When you think of European “big cities,” you think of Paris in France, Rome in Italy, and London in England. But what about Germany? This country is unique in that it doesn’t have just one big city – it has many! So, how will you decide which you want to visit first? Take a tour of Germany’s favorite cities to see which ones will make it onto your vacation’s itinerary.
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Berlin
The capital city of Germany offers an enormous amount of things to see and do. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Museum Island offers five different museums ranging from art to history. Those into history should visit the Memorial of the Murdered Jews as well as Checkpoint Charlie. The Berlin Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in Europe with over 1500 different species to see. For relaxation, try one of the thousands of swimming lakes surrounding the city.
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Munich
Though Munich might be best known for Oktoberfest, there is much more to explore in this city. Marienplatz is the center of the city, a social hotspot surrounded by beautiful, historical architecture. The massive Englisher Garten offers vast lawns and groves, and even surfing in the Eisbach River. Car lovers can also enjoy the BMW museum, which even houses Elvis Presley’s BMW. Another must-see is St. Peter’s Church, where you can enjoy an incredible view of the city from the top of the tower.
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Cologne
This historically significant city is situated on the Rhine River and is home to the Cologne Cathedral, the most visited landmark in all of Germany. Here you can view artifacts dating as far back as the 10th century. For more modern art, the Ludwig Museum features avant-garde and pop art. And no trip to Cologne is complete without visiting Old Town, where you can experience what the city was like before it was destroyed in World War II.
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Hamburg
This port city’s most popular spot is Speicherstadt, a warehouse district with plenty of visitor attractions. The oldest warehouse is home to the International Maritime Museum, which has artifacts dating back thousands of years. Another warehouse is filled with Minatur Wunderland, where those who love miniature trains can enjoy models of cities around the world. The city’s tallest building is the new Elbphilharmonie, which is not only a great place to enjoy music, but the architecture with curved windows is a wonder all its own.
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Dusseldorf
Another city situated on the Rhine river, Dusseldorf is the perfect place for those who love to dine out and shop. The Rheinuferpromenade is a highlight as a long, sunny strip lined with cafes and shops. For high-end shopping, visit Konigsallee, another strip that features premium shops. And if you’re into exciting nightlife, the old town Altstadt offers over 300 bars and nightclubs. But the city does offer museums of modern art such as the North Rhine Westphalia.
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Frankfurt
Where old meets new – While Frankfurt’s old town (Altstadt) boasts traditional charm, the majority of the city is filled with shiny modern skyscrapers. It’s known to be Germany’s main financial hub, and hosts many international events.
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Dresden
“Florence at the Elbe” – This beautiful gem, like Cologne, is laden with mesmerizing art museums, classic architecture, and a postcard-worthy reconstructed old town. Dresden is the capital of Saxony, the eastern German State, and is famous for its Versailles-inspired Zwinger Palace and baroque church, Frauenkirche.
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Nuremberg
A medieval marvel – A city distinguished by medieval architecture, Nuremberg boasts soaring stone towers, storybook streets, and an iconic castle. While Nuremberg is a bright, fun-filled city today, it holds a dark past of Nazi history. This city is for the history buff who enjoys learning about a destination as much as exploring its beauty.
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Wurzburg
Lavish baroque architecture – Art, wine, and everything cultured – that’s Wurzburg! Filled with renowned museums, ornate palaces, rococo architecture, and countless wine bars, this gorgeous city is a must-visit for the culture lover in you. Wurzburg is the center of the Franconian wine country, so keep an eye out for its distinctive bocksbeutel, which are bottles with flattened round shapes – found only in this area!
There’s no end to the diversity of adventures to experience in Germany. Sign up to go virtual first at our Take A Virtual Vacation here. When you’re ready to see it for yourself, reach out to us, and together we will plan out your exciting trip to Germany, including all the attractions and places that interest you the most.
