The abundance of gorgeous places you can visit in Germany is just ridiculous. From the biggest and most beautiful cities in Germany to the cutest fairytale villages to unreal green scenery, this bucket list is huge!
If you’re here because you’re looking for a little weekend break (or some stops on a road trip), here are 28 cities that will steal your heart.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Most Beautiful Cities in Germany’s Eastern and Central States
Berlin
To be honest, I wasn’t at my best when I visited Berlin, so I couldn’t fully appreciate everything it had to offer.
But it’s actually home to remarkable landmarks and museums, offers a great culinary scene, has plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, and is internationally known for its buzzing nightlife scene.
The best way to enjoy Berlin (or any other city for that matter) is to combine its touristic highlights with hidden gems and spontaneous exploration of its super cool neighborhoods (like Mitte and Kreuzberg).
Some of the places that must be included on your itinerary are the Reichstag building, Berliner Dom, Pergamon Museum, East Side Gallery, Charlottenburg Palace, and Holocaust Memorial, but you’ll literally find dozens of things to do in Berlin.
Erfurt
By Heather from Heather on Her Travels
You have to visit the picturesque city of Erfurt in the state of Thuringia, with a well-preserved medieval center and bags of culture. The town grew rich in the Middle Ages as a crossroads for trade and a producer of the expensive blue Woad dye.
One of the most popular things to do in Erfurt is to cross the Krämerbrücke or Merchants Bridge with its half-timbered artisan shops or climb the nearby church tower for views over the old town.
The Erfurt Cathedral set on the high ground is worth a visit, hosting an opera festival every summer on its steps. The town also has strong connections with Martin Luther, who studied at St Augustine’s monastery.
For an unusual tour, explore the “listening tunnels” under the 17th-century Petersberg citadel, where the soldiers patrolled to ensure that no one was trying to blow up the fortress.
Haale (Saale)
By Evelina from EvBeing
Halle (Saale) is the largest city in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt and one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Germany.
Homeland of the famous baroque composer, Handel, Halle boasts a range of fascinating things to do and the most captivating public art you have ever seen.
Among the things to do here is to visit the church of Marktkirche Unser Lieben Frauen, the Roter Turm, and the Kunstmuseum Moritzburg.
To explore Halle further, tour the vibrant market square (Marktplatz) where the vibe of the city takes place.
Discover Halle’s rich history of salt production by visiting the Technical Hallors and Saline Museum. Highlight your trip to Halle with a visit to the Beatles Museum, a gem for a Beatles lover.
Above all, explore the city to capture the astonishing architecture and outstanding public art that speaks volumes.
Potsdam
Although many people visit Potsdam as a day trip from Berlin, this city deserves to be in the spotlight all on its own.
Its crowning glories are the stunning palaces and parks (which form one of the world’s largest UNESCO sites), but it’s also home to beautiful historical quarters and unique museums.
Start by visiting landmarks like the 18th-century Sanssouci Palace, the Orangery Palace, the Cecilienhof Palace, and the Babelsberg Palace, and wander through their beautiful parks and gardens.
Next, explore the Dutch Quarter and the Russian colony (Alexandrowka), visit museums like the Film Museum and the art Barberini Museum, and unwind at the city’s cutest cafes.
This is just the tip of the iceberg as there are plenty of other places to visit here, so I recommend spending an entire weekend in Potsdam.
Dresden
By Linn from Brainy Backpackers
Dresden is without a doubt one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. Almost completely destroyed during World War II, the old town has been beautifully rebuilt to resemble the original city. And they did a remarkable job.
The old town is such a charming area to walk around, from Neumarkt Square with the iconic Frauenkirche to the incredible 102-meter-long porcelain façade of Fürstenzug showcasing all the rulers of the House of Wettin.
Other things to do in Dresden include seeing the Dresden Cathedral, another rebuilt masterpiece, and visiting the Opera House and the Zwinger Palace, which houses numerous museums.
You can easily see the old town with one day in Dresden as it is all clustered in one place and easy to walk around.
Best City Weekend Breaks in Germany’s Western States
Cologne
By Rachel from Average Lives
Cologne (Köln) is easily one of the top cities to visit in Germany. It is an old Roman city on the River Rhine and is full of magic, beauty, and a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture.
Cologne is Germany’s fourth biggest city, and there are so many exciting things to do that you might not know where to start.
However, there are some must-dos in Cologne. These include admiring the UNESCO Cologne Cathedral and discovering art at Museum Ludwig.
You should also taste the iconic beer Kölsch and explore the colorful Old Town and its churches. You can lock your love on the Hohenzollern Bridge before enjoying the interactive exhibits in the Chocolate Museum. There is something for everyone.
Why not coincide your visit with an event? For example, the enchanting Christmas Markets, Carnival, Gay Pride, or the opening of the beer gardens.
Trier
By Sanne from Spend Life Traveling
Not many people have heard of Trier, and that’s a shame.
Trier is Germany’s oldest city and is often nicknamed Rome of the North, for good reasons! This relatively compact city is packed with history and boasts 8 astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are so many great things to do in Trier for any type of traveler. From the world’s best-preserved Roman city gate, Porta Nigra, to the oldest cathedral in Germany, the Trierer Dom, Trier is a great city to visit for any history and architecture lover.
But with its lively market square and many cafés and restaurants, Trier is also a great city for foodies. Definitely try some local wine as Trier has a long wine-growing tradition and produces some surprisingly good wines!
On top of all of this, the city is surrounded by beautiful nature, perfect for outdoor activities. Book a boat excursion on the Moselle, or check out one of the many hiking and cycling routes.
Mainz
By Kelly from The Weekend Wanderluster
Mainz is not a city that first comes to mind when you think about visiting Germany, but it is a perfect spot to spend a day or two and explore its rich history.
Mainz is just a short 30-minute train ride from Frankfurt Flughafen (FRA) or 40 minutes from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, making it very accessible.
Most people don’t know that Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press, was born in Mainz! You can visit the Gutenberg Museum and see two of his original bibles from the 1400s.
Mainz was also once known as the Roman city of “Mogontiacum”. Today you can still visit the Roman Theatre ruins that would have once held 10,000 people.
The best thing about Mainz, Germany is that it is a great place to visit no matter the time of year. It is a very walkable city and a great place to experience history, religion, culture, and shopping.
Aachen
By Džangir from Dr Jam Travels
Aachen, listed as a UNESCO site, is bordering Belgium and Netherlands. It became important in the 8th century when it was the capital of the Kingdom of the Franks.
The main attraction from that period is the Aachen Cathedral, where Charles the Great is buried. From medieval times, the Town Hall and Ponttor gate have remained.
If you get tired from walking around the old town, you can relax in a thermal bath at the spa that was already used by the Romans.
To taste something local, search for Aachen’s Printen, their version of gingerbread.
A visit to any German city shouldn’t be concluded without trying the local beer, and the best place for it is the 17th-century Domkeeler across the cathedral.
Koblenz
By Paulina from Paulina on the Road
Koblenz is a historical Rhine valley town located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Its history goes back to Roman times, and it is recognized as the backdrop of fairy tale castles and rolling vineyards.
It is a great place to visit because the small town is surrounded by history, stunning architecture, and fairy tales. Visit it with a ferry ride to enjoy its beauty even more.
The city is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site that offers a lot of things to do. One of the popular things that tourists love to enjoy there is the cable car. It is a great way to enjoy the picturesque sights of Koblenz over the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.
Other things include a river cruise, visiting the Electrol Palace, taking wine tours and tastings, and eating at the popular cafes that offer delicious Spanish hot chocolate.
Münster
With a rich history that traces back to the 8th century, Münster is another undiscovered city you’d want to visit.
Although most of its old town was destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt in a way that combined the traditional and modern, making it worth exploring.
While strolling through the old town, don’t miss the Münster Cathedral (St.-Paulus-Dom), the historic City Hall, and St Lambert’s Church, and visit the Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History and the Stadtmuseum.
Outside of the old town, you’ll find other fascinating places to visit, including the 18th-century Schloss Münster and its botanical gardens, the LWL Museum of Natural History, and the Mühlenhof open-air museum, which showcases how people in this area used to live and work centuries ago.
There’s more to discover in this city, so if you love alternative city breaks, add Münster to your list.
Frankfurt
By Megan from Megan & Aram
One of the prettiest cities in Germany is Frankfurt. While Frankfurt may not have that typical ‘German’ aesthetic that other cities have in the country, its skyline and international vibe make the city a complete standout.
There is no best time to visit Frankfurt. If you arrive in spring, the city is in bloom. In summer, you have festivals like the Mainuferfest.
In autumn, you have Oktoberfest and foliage, and in winter, you have one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world.
If you’re visiting Frankfurt, be sure to test out the local cuisine. If you head to Sachsenhausen, you can enjoy one of the apfelwein restaurants (ebbelwoi in local Hessisch) where you can test out the favorite local drink (be sure to order Handkase mit Musik as a starter!).
Afterward, hunt down some of the best craft beer in Frankfurt for a fun night out!
Be sure to also check out the Palmengarten (botanical gardens) in the city’s Westend as well as the Zeil if you want to do a little shopping!
For an off-the-path experience, head out to Hochst, where you will find traditional buildings and Bolongaropalast.
Düsseldorf
By Dymphe from Dym Abroad
One of the most beautiful cities in Germany is Düsseldorf. It lies in the western part of Germany, where you can also find many German medieval towns. The city has a wonderful atmosphere, and it offers many things to do and see.
One of the best things to do in Düsseldorf is to visit one of its museums. One of them you should not miss is the Museum Kunstpalast, where you’ll find a large variety of art objects and changing exhibitions.
You can also stroll around the beautiful parks in the city or explore the Rhine embankment promenade. This is a place with many lovely restaurants where you can sit down and look at the river.
You might also like:
- Cities to visit in Portugal
- Cities to visit in Austria
- Cities to visit in Hungary
- Cities to visit in Poland
- Cities to visit in the Netherlands
- Best travel sneakers (perfect for a city break)
Best City Breaks in Germany’s Northern States
Rostock
By Lee & Stacey from One Trip at a Time
Founded in the 13th century, Rostock was a key Hanseatic League member and shipbuilding town. Located near the Baltic Sea, it’s a charming city to explore, especially if your cruise ship is docked in nearby Warnemünde.
With a compact historic center, many of the best things to see in Rostock are within easy walking distance.
Wander the Neuer Markt to see colorful merchant houses, the pink Town Hall, and Marienkirche, renowned for its 15th-century astronomical clock.
Continue and stroll Kröpeliner Straße to see gabled houses, visit shops, and see the playful fountain in Universitätsplatz. To learn about Rostock’s history, the Cultural History and Maritime museums are both worth visiting.
From there, walk the old city walls, stopping at Kröpeliner Tor (a watchtower) and Steintor, a city gate from the Middle Ages.
To top off your visit, head up to the tower of Petrikirche for amazing views across the orange rooftops of Rostock.
Stralsund
By Kati from Queensland and Beyond
Stralsund is a picturesque Hanseatic city on the Baltic Sea, a region of Germany that is known for its rich maritime history and stunning classic redbrick Gothic architecture.
The historic Altstadt (city center) is recognized by UNESCO, and strolling around on a self-guided tour is fascinating, especially if architecture or history is something you’re interested in.
Don’t miss the Alter Markt (Old Market Square), where you can admire the Gothic town hall in all its redbrick glory.
Just as impressive as the Altstadt are the two underwater world museums, the Ozeaneum and the Meeresmuseum. Both museums educate, enlighten and enchant visitors with historical artifacts, aquariums, and stunning architecture all at once.
Make sure you visit the penguin colony that lives on the roof of the Ozeaneum. Plus, the views of Stralsund from here are fantastic!
Lubeck
By Julia from The Cure for Curiosity
Located in Northern Germany, Lubeck is a stunning city and UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful brick Gothic architecture.
First founded back in the 12th century, Lubeck saw great prosperity as a major trading center for Northern Europe. It was even the capital and the Queen City of the Hanseatic League.
Today, you’ll find Lubeck lives up to its nickname “City of Seven Spires” based on the number of stunning churches and spires decorating its skyline.
Whether you have one day in Lubeck or a week to explore, you’ll enjoy your time in the city.
Wander through the historic center, or Altstadt, visit both of the city gates, the Holstentor and Burgtor, and of course admire some of the famous churches that make up the seven spires.
Perhaps the most significant of these is St. Mary’s, which was later used as a blueprint for many churches around Europe.
Bremen
By Arzo from Arzo Travels
Bremen might not be the most famous city in Germany, but it is surely one of the country’s prettiest places.
Bremen has an amazing old town, the Schnoor, with cobbled-stoned streets and houses that are several hundred years old (some older than 600 years old!).
Also, head to Market Square with its fascinating town hall (a UNESCO World Heritage site) that is a must-see. It is filled with people listening to street musicians on sunny and warm days, drinking and dining in one of the cafes, and chilling.
Just behind the town hall is another main tourist attraction. You will find the Bremen Town Musicians statue – the main characters from the famous fairy-tale of the four animals that wanted to become musicians.
The Schlachte, a promenade lined up with many restaurants and cafes at the Weser River, is a perfect place to end your day and enjoy time outdoors!
Kiel
By Jordan from Hamburg and Beyond
Located on the Baltic Sea, Kiel is known for its beaches and outdoor adventures. After being completely bombed out during WWII, the city was quickly rebuilt and regained its importance as an international shipping waterway.
From sailing and kiteboarding to hiking and long walks on the beach, you should take advantage of all the seaside towns and beaches surrounding the city.
In particular, make sure to go to Strande, Heidkate, and Holtenau for gorgeous beach views and an authentic Northern German experience.
Along the way, make sure you stop for a Fischbrötchen, available at small stands along the beaches. These fish sandwiches are a staple to the region and a snacking delight.
Lastly, make sure to not miss Kieler Woche, normally held the last week of June. This is the largest sailing festival in the world that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Hamburg
By Sonal & Sandro from Drifter Planet
If there’s one city in Germany that truly has it all, it is Hamburg.
There are canals, lakes, pretty houses, historical structures, street art hot spots, an amazing party scene, and Europe’s biggest red-light district – Reeperbahn. Hamburg also has the longest underwater river tunnel that goes under the river Elbe.
The city is pretty but what wins hearts is Hamburg’s culture. It is vibrant and arty. Hamburg is where many artists are born. Even the Beatles-mania started in Reeperbahn (St. Pauli) before it hit all over the world.
If you want to get a taste of Hamburg’s lively scene, then St. Pauli is the district where you want to be.
Don’t spend all your time in St. Pauli, do take some time out to check out the harbor too. Make sure you walk around Speicherstadt (the warehouse district) – it is one of the best spots for photos in Hamburg.
Lastly, visit the “Miniatur Wunderland” and Chocoversum Chocolate Museum even if you don’t like museums because they are unique.
Hanover
By Raluca from Travel With A Spin
Hanover is the greenest city in Germany, but also a perfect mix of history and modern.
Your visit to Hanover should start with a panoramic view from the top of the new town hall, a fairytale castle-like building from the 20th century. Furthermore, you’ll be taken up to the observation platform by the only lift with a curve in Europe.
Hanover is also home to Germany’s oldest flea market, the perfect place to look for something you like and bargain for it. Just next to it, you’ll find Niki’s Nanas, some funky colorful statues that have become a symbol of the city.
No visit to Hanover is complete without seeing Aegidinkirche, the shell of a 14th-century church bombed in WWII. It wasn’t restored but kept as a remembrance of the fact that war and violence have no place in this world.
Best Cities to Visit in Germany’s Southern States
Munich
By Tegan and Alex from Why Not Walk Travel Guides
The capital of the beautiful region of Bavaria, Munich is a jewel of a city to visit, with a cozy and intimate feel, unusual for a city of its size. It has beautiful architecture, world-class museums, and a historic and tasty gastronomic scene.
A few of the best places to visit in Munich are the Marienplatz, the central square of the city with its iconic new and old city hall buildings; the English Garden, which is wonderful for a picnic, a stroll along its many walking paths, or a beer and pretzel in its biergarten; and the Residenz, a breathtaking museum located in a former royal palace.
Try to visit the Marienplatz (also known as one of the prettiest European squares) at 11 AM or 12 PM, as this is when the Rathaus-Glockenspiel chimes – just look up at the tower of the New City Hall!
Each October, Munich hosts the world-famous Oktoberfest, but if you aren’t visiting in October, there’s a similar vibe year-round at the Hofbräuhaus, a beer hall dating back to the 1500s.
You can also take day trips from Munich to the Neuschwanstein Castle, Erding, and Garmish-Partenkirchen. Some of the best places to see in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are Eibsee Lake and the village of Mittenwald.
Regensburg
By Rhonda from Travel Yes Please
Regensburg is one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval cities thanks to its well-preserved architecture and riverside location on the banks of the Danube.
During a walk through Regensburg’s Old Town, you’ll see colorful buildings, clock towers, pretty wrought-iron signs, and prominent historical landmarks.
Even if you’re spending only one day in Regensburg, some must-see sights include the Gothic architecture and twin spires of St. Peter’s Cathedral looming over the historic center, the 12th-century vaulted stone bridge crossing the Danube, and the Wurstkuchl sausage kitchen that has been serving customers for almost 900 years.
The medieval City Hall is also worth visiting because of the shocking contrasts between the warm and stately assembly hall and the dark and cruel torture chamber.
While Regensburg’s physical appearance gives the city its charm, it’s the centuries-old stories that make it an interesting place to visit.
Heidelberg
By Kat from Wandering Bird
Heidelberg is a gorgeous city on the banks of the Neckar river. It’s famous for its imposing castle ruins, built high on the hill overlooking the town.
The combination of a river, historic buildings, pretty bridges, and the castle makes it one of the most romantic towns in Germany.
Apart from the castle, there’s plenty to do, including exploring the Hauptstrasse and the ‘Old Town’, full of medieval architecture, old churches, boutique shops, and countless cafes and restaurants.
In the summer, head to the town quay, where you can enjoy a river cruise – one of the best ways to experience the full beauty of the town with the castle behind it.
Also, don’t miss walking the Philosophers Way, a path on the northern side of the river with incredible views.
If you’re motorhoming in Germany, there are some wonderful campsites nearby. If you’re in a car, there are plenty of hotels and BnBs to choose from to extend your stay.
Bamberg
By Megan from Packing up the Pieces
Bamberg is a picturesque medieval city found in the Upper Franconia region of Germany. The city itself is a delight to wander and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With so much history, Bamberg is divided into three distinct areas. The Island District showcases the iconic Old Town Hall straddling the Regnitz River. The City on the Hills boasts the towering Michelsberg Monastery and the Neue Residenz with a lovely rose garden.
Finally, wander to the Market Gardener’s District, where you can see typical farmer’s homes that produce the heirloom Bamberger onions.
The Old Town of Bamberg is charming, but one of the best things to do in the city is to sample the regional cuisine and sip on a distinctive smoky malt beer, rauchbier.
Within the city limits, you’ll find 10 breweries and a wide range of beer halls serving up traditional plates of food and over 400 styles of beer.
Nuremberg
By Claire from Stoked to Travel
Nuremberg, located in Bavaria, is a beautiful historical city to visit.
Sadly, however, Nuremberg experienced heavy bombing during WWII – partly because it was Adolf Hitler’s favorite city – and so much of Nuremberg’s medieval city center has had to be re-built and restored.
Interestingly, Nuremberg does not receive as many tourists as other large cities in Germany, making it a bit of a hidden gem. Between the stunning architecture, the lively bars and great restaurants, and its incredible medieval city – Nuremberg is certainly worth a visit.
The city is best explored on foot as most of the attractions are located in a fairly compact area within the castle’s walls. In fact, public transport doesn’t even run through the medieval town center.
During the winter months, Nuremberg is also home to one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany and can offer a complete, authentic experience.
Christkindlmarkt is the main market and is absolutely huge – make sure to try the famous Nuremberg gingerbread, Lebkuchen, which has been traditionally baked in the city for over 600 years!
Wurzburg
By Carolyn from Holidays to Europe
One of the best cities to see in Germany is Wurzburg in Northern Bavaria.
The city has had quite a turbulent history, including being 85% destroyed during World War II, but it has undergone extensive rebuilding and is once again a charming city.
The pretty Old Town is home to a number of impressive buildings, but it’s the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge) where the locals head to enjoy a glass of Franconian wine and admire the statues of 12 saints that adorn the bridge.
Other things to do in Wurzburg include visits to the Marienberg Fortress, which sits on a hilltop on the left bank of the River Main, and the UNESCO-listed Wurzburg Residence.
For a delicious Franconian meal, head to Restaurant and Weinhaus Stachel, which dates back to 1413. The hearty meals and local beer and wine are other things you’ll love about Wurzburg, a friendly city on the Main.
Freiburg
By Mark from Wyld Family Travel
The city of Freiburg is located close to the French Alsace Region and Swiss borders and on the edge of the Black Forest (it can easily be visited as a day trip from Basel).
There are many things to do in Freiburg, including seeing the Bachle, a series of small open waterways that flow through the city, visiting the Freiburg Minster, which has been standing since the 12th century, and taking the cable car to Schlossberg Hill.
From the top of the hill, you’ll enjoy some fantastic views of the city stretching into the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the Mundlehof, an open-air zoo and green zone where people go to walk and eat at the beer garden.
Freiburg is a lively city when it comes to eating out with many cafes, bars, beer gardens, and restaurants.
You should try regional specialties like Flamkussen and Bratwurst and have a meal at the Martins Brau Brewery in the city center, which brews its own beer.
Augsburg
There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of Augsburg, but it was actually founded in 15 BC by the Romans, making it Germany’s third oldest city!
It also hasn’t suffered as much destruction as other cities in the country during WWII, so imagine what it’s like seeing all of its historical landmarks.
Some of those include the Augsburg Cathedral, Perlach Tower, Town Hall, Schaezlerpalais, Weberhaus, and Fuggerei, which is the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use.
If you love museums, check out the Jewish Museum, Maximilian Museum, or Textile and Industry Museum. And if you’re looking to unwind, head to the botanical garden or grab a cup of coffee at one of the old town’s cafes.
Map
Click here to access the My Maps interactive map of these cities in Germany.
Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).
Pin this post about the best tourist cities in Germany for later using the share icon on the right bottom corner!
I visit my relatives near Munich almost every year so have seen much of Southern Germany, but now I am adding all these northern cities to my list for when I can visit next 🙂
Thank you for participating, Kelly!