Germany is one of those countries you could spend weeks exploring and still leave feeling like you didn’t have enough time there. It is one of just a few countries to which we find ourselves returning over and over again.
Its complex World War history coupled with its fairytale castles and incredible cuisine makes Germany an ideal travel destination for families. Throughout the country, many of the best cities to visit in Germany are characterized by their colorful old towns, ornate cathedrals, and historic museums.
Best Cities in Germany
From the country’s quirky capital to the city where lederhosen and dirndls are more than a fashion statement, here are the 10 best cities in Germany to visit.
Munich
Munich is one of the most visited cities in Germany – second only to the capital city of Berlin – but it is our personal favorite. We have visited Munich several times, our first time for only one day, but have since returned to explore this popular German city more and to visit its famous Oktoberfest.
The capital city of Bavaria might as well be the culture capital of Germany because it has such a pronounced identity that makes it loveable. From its beer halls to its markets and town squares that are always bustling with activity, Munich has a certain energy – a vibe – that is unique.
When visiting Munich, make a point to check out some of the city’s beautiful churches, like the Frauenkirche, St. Peter’s Church, and Asam Church, as well as its palaces like Schloss Nymphenburg and the Munich Residenz.
Berlin
If Munich’s vibe is charming and relaxed, Berlin’s vibe is creative and edgy. The city is popular for its nightlife, although we can’t personally vouch for that since we have long passed the days of barhopping and clubbing. It’s a haven for the artistic and the eclectic. But it is also a wonderful place to visit for history lovers. As the capital of Germany, Berlin is filled with museums, monuments, and government buildings.
Plan to spend at least 2 days in Berlin, more if you really love museums and World War and Cold War history. Aside from the museums, the Berliner Dom and the East Side Gallery are also worth visiting. So are landmarks like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, and the Memorial for the Murdered Jews.
Dresden
Considered (by me) to be one of Europe’s best kept secrets, Dresden is one of the dreamiest cities in Europe. Located in eastern Germany in the state of Saxony, you can easily visit Dresden as a day trip from Berlin. However, we loved it enough that I’d recommend giving yourself at least two days.
Be sure to visit the Dresden Zwinger and Royal Palace, marvel at the historic architecture in Schlossplatz and admire the Furstenzug, the largest porcelain artwork in the world. Then enjoy shopping and dining in Neumarkt Old Town.
At the heart of Neumarkt, Frauenkirche sits prominently. It along with the rest of Dresden was heavily bombed during World War II and wasn’t completely restored until 2005. Seeing the historic buildings in Dresden now rebuilt and restored to their previous grandeur is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the smallest city on our list. With only 11,400 residents, some might even call it a town or a village. But as one of the most beautiful places in Germany, I would be remiss not to include it. Rothenburg looks like the real-life setting of a Disney movie.
It’s almost unrealistically cute, giving it a storybook appeal that makes it a must-visit destination. Although small in size, there are a lot of things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. One of the most popular cities along Germany’s Romantic Road, Rothenburg is worth spending at least a day or two. You could spend a full day alone just roaming the colorful streets and preserved medieval city walls.
Aside from admiring the city’s beauty, there are several notable museums including the Christmas Museum and the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum.
Be sure to grab a schneeballe and watch the clock come alive in Marktplatz. You can also climb the Town Hall Tower to get a bird’s eye view of the adorable city.
Cologne
Cologne is one of the easiest cities to tack onto a Western Europe itinerary. Less than 2 hours by train from Brussels, Belgium or two and a half hours from Amsterdam, you can visit the city as a day trip from Amsterdam or from the Belgian capital.
At the center of the city, the Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous churches in Europe. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals on the continent. It is not only stunning inside and out, but from its towers you also get exceptional views of the city.
Like most German cities, Cologne has a cute old town with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and cozy cafes. During your visit, check out the Lindt Chocolate Museum and buy some German chocolate – a popular souvenir from Germany. Plan to take a stroll along the Rhine River or book a river cruise.
And don’t forget to try a Kölsch beer. This local beer is one of my favorites!
Hamburg
Hamburg is one of Germany’s port cities, although about 60 miles inland, it is connected to the North Sea by way of the Elbe River.
Hamburg has a different feel than many other German cities, and its uniqueness is one of the reasons it makes our list. It looks and feels more like some of the beautiful cities in Scandinavia rather than Germany.
One of its highlights is the historic Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, where you’ll find hundreds of canals, and museums like Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon.
When visiting Hamburg, be sure to take a canal cruise to learn about the city’s maritime history. There is also an International Maritime Museum for those particularly interested in this part of the city’s past. Overlooking the harbor, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall is one of the most unique landmarks in the city with its striking, modern architecture.
Frankfurt
While Frankfurt admittedly wouldn’t be the first German city I would choose to visit, the city is still worth visiting. As the Financial Hub of Europe, it definitely has a business feel to it with tall, modern buildings, and less of that charming architecture Germany is known for.
Don’t worry though, if half-timbered buildings and colorful plazas are what you seek, head to Romer Square. At the heart of the square, the Romer has served as the seat of the municipal government for 600 years.
Because its airport is one of the busiest in Europe, Frankfurt makes for a great place to start a Central Europe itinerary. There are also several popular places nearby that you can visit as day trips, like Eltz Burg, a beautiful castle that has been in the same family for centuries.
Nuremberg
There is one primary reason that Nuremberg makes our list of the best cities in Germany to visit.
The city may have charming medieval architecture, with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, but it isn’t the adorable Old Town, medieval castle, or World War II history that make it a fan favorite. It’s the city’s winter market.
The city hosts the largest and one of the most famous Christkindlesmarkt in Germany – making it one of the dreamiest Christmas destinations in Europe.
Even if you aren’t visiting in winter, the city is still worth visiting, at least for a short amount of time. You can tour Nuremberg Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, stroll the streets of Old Town, and visit the Nuremberg Trials Memorial inside the Palace of Justice where senior members of the Nazi regime were tried after World War II.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is another city in Western Germany that can be done as a day trip from places like Zurich, Switzerland or Strasbourg, France as it is less than 3 hours from both cities.
Stuttgart is known for its automotive history and is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of the automobile. For this reason, there is both a Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum in the city.
While you could spend a few days exploring the city and visiting Stuttgart’s Old Castle, the city is also an easy place to base yourself if you want to visit Hohenzollern, one of the most majestic castles in Europe.
Erding
A destination that doesn’t seem to make many lists of German cities to visit – Erding is located just 45 minutes from Munich by train. One of the smaller cities on our list, Erding is home to the largest thermal spa in Europe. Therme Erding spans 180,000 square meters and features both a spa and an indoor/outdoor water park.
Aside from Therme Erding and its 35 steam baths, 40 pools, and 28 water slides, Erding’s other claim to fame is the Erdinger Brewery – the makers of a well-known Bavarian beer. You can tour the brewery museum and even stay at an attached boutique hotel.
While visiting the city of roughly 38,000 residents, be sure to step inside St. John the Baptist Church – where you’ll find mummified remains decorated with jewels and check out the remnants of the old city wall, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
Do you have a question or comment about any of the best cities in Germany to visit? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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