Germany's 10 Best Places

Germany is a one-stop choice for any trip. In this country, everyone will find something to their liking: trendy nightclubs in Berlin or chamber concert halls in Bremen, art galleries or car museums, old wine cellars or noisy beer restaurants, majestic nature or no less majestic architecture. And even though these places are quite far from each other, excellent autobahns and a developed transport system will make it easy to see the most interesting things in one vacation.

1. Quedlinburg

Arriving in Quedlinburg, it is as if you are transported several centuries into the past. This cozy medieval town, located north of the Harz mountains, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be enchanted by its cobbled streets and colorful half-timbered houses. Be sure to visit the old part of the city on the "coin mountain" Münzenberg - the reward for climbing 99 steps will be a breathtaking view of Quedlinburg.

2. Munich

The birthplace of Oktoberfest and the capital of Bavaria is famous for its breathtaking views of the Alps and its many bustling beer bars. But Munich is more than just fried sausages, beer and funny national shorts with lederhosen suspenders. Previously, the city often topped the lists of the best cities in the world to live in. With great shopping, scenic landscapes and plenty of cultural attractions, Munich strikes the perfect balance between beautiful nature and vibrant city life.

Munich is also a convenient base for a trip to Germany's most "postcard" attraction - the fabulous Neuschwanstein Castle. From the capital of Bavaria to the castle - just an hour and a half by car.

3. Cologne

In 1709, an Italian perfumer living in Cologne created a perfume called Eau de Cologne ("Cologne water"), which was loved by all the high society of Europe. In memory of the great perfumery past, the city has a whole Museum of Aromas. But "Cologne water" is a small fraction of what Cologne can boast of. Admire its grandiose cathedral with beautiful stained-glass windows, visit the art gallery of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, visit one of the classical music concerts or visit the open-air sculpture park-museum. Such a rich walk can be completed in one of the city's pubs - the traditional Cologne beer "Kölsch".

4. Berlin

The German capital has everything you need for a perfect trip - great restaurants and nightclubs, museums and art galleries and, of course, luxurious architecture. Why are only the Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace and the Berlin Cathedral. Lack of experience is the last thing to complain about in Berlin: historical walking tours, concerts, art exhibitions and performances. Don't miss the Berlin Wall East Side Gallery, a kilometer-long piece of the Berlin Wall painted with paintings and graffiti.

5. Mittenwald

Goethe called Mittenwald "an animated illustration of a book" - the city received such an epithet thanks to the amazingly beautiful frescoes depicting biblical scenes depicted on the walls of houses. Only about eight thousand people live in this small town today, but it will certainly appeal to those who love the fabulous charm of the Middle Ages. In summer, Mittenwald, which is also considered the center of violin craftsmanship, hosts classical music concerts, and in winter the town turns into a ski resort.

6. Hamburg

Hamburg is the second largest port in Europe (after Rotterdam in the Netherlands), known for its wonderful fish restaurants, huge shopping centers and impressive architecture. For shopping, head to the Mönckebergstraße shopping street, which leads directly to the delightful neo-Renaissance town hall. You can relax from the bustle of the city in the Japanese garden of the Planten un Blomen park, which hosts free concerts in summer. Hamburg is often referred to as the "window to the world" because you can find everything from opera houses to the world's largest railway model, Miniature Wonderland.

7. Heidelberg

Heidelberg is the birthplace of Germany's oldest university and a city that inspired many great artists, composers and writers with its beauty, from William Turner to Johann Goethe. This cozy old town can be an ideal place for a romantic trip: the majestic Heidelberg Castle towering over the Neckar River, the old town with cobbled streets and baroque buildings, many museums and theaters. Heidelberg hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, such as theater days and jazz music concerts in October and the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival in November.

8. Bremen

This historic city in northern Germany is the birthplace of Beck's beer, with brewery tours and tasting sessions. To immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of the city, visit Schnoor, the oldest quarter of the city that has grown up around the street of the same name with idyllic alleys, family restaurants, shops, shops and pubs. The center of Bremen is the Market Square with the amazing beauty of St. Peter's Cathedral and the town hall, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While exploring the city's charming restaurants, don't miss the Ratskeller, whose wine cellar has a collection of the oldest German wines.

9. Stuttgart

Stuttgart's automotive fame has long since spread beyond Germany. Here are the headquarters of two giants of the automotive industry - Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, whose museums are definitely worth a visit, even if you think that you are not into cars. In addition to car attractions, Stuttgart boasts two castles, an old Solitude villa, luxurious parks and cathedrals, and a beautiful zoo located on the territory of the palace complex. Take the time to climb the Karlshöhe hill to stroll through its vineyards, taste the local wines and enjoy the view of Stuttgart.

10. Baden-Baden

Nestled in the northern foothills of the Black Forest, this luxurious spa town is so good that even its name sounds like an exclamation of joy. The picturesque valleys and healing springs of Baden-Baden are an ideal place for recovery and relaxation, because the name of the city itself is translated as “bathing” and it is no coincidence that the European, and then the Russian nobility, went here “to the waters” for centuries. In addition to the spa hotels, be sure to visit the Festspielhaus, the second largest opera and concert hall in Europe, and the Baden-Baden Casino, the oldest in Germany and perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world.