Berlin, Germany
Famous for its fast cars (Audi, VW, Mercedes), beer festivals (Oktoberfest) and household name supermodels (Claudia Schiffer, Heidi Klum), as well as its long and troubled history, Germany has long been one of Europe’s top holiday destinations. Whether you want to discover the world-renowned landmarks of the capital, marvel over Cologne’s UNESCO-listed Cathedral or cruise through the country’s biggest port at Hamburg, here are some of Germany’s best cities for a weekend break.
1. Berlin
Teeming with historic monuments and poignant war memorials, and a global trendsetter in art, fashion and music, cosmopolitan Berlin is one of the world’s most dynamic cities and as Europe’s second-biggest capital city, it’s an obvious choice for a city break. Walk along the remains of the notorious Berlin Wall, tour the UNESCO-listed Museum Island and take in landmarks like the Brandenburg gate, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and the Jewish Memorial, then discover modern Berlin by enjoying the view from the famous TV Tower, marveling at the skyscrapers in Potsdamer Platz or hitting the clubs in Kreuzberg.
Hamburg, Germany
2. Hamburg
Germany’s second-largest city is also its largest port and Hamburg’s rich maritime heritage is a large part of its charm. Once you’ve taken a boat cruise along the canal ways and explored the modern HafenCity harbor, discover why the city was dubbed the ‘Gateway to the World’ at the fascinating Hamburg Emigration Museum, follow in the footsteps of the Beatles in Hamburg and then join the revelers along the ‘Wicked Mile,’ the infamous strip of music clubs, cafes and restaurants in the Reeperbahn Red Light district.
Munich, Germany
3. Munich
The Bavarian capital is synonymous with Oktoberfest, the world’s largest and most famous beer festival, but even if you don’t make it for the big event, Munich is an unmissable experience. From sipping one-liter steins of beer in a traditional beer garden to munching on gigantic pretzels or Apfelstrudel, served by dirndl-wearing waitresses, this is the place to live out all your Bavarian fantasies and when it comes to tradition, Munich never disappoints. Be sure to stop by the legendary Hofbräuhaus beer hall and check out the iconic Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, then pay a visit to the BMW museum, watch the river surfers in the English Garden or take a day trip to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, including a drive along the aptly-named Romantic Road.
Frankfurt, Germany
4. Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s spectacular architecture is the first thing you’ll see upon landing in the city, but there’s more to the city than its dizzying skyscrapers. One of Germany’s major transport and business hubs and nicknamed ‘Mainhattan’ after its river, Frankfurt is a modern metropolis like no other, crammed with world-class museums, gourmet restaurants and exclusive nightclubs. You could spend a whole day exploring the museum embankment, but don’t forget to sample the city’s beloved Apple Wine at a traditional wine tavern, take a ride on the Apple Wine Express in Sachsenhausen, admire the medieval architecture in the Römerberg square or enjoy a cruise through the nearby Rhine Valley.
Dresden, Germany
5. Dresden
Dresden’s historic Elbe Valley may have lost its UNESCO World Heritage status along with the building of the controversial Waldschlösschen Bridge, but the pearl of the Baroque era is still an enchanting proposition. There’s no doubt that Dresden’s chief attraction is its magnificent architecture and although many of the buildings were restored after the war years, there’s still plenty to marvel over — the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), the Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House are all top landmarks.
Dusseldorf, Germany
6. Dusseldorf
As the fashion capital of Germany, Düsseldorf has a reputation for keeping its finger on the pulse and the city is an exciting mix of the old and new. Fashionistas should make a beeline for the central Königsallee boulevard, or ‘Kö,’ known for its designer boutiques and thriving nightlife, but equally intriguing are the cobblestone lanes of the Old Town, where you’ll find the 16th-century Town Hall the St. Lambertis Church with its unusual twisted spire and a cluster of traditional brew-pubs.
Cologne, Germany
7. Cologne
The undisputed highlight of a cruise down the scenic Rhine River, Cologne is a city that knows how to party, so time your visit for one of the many seasonal events, like the vibrant Carnival celebrations, the festive Christmas markets or the summer Pride parade, one of the biggest in Europe. Even if you miss the main events, Cologne has plenty to keep your attention – check out the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, discover Cologne’s chocolate industry, tour the many museums and galleries, then finish off the day’s sightseeing with a cool glass of Kölsch, Cologne’s local brew.
Leipzig, Germany
8. Leipzig
Still a thriving cultural center, historic Leipzig has churned out some of Germany’s best known artists and composers — Richard Wagner was born in the city, Goethe and Felix Mendelssohn both lived and studied there, and former resident Bach is buried at the St. Thomas Church. Today, the New Leipzig School still makes waves in the art world; the legendary Gewandhaus Orchestra and St. Thomas Choir (one of the world’s oldest boys’ choirs) still draw a large audience; the Leipzig Opera House is home to one of Europe’s top ballet companies; and the Spinnerei complex boasts the highest concentration of art galleries in Germany.
Heidelberg, Germany
9. Heidelberg
One of few German cities that wasn’t destroyed in WWII, Heidelberg’s historic charms are its greatest asset, and wandering through the cobblestone streets of its Old Town unveils a colorful array of medieval and Renaissance architecture, traditional pubs and handicrafts boutiques. Heidelberg’s star attractions are its university, the oldest in Germany dating back to 1386, and the grand Heidelberg castle, perched on the hillside above the Old Town, but other landmarks worth a visit include the 18th-century Karlstor Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the romantic Old Bridge, the striking centerpiece of the scenic Neckar riverfront.
Nuremberg, Germany
10. Nuremberg
Bavaria’s second-largest city after Munich and the one-time residence of the Kings, Nuremburg (or Nurnberg as it’s known to locals) has found itself at the center of German history since Roman times. Today the city’s attractions are varied – the Imperial Nuremberg Castle and half-timbered medieval buildings are the highlight of a walking tour, while the remnants of the city’s Nazi connections provide harrowing viewing, including the site of the infamous Nuremburg Trials and the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. The most atmospheric time to visit is for the annual Christmas Market, one of the oldest and biggest in Germany and an ideal place to discover Nuremberg’s traditional foods and crafts – most notably handmade toys, gingerbread and delicious Nuremberg sausages.
Germany’s Best Cities for a Weekend Break from Germany Things to Do