5 Best German Cities That You Need to Visit
Germany is one of those countries that has something for everyone. With so much history and culture woven into modern Germany, it’s hard to find any city that doesn’t provide something for visitors from around the world. Regardless of whether you’re a history buff, art lover, foodie, football fan, or a shopaholic, Germany has you covered.
Having been to almost all of the major cities over the last 5 year, we’ve put together a list of the best cities in Germany that we absolutely loved!
HERE ARE 5 BEST GERMAN CITIES THAT YOU NEED TO VISIT:
BERLIN: ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN GERMANY
You’d be hard-pressed to find another city in Germany that has as much history as Berlin and needs to be part of every German itinerary– particularly history that you’re able to just walk up to and touch making Berlin one of the best places to visit in Germany in winter or summer. But that’s not the only thing that you have in this wonderful city. You have food, culture and some of the cheapest shopping you can find in Western Europe.
First timers will likely head towards the Berlin Wall, Brandenberg Gate, Check Point Charlie, visit the Reichstag, and if they have time, a trip to TrepTower Park ( a must visit in our opinion!) because of the history that is so delicately preserved here.
Shopping lovers will most likely head to one of the many shopping districts in Berlin- our favorite being Alexander Platz and Alexa (both walking distance from each other). Here is where North American’s can get their fill of Primark, Bijou Brigitte, Bench, Billabong, Quicksilver, Vero Moda, Mango, Levi, Bench.
Music lovers will find tons of indie bands playing in various small bars around the city. We also can’t recommend Philharmonic Concert Hall enough. Considered one of the best in the world, this prestigious company has counted composers like Beethoven and Wagner amongst its own.
How to get there: Direct flights or book your train journey on Rail Europe
DORTMUND
One of the many cities destroyed during WWII, Dortmund is a fascinating city full of culture, art, culinary delights and football fanatics.
Art lovers can spend days in Dortmund U, a brewery turned into a cultural centre, which hosts multiple exhibitions ranging from contemporary to modern art. Our favourite being the musical tree located right in the entrance.
The football lovers in the group will love the Football Museum- embedded in Dortmund’s art and culture mile. Here you can also find Dortmunder U, the Harenberg City Center, the RWE Tower, the Museum of Art and Cultural History and the City and Regional Library.
Boasting the world’s tallest Christmas tree in the world, (1,700 fir trees stand 45 meters into the sky. A 4-meter tall angel crowns the top with 48,000 lights), Dortmund’s Christmas market is definitely one to visit.
How to get there: Thalys
Getting to Dortmund is fairly easy and quick with the Thalys going at 300/hr.
DUSSELDORF: ONE OF THE BEST GERMAN CITIES TO VISIT
Architecture lovers flock to Dusseldorf, and it’s easy to see why. The skyline is designed by some of the best design minds in the business. Not only do these wonderful designs by the marina create visual interest, but they also serve a secondary purpose of rebuilding a city 85% destroyed in the Second World War.
If you’re a history and food lover like us, then you’re going to fall head over heels in love with Dusseldorf’s old town (Altstadt). Known lovingly as the “world’s longest bar” you’re not going to run out of place to grab a pint or a bite. Grab a friend and plan to spend an entire sharing a meal and meeting new friends. Beer sure to try a local brew, or dine where Napolean himself dined before- at Zum Schiffchen.
Art lovers also have their pick with the variety of cultural centers and contemporary art galleries scattered around the Dusseldorf. But if you’re like us and like picking up pieces from different parts of the world, then the boutique shopping options in Dusseldorf will get you excited like us.
How to get there: Take the Thalys from one of the many German cities on the route.
HAMBURG: ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES TO VISIT IN GERMANY
Love fish, harbors, and the red light district? Well, we have just the city for you!
Just kidding!
There’s so much more to Hamburg than meets the eye. While it’s filled with art and history (Chilehaus), we know it as the city that never sleeps and a coffee culture to match. With an extremely lively nightlife (particularly on Saturday nights), and even better Fischmarkt on early Sunday mornings, Hamburg is full of surprises and truly is one fo the best cities to visit in Germany.
One of the best ways to get to know the city a better is to take a cruise around the city. You’ll get to see a different side of the city and see why we love it so much!
How to get there: Flights, Rail Europe, car
MUNICH: ONE OF THE BEST CITIES IN GERMANY
Filled with hidden gems, wonderful street art and historical buildings, this capital of Bravia, is more than what meets the eye, and the best way to see the city is to spend some time getting to know it better.
History lovers will fawn over the ancient temples and castles, while contemporary art lovers will marvel at the street art that lines the side streets, and beer lovers will get their fill with the Bavarian beer, and nightlife lovers will want to explore the Munich red light district.
Yes, Munich has something for everything- regardless of what your interests are.
How to get there: Direct flights. Rail Europe, Car
Bonus: ROMANTIC ROAD
You know those picturesque shots that you see on postcards tagged with Germany?
They really do exist, and they are all located on the romantic road. While technically not one city, the 400km stretch from Wurzburg to Fussen in the south is worth a road trip. You’ll not only find some of the most charming towns, but you’ll see some of the most scenic views along the way. If you have more time to explore Germany then be sure to add this wonderful stretch to the list.
There are so many beautiful places to see in Germany, but if you’re short on time then we recommend these 5 cities to visit in Germany as a great place to start.
We visited Munich last year and loved it! I can’t wait to explore more of Germany one day!
I would love to drive the romantic road sometime. I loved my limited time in Germany so far and can’t wait to explore more.
I’m from Hamburg! Thanks for including my hometown! 🙂 I’m glad you liked it!
Germany is in my top 3 countries! I love it. If you ever get the chance check out Gottingen, it is an awesome little town. But Berlin is one of the best cities in the world. I can never get bored there. Plus the Currywurst!
Berlin and Munich are indeed lovely cities (the first one is also a very green city). Dusseldorf is nice, but small – but has it’s charm. I’d add Heidelberg to the list – and its lovely castle. But Germany has many amazing cities – so a top 5 is hard to choose. Great selection though!
Love this!!! My family is German so I love to visit but tend to stick around their areas a bit… Need to go explore a few that you’ve listed that I haven’t been to yet! Thanks for sharing.
Never considered DUSSELDORF. The architecture looks amazing.
I want to go to Germany so bad..all my ancestry came from there! Dusseldorf looks superb, that would be my first choice! Love your pics!
VAlerie
ahh I LOVE Germany, and Berlin is my favorite city in Germany! It’s so cool and definitely a city I need to return to multiple times…love this list!
Great post, I visited my friend in Hamburg a few years ago and we had a couple of days in Berlin but would love to go and explore more.
My boyfriend and his family have been to Germany so many times. I learned German at school and would really love to go. Now, as a history student I feel I would really take something away from the country as well. Thanks for this, I’ll pin it!
I’ve visited three of these, but only passed through Dortmund on my way to the Netherlands. I’d love to see more of it though, and to add Hamburg to my seen list.
I so want to visit Germany. My sister has been, but I still haven’t. I would love to visit Berlin and Hamburg.
I’m pleased to see Hamburg on the list as I loved my recent visit. I’m keen to travel the Romantic Road and to revisit Berlin too
Hamburg is lovely! So is Berlin for that matter. One of the best places in Europe for shopping 😉