The Best Cities To Visit In Germany
Cities To Visit In Germany
Having become fluent in German using the Idyoma App, you’re going to want to explore the country in all its glory. Being one of the largest countries in Europe, Germany is incredibly diverse, and sees so many wonderful cultures fused together in perfect harmony. You’re probably now thinking; “but where do I even start?” - Don’t fret. I’m here to go through the best cities to visit in Germany.
The Best Cities To Visit In Germany
Berlin
Munich
Cologne
Hamburg
Cities to visit in Germany: Berlin
First on my list of cities to visit in Germany is Berlin, the country’s capital and largest city. It’s a hub for all things fashion, art, culture and history. Berlin has a somewhat turbulent political past, which will become more and more evident as you pass through each landmark in the city.
Your first stop has to be a visit to what remains of the infamous Berlin Wall; the divide between the then communist East Germany, and West Germany, which fell in 1989.
A trip to this incredible city wouldn’t be complete without a visit to East Side Gallery, the largest open-air gallery in the world. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, 118 artists from 21 different countries painted this 1.3km stretch of the wall with a series of political commentary pieces, along with works preaching love and peace.
Your final stop in this wonderful, always-on city must be the Berlin Cathedral; the most famous and largest church in the city. Topped with a striking green dome and steeped in religious history, guided tours of this staggeringly beautiful building are available for a small entrance fee, which will allow you to climb the 270 steps to the top of the dome, where you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view over Museum Island.
Of course, you can get around the city by public transport, which is considered as one of the best working transport networks in Europe. You can also consider renting a car which will provide you with more freedom and comfort to explore the city as much as you wish. It’ll give you another privilege as well, so if you’ve decided to rent a car you can visit a few cities in Germany at once.
Cities to visit in Germany: Munich
Munich is a must-do for any traveller looking for cities to visit in Germany. Widely regarded as one of the most charming and charismatic cities in Europe, Munich is also the German gateway to the Alps.
As one of the wealthiest cities in Germany, Munich is home to some of the most beautiful architecture, museums and hotels in the country. It’s not all buildings and serious stuff, though, as the city is the original birthplace of the world-famous Oktoberfest beer festival, which attracts over 6 million visitors every year.
So, where to begin… If you’re a keen sports fan, a visit to Munich means one thing, and that’s a tour of the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich FC. Built in 2002, this iconic stadium has played host to a myriad of high-level matches and attracts fans from all over the world.
If art is your thing, you’re in the right place. The Alte Pinakothek is one of the world’s oldest art galleries, dating back to 1836. Here you’ll see some of the finest works ever created, by visionaries such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Titian to name just a few.
Cities to visit in Germany: Cologne
Founded by the Romans, Cologne is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities to visit in Germany. A day’s stroll through this historic city will give you a glimpse into the many different stages of it’s growth and prosperity.
From one moment to the next, you’ll be walking alongside a Roman Tower, then marvelling at a traditional Gothic church. All of this tied in with the modern architecture and new industry makes Cologne a must-visit.
You’ll be unable to mask the sheer awe you will feel during a visit to Cologne Cathedral. Now a UNESCO site, the stunning historic cathedral is the single most visited landmark in all of Germany. The main reason the cathedral draws so much attention is the Gilded Shrine of the Three Kings, a 12th century collection of reliefs depicting episodes from the life of Christ, prophets and apostles by Nicholas of Verdun.
A quick trip across the city to the Fragrance Museum is the perfect way to round off your trip to Cologne. A 45-minute guided tour will give you a look into the very rooms where perfume (Eau de Cologne) was invented, and where it gets its name.
The tour includes a visit to the vault where a cedar perfume barrel has survived for over 300 years, along with a set of copper stills and laboratory equipment used by the perfume makers of the time.
Cities to visit in Germany: Hamburg
Next on my list of cities to visit in Germany, is the country’s second largest city; Hamburg. Located in the north of the country, just a few hours from Berlin, this port city boasts one of the largest harbours in Europe.
With its history as a port city and the labyrinth of canals flowing throughout, it’s easy to see why Hamburg has become affectionately known as “the Venice of the North”.
Following the nautical, port-city vibe, the first stop on your trip to Hamburg has to be the International Maritime Museum. If you’re one that is taken aback by the romance of the open sea, the museum’s huge catalogue of maritime artifacts will most definitely scratch that itch! The stunning collection includes hand-written letters by Admiral Nelson, a reproduction of Ernest Shackleton’s lifeboat and a 3000-year-old canoe that was discovered in the depths of Hamburg Harbour.
The only way to cap off your trip to Hamburg is with a boat trip around the harbour and waterside districts. Evening tours are available for next to nothing money-wise, so get those sea legs ready!
So, what did you think of these cities to visit in Germany? Let us know!
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