12 Best Places to Visit in Germany | PlanetWare (2023)

Written by Bryan Dearsley
Updated Jun 23, 2021

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Not only is Germany the economic powerhouse of the European Union (EU), it just so happens to be one of the best places to visit for those seeking an authentic, exciting vacation on the "continent." Thanks to the superb network of highways (autobahns) and railways that crisscross this central European country, Germany's cities and towns, big and small, are easy to access.

Whether you're planning on being based in a single location, such as the magnificent capital of Berlin, or a historic city, such as Munich – or perhaps even embarking on a road (or rail) trip to smaller must-visit places in Germany, like the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest or the medieval fortress town of Rothenburg – the list of things to do here is limitless.

Boasting a vast variety of incredible scenery, Germany encompasses a little of everything. From the beautiful valleys of the Rhine and Mosel rivers to the majestic mountains of the Bavarian Alps, the awesome shorelines of Lake Constance, and the rugged coastlines along the Baltic and North Sea, there's something nice to see at every turn.

Whatever you're looking for – be it a vacation full of incredible cultural experiences or fun outdoor adventures – plan your trip to this wonderful European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Germany.

1. Berlin

If you're only ever able to make a single trip to Germany, you'll want to spend at least a few days in Berlin. The country's capital is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in Europe, as popular for its superb dining experiences as it is for its shopping and entertainment.

Berlin is also considered one of Europe's top cultural destinations, home to numerous excellent art galleries and museums just waiting to be explored. Some of the best of which are located on Museum Island, a must-see destination that alone can take days to explore.

And after these attractions have closed, fun things to do at night include enjoying concerts by the renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, perhaps taking in a performance by Berlin Opera, or simply wandering the always-interesting avenues and boulevards in the Mitte District, where you'll find famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate.

2. Munich

The capital of the state of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, Munich owes much of its popularity as a tourism destination to its location on the outer edge of the beautiful Bavarian Alps. Although not one of Germany's oldest cities – its roots can be traced back to a settlement of monks pre-dating its official founding in 1158 – Munich has played a major role in shaping the country's cultural and political make-up.

The city's rapid growth saw it develop into an important center for arts and trade, as well as a religious center. These days, in fact, no visitor can fail to notice the city's many surviving churches, including Peterskirche, the old inner-city church built during the 1300s, the iconic cathedral, the Frauenkirche (also the city's most recognized building), and the large Renaissance-era Michaelskirche.

Another reason Munich has attained a place as one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations is its historic city center. It's a delight to explore on foot, with the fun centered around the city's large open square, the Marienplatz. Here, you can explore delightful old architecture dating all the way back to medieval times, including the Old and New Town Halls.

3. Medieval Rothenburg

If there's a single travel destination in Germany that encapsulates all that's wonderful about this amazing country, it's the old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Located in the heart of beautiful Bavaria and an easy drive from some major cities such as Frankfurt, Rothenburg, as it's most often called, boasts superb photo opportunities everywhere you look.

Located high above the River Tauber, Rothenburg escaped the ravages of war that devastated so many other old medieval towns and cities, and as such has retained the majority of its many authentic medieval buildings in their original form. As a result, stunning old structures such as the 13th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, remain much as they would have been over the centuries. Equally well-preserved structures include the magnificent Imperial City Museum, set in an old convent, and the historic Castle Gardens, which remain pretty much unchanged since being established in the 17th century.

For a real treat, try to book a night or two's stay in the medieval old town center. You'll then be perfectly positioned to explore the magnificent Old Town Walls later in the day, after the majority of the crowds of day trippers have dispersed. Although this takes a little over a half hour, you'll want to make stops along the way to catch the spectacular views over the old town, an effect that is heightened as the sun sets.

4. Cologne

Cologne is another of those wonderful old German cities that has managed to preserve its past for modern generations to enjoy. Originally settled by the Romans, Cologne was for centuries an important religious center and a place of pilgrimage.

These days, the best places for visitors to go in Cologne are located in and around the Old Town, home to 12 classic old churches, including the famous Cologne Cathedral. Expect to spend hours exploring this magnificent structure and the surrounding former merchant homes, many of them now bustling with modern trade, including art galleries, boutique shops, and cafés.

Cologne's reputation as a center of trade and commerce has never diminished, with visitors drawn to its shopping areas and traditional marketplaces to purchase locally produced goods, from fashion and fragrances to food stuffs (you haven't lived until you sample some original Cologne-made chocolate, available in many locations around the Old Town). Other fun things to do in Cologne include exploring its ancient Roman remains, magnificent Baroque palaces, and countless museums and art galleries.

5. Koblenz & the Rhine Valley

If you do partake in one of the increasingly popular week-long river cruises down the Rhine, you will at some point find yourself docked in the beautiful city of Koblenz. However you arrive, though, be sure to make your first stop the magnificent Deutsches Eck, or German Corner. It's here you'll witness one of the most incredible natural phenomena in the country - the meeting of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, overlooked by the huge Memorial to German Unity, an impressive equestrian statue of King Wilhelm I.

Watching these two mighty rivers meet is a sight to behold. If you time it right, you can even enjoy a summer evening classical music concert at the same time. Great views of the German Corner and the two rivers can also be enjoyed by taking the Koblenz cable car up to spectacular Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Koblenz also serves as a superb jumping-off point for explorations of the beautiful Rhine Valley. The Middle Rhine Valley, or Rhine Gorge, is so important that its entire length from Koblenz south to Mannheim has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll have the chance to see picture-book Germany, with scenery so spectacular you'll be forgiven for thinking it's straight out of a book of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.

6. Baden-Baden and the Black Forest

The Kurgarten is also where the majority of the town's top events and festivals are held, from pop and classical concerts to the popular Christmas Market. Here, you'll also find the attractive old Kurhaus, a historic resort establishment constructed in 1824 to resemble a French chateau and notable for its gardens and historic pump room.

7. Nuremberg

The attractive medieval Old Town area of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) today stands testament not just to the rich cultural traditions that have shaped Germany, but also to the country's modern ingenuity. After near total devastation during WW2, the vast majority of the city's famous medieval architecture – previously untouched for centuries – required rebuilding.

And rather than bulldoze and erect less appealing modern structures, the decision was made to rebuild the city's old center exactly as it had been before the war. The results are simply stunning. So much so, in fact, that all but an expert would be hard-pressed to tell that much of what you now see in the Altstadt was, only decades ago, mostly rubble.

History and culture buffs alike will find much to enjoy about modern-day Nuremberg. A highlight of any visit is taking the time to walk around the city's five kilometers of walls. Built to protect the old city in the 1300s, the walls can best be enjoyed on the west side of town and are easily accessible by a network of trails that are great fun to explore, especially if you take time to venture up the old towers that overlook the surroundings.

8. Frankfurt

Frankfurt has long been one of Germany's most important cities. For centuries an independent city state, the many old buildings and world-class attractions and fun things to do here make this historic former imperial city a great place to spend a weekend break, or even longer if you're looking for a base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

The city is situated on the River Main, and evidence of its past as an important trading center are easy to spot, especially in the impressive Old Town (Altstadt) area. Highlights include wandering the delightful Römerberg, a well-preserved pedestrian-friendly city square known for its fountain, medieval townhomes, attractive boutique shops and galleries, and excellent cafés and restaurants with al fresco dining options. The square is also home to historic buildings, including the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and a number of fine old churches.

Frankfurt is not without its modern marvels. As one of Germany's leading business centers, its financial district boasts enough skyscrapers to have earned the city the nickname 'Mainhattan', while ultra-modern convention centers have led to it being the home of huge international trade shows, including the Frankfurt Book Fair.

9. Hamburg: The Gateway to Germany

Those wishing to experience the wonderful hospitality of Germany's northernmost populace would do well to consider visiting the city of Hamburg. The country's second largest city is set on the estuary of the River Elbe, a short distance from the North Sea, a location that has ensured its importance as the country's most important port.

From here, shipping routes not only cross the globe but connect to important inland waterways, too. Visit any day of the week, day, or night, and you'll witness an endless stream of vessels of all sizes coming and going, including an increasing number of cruise ships dropping sightseers off to explore this modern, dynamic city.

Like these visitors, you'll want to first explore the huge Port of Hamburg, an area encompassing 100 square kilometers that is popular for its preserved old Warehouse District. These former storage buildings now house everything from concert halls and entertainment venues to shops and restaurants, as well as art galleries and museums, including the excellent International Maritime Museum and the nearby historic sailing vessels. Be sure to also hop aboard a harbor tour, which offers incredible views of the port from the water.

10. Dresden

Thanks to its location just a few miles away from Germany's border with the Czech Republic, the historic city of Dresden makes a great base from which to explore not just the eastern part the country, but also Eastern Europe, too. Situated in a low-lying area of the upper Elbe valley, the city was first populated for its fertile lands, beautiful setting, moderate climate, and its access to important European trade routes.

After centuries of growth under the old Saxon kings, the vast majority of Dresden's magnificent city center – once known as Germany's "jewel box" for its fine Rococo and Baroque architecture – was destroyed during bombing in WW2, but in the past few decades has been rebuilt and now once again stands as one of the country's leading cultural and entertainment hubs.

Nowhere is this remarkable story of rebirth more evident than in Dresden's famous cathedral, the Frauenkirche. Built in 1743, the spectacular building - at the time considered the most beautiful Baroque church in Europe - was utterly destroyed in 1945. However, dedicated city dwellers carefully catalogued and stored every part of the ruined cathedral and finally saw it returned to its former glory in 2005.

11. Leipzig

Famous for its traditional fairs and markets (including a fantastic Christmas Market), Leipzig is well worth including on your Germany travel itinerary. Located amid picturesque scenery in the Saxon Lowlands at the junction of the Weisse Elster and the Pleisse rivers and an easy hour-long train ride from Berlin, Leipzig has long been an important center for trade and commerce, which in turn led to its rise as one of the country's leading centers of art, culture, and education.

It's a legacy that lives on to this day, with its long tradition as a center of literature and learning visible everywhere, from its international book fairs to its status as the home of the German National Library. These days, Leipzig has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of eastern Germany thanks to its rich cultural and musical heritage (it's also widely regarded as one of the best cities in Europe in which to live). In addition to its fine historic architecture, a walking tour will take you past countless great places to shop and dine, as well as many pleasant parks and green spaces, including the city's lovely botanic gardens.

Other places to visit that provide an insight into the city's important place in Germany's history include the huge Battle of the Nations Monument, built in 1913 to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon 100 years prior, and the Old City Hall, a popular spot to congregate around for its setting in the historic Market area of Leipzig.

12. Düsseldorf

Widely considered one of Germany's most cosmopolitan cities – it is, after all, far closer to Amsterdam than it is to Berlin – Düsseldorf makes for a splendid urban European vacation. Its reputation as a young, vibrant, and trendy place to visit has as much to do with its status as one of Germany's leading university cities as it does its rich cultural history.

Long known for playing a role in shaping and influencing the country's arts and fashion tastes, it's a surprisingly fun destination to explore on foot. Starting your Düsseldorf sightseeing adventure in the historic Old Town (Altstadt) district, pull yourself away from the picturesque Marktplatz and impressive Town Hall (Rathaus), and dive into any one of the city's famous, almost-Parisian boulevards and avenues. You'll be rewarded with some of the best luxury shopping experiences in Germany, if not Europe, especially along the elegant Königsallee.