Magical German Cities Well Worth a Visit
Metropolitan and medieval, historic and chic — the magical cityscapes of Germany can do it all. Within their city limits, you’ll find influential arts scenes, exciting festivals, fascinating history, delectable regional cuisine and a distinct culture to savor. There’s no shortage of fascinating metropolises to consider visiting; we’ve listed some of our favorites to consider so your daydreaming has a strong starting point.'
Dresden
The glittering Elbe River dissects a number of enchanting sights; picturesque vineyards lining the riverbanks, baroque palaces and opera houses stacked neatly up and down streets and storied marketplaces nestled within the bustle of the city. A day spent sampling the local wine, admiring art treasures on display and appreciating theater in a regal setting makes for a serene trip.
Photo: Semper Opera House, Dresden
Leipzig
Embedded within a region known for its lakes, waterways, fairytale castles, enchanting palaces and miles upon miles of idyllic cycling and hiking paths, Leipzig is a pulsating metropolis offering the rare combination of culture and nature existing in harmony.
Photo: White Elster River, Leipzig
Nuremberg
Gourmets of all stripes will relish the chance to visit Nuremberg, what with its century-long beer, sausage and gingerbread tradition. But beyond the delectable food staples are subtler treats to experience: the medieval flair of Old Town, the luxe shopping of the Kaiserstraße and the scores of museums available for perusing combine to create a city full of life.\
Photo: Beer Garden, Munich
Munich
The capital of Bavaria has been an icon of culture for centuries — and not just for its famed Oktoberfest celebrations. The Altstadt holds a wealth of shops to peruse as well as historic sites to admire. Stop for a bite of delectable Bavarian fare at any of the many beer gardens seeded throughout the city. And in the evening, catch a show at any of the famous opera houses and theaters that call Munich home.
Photo: Beer Garden, Munich
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a city akin to a tapestry — colorful threads of civilization interweave to create the picture of a city chock-full of experiences. Intricate palaces neighbor modern architecture, and world-class automobile museums have just as much claim to the city as ballet ensembles. Vast parks are as abundant as the treasured culinary delights, promising a true treat for all your senses.
Photo: Schlossplatz, Stuttgart
Frankfurt
Sitting central to Germany and on the banks of the River Main, Frankfurt serves as an international gateway for the world. But beyond the hustle and bustle are sites of great history and tradition, a culture of cozy comfort, lush oases thriving in the concrete jungle and festive celebrations that light up the riverbank with joy.
Photo: Skyline, Frankfurt
Cologne
Of Germany’s many metropolises, Cologne takes the title as oldest. As the biggest city situated on the Rhine River, centuries of culture are compiled upon its shores: the Cologne Cathedral reaches to the sky with its twin gothic spires. The Chocolate Museum stands tall as a temple to one of the world’s favorite temptations. Museum Ludwig is the biggest pop-art collection outside the U.S. Every street seemingly holds wonderful culture, traditional cuisine and world-class events just waiting your discovery.
Photo: Museum Ludwig, Cologne
Dusseldorf
While its most prominent mark on the map may be its unique local Altbier, Düsseldorf is ultimately known for an eclectic mix of art, cultural institutions, and historical and modern landmarks. Königsallee provides world-famous luxury shopping, and the Kunstakademie serves as the cultural heart of the city while The Altstadt serves as its social heart — comprising 260 bars and restaurants, it’s regularly referred to as “the longest bar in the world.”
Photo: Medienhafen, Düsseldorf
Bremen
The atmosphere of Bremen exudes a constant friendliness, a prevalent posture of laid-back. This Hanseatic city holds more than its fair share of whimsy — the Bremen Town Musicians are renowned worldwide, after all. Beyond this fateful-tale-turned-statue are other cultural delights: a stroll through Schnoor Viertel is a stroll back in time, a visit to the Universum Bremen has you delving into the mysterious realm of science and a visit to the Marktplatz provides idyllic scenes of city life.
Photo: Bremen
Hamburg
As a major port city in northern Germany, Hamburg plays host to a certain maritime charm; the hundreds of canals crossing the city certainly add to it. Interspersed throughout are the makings for an enchanting day of discovery — the picturesque Speicherstadt, the legendary Hamburg fish market, the elegant Alster Lakes and the informative Emigration Museum are all contenders of can’t-miss, must-see sites.
Photo: Speicherstadt, Hamburg
An ideal way to visit Germany is with a trusted travel agent in your corner. Truth be told, these were just the broad strokes of what each city has to offer; to really dive into the locale and make the most of your time there requires outsourcing your planning to a professional and scouring their well-earned wisdom for the hidden gems you didn’t even know you were missing.