in northern Germany. Several waterways run through its center and Hamburg has more bridges than Amsterdam and Venice combined. It has one of the largest ports in the world and still embraces its sandy and maritime past.
This is most evident in its Reeperbahn red light district. Complete with seedy bars, shops selling strip boots, and legal prostitution, this is also a hot spot for clubs and music and the place where the Beatles started.
The surroundings of St. Pauli are also worth a visit. Spend time in the harbor with a morning visit to the Fischmarkt (fish market). This gathering place for locals and tourists began in 1703 and sells the freshest fish, flowers and spices with a touch of live entertainment. Nearby Hafencity has been recently built and offers the latest in shopping and dining.
If you crave the classic, stay in the city center with its elegant neoclassical rathaus (town hall) and elegant shopping street on Mönckebergstraße , affectionately known as Mö .
Cologne
Cologne (or Cologne), founded by the Romans, is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Cologne’s towering Cathedral is the centerpiece with two towers reaching 157 meters into the sky and can be seen from across the city. Located right next to the train station, it’s the first thing visitors see and they never take their eyes off it.
From here, walk through the Old Town and on the western bank of the River Rhine. Colorful 19th century houses and ice cream cafes are the setting for an idyllic stroll. Cologne’s art galleries and excellent museums mark every corner.
After so much walking, Colonia offers the perfect snack. Kölsch is the beer of Cologne. Served in endless rotation in small glasses, the people of Cologne rarely drink another beer.
If your favorite vice is chocolate, Cologne has the museum for you. The Chocolate Museum covers the long history of turning coconut beans into chocolate and ends with the most delicious fountains.
Clearly, there are plenty of places to have a good time in Cologne, but there’s no reason to limit yourself. If you visit Cologne for Carnival, the party beats the entire city. Cologne is the undisputed king of carnival in Germany. Arriving just before Lent, the whole city goes a bit crazy with parades, dances, and public performances all over the city.
Dresden
A short distance from Berlin, Dresden is called the »Florence on the Elbe». Known for its baroque architecture and world-renowned art treasures, it is so picturesque that you may not realize that 80% of Dresden’s historic center was destroyed in WWII. Monuments have been rebuilt to their former glory such as the exemplary Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady of Dresden), the royal palace of Zwinger and Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes – the largest porcelain mural in the world). Walk on the Brühlsche terrace and admire the restored grandeur.
That said, the newer sections of Dresden are enjoying a renaissance. Dresden, off the beaten path, reveals the city’s younger and more alternative side, from a series of art-filled courtyards to inspiration for Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five to the most exotic cigarette factory.
It doesn’t matter if your interest is old or new, everyone can agree that you can have a good time in Dresden’s many biergartens.
Leipzig
Leipzig is another popular day trip from Berlin, but there are enough attractions to make it a top stop.
Located at the meeting point of three rivers, this has been the meeting point of great minds. Goethe was a student in Leipzig, Bach worked here as a singer, and Martin Luther debated here.
Today, the New Leipzig school brings a new perspective to the art world. And a visit to the 1743 Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, the oldest symphony orchestra in the world, shows that art is alive in this great German city. If you prefer the culinary arts, Auerbachs Keller is one of the oldest restaurants in the country and today is a Goethe and local favorite.
In addition to being a center for German art and culture, the city also became famous in recent German history. The Leipzig protesters started the peaceful revolution, which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Like Dresden, low rents and a rebellious spirit continue to draw a youthful counterculture. This subversive streak can be seen in his cutting edge kabarett hitting standard political structures.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is one of the few German cities that was not destroyed in WWII. This means that plenty of old world charm fills the narrow cobbled streets and the baroque city center, personifying Germany’s romantic period of the 18th century.
It is one of the most picturesque destinations in Germany. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views from the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) across the Neckar River, back into the city from the Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Way), and especially from the ruins of the old Heidelberg castle. This inspiring setting allowed Mark Twain to finish his novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , here.
Heidelberg has inspired many other great minds who have settled at the University of Heidelberg, the oldest university in the country. It is one of the most famous universities in the world, but that does not mean that students do not know how to have fun. Heidelberg maintains a youthful vibe amongst the academic environment with excellent bars and restaurants, and even a former student prison.
Continue to 9 of 10 below.
Dusseldorf
Düsseldorf is a cosmopolitan city with a playful atmosphere. A symbol of the city is the Düsseldorfer Radschläger (cartwheeling boy) and his image can be seen throughout the city on souvenirs and statues. The works of great architects like Ghery and Chipperfield also mark the urban landscape.
Düsseldorf is known for its rich art scene that has produced many greats. It is the home of composers Robert Schumann and Mendelssohn and the Düsseldorf Academy of Art is responsible for well-known graduates such as Joseph Beuys, Jörg Immendorff and Gerhard Richter.
A center of commerce, Düsseldorf presents shows throughout the year. Gallery Düsseldorf is the world’s largest fashion fair, held every January. But shoppers can shop year-round at Königsallee (King’s Avenue), known as Kö by locals.
After some serious shopping, kick back with an Altbier , a brown German-style beer. It is top fermented like pale British ales and can be enjoyed in classic pubs like Fuechschen, Schumacher, Schluessel or Uerige. The altstadt (old city) has been referred to as the “longest bar in the world” and the party never stops during Carnival.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart in southwestern Germany is undeservedly underrated. But it’s a car lover’s dream, features modern architecture, and has some of the biggest beer festivals in Germany (outside of Oktoberfest).
Stuttgart is home to two of the best car brands in the world, Mercedes and Porsche. Production takes place nearby and there are world-class car museums for both companies.
The city itself has a great combination of architecture with a baroque center on Schlossplatz with the Neues Schloss (New Palace) from the early 19th century. Against the classical landscape, there are contemporary elements such as metal and glass stairs. This city had the world’s first television tower, Fernsehturm Stuttgart (Television Tower) and it still dominates the skyline. Stuttgart even has a UNESCO world heritage site in the buildings of the famous architect Le Corbusier.
One of its most exciting structures is open to the public. The Stuttgart Public Library is a haven for readers and architectural fans. Its cutting-edge luminescent design is Instagram-ready and a great service for its citizens with over 500,000 media units.
Twice a year, Stuttgart hosts the party with an epic beer festival. Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart Beer Festival) and Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest.
