Although it might only have come into being in 1871, Germany has a rich and long history. This means that no matter where you go in the central European country, you’ll find totally unique attractions, distinctive culture, and plenty of great regional meals to salivate over. This diversity can make planning a visit a bit of a head scratcher, especially if you don’t want to just head to the capital or a major city like Munich. Thankfully, we’ve traversed the most populous country in the EU to create this list of the best cities to visit in Germany, to save you some time!
Want to ensure you get the best out of your trip to Germany? Read on so you can plan the perfect Deutschland sojourn!
1. Hamburg
Germany’s most important port perfectly symbolises the country’s mixed heritage. The old town, or Altstardt, is home to attractions like St Michael’s Church, whereas the buzzing new town (Neustadt) is full of cool bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the famous German beer culture.
Highlights include the Kunsthalle Art Museum and the International Maritime Museum. Plus, at night the city comes alive, with the area around Reeperbahn home to some of Germany’s best food, bars, and clubs – and, yes, we’re including Berlin when we say that! One of the best cities to visit in Germany whether you’re cramming in the attractions or simply hanging out.

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2. Cologne
North Rhine-Westphalia’s biggest city is known for its bomb-raid surviving cathedral, but it’s also one of the best places to visit in Germany if you want to have some fun. Cologne is famous for its famous carnival, which takes place every February. During this period, the entire city turns into a big street party, and while that’s a bucket list experience for sure, outside of that party-filled week it’s still well worth visiting. The city is also blessed with a number of great day trips nearby, including the home of Haribo Bonn, as well as the grave Charlamagne. And, if you’re a sweet tooth, the local chocolate museum is a must.
3. Berlin
Berlin might not be the prettiest place in Germany, but the buzzing capital is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in the world. With incredible cultural attractions like the East Side Gallery and the Jewish Museum sitting side-by-side with infamous party venues like the Berghain and Sysiphos, it’s a city where you can have whatever holiday you want. And, yes, that includes lounging by the water, thanks to the number of beautiful freshwater lakes accessible via a short train from the city.
And that’s not even discussing the more unique attractions, like Tempelhof or the remnants of the famous Berlin Wall, as well as the countless hidden gems dotted around the capital. One of the best cities in Germany, and, frankly, the world, if you’re a fan of history, cultural attractions, and cutting loose.

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4. Heidelberg
If you’re all about the aesthetics and love spending time in beautiful cities, it doesn’t get much better than Heidelberg. Known for its famous red sandstone Renaissance architecture and stunning river views, as well as its greenery, the city is steeped in history and culture, while also being a photographer’s dream. The famous Heidelberg University campus is stunning to walk around, too. The institution was founded in the 14th century, and has produced alumni like Hegel, Weber, and Schumann. A truly gorgeous city that’s perfect for history and nature lovers alike.
5. Dresden
Few cities bounced back from the war like Dresden. Once known primarily as the scene of a devastating and horrific bombing campaign by the Allies (captured hauntingly by Slaughterhouse Five), the Saxon city was rebuilt and is now one of Germany’s most thriving settlements. Some older structures remain and others have been rebuilt to mimic their original glory, like the awe-inspiring Frauenkirche and the famous castle, but it’s the new life that’s been breathed into the city that makes it such a great destination. The opera house, Semperoper Dresden, is also well worth visiting.

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6. Leipzig
If you’re planning to travel to Germany to take in old castles and get served beers in massive steins, then Leipzig isn’t going to fulfil your fantasy. However, if you’re looking for a cool, modern city that’s full of unique cultural touchpoints, an incredible hospitality scene, and plenty of green space, then this East German settlement is one to put on your list. You can spend the day walking around the impressive Panometer Museum, head to the zoo, or people watch in the bustling centre. One thing you can be sure of is that you won’t be bored, as this is one of the best cities to visit in Germany.
7. Munich
When people think of famous things to do in Germany, they’re probably picturing an activity in Munich. Bavaria’s biggest city has a hold on the international view of the country, from the proliferation of Oktoberfest around the world, to the supremacy of Bayern Munich in the global football world. Yet, even with this massive exposure, a visit to Germany’s second city will still be full of surprises and delights.
You can clink steins in one of the many famous beer halls, check out some of the gorgeous greenery, or scratch your history itch with a visit to one of the dozens of museums, castles, or learning centres dedicated to World War II scattered throughout the city. And, if you’re planning to visit Germany for some hiking, the city is close to 7 named mountains and plenty of other great nature spots, giving you plenty of choice. Not just one of the best cities to visit in Germany, but in all of Europe, no matter what you’re looking for in a trip.

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8. Stuttgart
If you had to make people list the things they know about Germany, the country’s importance in the world of car manufacturing would surely be one of the main answers. Petrolheads looking to dive into Germany’s impressive automobile history need to make a beeline for Stuttgart.
The capital of Baden-Württemberg is home to the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museums, but it’s also blessed with some of Germany’s most impressive green spaces, with sweeping parks dotting the city. Wilhelma is a highlight, housing both a zoo and one of the biggest botanical gardens in Europe. And, like many other cities on this list, there’s a cool castle to explore if you’re a history lover.
9. Erfurt
Germany isn’t exactly short of Medieval history to dive into, but few places have as well preserved architecture as Erfurt’s old town. The cathedral is a genuine marvel, as is Severi Church. The city also has a huge historical significance, as it was the place where Martin Luther lived as a monk. One of the nicest cities in Germany in general, but doubly impressive when you consider how old everything truly is.

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10. Hannover
The largest city in Lower Saxony is perfect for outdoor lovers, culture vultures, and everything in between. Whether you’re meandering through the verdant beauty of Herrenhauser Garden or Eilenriede City Forest, marvelling at the impressive New Town Hall, or lounging by the sparkling Maschsee Lake, you’ll never be short of things to do here. One of the best cities to visit in Germany if you’re looking for a chilled vibe, but still want to fill your days with enriching activities.
11. Frankfurt
Frankfurt sometimes gets a bad reputation as being overly business-focused, but there’s so much more to the country’s financial centre than skyscrapers and grey suits. The birthplace of Goethe is surrounded by the spooky Black Forest that inspired the Brothers Grimm, so there is plenty for lovers of German culture to dig into here. Additionally, the city is well placed for day trips, with destinations like Bamberg (which has the most breweries per square mile in the country) just a couple of hours away.

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12. Düsseldorf
The birthplace of Kraftwerk and home to designer store-laden street Königsallee, yet not considered a tourist hotspot by any means, Düsseldorf is the hidden gem of Western Germany. The waterfront that defines the city’s bustling social scene is flanked by Frank Gehry buildings, making it ideal for architecture lovers, and it’s also home to one of Germany’s most celebrated Christmas markets – which is saying a lot, considering how many are spread across the country. It’s also the location of Germany’s first public park, Hofgarten. One of the most underrated and best cities to visit in Germany.
13. Bremen
Bremen is probably most famous for its Gothic style town hall, the inspiring St Peter’s Cathedral, and the Roland Statue, but this northern city is so much more than its history. The picturesque settlement lies on the Wesser River and is home to one of the country’s most impressive science museums, as well as being blessed with a number of other cool museums and galleries.

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14. Nuremberg
Once known primarily for the hateful, antisemitic laws implemented by the Nazis in 1935, as well as the infamous trials that saw many perpetrators of the Holocaust sentenced for their various crimes, Nuremberg has moved well beyond its chequered past. The city has a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere, buoyed by its picturesque aesthetic. Add in the fact it is full of Medieval architecture, with the eponymous castle looming over the city, and you have a settlement that’s well worth a visit. It’s also the location to one of the most famous racing tracks in the world, so if you’re a fan of fast cars, then it’s one of the best cities to visit in Germany.
15. Lübeck
When it comes to historic cities, few have a more impressive pedigree than Lübeck. The Marienkirche, a church that dates from the 13th century and was rebuilt post-war, is one of the most influential buildings in the world, inspiring countless designs all over Europe. The city itself is simply stunning, with the entire old town defined as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. What more could you want in a destination?
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Germany?
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the most visited tourist attraction in Germany, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site pulling in an estimated 6 million visitors per year. Other notable attractions include the Berlin Wall, and Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.