5 Major German Cities Worth Visiting This Year

Having lived in Frankfurt for six months and with Munich just a 3-hour drive away, I’ve had the chance to visit quite a few cities in Germany.

Some have lots of histories to tell, others feel more modern or relaxed, and each one has its own character that makes it interesting to explore.

In this post, I’m sharing five German cities that I think are definitely worth visiting. Some I’ve been to many times, others I’ve only spent a few days in, but all of them left a strong impression in their own way.

If you’re planning to travel more around Germany or just looking for ideas for a weekend trip, these cities are a great place to start. They are all easy to reach, with frequent flights operated by Lufthansa from many major airports.

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1. Munich

Munich was the first German city I ever visited. After all, it’s only about a 3-hour train ride from where I live in Austria. Since then, I’ve been back a few times, and Munich has slowly made its way close to the top of my favorite cities in Germany.

What I like about Munich is how relaxed it feels. It’s a big city, yes, but it still has a certain calmness, and you don’t feel rushed all the time, which is often the case in other cities.

The city itself is also very easy to get around. A lot of the main sights are close to each other, especially in the old town, so you can just walk from one place to the next. You’ll naturally pass spots like Marienplatz or the Frauenkirche without needing to plan much.

Make sure to join an old town walking tour to learn more about the history and get a better understanding of the city.

Even during my first visit, when I had only one full day in Munich, I managed to see and experience a lot without feeling stressed.

At the same time, there’s plenty to do to fill a couple of days. You can spend hours walking through the old town, visit a few museums, and sit down in a café to take a break.

After that, you can try a Bavarian beer at the Hofbräuhaus München, which is one of the most well-known spots in the city. When the weather is nice, the English Garden is one of the best places to go. It’s huge, and it’s perfect if you want to slow down for a bit.

Another reason Munich is worth a trip is its location. It’s a great base if you want to plan day trips and explore more of southern Germany. From here, you can easily reach lakes, the Alps, and places like Neuschwanstein Castle.

Check out:
One Day in Munich – The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
The 10 Best Day Trips From Munich, Germany

2. Hamburg

After visiting twice, Hamburg has made it right to the top of my favorite German cities. Having been there just recently, I feel like I understood the city better this time and liked it even more than on my first visit.

Hamburg has such a different flair compared to many other European cities I’ve been to. You’re always close to the harbor, canals, or the Elbe, and that shapes the whole atmosphere of the city.

One of the best areas to experience this is the Speicherstadt with its red brick buildings and bridges. It feels very unique and is one of those places you don’t really find in other German cities. Right next to it is HafenCity, which shows a slightly different side of Hamburg with more modern architecture.

Probably the most iconic building of Hamburg’s skyline is the Elbphilharmonie, a modern concert hall built on top of an old warehouse. It’s especially worth visiting for the Plaza viewing platform, which offers great views over the harbor and the city.

Some must-see museums in Hamburg include the Maritime Museum and the Miniatur Wunderland – one of my personal highlights, where you can explore an incredibly detailed miniature world that shows different countries and cities.

Another highlight is seeing Hamburg from the water. A harbor cruise is a simple way to get a different perspective and understand how closely the city is connected to its port. And if you’re looking for a break, a walk around the Alster Lakes is a good activity on sunny days.

Check out: Hamburg Travel Guide: What to Do & Where to Stay

3. Berlin

Being Germany’s capital city, Berlin is always worth a trip, especially since it has been the setting of major historical events like the division of the city during the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

One of the most iconic landmarks connected to this history is the Brandenburg Gate. It used to stand right next to the border between East and West Berlin and has since become a symbol of the city’s reunification.

Another important place to understand Berlin’s past is the remains of the Berlin Wall. Even though most of it is gone today, there are still sections preserved that give you an idea of how the city was once divided.

One of the most well-known parts is the East Side Gallery, where the wall has been turned into an open-air gallery covered in murals and paintings from artists all over the world.

Not only does its history make Berlin worth visiting, but also the wide range of cultural and outdoor activities the city offers. Charlottenburg Palace is one of the highlights, especially with its beautiful gardens that are perfect for a relaxed walk.

And if you want to see the city from above, there are plenty of great rooftop bars in Berlin with stunning views – especially at sunset!

Berlin is a huge city, and there’s a lot to see and do, which can keep you busy for weeks! I’ve been there only once and had just a 2-day stay, which was definitely not enough to really experience everything. I definitely need to come back at least once to tick off what I missed.

Check out:
2 Days in Berlin – What You Need to See & Do in 48 Hours
Where to Find The Best Rooftop Bars in Berlin

4. Dresden

I visited Dresden in February, which is not exactly the typical month for a European city trip. The weather wasn’t on our side either. It didn’t snow and wasn’t freezing cold, but it rained pretty much the entire time I was there.

Despite that, I still fell in love with this beautiful city in eastern Germany, which says a lot because the weather usually plays a big role in whether I like a city or not.

Dresden is known for its impressive baroque architecture and historic old town. Many of the buildings were carefully reconstructed after World War II, so it still looks very much like it originally did.

Walking through the old town, you’ll come across landmarks like the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger Palace, and the Semper Opera House, all located quite close to each other.

Right next to the old town flows the Elbe River, and a walk along the riverbank is a great way to take a break and see Dresden from a different perspective.

What I also liked is how easy it is to explore everything on foot. Most of the main sights are within walking distance, so you can just walk from one place to the next without planning much.

A trip to Dresden is also easy to combine with a trip into nature since the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, go hiking, or just enjoy the landscape.

One of the most famous places nearby is the Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park, which offers incredible views over the rock formations and the Elbe valley.

Check out: Your Perfect Guide to Visiting The Bastei Bridge From Dresden

5. Frankfurt

Frankfurt probably isn’t the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Germany. I lived there for six months, so I got to know the city quite well, and while it doesn’t have as many sights as Berlin or Hamburg, it’s still definitely worth a visit.

What makes Frankfurt different from many other German cities is its skyline in the financial district, with skyscrapers that give the city the fitting nickname “Mainhattan” – a mix of Manhattan and the River Main that flows through the city.

If you haven’t been to big US cities like New York or Chicago, walking among these skyscrapers really makes you feel like you’re in one of them.

Besides this, Frankfurt also offers a charming old town area around the Römer, which is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks, with its traditional half-timbered houses and historic square.

The city is also a great place for museums, especially along the Museumsufer, where you’ll find a wide selection ranging from art and film to architecture and cultural history.

And one of my favorite parts of Frankfurt is the riverbank along the Main. It’s perfect for a walk, a bike ride, or just sitting down by the water and enjoying the view of the river with the skyline in the background.

Check out:
22 Most Beautiful & Famous Landmarks in Germany
One Day in Munich – The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
2 Days in Berlin – What You Need to See & Do in 48 Hours
Your Perfect Guide to Visiting The Bastei Bridge From Dresden
The 10 Best Day Trips From Munich, Germany
Hamburg Travel Guide: What to Do & Where to Stay

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