Best German Cities to visit for Culture

Bremen, Schnoor 7. A street at Schnoor Quarter. Bremen, Bremen, Germany. Photo by LBM1948 – Wikimedia Commons

Best German Cities to visit for culture

Even though Germany is one of the largest countries in Europe by both area and population and home to such incredible diversity, many travelers only manage to visit one or two cities on their travels.

Here at World of Wanderlust, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 German cities you should consider adding to your itinerary to encourage you to see more that this country has to offer.

1. Berlin is also the cultural hub of the nation

Reloj Mundial, Berlín, Alemania, 2016-04-22, DD 46-48 HDR.This is a picture of the Berliner Kulturdenkmal (cultural monument) with the ID. Photo by Diego Delso – Wikimedia Commons

Berlin is not only Germany’s capital and largest city; it is also the cultural hub of the nation. One of the most fascinating cities in Europe, Berlin is vibrant and edgy and is Germany’s center for fashion, art, and culture.

It’s not surprising that Berlin is the most popular tourist destination in the country, with many visitors keen to learn about its turbulent political history as well as experience the energy of its world-renowned nightlife.

2. Munich (München) is said to be one of the most beautiful and charming cities in all of Germany

Glyptothek, Königsplatz, Munich, Germany. Photo by Diego Delso – Wikimedia Commons

Munich is the wealthy capital of Bavaria and the gateway to the Alps. It is said to be one of the most beautiful and charming cities in all of Germany and is filled with museums and beautiful architecture.

It is most famous for being the center of Oktoberfest festivities, which attracts over 6 million visitors every year.

3. Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s most international city

Frankfurt (Oder), Klingetal 18, Mühlengebäude Simonsmühle. Photo by Willi Wallroth – Wikimedia Commons

Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s most international city and a major European hub thanks to its huge international airport.

It is also the economic center of Germany (and Europe for that matter), which is reflected in its towering skyscrapers; a feature that you’ll find nowhere else in the country.

4. Cologne (Köln) is one of Germany’s oldest cities

Panorama of Cologne, including the Kranhäuser and Cologne Cathedral, as seen from the Rhine. Photo by Martin Falbisoner – Wikimedia Commons

Having been founded by the Romans, Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and its beautiful architecture from various time periods reflects its long history.

Stroll past old Roman towers, and Gothic churches and then past the contrast of modern architecture.

5. Hamburg is located in the north of the country only a few hours from Berlin

Germany, Hamburg Hamburg, Rathaus. This SVG file was uploaded with Commonist. Photo unattributed – Wikimedia Commons

Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg, is located in the north of the country only a few hours from Berlin. It is a port city and boasts one of the biggest harbors in Europe.

Strolling over its many bridges and canals makes it easy to understand why it has been nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North.

6. Leipzig is the most dynamic city in eastern Germany

Leipzig Russische Gedächtniskirche Ikonenwand. Photo unattributed – Wikimedia Commons

Leipzig is quickly developing the reputation for being the up-and-coming art capital of Germany and, aside from Berlin, is the most dynamic city in eastern Germany.

This city was once one of Europe’s art and cultural centers and today, cheap rents and a vibrant nightlife make it a favorite for young people. The impressive town center boasts impressive Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

7. Dresden is nested prettily on the banks of the Elbe river

Dresden, Germany: Statue of Frederick Augustus I of Saxony. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas – Wikimedia Commons

Nestled prettily on the banks of the Elbe river, the baroque beauty of Dresden is unquestionable. Almost completely destroyed by bombing during WWII, it has been rebuilt splendidly to reflect its original magnificence.

As the capital of Saxony, Dresden was once home to the kings and electors of this eastern German state.

8. Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is associated with gingerbread

Nuremberg. Photo by Kevin Prince – Wikimedia Commons

Nuremberg is associated with gingerbread, Christmas, and, perhaps most infamously, the Nuremberg trials that occurred after WWII. Yet, it is its gorgeous architecture that it should be most known for.

 Medieval fortifications still stand in its impressive old town as well as splendid Gothic churches and a colorful market square.

9. Düsseldorf is nicknamed the longest bar in the world

Düsseldorf Germany.  Rhein View From AltStadt – Dusseldorf. Photo by Sami99tr – Wikimedia Commons

Often said to be Germany’s answer to Milan, Düsseldorf is the fashion capital of the nation. While it might appear to be posh, modern, and a little closed to outsiders, when you look under the surface you’ll discover its great art scene as well as a pumping nightlife.

 The Düsseldorf Altstadt (old town) is even nicknamed “the longest bar in the world” because the historic, central district has over 300 bars and nightclubs concentrated in a small area!

10. Bremen is located in the north of Germany

This part of the hyperbolic panorama shows Bremen city and the Weser river. Photo by Wolfgang Kundel – Wikimedia Commons

Bremen has the reputation of being one of Germany’s most hospitable cities. Located in the north of Germany, Bremen is a city that is over 1,200 years old and is bursting with history.

The old town itself is like the backdrop to a fairy tale and is one of Germany’s 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During the lead-up to Christmas especially, the city becomes even more magical.