Germany Bucket List: 10 Cities Not to Miss!
Introduction
Germany is a country full of history, culture, natural beauty and modern cities. Germany has something to offer every type of traveler from the Bavarian Alps to the Baltic Sea coast. As one of the most populous countries in Europe, Germany welcomes over 40 million visitors every year.
When planning your next trip, be sure to include some of these top destinations on your Germany itinerary.
Berlin
1. Berlin
No trip to Germany is complete without a visit to the capital city of Berlin. After decades of division during the Cold War, Berlin today is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with world-class museums, galleries, entertainment and nightlife.
Top attractions include the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Cathedral.
Be sure to visit trendy neighborhoods like Mitte, Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg to experience the local cafe culture. Berlin's art scene is also thriving with hundreds of galleries scattered around the city.
2. Munich Munich
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and Germany's third-largest city. Best known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration of beer, Munich is also filled with museums, Baroque architecture and historic sights.
Top attractions include Marienplatz main square, the gothic New Town Hall, the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall and the English Garden.
Take a day trip out to nearby Dachau to visit the first Nazi concentration camp memorial site. Munich is also just a short train ride away from spectacular castles like Neuschwanstein.
3. HamburgHamburg
As Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg is a bustling port town filled with canals, vibrant neighborhoods like the Schanzenviertel, great nightlife and top attractions like the newly built Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
Take a harbor boat tour to experience stunning views of the city skyline and lakes. Other top sites include the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, the St. Michaelis church tower and the notorious Reeperbahn red-light district.
Hamburg also has more bridges than Venice or Amsterdam with over 2,300 crossing its many canals and tributaries.
CologneSituated on the Rhine River, Cologne (Köln) is most famous for its impressive Gothic cathedral that took over 600 years to build. The Cologne Cathedral is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site drawing millions of visitors per year. Along with the cathedral, Cologne has over 30 museums, lively beer halls and trendy shops.
Take a stroll along the Rhine promenade and cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, which is covered in thousands of love locks. Cologne is also just 30 minutes by train from Bonn, the former capital of West Germany.
5. HeidelbergHeidelberg
Nestled along the Neckar River, Heidelberg is home to Germany's oldest university and one of the most romantic destinations in the country. Heidelberg's baroque old town is filled with markets, historic buildings, cafes and the iconic Heidelberg Castle ruin overlooking the city. Take a walk across the Old Bridge for stunning views of the castle.
Other attractions include the Philosopher's Walk along the hillside of the Neckar River valley and the Student Jail, where university students were once locked up for misbehaving. Heidelberg is also located close to the famous Rhine River Valley wine region.
6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This picturesque Bavarian town is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval villages located along the Romantic Road. With its turrets, towers and half-timbered houses, Rothenburg looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
Top attractions include climbing to the top of Town Hall Tower, walking along the 14th-century walls surrounding the town and visiting the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum. Be sure to browse the local shops to buy famous Rothenburg snowballs (Schneeballen) - balls of fried dough covered in chocolate and nuts.
7. DresdenDresden
Nicknamed "Florence on the Elbe", Dresden is filled with Baroque and Rococo architecture in the historic old town. Most of Dresden was destroyed by Allied bombings during World War II, but the city has rebuilt itself to its 18th-century glory.
Top sites include the Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House and the Zwinger Palace with its impressive art collections and fountains. Take a scenic walk along the Elbe River or a short trip to the Pillnitz Castle and gardens just outside the city.
8. Rhine ValleyRhine Valley
No trip to Germany is complete without a visit to the enchanting Rhine Valley filled with vineyards, medieval castles and quaint half-timbered towns. Some of Germany's most iconic castles like Marksburg and Rheinfels are located along the Middle Rhine Valley, which is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many companies offer boat tours along the Rhine River so you can experience the valley from the water. You can also base yourself in charming towns like Bacharach or Rüdesheim and take day trips to visit the vineyards and sample Germany's famous Rieslings.
9. Baden-BadenBaden-Baden
Nestled in the heart of the Black Forest region, Baden-Baden has long been one of Germany's most elegant spa retreats with thermal baths dating back to Roman times. Relax in the famous Friedrichsbad spa or try your luck at the town's Grand Casino, one of Europe's oldest.
Baden-Baden is also filled with beautiful Belle Époque and Art Nouveau architecture along with lush gardens and parks like the Kurhaus. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at one of the traditional cafes in town or take a hike in the Black Forest trails just outside the city.
10. Bremen Bremen
Famous for the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Bremen makes for a delightful northern German city break. Take a walk around the UNESCO-listed Markt Square in the historic center with attractions like the 11th-century Cathedral, ornate City Hall and the iconic Roland statue.
Wander through the Schnoor district, one of the oldest and most well-preserved neighborhoods of Bremen with tiny cottages and craft shops. Also be sure to visit Beck's Brewery and tour Germany's largest cotton exchange, the Bremen Baumwollbörse, now home to shops and cafes. Kids will also love visiting the musicians of the Town Musicians of Bremen statue.
 |
| Bremen |
With so much diversity across the country, Germany has something to satisfy history buffs, nature lovers, city explorers and everyone in between. Use this travel guide to help plan your perfect Germany trip itinerary for 2024 and beyond.
Just be warned that after your first visit, you'll likely be eager to return to keep exploring more of magical Deutschland.
