Places to Visit in Germany

1. Berlin

Germany's capital, Berlin is a huge part of the country’s historical and cultural significance. For example, the 18th century Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of reunification and a main landmark for tourists to visit, housing a massive park and parliament nearby.

Visitors will enjoy Museum Island, a complex of five internationally significant museums such as Neues, with Egyptian artwork and prehistoric archeology, and Pergamon with Greek, Roman, and Islamic masterpieces. A must-visit when in Berlin is the Holocaust Memorial and the East Side Gallery which houses a part of the Berlin wall. Kurfurstandamm, Friedrichstrabe, and Bohemian Kreuzberg are ideal for shopping as they have a range of high end boutiques and vintage shops.

2. Celle

Celle is situated in Lower Saxony, Germany. Lying on the banks of the River Aller, the city is also the southern gateway to the Lüneburg Heath, which is home to a large and splendid castle known as Schloss Celle. Visitors can explore the castle which is built in a stunning baroque and renaissance style.

The old Ducal town is the epitome of ‘postcard perfection’ as 400 timber-framed homes line the town center creating a remarkable view. Other places of interest include the Bomann Museum which is famed for the way it has captured and displayed the local history of Celle and its folklore to visitors, and the St. Ludwig’s Celle which is a stunning 18th century catholic church.

3. Cologne

Visitors will love exploring this 2,000 year old city in Western Germany as it has so much to offer. From sweeping views of the Rhine River to stunning birds-eye views from a cable car above Cologne, the sights alone are worth a visit.

Fun places that the entire family will enjoy visiting include the towering Cologne Cathedral, the Museum Ludwig, the Cologne Zoological Garden, and Imhoff-Schokoladen Museum, a museum dedicated to chocolate! Other must-visit museums are the Fragrance Museum which marks the birthplace of Eau de cologne, and the Roman- German Modern Museum which holds ancient Roman antiquities and mosaics.

4. Augsburg

One of the largest and oldest cities in Bavaria, Germany, Augsburg was founded by the Romans in 15th century BC and has been at the heart of European trade ever since. The diverse architecture in the city center tells the story of the city’s importance throughout history. It includes numerous medieval guild houses, the beautiful 11th-century St. Mary's cathedral and the ornate onion-domed Sankt Ulrich und Afra abbey. Some of the most significant Renaissance buildings are the stately Augsburger Town Hall and its Golden Hall. The Fuggerhaüser and the Fuggerei – the banking center and home of the powerful banking family – are witnesses of their wealth. The city is a treasure trove of art and culture, which you can find in the old palaces, churches, and museums.

5. Gorlitz

Often considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Germany, Gorlitz is a visual treat for its visitors. There are over 3,500 well-preserved architectural monuments which span over 500 years including fortifications, theaters, and grand old churches. The variety in architectural styles is enough to excite any visitor, but what can be found inside is even more spectacular. For example, the late Gothic church, St. Peters, has two steeples and an 18th century organ, while the Gorlitz Museum of Cultural History has paintings which date back to the 17th century.

Unsurprisingly, Görlitz is a favorite filming location amongst movie directors who are drawn to the various beautiful backgrounds. Film-buff visitors will love visiting the shooting sites of famous movies such as Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.

6. Hamburg

The culture and atmosphere of the major port city, Hamburg , is incomparable to any other place in Northern Germany. Many of the waterside hotels offer amazing views of the North Sea, but visitors who are looking to do rather than see will love the bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife that’s offered here.

Foodies will love indulging the various cuisine offered, from the ocean-fresh oysters and other seafood to dishes such as the famed aalsuppe. Visitors who enjoy art and theatre can explore Hamburgische Staatsopper, the Hamburg State Opera, or the Hamburg Ballet theatre. The Colonnaden is one of the oldest pedestrian streets in Hamburg and is lined with several stores for travelers looking to shop.

7. Leipzig

Leipzig is the largest and the 14th most populous city in the federal state of Saxony, and has become a major urban center after the World War. It has been a trade city since the times of the Roman Empire because it's placed on the crossroads of two important medieval trade routes, known as Via Regia. The town also merges with the White Elster, Pleisse, and Parthe rivers at the end of the north German plains.

Leipzig is famed for two famous trades, both of which visitors are bound to come across during their visit: Music and publishing. Visitors will enjoy exploring the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Applied Arts, and the Ethnography Museum, all located in a complex called Grassi Museum. Iconic landmarks include the art in the giant glass cube at Leipzig's Museum of Fine Arts, and the 91 m high Monument to the Battle of the Nations.

8. Lindau

Lindau is a beautiful location on Lake Constance, also known as Bodensee, in Bavaria. The city's old town is located on a lovely island, making it a must-see location for those visiting Germany. Lindau is also the starting point for many cruises over the Bodensee, giving the waterside a great touristy feel with knick knack shops, and bars and restaurants serving local cuisine.

Other than the stunning images of the harbor, lakes, and the majestic mountains, the architecture found in the old town will mesmerize visitors. Landmarks and attractions such as the Bavarian lion statue at the harbor, the towering stone Lindau Lighthouse, and the St. Peter’s Church are not to be missed.

9. Meersburg

Located in Baden Wurttemberg in southwest Germany, Meersburg is a celebrated medieval city that is unique due to the town being separated into two parts, a lower and upper town, connected by a steep staircase. The main attraction when visiting Meersburg is the Burg Meersburg, a 12th century castle beside Lake Constance.

Visitors love exploring the many rooms and their decor, the architecture, museums, and cafe that is now found in the baroque hall. The museum houses a reconstruction of a Stone Age village that is interesting to visitors of all ages.

10. Monschau

A small resort town in the Eifel region of West Germany, Monschau is home to the High Fens, which was declared a nature reserve in 1957. Exploring it is a fun way for the entire family to spend the day together. There are numerous tours that take visitors through the great outdoors and near the Belgium-German border in which the 11,000-acre nature reserve lies.

The town played an important role in Germany’s history during both World War I and World War II, as its location was vital in the Battle of the Bulge. The Red House Open Museum has an amazing collection of fine art.