5 Top Cities To Explore In Germany
If you prefer to explore picturesque continental countries or are a history geek, then Germany is the place for you. With its numerous preserved medieval towns, buildings and historic sites, and beautiful scenery, you'll have plenty of places to explore.
To help you decide where you want to go, here is our list of the most interesting and attractive cities in Germany.
1. Berlin
Berlin is the best place to visit if you love exploring large cities full of nightclubs, galleries, museums, historical attractions, and monuments. It is a true melting pot for cultures from all around the world, and you can have a taste of them all in just one city. And we mean a taste since Berlin is renowned for its fine dining experience. Even the street vendors offer an amazing culinary experience; just go wherever you see a long line of people waiting, then you know it's good.
We advise spending at least a week in Berlin since there is always something happening you wouldn't want to miss. From excellent museums and galleries located on Museum Island, historic sites like Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall, to wandering through famous Berlin streets and squares, like Alexanderplatz or Mitte district, you will want to devote more of your time if you want to truly explore this urban gem.
2. Cologne
Originally settled by the Romans, Cologne is another city where history meets the present successfully. Cologne used to be an important religious center and place of pilgrimage, so the most iconic monuments in Cologne that stood the test of time are the cathedrals, including the Cologne Cathedral, Germany's most popular attraction and the tallest twin-spired church in the world.
Another one of Cologne's appealing aspects is shopping. It is still an important trade and commercial center, so you can find all sorts of locally produced goods, like the renowned Cologne-made chocolate, perfume, and fashion items.
Once you've done all the shopping, you can explore its ancient Roman remains, museums, and art galleries or relax by the magnificent river Rhine.
3. Munich
If you prefer exploring old city architecture, then Munich is the place. Not as packed with adventure as Berlin, Munich allows you to be more laid-back and enjoy the charm of this old German city. The urban scenery and old buildings are stunning; some even date back to the 12th century. You can kick back in the city's largest open square, the Marienplatz, and soak in the beauty of the medieval architecture of the Old and New Town Halls.
Munich has some of the world's most beautiful churches and cathedrals, including Peterskirche and the iconic Frauenkirche. There are well-organized Munich day trips, where you get to see the town's most important buildings and the attractions just out of town. At the end of a long tour, you can relax in the largest public park in the world – the English Garden.
4. Baden-Baden and the Black Forest
The picturesque town of Baden-Baden offers you a chance to stop, take a deep breath, and relax. With its many hot springs and mild climate, this town is well-known as Germany's spa capital.
Thousands of tourists seek authentic spa town experiences every year, and you will feel refreshed after you've felt the therapeutic effect of Baden-Baden's thermal waters. The famous Spa Garden in Baden-Baden, the Kurgarten, is truly worth your money and your time. Here visitors flock to explore the town's exquisite boutique shops and art galleries and enjoy its many great restaurants and cafés.
The Kurgarten is also where most of the town's events and festivals are held, from concerts to the popular Christmas Market, so make sure you stop there.
5. Frankfurt
One of the most important cities in Germany, Frankfurt has long been the country's most important political center, and it was even an independent city-state for centuries. Its historical value has left a mark, which is evident in the architecture of the preserved medieval buildings.
The city is situated on the river Main, and evidence of its past as an important trading center is easy to spot, especially in the impressive Old Town (Altstadt) area. The numerous attractions and historical sites, like Romerberg Square and Old Town Hall, make this city a worthwhile vacation destination.
Final Thoughts
The mild climate, old medieval buildings, cathedrals and towns that look frozen in time, and major shopping centers, spas, art galleries, and museums are just a fraction of the things you can experience first-hand while visiting Germany.
There are many locations to choose from, so consider some of the cities we listed.
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