Top 14 German cities you need to visit in your life
Are you ready for a trip through Germany? While the country is a perfect destination for hiking and exploring nature, the cities are worth a visit as well. Each city offers a different experience and invites you to dive deeper into the history, architecture and the overall vibe of Germany. Actually, you could spend weeks travelling from one city to the other. But even if you just have a few days left and would like to get a better insight into Germany´s city life, you have plenty of options. This guide includes all the Top German cities you need to visit in your life.
From smaller cities to the capitals – it is your choice.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is located in Baden-Württemberg is a popular university city. The stunning view over the Neckar River and the Old Town is the absolute highlight of the city. Strolling through the old streets and admiring the buildings and architecture leaves most travellers speechless.
The city is perfect for the young travellers. As there are many students in the city, there are quite a lot of fun activities to do. Partying at night, picnics in the park and walks around the city are just a few examples. If you are interested in the culture and the history of Heidelberg, you can visit some museums or go on a tour through the whole city. And even if this kind of sightseeing is not your thing, you can simply enjoy the daily life in Heidelberg: enjoy a coffee, go shopping and sit by the river and enjoy the view.
Best for: history, summer nights by the river, strolling through the Old Town
Hamburg
Hamburg is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. And if you ask the locals, it is THE most beautiful city. Hamburg attracts all kind of travellers. With a good mixture of culture, sightseeing and activities, it offers a fun time. You can walk along the Elbe, sit in the park during summer, check out the markets, go for a drink at night and learn more about the culture of the city.
In Hamburg, the list of things to do is basically endless and you could spend weeks in the city. Make sure to stay for a few days to get a better insight into the life in Hamburg. The city is also perfect for some delicious restaurants and cafés.
Best for: parks, river walks, strolling, cafés
Stuttgart
Let´s continue with another one of the top German cities you need to visit in your life: Stuttgart. Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg. Some love it and some don´t – but you should definitely visit in once to make up your own opinion. Stuttgart is a vibrant city and an important place for many companies, especially the car industry in Germany.
But apart from that, Stuttgart has some of the best views. As the city is located in a little valley, you can enjoy some great views from the hills around it. The Grabkapelle is the best place to be during a summer evening and during the weekends you can chill at the Schlossplatz. Plus, Stuttgart is a great place to go shopping and stroll around.
Best for: shopping, exciting events, sunsets with a view
Tübingen
A city which is not that well-known among foreign travellers is Tübingen. It is located in Baden-Württemberg and mainly known for the stunning and colorful Old Town. Of course, it is not one of the bigger cities, but spending a day here is totally worth it. Tübingen is in about 30 kilometers distance from Stuttgart and many fall in love with the historic town, the old buildings and the special vibe when walking through the streets.
Tübingen is the perfect example that it´s not always about the bigger cities, but that in Germany as well the smaller towns are more than worth a visit.
Best for: history, sightseeing
Freiburg
We are staying in Baden-Württemberg for the next city on the list of the top German cities you need to visit in your life. Freiburg is the most Southern large city of the country. And let me tell you: it is so beautiful. Being located directly in the Black Forest, Freiburg is the perfect base for exploring the area.
The center is the best place to be if you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere and some pretty buildings in the medieval style. Just as Heidelberg, Freiburg is a city full of students. Maybe this is the reason for the positive and vibrant atmosphere in the city. Especially on the weekend or during the evening hours, the city seems to come to life. Freiburg is ideal, if you want to enjoy the daily life in a German city and still combine it with a few day trips to nature.
And did you know that Freiburg is located directly at the boarder to France? This makes it the perfect location for a trip to the Alsace and its stunning cities. Click here to learn more about it.
Best for: summer evenings, hiking, exploring
Berlin
Of course, the capital of Germany should not be forgotten. Again, the opinions of Germans and tourists could not be more diverse: for some, Berlin was absolutely stunning and for others it wasn´t really love at first sight. But try to see for yourself. Berlin as the capital is kind of the place to be in Germany if you are looking for many different things to do. Strolling over markets, visiting museums and learning more about the history of the country, shopping and clubbing and so much more.
Berlin really has it all. If you want to explore the capital on your own, make sure to stay at least three days to see all the highlights. Especially during the summer months, the city is guaranteeing an incredible time. Visit the Tempelhofer Feld, the Mauerpark, spend some time at the Spree River and walk through the streets. Berlin is a city with diversity and a special kind of vibration. And definitely one of the top German cities you need to visit in your life.
To check what kind of events are taking place while you are in the city, check out this website.
Best for: markets, summer nights, sightseeing, history
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Let´s continue with another smaller town. Rothenburg is next on the list of the top German cities you need to visit in your life. The city is actually famous during the Christmas season when the snow covers the historic center. Rothenburg is your best choice if you love history and the medieval style of the buildings. You really feel like travelling back in time when you are exploring the city.
Best for: history
Munich
Welcome to the capital of Bavaria. Munich is the largest city in Bavaria and mainly known for the Oktoberfest. But apart from that, the city is also worth a visit. It has a beautiful city center with many shopping opportunities and especially during summer you can spend an unforgettable evening. Check out the Olympia Park for sunset and a picnic and the markets on Saturday morning. If you want to go shopping, Munich is the place to be for almost anybody. And if you want to taste Bavaria to its fullest, make sure to stop in one of the many traditional restaurants.
Best for: Bavarian culture, shopping, football
Bayreuth
Have you ever heard of Bayreuth? The city is well-known among opera lovers as it has been the home of Richard Wagner. But never mind, this is not a must-know you need to have to travel to Bayreuth. The city has (like almost any other German city) a picturesque Old Town with beautiful buildings. You can walk around, sit in a café or dive deeper into the culture and history of the area. There are castles you can visit and the whole area around the city is perfect for hiking and adventures.
Best for: classical music, culture, history
Dresden
Welcome to the capital of Saxony, the next of the Top German cities for your trip. Dresden is full of beautiful sightseeing options and stunning buildings. It is also a great place to be for opera lovers and if you are interested in history, this is perfect. The most popular attraction is the Frauenkirche directly in the center of the city. Many museums, shops and cafés invite you to spend an interesting time in the historic city.
Best for: classical music, history
Cologne
Next on the list is Cologne. The city is well-known for its colorful and exciting carnival. But even if you are not travelling during the carnival season, it is worth a visit. The stunning view over the dome and the center with all the shops and restaurant is a must-do. You can even combine it with a visit to Düsseldorf, if you would like to see more cities of the area.
Best for: shopping, partying
Lindau
Lindau is one of the stunning towns around the Lake Constance. While Lindau itself is not that special, make sure to visit Lindau Island, located directly in the water. The historic center and the view over the lake are out of the books. You can sit in a café by the harbor, enjoy the view over the lake, stroll through the small center or even go on trip over the lake.
The city is actually a bit like a vacation. With the lake, the gorgeous views and the beautiful places all over the island, it invites to a relaxing and unforgettable time. Lindau is a place to stay – even if it´s just for a day.
Best for: relaxing, lake views, cute cafés, trips around the lake
Kempten
Kempten is the oldest town on the list of the top German cities you need to visit in your life. It is located in the very South of Germany, in the Allgäu. Kempten is a picturesque city that offers everything you need for a good time. Shops, restaurants, history and culture. And the probably most convincing point about the city is the location. The alps with the mountains are not far and the adventure lovers won´t get enough of it. With nature not that far and a stunning view over the mountains, Kempten really is a city to fall in love with. Definitely put it on your list if you wish to explore the South of Germany.
Best for: exploring the alps
Würzburg
And last but not least: Würzburg. Würzburg is a university city in the North of Bavaria. The city is one of the most beautiful places in all of Bavaria and especially of young people it is a popular choice. With a university and many students, the city has this young and vibrant atmosphere. But apart from that, the city is all about wine. Yes, right. There are special wine festivals and tastings all around the city. If you are a wine lover, this is the best city to choose from this guide 😊
Best for: wine, culture, young people
