I’m not going to write this article pretending I know an awful lot about Germany as a holiday destination from personal experience, because I don’t. Although I’ve dedicated a lot of time and energy into other countries and experiencing their culture as much as I can (like Portugal and Brazil ), I still haven’t quite gotten round to Germany – but I’m sure that will change after I write this article! I’m basing this article on research, and research only, and I’m sure I’ll have convinced myself on the awesomeness of Germany as a tourist hotspot by the end of this post. Here are the 5 German cities you should pay a visit to before you pop your clogs!
5 German Cities to Visit Before You Die
1. Berlin
Of course, I had to put Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital city, at the top of the list. People often claim that Berlin is Europe’s ‘city that never sleeps’, and say that it’s almost on par with London in terms of its diverse and multi-cultural inhabitants. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city has been a cultural and artistic paradise, with many artists and creatives making their work known here. This city is the perfect place to go for a city break if you’re looking for top-quality nightlife, a variety of interesting historical attractions , and a laidback, young atmosphere.
2. Frankfurt
What sets Frankfurt apart from Germany’s capital, Berlin, is that it’s much more traditional. If you’re a sucker for the beauty of the medieval buildings in Disney classics based in Germany, then Frankfurt is the place for you. Even though the city is home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges, and attracts millions of business travellers on an annual basis, it has still managed to cling to its roots and maintain its history. Head to Frankfurt’s Altstadt (old city) to see the cutesy half-timbered buildings and all things traditionally German. The city is also famous for its wide range of museums and the booming population of students.
3. Munich
What many people consider to be the ‘capital of southern Germany’ attracts millions of eager beer-lovers every October, when the famous Oktoberfest Festival takes place. But, if you’re more of a wine drinker and want to avoid the messy crowds, Munich has lots of other awesome stuff to offer in the other 11 months of the year, too. The city has some amazing museums like the BMW Museum and Deutsches Museum , as well as plenty of fun and lively spots to drink at night.
4. Dusseldorf
The city of Dusseldorf, situated in western Germany, is renowned for its impressive architecture, pumping nightlife and the high-profile, cosmopolitan air. Many visitors claim that it seems like it’s all about the business and fashion when they first arrive in Dusseldorf , but find that the locals come out of their shells at night, with a much more laid-back atmosphere spreading over the city. If you’re looking for a destination in Europe to go shopping like crazy, then Dusseldorf is your best bet. Many people consider the shopping scene here to be even better than Milan’s!
5. Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city, and is also a Unesco World Heritage Site. Known as the ‘Gateway to the world’, this intriguing city has plenty of things to see and do for those who can’t get enough of all things historical. Head to the International Maritime Museum to get a unique glimpse into Germany’s maritime history, or visit the Port if you want to see German maritime life today! If you’re a music lover, choose Hamburg over all the other German cities. This musical hub is renowned for its multi-cultural, electronic and live music scene.
If you’ve been to any of the German cities I’ve talked about, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments box! I’m a foodie, a history lover and love a place for a fun (and cheap) night out – so where would you recommend?
