Germany is one of those countries that you visit and get a totally different experience depending on which region you explore. That’s the beauty of it being a relatively large country (by European standards, at least), there’s just so much diversity. Now, considering there are close to 80 cities in Germany, I’m almost certain you’ll find a few that’ll tickle your fancy.
Now, just like with children, I know you shouldn’t have favourites but to heck with it… I’ve got a few that I love.
With cities like; Berlin (with its edgy and cool vibe), Hamburg (that feels much more ‘structured’ and almost Scandinavian), Leipzig (that has a really cool art scene ) and cities like Nuremberg (that are steeped in history) – being some of my absolute favs.
Take a look at some of the very best cities in Germany you should explore (with the meatiest bratwurst in hand, obviously).
1.) Schwerin
Schwerin is the capital city of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is perched in the northeast of Germany.
Now, one thing is for certain, smaller cities in Germany (like Schwerin) often get overlooked in lieu of their big brothers (Berlin and Hamburg, etc) but it’s certainly a place you should consider.
Now, in my opinion, its best feature has to be Schwerin Palace, an incredible 1,000-year-old building that houses the state parliament.
Once you’re here, make sure to grab some of the fresh seafood from Restaurant LUKAS (which is so tasty). For a great spot to rest your head, check into the Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee, which is right on the waterfront.
And don’t forget, for a break from the city itself, you can pop by the seven beautiful lakes that are dotted close by.
2.) Hamburg
So, Hamburg is one of my favourite cities in Germany (and a place I could visit again and again).
Located on the Jutland Peninsula in the north of Germany, it’s got a whole heap to see and do!
Plus, I’ve gotta say, it has some of the best coffee shops in Germany like; Zuckermonarchie’s, Less Political and (my fav) Public Coffee Roasters.
Hamburg has lots of street fairs and festivals, so an ideal place for you to visit. One of those festivals is Hafengeburtstag, which honours the founding of the port.
Another big attraction is Hamburg’s Christmas markets and also the MS Dockville Festival (which we went to last year).
For a tasty (and meaty) treat, reserve a table at Bullerei, which is so good!
Though, if you’re vegetarian, you might wanna find another spot like Fardi Syrian for some epic mezes.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure to grab a seat at Harbor Cake – they make some of the best in the city.
Read more: Best things to do in Hamburg
3.) Berlin
Berlin is one of those totally cool cities that’s always changing, new and exciting!
Each time I’ve visited I’ve somehow managed to have completely different and fun experiences that really show off the diversity of the city.
Now, once you’re here, make sure to take some time to visit all the incredible sights. Places like; the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral and East Side Gallery.
I mean, this is naming just a mere few, but you can read more about the key spots to see in our blogpost.
Also, if you’re wanting to head outside of the city limits, pop over to see the incredible palaces of Potsdam, it’s only about 30-minutes by train from the centre of Berlin.
If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat, pop into Happi and order the ‘goat cheese happi’.
Also, Berlin has a pretty epic burger scene with some of the best burgers in Berlin dotted across the city.
After a long day exploring one of the best cities in Germany, pop into the Boutique Hotel i31. We stayed here on our last two trips and loved it!
Read more: Best things to do in Berlin
4.) Cologne
Cologne was, historically, a Roman outpost all the way back in the first century AD and a city that is still as vibrant as I’m sure it was then.
Today, Cologne is one of the larger cities in Germany and has a really vibrant cultural area within Rhineland.
Once you’re in Cologne, make sure to explore the Cathedral (and climb the hundreds of steps). *Spoiler alert* it’s tough on a full tummy, so go before food!
Don’t forget to also explore the Belgian Quarter for the cool bars and restaurants, and wander through the world-renowned museums and some of the best viewpoints across the city.
For a great spot to stay, check into the Ameron Hotel that’s about a 20-minute walk from the Belgian Quarter.
Read more: Best things to do in Cologne
5.) Leipzig
Now, Leipzig was a total surprise to me. I didn’t really know what to expect before our visit but boy I’m glad we went. I loved Leipzig so much!
It’s the kind of city that has a totally cool and unpretentious arty vibe (if that makes sense) and lots of history to explore, too.
Once you’re here, make sure to see the dramatic Volkerschlachtdenkmal, explore the Old City Hall (and Market Square) and see the views from the Panorama Tower.
For a great spot to stay, check into Innside by Melia (which I loved when we visited).
Read more: Best things to do in Leipzig
6.) Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is a cosmopolitan city, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and often misconstrued as just a working city and not so much a destination in its own right.
Well, let me tell you, that’s a common misconception and it’s actually a really fun and pretty vibrant city to explore once you scratch the surface.
Once you’re here, make sure to explore the Rheinufer area, visit Schloss Benrath and explore Carlsplatz Markt which is so nice on a sunny day. After a day of exploring, pop into Nagaya for some of the best sushi in the city.
If you’re arriving by air, make sure to take the Skytrain to the city.
This is my geekiness showing but the train itself hangs above the city (on an almost upside-down monorail) that’s so cool.
7.) Frankfurt
Frankfurt is possibly one of the most international cities in Germany and the largest financial centre in mainland Europe, that’s for sure.
For centuries, the kings and queens of Germany were elected here and thus making it one of the most important historical cities in Germany.
Now, if you’re a bit of a bookworm (like me) you really should try to get to one of the biggest Book fairs which first began all the way back in the 15th Century.
Though, if books aren’t your thing, you might wanna give this a miss!
Once you’re here, make sure to check out St Bartholomew’s Cathedral (which is the burial site of Bartholomew the Apostle), explore the art within the Staedel Museum and wander around Kleinmarkthalle (one of the best flea markets in the city).
For a great spot to stay, check into, the sumptuous, Villa Kennedy which is about a 30-minute stroll from Roemer.
8.) Nuremberg
Nuremberg is one of the more well-known cities in Germany, with lots of places to see.
Once you arrive, make sure to check out the Altstadt, see St. Lorenz Church, visit the colourful streets of Weissgerbergasse, gorge on some gingerbread (that’s famous here) and reflect on the horrors of history at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Also, make sure to visit the Neues Museum Nürnberg – the art exhibitions are out-of-this-world!
For some of the best local cuisine, pop into Albrecht Durer Stube (it’s so good). Just make sure to try their dumplings, we had two each.
9.) Heidelberg
Heidelberg is often considered one of the smaller cities in Germany, but still packs a huge amount of things to see.
Once you’re here, make sure to explore Heidelberg Castle one of the iconic sites of the old town and you should take a stroll along Philosophers Walk to look across Neckar River.
For a great spot to gorge, head inside Schnitzelbank for some of the best schnitzel in the country.
For a great place to stay, check into the Boutique Hotel Heidelberg Suites. It’s only a few minutes stroll from the Karl Theodor Bridge, too.
10.) Freiburg
Located close to both Switzerland and France on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is one of the more vibrant cities in Germany to visit
That being said, It’s also a beautiful, laid-back university that’s steeped in history. Perched on the River Dreisam (and is between green mountains) Freiburg is possibly one of the warmest and sunniest cities in Germany to visit.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit the stunning Augustinermuseum (Art Museum), chill out at Seepark and visit the Schwabentor.
The historic centre has lots of little cafes and restaurants, too. If you are hankering for a bite to eat, pop into the Gasthaus Blume (who’ve created the tastiest salmon dishes, ever).
If you’re looking for a hotel close to Martinstor Gate (about a 10-minute stroll), check into the Alex Hotel. It’s lovely.
11.) Würzburg
Perched within Bavaria, Würzburg is one of the more southerly cities in Germany that’s amazing to explore. Once the home of some of Germany’s most powerful prince-bishops, it’s also steeped in a huge amount of history.
Take a stroll around the Würzburg Residence which is considered to be one of Europe’s finest palaces.
You can also find one of Germany’s oldest churches here, the 8th-century shrine to a former pagan (which is now surrounded by Festung Marienberg, a historic fortress).
Also, don’t forget to pop over to Market Square for a sundowner or two!
Read more: Best places in Bavaria to visit
12.) Munich
Munich is the beating heart and capital of Bavaria, which was founded (way back when) by Benedictine monks of the region.
This is even represented today and shown off on the city’s coat of arms that you’ll no doubt see whilst in Munich.
Now, there’s a whole heap of museums to visit, which is great if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
There’s even one that’s dedicated to the carmaker BMW. If that’s not your cup of tea, the 18th-century Asam’s Church is another great spot to explore. Built by two brothers that fulfilled a vow to build it should they not be shipwrecked, it’s a great spot to see in the city.
Depending on when you go, you might bump into the annual Oktoberfest in the city.
Held at Theresienwiese, it’s a total party atmosphere that’s filled with gallons of tasty German beer (and a few lederhosen).
Also, when you are here visiting you should also visit the medieval town square of Marienplatz.
Read more: Best things to do In Munich
13.) Regensburg
Regensburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany that began as a Roman settlement and was the very first capital of Bavaria (way before Munich).
Once you’re here, make sure to explore; St. Emmeram’s Basilica (pictured, below), the Stone Bridge and the Old City Hall can be dated back to at least the Middle Ages.
For a great spot to eat, pop into Storstad, which has the coolest spot and some of the best food in the city.
Read more: Best places in Germany to visit
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