13 Must-Visit Cities in Germany So Amazing, You'll Forget Oktoberfest Isn’t Year-Round

Germany is a country filled with history, culture, castles, and so much more. It’s a beautiful place to visit and there is so much to see and do. There are festivals, museums, wineries, galleries, and delicious German food nearly everywhere you turn.

If you haven’t visited Germany before or if you are looking for a new city to explore, you will not be disappointed. There is something here for everyone, from young families to seasoned travelers. Here are 12 cities in Germany that you really must visit.

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Hamburg

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, and it is the third largest port in Europe. Here you will find more than 1200 years of history with both historical and modern influences seamlessly blended into the architecture everywhere you turn.

There is plenty to see and do in Hamburg, but make sure that you don’t skip out on a trip to the miniatures museum, Miniatur Wunderland. It boasts the largest collection of miniatures in all of Europe. There are also plenty of art museums, a vibrant nightlife, and the port that should all be explored during your stay.

Cologne

Walking along the cobblestone streets in Cologne is like taking a step back into history. The city is one of Germany’s oldest and largest and is the home to the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that survived 14 different bombings in World War II and took more than 600 years to build.

Cologne is not just about history, though; you will also find plenty of modern art and architecture, amazing food, and bustling nightlife here. Do not miss an opportunity to visit the Lindt chocolate factory, where you can take a tour and indulge in chocolate treats.

Munich

Safest Cities in Europe — © Sergey Dzyuba / Shutterstock

Munich may be best known for Oktoberfest and beer, but there is a lot more to it than just that. You will also find the Nymphenburg Palace, the former home to the Electors and Kings of Bavaria. This 325-year-old palace is exquisite, and the palace park is one of the most important green spaces in all of Munich, with as much to explore in the Baroque gardens as there is in the palace itself.

Munich is also home to the Marienplatz, the heart of Munich. This square has been the center of the city since 1158, and there is always a reason to visit. From shopping and dining to a trip to the Christmas market or a visit to the Glockenspiel to watch the life-size figurines reenact scenes from history.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is an impressive city that offers something for everyone. It’s home to one of the largest wine-growing regions in Germany, as well as a number of major attractions. Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss a trip to the Mercedes and BMW museums, while history buffs will want to visit the Old Palace, Stuttgart’s oldest surviving building.

Art lovers will want to head to the New Palace to see the Art Museum and the National Gallery, pig lovers will want to stop in the Schweinemuseum, the world’s biggest pig museum, and astronomers will love the pyramid-shaped Planetarium Stuttgart. Don’t forget to stop at Stuttgart’s Market for delicious food and a unique shopping experience.

Ulm

Must-Visit Cities in Germany Ulm — © trabantos / Shutterstock

The city of Ulm was founded in 850 AD and is home to Ulm Minster, the tallest church spire in the world and the birthplace of Albert Einstein. You must make a stop at the Einstein fountain, which is likely the most unique fountain in Europe.

A walk along the beautifully restored Fischerviertel (the Fisherman’s and Tanners’ Quarter) and the 15th-century stone walls will leave you feeling as though you have stepped back in time. Make time to stop in Museum Ulm to check out the 40,000-year-old Lion Man carving, which is the oldest one in the world.

Heidelberg

If you like romance and fairytales, then Heidelberg is a destination you don’t want to miss. The Heidelberg castle and gardens have looked over the city since 1398 and are open to visitors today. If you are lucky, you might even catch an opera or theater performance in the courtyard.

There are many amazing examples of 18th-century German romanticism, and many world-renowned artists have found inspiration walking along the cobblestone streets, especially Philosophenweg or Philosopher’s Walk. Stop in Olde Town for a hearty meal, and then go for a walk down Hauptstrasse, the longest pedestrian walkway in Europe, which is just over a mile long, along the Neckar River.

Dresden

Dresden is sometimes referred to as the Porcelain City because it was the home of the Dresden Porcelain Collection from 1872 until after the First World War, and you can still visit the porcelain museum today. The city offers a wealth of cultural experiences with nearly 50 museums and more than 30 theaters for visitors to enjoy.

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Dresden has a lot of historic and beautiful architecture to take in as well. From the Baroque architecture of the Zwinger Palace, which is home to the Porcelain Museum and the Old Mater’s Picture Gallery, to Frauenkirche, the most famous church in Dresden. Don’t miss the Dresden Royal Palace either, a beautiful blend of architectural styles that was restored and partially reconstructed after World War II.

Cochem

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Cochem, Germany, is a picturesque city with just about 5,000 residents in the Moselle River Valley, which is where many German wineries are located. Cochem is home to half-timbered homes that were built in the 13th through the 15th centuries and narrow streets for a cozy, historical, small-town feeling.

Reichsburg Cochem (Cochem Imperial Castle) sits on a hill high above the town, and the views from here are not to be missed. After visiting the castle, you can take a boat tour, which is one of the best ways to see the beauty of this area. There are plenty of cafes and shops in Altstadt (Old Town), and if you are lucky, you might see a wine festival during your visit.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

If you would love the opportunity to feel as though you are stepping back in time, then a trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber should be high on your list of German cities to visit. The city might be small, but there is plenty to see and do. There are lots of buildings, including churches, museums, abbeys, and monuments that date back to medieval times.

Walk the cobblestone streets and explore the towers, fountains, gates, taverns, and squares that you will find tucked around Old Town. Don’t miss a trip to the Christmas Museum, the only one in Germany, where it is Christmas all year long. Once you have toured the museum, stop in the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village and buy some new Christmas decorations to remember your trip.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a city where the modern meets the historical. It is the home of the European Central Bank and some very shiny and modern skyscrapers. Frankfurt is very touristy, with a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages, making it a great destination for families.

History buffs should head to the museum district, which has more than 15 museums, to explore, including the Museum of World Cultures, which has more than 65,000 artifacts, and the Stadel Art Museum. Visit Romberg Square for a glimpse of what life would’ve been like in Medieval times, and if you need a breath of fresh air, take a walk through the 54 beautiful acres of the Palm Oasis.

Würzburg

Würzburg is a beautiful mix of culture, history, and wine, so you can expect to find something here for everyone. Würzburg Residence, Court Gardens, and Residence Square is a Baroque palace that should not be missed. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010.

Take a walk along the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge), which is lined with statues of the Saints, and visit the Würzburg Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Germany. Würzburg is the heart of Germany’s wine country, and you can find wineries in town alongside the main bridge and in the countryside.

Mannheim

Mannheim is often referred to as the “Chessboard City” or the “City of Squares” because of the strict grid layout its founders made in the 17th century. Manheim is home to the second largest Baroque palace in Germany, Mannheim Palace. This is one of the most well-preserved palaces in all of Europe, and you don’t want to miss it.

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Another must-see Mannheim attraction is the Water Tower. Your trip won’t be complete without a picture of you in front of it. Mannheim also has many different museums, including the Reiss Engelhorn Museum, which has four different exhibition spaces and more than a million items on display. There is something for everyone here, from festivals to theater and musicals, shopping, history, and amazing cuisine.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital city of Germany and an exciting combination of the historical and the modern. With more than 170 museums to choose from, it doesn’t matter if you are a history lover or an art enthusiast. There is something here for everyone. You won’t want to miss the Brandenburg Gate or the award-winning architecture of the Chancellor’s Office.

Berlin is a hub of culture and creativity, so art, music, and performance are prominently displayed throughout the city. Berlin has a bustling nightlife scene with plenty of clubs to choose from, and if shopping is a hobby for you, you will not be disappointed with your options from designers who are truly unique.