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Beautiful cities in Germany: These 15 places you must see

List: Germany's most beautiful cities at a glance We reveal the most beautiful cities in Germany here Map with Germany's most beautiful cities

On our interactive map you can find the most beautiful cities in Germany at a glance.

By the way, here we reveal the most beautiful small towns in Germany and here you will find an overview of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in Germany. You also shouldn't miss our article on the top sights in Germany.

Bamberg: Germany's most beautiful city

What are the must-see cities in Germany? Well, Bamberg with its huge historic old town with its many half-timbered houses is definitely one of them. The beautiful city in Upper Franconia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The largest preserved old town ensemble in the whole of Europe awaits you in the city!

For us, Bamberg is the most beautiful half-timbered town in Germany and, to be honest, Bamberg even deserves the title "Germany's most beautiful town". We simply love strolling through Bamberg and enjoying the flair. And of course, this also makes Bamberg one of the most beautiful cities in Bavaria.

This row of houses is known as "Little Venice" and is one of the most famous sights in Bamberg

Bamberg's old town is fabulously situated on the waterfront on the Regnitz River and invites you to explore it on foot. It is simply fun to stroll through the narrow streets with their colourful half-timbered houses. What's more, Bamberg's old town is almost car-free, which makes a stroll through the city much more relaxed.

The top sight in Bamberg is the Old Town Hall. For many, the city's Old Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. But the colourful façade paintings are not the only highlight. The attentive visitor will notice the angel's leg protruding from one of the paintings.

In addition to the Old Town Hall, you will find many other historical sights in Bamberg such as "Little Venice" (by the way, here you will find the top sights in Venice in Italy), the Bamberg Cathedral with the Bamberg Rider or the New Residence with the Rose Garden.

Bamberg is perfect for a day trip. You can explore the highlights of the city in one day. Of course, Bamberg is also great for shopping on a rainy Saturday.

A special highlight is the Sandkerwa (website) in August. The traditional folk festival is one of the largest in Bavaria and attracts around 200,000 visitors every year. The festivities take place - with lots of beer, of course - in the narrow streets of the romantic old town. The highlights of the festival are the historic fisherman 's spear on the Regnitz River and the grand closing fireworks display.

Have you got the urge for a short trip to the beautiful city in Upper Franconia? Here we tell you all the sights in Bamberg.

Hotels & Experiences in Bamberg

2 Trier: Germany's oldest city

Whether Trier is actually Germany's oldest city- as is often claimed - is not (and probably never will be) conclusively determined. What is certain for us, however, is that Trier is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

The Porta Nigra is Trier's landmark. The city is one of the oldest in Germany and definitely one of the most beautiful in the country.

Depending on the definition and point of view, Andernach, Augsburg, Kempten, Neuss and Worms are also named as Germany's oldest cities in addition to Trier. Trier, however, claims to have the longest history as a Roman-recognised city.

On our first trip to Trier, we were overwhelmed! How great is this city, please? Trier was founded by the Romans and on a long walk through the beautiful old town of Trier you can still marvel at many ancient Roman buildings such as the amphitheatre or the Roman bridge.

The highlight of Trier is the majestic Porta Nigra. The city's landmark dates back to 170 AD and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. The historic walls of the city gate are simply impressive. Incidentally, the Porta Nigra is the best-preserved Roman city gate in Germany.

Trier is therefore also on our list of the most extraordinary travel destinations in Germany. Yes, a day in Trier really does have something of a city trip to Rome.

By the way, here we reveal the most beautiful sights in Trier.

Hotels & Experiences in Trier

Dresden: the most beautiful city in eastern Germany

Not Berlin or Leipzig, but Dresden is the most beautiful city in East Germany for us. Much has happened in the old city on the Elbe since reunification.

Dresden's Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is one of the must-sees in this beautiful city on the Elbe.

Among the must-see places in Dresden are the rebuilt Frauenkirche (make sure you go up to the tower and enjoy the view over Dresden from there), the impressive Zwinger, the Brühl Terraces and the world-famous Semper Opera House. Dresden also has many great museums, such as the famous "Green Vault" and the Old Masters Picture Gallery.

After the Second World War, much of Dresden's imposing baroque Old Town lay in ruins. Even in the GDR, some of the bombed highlights such as the Church of the Holy Cross or the New Town Hall were rebuilt. After reunification, other parts of the historic old town were reconstructed and now appear in new splendour.

When walking through the old town, you won't notice that many buildings with old facades have been completely rebuilt.

If you're still deciding which beautiful German city to visit next, Dresden should be high on your list.

Here are our tips for the most beautiful sights in Dresden. And if you're already on holiday in the Dresden region, you should plan a trip to Saxon Switzerland. One of the most beautiful natural regions in Germany awaits you.

Planning a city break in winter? Dresden is also the perfect destination. During the Christmas season, the Dresden Christmas market, known as the Dresden Striezelmarkt, attracts around two million visitors every year. The Dresden Striezelmarkt has been held since 1434 and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world.

If you're more into alternative cities like Berlin, consider a city break to Leipzig.

Hotels & Experiences in Dresden

4 Munich: Germany's most beautiful city

For us,Munich is Germany's most beautiful big city with over one million inhabitants. Okay, admittedly, Munich is our hometown and we are naturally a little biased. But we are certainly not completely wrong with our choice. Munich has a charming old town with the famous Marienplatz and is surrounded by magnificent nature and the Bavarian Alps.

Munich - here the view of the city hall and Marienplatz - is Germany's most beautiful city for us.

In addition, Munich is by far the safest big city in Germany. Unlike in Berlin, for example (as a Berliner I know this), as a tourist in Munich you generally don't have to worry about your safety at night. Only during the Wiesn - the Oktoberfest is the biggest folk festival in the world - does it sometimes get pretty wild.

It's not for nothing that Munich is also called the village of millions. Munich is a cosy place. In the summer, not only the Isar beaches attract visitors, but also countless beer gardens where you can drink a cool beer or Radler under old trees and sample Bavarian home cooking.

Yes, Munich definitely deserves the title of Germany's most beautiful city. Incidentally, Munich regularly achieves top positions in rankings of Germany's most liveable cities. Unfortunately, this is also reflected in rent levels and hotel prices.

By the way, here we reveal the best sights in Munich. And if you're in our beautiful city for longer than just a weekend: Here you'll find the top excursion destinations around Munich. You might also be interested in the most beautiful hikes around Munich.

To discover and experience Munich (preferably in summer), you should plan at least one weekend, a long weekend is better. If you want to visit the highlights in the surrounding area, such as the Zugspitze or Lake Chiemsee, you should allow at least five days.

Hotels & Experiences in Munich

5 Hamburg: Pearl in the far north

Are you planning a city break in the north of Germany and wondering which city is particularly worth seeing? Well, Hamburg , Germany's second-largest metropolis, is certainly no insider tip. Nevertheless, we can recommend Hamburg to you if you don't already know the charming Hanseatic city.

A walk through the historic Speicherstadt is a must on any trip to Hamburg.

Hamburg is loud and shrill, thanks to the notorious St. Pauli district with the famous Reeperbahn and the Grosse Freiheit. If you want to experience something in the evening, the Reeperbahn is your "place to be".

In addition, the livable city in the far north of Germany delights with other highlights such as the harbour, the fish market, the Schanzenviertel, the Karoviertel and the Speicherstadt, the largest historic warehouse complex in the world.

In the Speicherstadt you will also find the famous Miniatur Wunderland. The world's largest model railway attracts more than a million visitors - locals and tourists alike - every year.

To explore the beautiful city on the Elbe, you should plan at least a weekend, or even better a long weekend. It is possible to discover Hamburg in one day, but then you will miss some of the top highlights.

Hamburg is also known as the musical capital of Germany. To be honest, a visit to a musical is a must on any trip to Hamburg.

By the way, here you can find the most beautiful sights in Hamburg and here we tell you what you absolutely have to do in Hamburg with children.

Hotels & Experiences in Hamburg

6th Bremen: Insider tip in Northern Germany

Where else in northern Germany? The north of the republic not only has Hamburg to offer. Another beautiful city in northern Germany that you should definitely visit is Bremen.

Many people only know this beautiful city on the Weser because of SV Werder Bremen. To be honest, it was no different for us. On our first city trip to Bremen, we were enchanted. Bremen has a charming old town that can be explored on foot in just one day.

The Schnoor quarter is particularly worth a visit. In this historic district, you'll find ancient little houses, winding alleyways and cute shops with locally made products.

Other great highlights in Bremen include the famous Bremen Town Musicians or the statue of the Town Musicians (a photo is a must), the huge cathedral, the city's Old Town Hall, the historic Böttcherstraße and of course the historic waterfront promenade, the Schlachte. Believe me, Bremen will surprise you as much as it did us.

While Hamburg is perfect for a longer city trip of two to three days, Bremen is perfect for a day trip. But even if you spend two or three days in the beautiful city, you're guaranteed not to get bored.

A very special Bremen tip, by the way, is the tour with the Hangman of Bremen(website) through the old town. An experience you'll never forget!

Here you can find our top sights in Bremen. We also tell you what you can do in Bremen with children.

Hotels & Experiences in Bremen

Constance: the most beautiful city on the lake

Lake Constance, incidentally one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany, is one of the most popular holiday regions in Germany. How convenient that you can combine a trip to Lake Constance with a visit to Konstanz .

Constance is located on Lake Constance and we really liked it. Here you can see the town's landmark, the revolving statue "Imperia".

Constance, located directly on Lake Constance, is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with its cute old town and perhaps even the most beautiful German city on a large lake.

Constance's lakeside promenade invites you to take a stroll at the weekend. The view of the harbour with the Imperia will inspire you. The Imperia is a huge statue, over nine metres high, of a provocatively dressed lady with long legs and large breasts holding Pope Martin V and Emperor Sigismund. And if you're wondering why your photo subject with the Imperia in the picture keeps changing: the statue rotates around itself.

After the harbour, you should explore Constance's old town. Here you stroll through old alleys with charming houses. Here and there you will also discover impressive half-timbered buildings.

Constance is a beautiful little town that is perfect for a day trip. You might even have enough time for a steamboat trip on Lake Constance. And if you're already on holiday in the area, be sure to check out Meersburg and Lindau - two historic towns that are also worth a visit.

Hotels & Experiences in Constance

Heidelberg: City of Romanticism

With its picturesque old town, unique history and nature worth seeing, Heidelberg is also one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

This is the view of Heidelberg with the famous castle

The dreamy charm of the Neckar city in Baden-Württemberg has already inspired many famous poets and thinkers, earning Heidelberg the nickname "City of Romanticism".

The majority of the sights can be found in the manageable old town, whose alleys can be easily explored on foot. A day trip is all it takes. If you want to get to know more of Heidelberg or the beautiful surroundings, I advise you to plan a whole weekend for this unforgettable city trip.

In Heidelberg, highlights worth seeing await you, such as the Old Bridge, one of the landmarks of this beautiful city in the south of Germany, the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) with its huge church tower, the famous Heidelberg Castle and the Hauptstraße (Main Street), one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe at 1.6 kilometres. As you can see, Heidelberg is the perfect place to combine sightseeing with an extensive day of shopping.

By the way, Heidelberg is also worth seeing at night. The illuminated castle, the Old Bridge and the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) are particularly beautiful photo motifs.

Here we reveal all the top sights in Heidelberg.

Hotels & Experiences in Heidelberg

9 Lübeck: Hanseatic city with tradition

Let's go back to the north of Germany: Lübeck also made it into our ranking of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

As the "Queen of the Hanseatic League", Lübeck played a central role in European trade for centuries. Even today you can immerse yourself in the golden Hanseatic times and discover Lübeck's former wealth. And best of all: the Baltic Sea feeling comes free of charge.

What awaits you in Lübeck? In addition to the Holsten Gate, the landmark of the Hanseatic city, you will discover such exciting places in the old city as the Lübeck Walks and Courts, Hüxstraße, Tünkenhagen and Hundestraße. Other must-sees include the imposing Lübeck Cathedral, Lübeck Town Hall (one of the most impressive brick Gothic buildings) and St. Peter's Church, from whose tower you have a magnificent view over the dreamy northern German city.

Lübeck's old town can easily be explored on a day trip. If you want to spend more time in the region, a trip to Travemünde is a good idea.

The well-known spa town is Lübeck's gateway to the Baltic Sea. Travemünde has held the title of "seaside resort" since 1802 and is one of the oldest German Baltic Sea resorts. Travemünde delights with its fresh sea air and maritime atmosphere, which you can experience during a walk along the beautiful beach promenade.

Tip: If you like marzipan as much as I do, you'll love Lübeck. After all, Lübeck marzipan is world-famous and you can buy the delicious sweet everywhere in the city.

Here you can find the most beautiful sights in Lübeck.

Hotels & Experiences in Lübeck

10 Nuremberg: charming Franconian metropolis

Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city after Munich (forgive me for mentioning Franconia and Bavaria in the same sentence ????), is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Although more than 500,000 people live in the Franconian metropolis, Nuremberg is a cosy place.

If you like, you can take a horse-drawn carriage through Nuremberg's historic old town and get a taste of history.

The beautiful old town with the mighty Kaiserburg, from where you have a great view over the city and the countryside, is particularly worth seeing.

Stroll through the historic city centre on foot and explore such great sights as the Lorenzkirche, the Frauenkirche, the Hauptmarkt with the Schönen Brunnen and the Old Town Hall with the Lochgefängnissen.

During an extended stroll through historic Nuremberg, you will inevitably be transported to a bygone era. It's simply fun to stroll through the cobbled streets with their colourful half-timbered houses. If you like, you can even take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. This is an unforgettable highlight, especially for families with children.

By the way, Nuremberg is one of the best destinations for a city break in winter. The world-famous Nuremberg Christmas Market takes place on Nuremberg 's main market square during Advent. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is not only one of the most beautiful Advent markets in Franconia, but also one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

By the way, here you can find all the top sights in Nuremberg and here we tell you the most beautiful hikes around Nuremberg. If you're in Nuremberg for more than a weekend, why not take a trip to beautiful Franconian Switzerland?

Hotels & Experiences in Nuremberg

11 Berlin: the party capital

Let's move on to number eleven in our ranking: Berlin. If you're wondering why Berlin isn't higher up in our list of the most beautiful cities in Germany: Well, you can love Berlin or hate it.

The German capital is rugged, loud and dirty (as a Berliner, I know more than just the well-known tourist hotspots). Moreover, you won't find any really historical highlights in Berlin. You have to look for old buildings from the city's founding history with a magnifying glass.

The oldest building in Berlin is the Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church), which has been the city centre since its foundation in 1230. The church was badly damaged during the Second World War and was not rebuilt until the 1980s. The historic Nikolai quarter around the church was also destroyed during the war and later rebuilt with prefabricated buildings made to look old. There is no old town flair here.

But Berlin has an exciting history, many museums and other cultural institutions. And let's not forget Berlin's many "Kieze" (neighbourhoods), such as the Bergmannkiez in the trendy Kreuzberg district, which is also famous among tourists. This refers to original residential areas in the city centre, often with beautiful buildings from the Wilhelminian period. Here, one café often follows the next.

Of course, Berlin also has such exciting sights as the newly created Potsdamer Platz, the Brandenburg Gate or the Reichstag building with its glass dome, which is so popular with tourists.

The German capital also has a lot to offer party-goers . You can expect endless nights in one of the many beach bars on the Spree or in one of the world-famous clubs such as Tresor, Katerblau, Sisyphos or ://about blank.

Especially for young people who want to really let it rip, Berlin is the destination par excellence. I would even say Berlin is the party capital of Europe (even with all its negative facets). And Berlin is cheap! If you don't want to spend a lot of money on hotels and food on your city trip, Berlin is the perfect destination.

Here we tell you the best sights in Berlin and here are our tips on what to do in Berlin with children. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin, we recommend a trip to nearby Potsdam, the most beautiful city in Brandenburg.

Hotels & Experiences in Berlin

12 Lüneburg: Gateway to the Lüneburg Heath

With an estimated 300 pubs and the Leuphana University, Lüneburg also has a lot going on. Nevertheless, nature lovers are more likely to get their money's worth in this sweet little town.

Die Altstadt von Lüneburg in Niedersachsen

The old town of Lüneburg is beautiful and enchanting.

The medieval salt and Hanseatic city in Lower Saxony, located just 50 kilometres southeast of Hamburg, is considered the gateway to the Lüneburg Heath, one of the most beautiful natural regions in Germany. In addition, the distinctive landscapes of the Elbtalaue are waiting to be explored.

Lüneburg's old town enchants with its narrow cobbled streets and historic gabled houses built of brick - typical of northern Germany. The waterfront around the Stintmarkt is particularly worth seeing. Fish used to be traded here. Today you'll find one pub after the other, sometimes right on the waterfront.

We are sure that a short trip to Lüneburg will inspire you.

Hotels & Experiences in Lüneburg

13 Stralsund & Wismar

Here we present you two beautiful cities in Northern Germany in a double pack: Stralsund and Wismar. The Hanseatic cities, located on the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, inspire with great sights. Together, the cities form the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Old Towns of Stralsund and Wismar".

This is the harbour of Stralsund in the morning. Stralsund is definitely a must for photographers

In Stralsund, the majestic town hall at the Alter Markt (Old Market) in the centre of the historic old town is particularly impressive. But the city harbour with the famous sailing ship Gorch Fock, the Ozeaneum and the old houses in the city centre are also more than worth seeing.

Insider tip: I've already raved about Lübeck's marzipan. Then definitely try the Stralsund marzipan. It's not as well-known, but it's at least as delicious!

Here you will find an overview of the most beautiful sights in Stralsund. We also reveal the most beautiful photo spots in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Hotels & Experiences in Stralsund

When you visit Stralsund, you can't miss a trip to nearby Wismar. The old town impresses with its many beautiful buildings, brick architecture, history and great location right by the sea.

Stroll through the beautiful old town and climb the tower of the St. Nikolai church. A delicious fish sandwich awaits you at the harbour.

Wismar is not huge, but together with Stralsund it's a great destination for a two-day city trip in Germany. And if you still have time, you can visit the two beautiful cities of Schwerin and Rostock.

Here we reveal the top sights in Wismar.

Hotels & Experiences in Wismar

14. Freiburg im Breisgau: Jewel in the Black Forest

Our city trip through Germany now takes us again to the southwest of the country, to Freiburg im Breisgau. The university town in the Black Forest is a must on our list of the most beautiful places in Germany.

Freiburg is not only known for its huge cathedral, but also for its medieval city centre (rebuilt after the Second World War). It is simply fun to stroll through the narrow streets with the old houses with their picturesque facades. In spring and summer, the sweet old town is transformed into a sea of flowers.

Particularly popular and extremely worth seeing is the area around the commercial canal fed by the Dreisam, affectionately called "Little Venice" by the people of Freiburg.

Especially in the evening, life comes alive in the many cafés, bars and restaurants (Sandra from the travel blog "Tracksandthecity" reveals the best cafés in Freiburg here). And best of all: Freiburg is known for its mild climate. While it might be grey and chilly in other cities in Germany, you have a good chance of spending a balmy summer night outside in Freiburg.

Hotels & Experiences in Freiburg

15 Weimar: City of poets and thinkers

The last stop on our journey leads to beautiful Weimar, located in the centre of Germany. In addition to Schiller and Goethe and the famous sights, this city of culture also has magnificent castles, historic churches complete with cemeteries and relaxing parks to offer.

Hardly any other city in Germany is as strongly associated with the fine arts as Weimar. The city in Thuringia boasts a unique cultural heritage and will captivate you with its flair.

To visit the main attractions of the town at your leisure, you should plan at least one weekend for your city break.

There are highlights to see and discover such as Goethe's house, Schiller's house and the Bauhaus Museum Weimar.

Here you will find an overview of the most beautiful sights in Weimar.

Hotels & Experiences in Weimar

Germany's most beautiful cities in the north, east, south and west

To give you a better overview of where which city is located in Germany, here is a compact overview, sorted by north, east, south and west.

The most beautiful cities in northern Germany

Bremen
Hamburg
Lübeck (Schleswig-Holstein)
Lüneburg (Lower Saxony)
Stralsund (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
Wismar (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)

The most beautiful cities in Eastern Germany

Berlin
Dresden (Saxony)
Weimar (Thuringia)

The most beautiful cities in Southern Germany

Bamberg (Bavaria)
Freiburg (Baden-Wuerttemberg)
Heidelberg (Baden-Wuerttemberg)
Constance (Baden-Wuerttemberg)
Munich (Bavaria)
Nuremberg (Bavaria)

The most beautiful cities in western Germany

Trier (Rhineland-Palatinate)

List: Germany's largest cities

Germany has only four cities with more than one million inhabitants: Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne. All four German cities with over a million inhabitants are - even if completely different - super exciting and worth seeing. Finally, here is a list of the ten largest cities in Germany.