You are currently viewing The 27 German cities you must visit once in your life!

If you want to discover the best sights and activities in Germany, your first job is to draw up a list of cities to visit. I’ll do it for you in this article.

Here are the top 27 German cities to visit.

Berlin

german city

The Land: Berlin

The best things to do in Berlin :

  • The Brandenburg Gate, symbol of the city.
  • The Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery.
  • The Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament.
  • Museum Island, a complex of five major museums.
  • The Holocaust Memorial.
  • Tiergarten, a large park in the heart of the city.
  • Potsdamer Platz, with its modern architecture.
  • The Kreuzberg district, for its art and nightlife scene.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Moderate temperatures, abundant flowering.
  • Summer: Pleasant warmth, long sunny days.
  • Autumn: Fresh, with brightly colored foliage.
  • Winter: Cold, with enchanting Christmas markets.

Typical dish to eat: Currywurst, a spicy sausage with curry ketchup.

 

Munich

Munich

The Land: Bavaria

The best things to do in Munich :

  • Marienplatz and the town hall (Neues Rathaus).
  • The Hofbräuhaus, a famous traditional brasserie.
  • Englischer Garten, one of Europe’s largest city parks.
  • Deutsches Museum, museum of science and technology.
  • Nymphenburg Palace, summer residence of the Bavarian kings.
  • Viktualienmarkt, open-air market.
  • A visit to BMW Welt and the BMW Museum.
  • The Alte Pinakothek, a collection of three art museums.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Gentle, with nature awakening.
  • Summer: Comfortable temperatures, ideal for festivals.
  • Autumn: Freshness, with the famous Oktoberfest.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical dish to eat: Weisswurst, traditional Bavarian white sausages.

 

Hamburg

Hamburg

The Land: Hamburg

The best things to do in Hamburg:

  • The port of Hamburg and its cruises on the Elbe.
  • Speicherstadt, the historic warehouse district.
  • A tour of the new Elbphilharmonie.
  • The Reeperbahn district, famous for its nightlife.
  • The Planten un Blomen Park with its Japanese garden.
  • Altona fish market.
  • A visit to the Hamburger Kunsthalle art museum.
  • Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railroad.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Rising temperatures, clear weather.
  • Summer: Temperate, with sunny days.
  • Autumn: Cool, often wet weather.
  • Winter: Cold, with short days.

Typical dish to eat: Fischbrötchen, a fish sandwich typical of the port.

 

Cologne

Cologne

The Land: North Rhine-Westphalia

The best things to do in Cologne :

  • Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom).
  • A walk along the Rhine, especially at Rheinauhafen.
  • Ludwig Museum.
  • The Altstadt, the historic old town.
  • The Musée du Parfum, retracing the history of eau de Cologne.
  • Phantasialand amusement park, close to the town.
  • A visit to the chocolate museum.
  • Cruise on the Rhine for a different view of the city.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Gentle, with the awakening of nature.
  • Summer: Moderate heat, often sunny weather.
  • Autumn: Cool, with often clear days.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical dish to eat: Kölsch, a local beer, often accompanied by Rhineland dishes such as Himmel un Ääd (mashed potatoes and applesauce).

 

Frankfurt

Frankfurt

The Land: Hesse

The best things to do in Frankfurt:

  • The Main Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
  • A visit to the historic Römerberg district.
  • The Städel Museum, for European art.
  • The walk along the Main River.
  • The Palmengarten, a large botanical garden.
  • Senckenberg Natural History Museum.
  • The Sachsenhausen district, famous for its cider factories.
  • Kleinmarkthalle market.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Pleasant temperatures, clear skies.
  • Summer: Warm, ideal for outdoor walks.
  • Autumn: Cool, with often mild weather.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical dish to eat: Frankfurter Würstchen, a smoked sausage typical of Frankfurt.

 

Dresden

Dresden

The Land: Saxony

The best things to do in Dresden :

  • A visit to the Frauenkirche, the city’s landmark.
  • The Zwinger, a baroque palace with museums.
  • A walk along the banks of the Elbe.
  • The Semperoper, Dresden’s opera house.
  • The Old Town (Altstadt) and its historic buildings.
  • The Gallery of Old Masters (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister).
  • The bohemian Neustadt district.
  • Pillnitz Castle, on the banks of the Elbe.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: mild temperatures, flowering gardens.
  • Summer: Pleasantly warm, ideal for cultural visits.
  • Autumn: Cool, with sunny days.
  • Winter: Cold, with winter charm and Christmas markets.

The typical dish to eat: Sächsische Sauerbraten, a marinated and braised roast.

 

Stuttgart

Stuttgart

The Land: Baden-Württemberg

The best things to do in Stuttgart:

  • The Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.
  • Stuttgart Palace (Schlossplatz).
  • Killesberg Park.
  • The Wilhelma, a zoological and botanical garden.
  • The historic district of Bad Cannstatt.
  • Tastings at local vineyards.
  • The Staatsgalerie art museum.
  • Walks in Rosenstein Park.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Gentle, with gardens in bloom.
  • Summer: Warm, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • Autumn: Cool, with autumn colors in the vineyards.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical dish to eat: Spätzle, traditional pasta from the region.

 

Nuremberg

Nuremberg

The Land: Bavaria

The best things to do in Nuremberg:

  • Nuremberg’s imperial castle (Kaiserburg), overlooking the old town.
  • The German National Museum, the largest museum of German culture.
  • The Nuremberg Trial Memorial.
  • Hauptmarkt, especially for the Christkindlesmarkt.
  • The town’s medieval ramparts.
  • The Nuremberg Toy Museum.
  • A visit to Albrecht Dürer’s house.
  • Discover local specialties at the Handwerkerhof craft market.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Rising temperatures, cities in bloom.
  • Summer: Warm, with cultural events.
  • Autumn: Fresh, with an autumnal charm.
  • Winter: Cold.

The typical dish to eat: Nürnberger Rostbratwürste, small typical grilled sausages.

 

Heidelberg

The Land: Baden-Württemberg

The best things to do in Heidelberg:

  • Heidelberg Castle.
  • Stroll along the old main street (Hauptstraße).
  • Discover the University of Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university.
  • Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg) for its view of the city.
  • A visit to the Church of the Holy Spirit.
  • A walk along the Neckar.
  • Discover the university’s botanical garden.
  • Explore the old town and its charming alleyways.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms.
  • Summer: Warm, with a pleasant summer atmosphere.
  • Autumn: Cool, with often sunny days.
  • Winter: Cold, with a wintry charm.

Typical dish to eat: Käsespätzle, a local variant of cheese pasta.

 

Leipzig

Leipzig

The Land: Saxony

The best things to do in Leipzig:

  • The Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations).
  • The Gewandhaus and the Leipzig Opera for classical music lovers.
  • Leipzig Zoo, one of Europe’s most modern zoos.
  • Leipzig Museum of Fine Arts.
  • The historic district and its covered passageways.
  • The Leipziger Marktplatz.
  • The Panometer Leipzig, a unique artistic panorama.
  • Walks in Clara-Zetkin Park.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Gentle, with a city in bloom.
  • Summer: Pleasant temperatures, ideal for music festivals.
  • Autumn: Cool, with often clear days.
  • Winter: Cold.

The typical dish to eat: Leipziger Allerlei, a mixture of vegetables and sometimes seafood.

 

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf

The Land: North Rhine-Westphalia

The best things to do in Düsseldorf:

  • Stroll along Königsallee, famous for its luxury boutiques.
  • The old town (Altstadt).
  • The Kunstpalast museum for art and exhibitions.
  • A walk along the Rhine.
  • The modern MedienHafen district.
  • Japanese gardens in Nord Park.
  • The Rhine Tower (Rheinturm).
  • Exploring the contemporary art scene in the Flingern district.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Moderate temperatures, clear weather.
  • Summer: Warm, ideal for walks along the Rhine.
  • Autumn: Cool, with colorful foliage.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical food: Altbier, a traditional beer served with Rhineland dishes.

 

Bonn

The Land: North Rhine-Westphalia

The best things to do in Bonn :

  • Beethoven’s house, the composer’s birthplace.
  • A stroll through the botanical gardens of the University of Bonn.
  • Discover the Museum of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany (Haus der Geschichte).
  • Poppelsdorf Palace.
  • A stroll along the Rhine promenade.
  • The old cemetery (Alter Friedhof) for its history.
  • The Arithmeum, museum of mathematics.
  • A stroll through the government district and its modern buildings.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Rising temperatures, cherry blossoms.
  • Summer: Moderate heat, ideal for cultural activities.
  • Autumn: A fresh, autumn-colored landscape.
  • Winter: Cold.

The typical dish to eat: Rheinische Sauerbraten, a roast marinated in a sweet and sour sauce.

 

Aachen

Aachen

The Land: North Rhine-Westphalia

The best things to do in Aachen :

  • Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The cathedral treasury, with its religious works of art.
  • Carolus Thermen hot springs for relaxation.
  • Aachen Rathaus (town hall).
  • The Centre Charlemagne, the city’s history museum.
  • The Ludwig Forum sculpture trail.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: mild temperatures, flowering trees.
  • Summer: Warm, with sunny days.
  • Autumn: Cool, with often clear skies.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical dish to eat: Printen, a type of local gingerbread.

 

Rostock

Rostock

The Land: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

The best things to do in Rostock:

  • The port of Warnemünde.
  • Rostock’s historic center, with its Gothic brick buildings.
  • St. Mary’s Church in Rostock, with its astronomical clock.
  • Rostock Zoo.
  • The Neuer Markt market, the heart of the old town.
  • The walk along the Warnow River.
  • The Cultural and Historical Museum (Kulturhistorisches Museum).

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Fresh, with nature awakening.
  • Summer: Temperate, ideal for beach excursions.
  • Autumn: Cool, with often clear days.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical dish to eat: Fish and seafood from the Baltic Sea, especially herring.

 

Freiburg

Freiburg

The Land: Baden-Württemberg

The best things to do in Freiburg:

  • Freiburg Cathedral (Freiburger Münster).
  • The Bächle, small water channels running through the streets of the old town.
  • The Schlossberg, for views over the town and the Black Forest.
  • The market around the cathedral for local produce.
  • The botanical garden of the University of Freiburg.
  • The Schwabentor gate, one of two remaining medieval gates.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Pleasant temperatures.
  • Summer: Warm and sunny, perfect for hiking.
  • Autumn: Cool, with autumn-colored scenery.
  • Winter: Cold.

Typical dish to eat: Flammkuchen, an Alsatian tarte flambée popular in the region.

 

Mainz

Mainz

The Land: Rhineland-Palatinate

The best things to do in Mainz:

  • The Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the invention of printing.
  • Mainz’s St. Martin’s Cathedral (Mainzer Dom).
  • The market on Marktplatz.
  • The Rhineland-Palatinate State Museum (Landesmuseum).
  • A walk along the Rhine.
  • Discover the historic Old Town (Altstadt).
  • A visit to the Mainz Citadel.
  • Local wine tasting in traditional taverns (Weinstuben).

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Gentle, with vineyards in bloom.
  • Summer: Warm, perfect for wine tasting.
  • Autumn: Cool, with a harvest of grapes.
  • Winter: Cold, with a festive atmosphere at Christmas markets.

Typical dish to eat: Spundekäs, a spicy cheese spread, often served with pretzels.

 

Tübingen

The Land: Baden-Württemberg

The best things to do in Tübingen :

  • The Old Town (Altstadt) with its cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings.
  • A trip on a traditional Stocherkahn boat on the Neckar.
  • Hohentübingen Castle, home to several museums.
  • The botanical garden of the University of Tübingen.
  • A visit to the Stiftskirche.
  • A walk along the Neckar river.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Pleasant temperatures, nature on the move.
  • Summer: Warm, ideal for boat trips.
  • Autumn: Fresh, with colorful foliage.
  • Winter: Cold, charming under the snow.

Typical dish to eat: Maultaschen, Swabian ravioli stuffed with meat and spinach.

 

Potsdam

Potsdam

The Land: Brandenburg

The best things to do in Potsdam:

  • The park and castle of Sanssouci, summer residence of Frederick the Great.
  • The Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) with its red-brick houses.
  • Visit the Neuer Garten and Cecilienhof Palace.
  • A stroll through Babelsberg Park.
  • The marble palace (Marmorpalais) on Lake Heiliger See.
  • The Potsdam Film Museum.
  • The Biosphäre Potsdam, tropical greenhouse.
  • The Russian district of Alexandrowka, with its traditional wooden houses.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Moderate temperatures, parks in bloom.
  • Summer: Warm, perfect for visiting palaces and gardens.
  • Autumn: Cool, with a romantic atmosphere in the parks.
  • Winter: Cold, with an enchanting winter landscape.

Typical dish to eat: Kartoffelsuppe, a traditional potato soup.

 

Weimar

The Land: Thuringia

The best things to do in Weimar :

  • Goethe House and National Goethe Museum.
  • The Bauhaus-Museum Weimar, dedicated to the art movement.
  • Duchess Anna Amalia’s library.
  • The park on the Ilm, with the Goethe pavilion.
  • Buchenwald concentration camp memorial, nearby.
  • Deutsches Nationaltheater Weimar.
  • The home of Schiller, another great German writer.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Invigorating climate, with budding trees.
  • Summer: Comfortable temperatures, ideal for cultural visits.
  • Autumn: Cool air, with a carpet of colorful leaves.
  • Winter: Cold seasons dotted with snow, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Typical dish to eat: Thüringer Klöße, potato dumplings.

 

Bamberg

Bamberg

The Land: Bavaria

The best things to do in Bamberg:

  • The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) on Regnitz Island.
  • Bamberg Cathedral (Bamberger Dom) with the statue of the Bamberg horseman.
  • The Neue Residenz with its rose gardens.
  • The former imperial abbey of Michaelsberg.
  • Little Venice, a picturesque waterside district.
  • Tasting of Rauchbier, a local smoked beer.
  • A stroll through the medieval streets of the town.
  • Bamberg Historical Museum.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Rising temperatures, fragrant flowers.
  • Summer: Pleasant warmth, sunny days.
  • Autumn: Mild climate, palette of autumn colors.
  • Winter: Winter temperatures, with traditional charm.

Typical dish to eat: Schäuferla, roast pork shoulder.

 

Lübeck

The Land: Schleswig-Holstein

The best things to do in Lübeck:

  • Holsten’s door.
  • The old town with its brick buildings and narrow streets.
  • The Hansemuseum, dedicated to the history of the Hanseatic League.
  • A visit to St. Mary’s Church in Lübeck.
  • The home of Thomas Mann, author of “The Buddenbrooks.”
  • The Heiligen-Geist-Hospital market, especially at Christmas.
  • A walk along the banks of the Trave.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Refreshing climate, city awakening.
  • Summer: Temperate, soft light ideal for walks.
  • Autumn: Cool, with golden leaves.
  • Winter: Cold, with a festive air for Christmas markets.

Typical dish to eat: Lübeck marzipan, renowned for its quality.

 

Würzburg

Würzburg

The Land: Bavaria

The best things to do in Würzburg:

  • The Würzburg residence.
  • Marienberg fortress.
  • The Old Main Bridge (Alte Mainbrücke) for its view of the river and the fortress.
  • St. Kilian’s Cathedral, Würzburg.
  • Julius Spital’s house with its hospital and vineyards.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Incipient mildness, budding vineyards.
  • Summer: Warm, bright, perfect for terrace tastings.
  • Autumn: Crisp air, shimmering colors of the vines.
  • Winter: Cold, traditional Christmas market and mulled wine.

Typical dish to eat: Frankenwein, a local Franconian wine.

 

Koblenz

Koblenz

The Land: Rhineland-Palatinate

The best things to do in Koblenz:

  • Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle meets the Rhine.
  • Ehrenbreitstein fortress, accessible by cableway.
  • A stroll along the banks of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
  • A visit to the old town (Altstadt) with its charming alleyways.
  • The Schängelbrunnen, one of the city’s most emblematic fountains.
  • Cruises on the Rhine.
  • A visit to the Ludwig Museum.
  • Discover the surrounding castles, such as Stolzenfels.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Cheerful climate, green valleys.
  • Summer: Temperate, pleasant for river cruises.
  • Autumn: Gentle, golden hues of the vineyards.
  • Winter: Cool, festive atmosphere of Christmas markets.

Typical dish to eat: Spätzle, accompanied by typical Rhineland dishes.

 

Münster

The Land: North Rhine-Westphalia

The best things to do in Münster :

  • Lake Aasee for walking and water sports.
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral, Münster.
  • The weekly market in the Place du Dom.
  • Münster Castle, seat of the university.
  • The Prinzipalmarkt district.
  • The LWL art museum for Westphalian art and culture.
  • Münster Botanical Gardens.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: mild temperatures, nature awakens.
  • Summer: Sunny, ideal for cycling.
  • Autumn: Fresh air, with a melancholy charm.
  • Winter: A harsh winter, illuminated by Christmas lights.

Typical dish to eat: Westfälischer Pfefferpotthast, a spicy beef stew.

 

Erfurt

Erfurt

The Land: Thuringia

The best things to do in Erfurt :

  • The Krämerbrücke merchant bridge, unique in Europe with its houses and stores.
  • Marienkirche and St Severus church on the Domplatz.
  • The medieval old town with its charming cobbled streets.
  • The Baroque Egidian Garden (Egapark).
  • The German gardening museum.
  • Visit the Petersberg Citadel, an impressive Baroque fortress.
  • Discover the old Jewish quarter.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Invigorating climate, lively city.
  • Summer: mild temperatures, ideal for walks.
  • Autumn: Cool air, golden foliage.
  • Winter: Traditional winter, with a picturesque Christmas market.

Typical dish to eat: Thüringer Rostbratwurst, grilled sausages from Thuringia.

 

Augsburg

Augsburg

The Land: Bavaria

The best things to do in Augsburg:

  • Augsburg town hall (Augsburger Rathaus) and its golden tower (Goldener Saal).
  • The Fuggerei, the oldest social housing complex in the world.
  • Augsburg Cathedral.
  • Augsburg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Augsburg).
  • Botanical Park (Botanischer Garten Augsburg).
  • The Schaezlerpalais, a baroque palace with an art gallery.
  • Walks along the Augsburg Canal.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Rising temperatures, awakening of the parks.
  • Summer: Warm, perfect for historical visits.
  • Autumn: Gentle, with a palette of autumnal colors.
  • Winter: Cold, magical atmosphere of Christmas markets.

The typical dish to eat: Käsespätzle, a cheese pasta typical of the region.

 

Ulm

Ulm

The Land: Baden-Württemberg

The best things to do in Ulm :

  • Ulm Cathedral (Ulmer Münster) with the world’s tallest church spire.
  • The fishermen’s and tanners’ quarter (Fischerviertel) for its picturesque charm.
  • The Ulm Museum.
  • Gingerbread Museum (Museum der Brotkultur).
  • Discover Ulm’s zoo and botanical garden.
  • A visit to Albert Einstein’s birthplace.

Weather by season :

  • Spring: Invigorating climate, gardens in bloom.
  • Summer: Comfortable temperatures, ideal for urban exploration.
  • Autumn: Fresh, with nature’s glowing hues.
  • Winter: Cold, with an enchanting snowy landscape.

A typical dish to eat: Spätzle, a traditional pasta often served with stews.

 

DenisDenis
As a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!