More than 6 years ago, we took a 2-month tour through Germany, long before the Corona chaos. Even back then, we realized how many of Germany’s most beautiful cities are right on our doorstep. What a diverse and beautiful country we live in! Each federal state has its own unique atmosphere with numerous cities and highlights worth seeing.
This year, too, we’re looking forward to many cool short trips through Germany. In today’s article, we’re presenting our top 20 most beautiful cities in Germany – perhaps you’ll find the right inspiration for your next vacation. Enjoy browsing!
- The most beautiful cities in Germany
- 1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- 2. Bamberg
- 3. Dresden
- 4. Hamburg
- 5. Wismar
- 6. Rostock
- 7. Hanover
- 8. Heidelberg
- 9. Regensburg
- 10. Wernigerode
- 11. Quedlingburg
- 12. Berlin
- 13. Lüneburg
- 14. Bremen
- 15. Freiburg
- 16. Weimar
- 17. Trier
- 18. Würzburg
- 19. Erfurt
- 20. Ravensburg
- The most beautiful cities in Germany – Conclusion
The most beautiful cities in Germany
On the map below, we have marked the most beautiful cities in Germany. There are, of course, so many other beautiful cities, but we have not explored them all yet. Which city do you think is missing from our overview? Please write it in the comments so that we can add this city to our “We’d like to visit again” list.
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1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
We have already visited the beautiful German city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the enchanting state of Bavaria twice for exciting commissioned work. In perfect weather, we explored one of Germany’s most beautiful cities and discovered its many different facets.
The medieval old town with its many towers, ancient houses, winding narrow streets, numerous gates, fountains, fortifications, and cozy wine taverns truly enchants everyone. We recommend spending at least three full days in the city to explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the surrounding area in a relaxed manner.
The following hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Mittermeiers Alter Ego*, Romantik Hotel Markusturm*, Burghotel*, Guesthouse Edelzimmer*.
Other Rothenburg Highlights:
- Visit Plönlein
- View from the Röderturm
- Historic Market Square
- Sunset in the Castle Garden
- Picnic at the Wildbad
- Visit Café Einzigartig
- Cycling in the surrounding area
- Explore the Tower Trail
- Crime Museum
- St. Jacob’s Church
2. Bamberg
The beautiful German city of Bamberg enchanted us right from the start. This pretty little town is extremely charming and, above all, cozy. Here, you can wander wonderfully through the alleys of the picturesque old town and explore its many corners. On the river, you’ll often see gondolas, reminiscent of Venice and giving the city a touch of Italy.
No wonder, then, that Bamberg is nicknamed “Little Venice.” We also found the side opposite the former fishing village, with its wonderful half-timbered buildings and gardens, particularly beautiful. Stroll through Bamberg’s Old Town and enjoy its unique atmosphere. You can find out more here: Our Bamberg Highlights & Travel tips. You can find some cool Bamberg tours at GetYourGuide*.
The following hotels in Bamberg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Schlafstube Bamberg*, City Hotel Bamberg*, Hotel Wohnbar*.
More Bamberg highlights:
- Explore the 7 hills
- Take a gondola ride
- Stroll through the old town
- Visit the brewery
- Bamberg Rider
- Tower of Geyerswörth Castle
- Explore the Cathedral Square
- Circular route through the Gardeners’ Town
- Viewpoint of Altenburg Castle
3. Dresden
The beautiful city of Dresden is located in the federal state of Saxony and awaits you with a multitude of magnificent and impressive buildings from times long past. The Frauenkirche in the heart of the old town is a magnet for tourists and one of the most popular sights in Dresden. But you shouldn’t miss the Residenzschloss, the Semperoper, the cathedral, the Zwinger, and the Goldener Reiter.
You’ll find what is probably the most beautiful dairy shop in the world at Bautzner Str. 79. Here, in the visually stunning Pfunds Molkerei, you can expect milk specialties and much more. Ah… Dresden is simply a MUST-see and experience. At GetYourGuide* you will find a large selection of tours and excursions in and around Dresden.
The following hotels in Dresden offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Motel One am Zwinger*, Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz*, Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palais*.
Other Dresden Highlights:
- Pfunds Dairy
- Saxon Switzerland
- Tour on the Elbe Cycle Path
- Visit to the Blue Wonder
- Loschwitz Funicular
- Steamboat Ride
- City Mural Tour
- Great Garden
- Kunsthofpassage
- Half-timbered houses on Friedrich-Wieck-Str.
4. Hamburg
Hamburg, my pearl! We really like this city because it’s not as hectic as, for example, Berlin, Stuttgart, or Munich. While Hamburg isn’t exactly a small city, it’s always easy to find your way around. We love the atmosphere in the trendy districts of Karolinenviertel, Sternschanze, Ottensen, and Altona. There are tons of cool cafés, hip shops, restaurants, bars, pubs, and so on.
We love exploring Hamburg by bike. The proximity to the water is another plus for us, of course. The people in Hamburg are also quite open, relaxed, and funny. Hamburg is simply amazing and should definitely be on your list. You can find our Hamburg tips here. Book your tour of Hamburg here at GetYourGuide*.
The following hotels in Hamburg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Fraser Suites Hamburg*, Tortue Hamburg*, 25hours Hotel HafenCity*.
More Hamburg highlights:
- Visit the Elbe Philharmonic Hall
- Climb the “Michel” Church
- Reeperbahn in the evening
- Chill at Planten un Blomen
- Bike tour around the Alster Lake
- Hamburg harbor
- Explore the Speicherstadt
- Explore the hip neighborhoods
- Tour of the Airbus factory
- Landungsbrücken (landing bridges)
5. Wismar
You may not have had Wismar on your radar at all, right? Since my visit to the Hanseatic City of Wismar, I’ve fallen in love with it and think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. The small, charming town has just 44,000 inhabitants, is very compact, and can be comfortably explored on foot. The old town is an absolute dream with many magnificent town houses and a host of historic buildings.
Wismar is the second-largest port city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and definitely scores points for its direct location on the water. This means you can also take exciting boat trips or enjoy a leisurely meal at the maritime harbor. Find out more: Our top highlights in Wismar.
The following hotels in Wismar offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Pension Westphal’s*, Hotel Am Alten Hafen*, Ohlerich Speicher App. 12*, Ferienwohnung Meerblick am Hafen*.
More Wismar highlights:
- Break in the Lindengarten
- Schweinsbrücke
- St. Nikolai Church
- Explore Krämerstraße
- Along the Frische Grube
- Historic Market Square & Town Hall
- The lively Lübsche Straße
- Tower of St. Mary’s Church
- View from St. George’s Church
- The Red House (vault)
6. Rostock
Our hometown of Rostock is, of course, also one of the most beautiful cities in Germany for us. Why? Because the sea is right next door, we have a really beautiful harbor, and a cozy old town. Moreover, Rostock is neither too big nor too small—just right, actually. The atmosphere here is always very relaxed, and we simply love living right here. Rent a bike and explore the city’s various corners, such as the Old Town, the KTV (Knight Theatre), the Hansaviertel (Hansa Quarter), the city harbor, and, of course, the Baltic Sea resort of Warnemünde. Here you’ll find our beautiful lighthouse and the Alte Strom (Old Stream) with its many boats, seagulls, and fishing boats. In summer, you can really relax on the wide sandy beach. Click here for our detailed Rostock guide.
The following hotels in Rostock offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Motel One*, Penta Hotel*, Radisson Blue*, DOCK INN*.
More Rostock highlights:
- View from St. Peter’s Church
- New Market
- Kröperliner Straße
- City harbor & Island
- Explore the old town
- SUP on the Warnow
- Chill at the Active Beach
- Climb the lighthouse
- Play beach volleyball on the beach
- Sleep in the container hostel
7. Hanover
You might be thinking: “Huh? Hanover? A beautiful city? Never!”. To be honest, before our first trip to Hanover, we always thought the city would be dreary, gray, and super industrial. But after our first trip, we fell in love with it. We like the relaxed atmosphere, the incredibly diverse districts, the abundance of green spaces in the city, the laid-back people, and the many hip cafés.
Hanover has a lot to offer, even if you can’t imagine it. We were there again recently and explored new corners by canoe and bike. For us, Hanover is definitely one of the coolest cities in Germany. On our blog, you’ll find a very detailed guide: Hanover Sights and Highlights.
The following hotels in Hanover offer a very good starting point for your vacation: me and all Hotel*, Novotel Hannover*, prizeotel Hannover-City*, Mercure Hotel Hannover Mitte*.
More Hanover Highlights:
- Explore the Red Thread
- Walk through the Old Town
- Canoe tour on the Leine River
- View from the New Town Hall
- Off to the Maschsee
- Explore the Linden district
- Take a street art tour
- Beach Bar Beach Life
- Chilling in the Georgengarten
- Visit the Herrenhausen Gardens
8. Heidelberg
During our two-month tour, we also stopped in the beautiful German city of Heidelberg. Almost 159,000 residents (including 31,000 students) live in Heidelberg, surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of river, mountains, forests, green banks, hiking trails, and historic buildings. And for us, this city is definitely one of the most beautiful German cities.
Its location on the Neckar River, the imposing Heidelberg Castle, the pretty old town, and the surrounding nature make Heidelberg one of the most popular spots in Germany. Heidelberg is also extremely popular with foreign tourists. Feel free to browse our separate blog post: Our best Heidelberg tips. GetYourGuide* offers some cool tours of Heidelberg.
The following hotels in Heidelberg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Qube Hotel Bergheim*, Hotel Zur Alten Brücke*, Arthotel Heidelberg*.
More Heidelberg Highlights:
- Trip to the Castle
- Up to the Königsstuhl
- Explore the Old Town
- Explore the Philosophers’ Walk
- Trip to the Botanical Garden
- Old Bridge over the Neckar
- Explore the Thingstätte
- Studentenkarzer
9. Regensburg
Regensburg is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, but also one of the most charming. The city is lively yet relaxed, very cultural yet also hip and young. There is much to discover in Regensburg, both in the surrounding area and in the city itself.
First, climb the tower of the Trinity Church and enjoy the view over the city. Then stroll through the alleys of the old town, marvel at the sunset from the Iron Bridge, and take a trip to Walhalla. In our separate Regensburg article you can learn more about the city and its highlights.
The following hotels in Regensburg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Hotel am Peterstor*, Bohemian Hotel*, Elements Hotel*, Hotel Orphée*.
More Regensburg Highlights:
- Excursion to Walhalla
- Boat tour on the Danube
- Tour through the Old Town
- Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral
- Stone Bridge
- Cozy district of Stadtamhof
- Historic Wurstkuchl
- Excursion to Jahn Island
- King Otto Stalactite Cave
- View from the Trinity Church
10. Wernigerode
During our trip through the Harz Mountains, the beautiful town of Wernigerode was our starting point. One of the top sights in Wernigerode is, of course, the extensively preserved half-timbered buildings, which give the town its special charm. These tastefully restored half-timbered houses from bygone times can be found everywhere.
With the historic Old Town Hall and the Gothic House, Wernigerode boasts two more eye-catchers. Be sure to also check out the Leaning House and the Smallest House. This one is just 2.95 meters wide and 4.50 meters high. A trip to the beautiful castle, which stands majestically on the hill overlooking the town, is also recommended. More about Wernigerode here: Our best tips for Wernigerode in the Harz Mountains.
The following hotels in Wernigerode offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Travel Charme Hotel*, Boutiquehotel Schloßpalais*, Altwernigeröder Apparthotel*.
More Wernigerode highlights:
- Stroll through the old town
- Visit the Leaning & Smallest House
- Take a Brocken hike
- Visit Wernigerode Castle
- Wide & Green Street
- St. Johanniskirche
- Krummelsches Haus
- Ride on the castle or little train
- Historic town hall
- Stroll in the Lustgarten
11. Quedlinburg
If you like Rothenburg, Bamberg, or even Wernigerode, then you’ll also love the beautiful town of Quedlinburg. The charm of this town is truly special, of course also due to its many half-timbered buildings. Okay, “many” is a bit of an understatement, as there are well over 2,000. This puts Quedlinburg at the top of the list in Germany. There is no other town in our country that has more half-timbered houses.
So if you’re traveling in the Harz Mountains, you MUST visit this picturesque old town. This historic old town awaits you with beautiful old buildings, winding alleys, great cafés, and many charming shops. Let yourself be enchanted and take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Here you can find out all about our Harz highlights.
The following hotels in Quedlinburg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Romantik Hotel am Brühl*, Fewo im Stieg 2*, Hotel Zum Bär*.
Other Quedlinburg Highlights:
- Stroll through the old town
- Quedlinburg Castle
- Harz narrow-gauge railway
- Town hall and market square
- Church of St. Servatius
- Münzenberg & Monastery Church
- Half-timbered museum in post-and-beam construction
- Sternkiekerturm
- Schlossplatz and Finkenherd
- Explore the surrounding area
12. Berlin
I lived, studied and worked in Berlin for more than 10 years, so I (Bolle) know the “Muddastadt” pretty well. I’m not really into huge metropolises anymore, but Berlin definitely belongs on this top 15 list of Germany’s most beautiful cities. There are countless sights in Berlin; you could probably write a novel about them.
Visit the historic Museum Island, gaze out over the city from the Berlin TV Tower, visit the Charlottenburg Palace, explore the hip districts of Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, and Kreuzberg. Take cool photos in front of the East Side Gallery, chill in one of the many parks, stroll across Potsdamer Platz, experience history up close at Checkpoint Charlie, paddle across the Spree, and enjoy the city’s vast shopping opportunities. GetYourGuide* offers countless cool tours.
The following hotels in Berlin offer a very good starting point for your vacation: 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin*, Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin am Alex*, Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof*, TITANIC Chaussee Berlin*.
Other Berlin highlights:
- Boat trip on the Spree
- Reichstag & Brandenburg Gate
- View from the TV Tower
- Stroll through the Tiergarten
- Chill out in Mauerpark
- Explore the Kaufhaus des Westens
- Visit the Botanical Garden
- Sunset from the Oberbaum Bridge
- Trip to Teufelsberg
- Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam
13. Lüneburg
Between Hamburg and Hanover lies the beautiful German city of Lüneburg. While many cities in Germany were partially or completely destroyed during the Second World War, Lüneburg remained unscathed and still boasts historic and medieval architecture. Lüneburg’s sights are easily accessible on foot, as the city center and its size are manageable.
Lüneburg is also a student city and, precisely for this reason, very young, lively, and vibrant. This makes Lüneburg a very worthwhile city. The city somehow reminds us of Wismar, Stralsund, and Rostock. No wonder, because they all have the same “Hanseatic City status”.
The following hotels in Lüneburg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Hotel zum Heidkrug*, Einzigartig – Das kleine Hotel im Wasserviertel*, Lüneburg Zentral*.
Other Lüneburg highlights:
- central square “Am Sande”
- visit the water tower
- the colorful street Am Stintmarkt
- St. Johannis Church & Michael’s Church
- Visit the weekly market
- Old Town Hall of Lüneburg
- German Salt Museum
- View from the Kalkberg
- Explore the Lüneburg Heath
- Walk through the subsidence area
14. Bremen
The Hanseatic City of Bremen definitely has a lot to offer, and we were pleasantly surprised by the city. Bremen not only scores points with charming, historic districts, the harbor, and a young scene, but also with plenty of green spaces and water. Bremen is a super relaxed, cool, laid-back, and, above all, green city. Just a few meters inside the city, and we were surrounded by greenery, amidst various oases.
You definitely shouldn’t miss the famous Schnoorviertel, the Bremen Town Musicians, the lush Bürgerpark, the harbor, and the beautiful Kaffeemühle on the Wall. Give Bremen a chance and explore the various corners of the Hanseatic city. More about this here: Our tips and highlights for Bremen.
The following hotels in Bremen offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Motel One*, H+ Hotel Bremen*, prizeotel Bremen-City*, Atlantic Grand Hotel Bremen*.
More Bremen highlights:
- Bremen Town Musicians
- Explore the Schnoorviertel
- Visit the “Viertel”
- Picnic in the Bürgerpark
- Stroll along the Wall
- Visit the beautiful town hall
- Böttcherstraße
- St. Explore St. Peter’s Cathedral
- Trip to Universum Bremen
- Bremen Market Square
15. Freiburg
Now we come to the last city in this overview. Freiburg is also one of the most beautiful German cities for us. We particularly liked the proximity to the Black Forest, the cobbled streets of the historic old town, the cool cafés, the Freiburg Bächle (river streams), historic streets, charming shops, and much more.
Climb the high tower of Freiburg Minster and enjoy the view of the city from a height of around 70 meters. The view from Kanonenplatz on the Schlossberg is also recommended. And on the way up, you’ll pass Freiburg’s highest beer garden. Perfect for a detour. More about this here: Our Freiburg tips.
The following hotels in Freiburg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Super 8 Freiburg*, Boutiquehotel am Stadtgarten*, cosy grey apartments*, Motel One*.
More Freiburg highlights:
- Detour to Europapark
- Freiburg Minster & Tower
- Weekly market at the Minster
- Visit Konviktstrasse
- Marvel at the Freiburg Bächle
- Walk in the Seepark
- Kanonenplatz and Schlossberg
- Picnic on the Dreisam
- Delicious: “Stefan’s Cheesecake”
- Market hall in Grünwälderstrasse
16. Weimar
We also consider Weimar to be one of the cities worth seeing in Germany and a truly fantastic travel destination. The city impresses with its magnificent buildings, beautiful parks, and a unique atmosphere shaped by great names such as Goethe and Schiller.
Whether it’s a stroll through the park on the Ilm, a visit to the Anna Amalia Library, or a coffee in the historic old town – here in Weimar, everything feels a bit like a journey back in time. We find baroque architecture particularly beautiful. Be sure to plan a few days to discover Weimar and its many facets at your leisure!
The following hotels in Weimar offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Hotel Schillerhof*, Boutique-Hotel Amalienhof*, Hotel Elephant Weimar*, 36 Phô Cô Hotel & Suites*.
Other Weimar Highlights:
- Belvedere Palace and Park
- Goethe’s Residence
- Buchenwald Memorial
- Park on the Ilm
- Schiller’s Residence
- Rococo Hall
- Bauhaus Museum
- Goethe National Museum
17. Trier
Historic cities abound in Germany, and each has its own charm. Trier, the oldest city in Germany, impresses with its Roman past and an old town steeped in history. Highlights include the world-famous Porta Nigra, the amphitheater, and the Imperial Baths.
But the cathedral and the Church of Our Lady, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are also absolutely worth seeing. A stroll through the cozystroll through the charming streets or along the Moselle perfectly rounds off your visit. We recommend spending at least two days in Trier. More information here: The most beautiful sights in Trier.
The following hotels in Trier offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Ibis Styles Trier City*, Vintage Hotel Petrisberg*, Boutiquehotel Kloster Pfalzel*, Hotel Villa Hügel*.
Other Trier highlights:
- Main Market
- Roman Bridge
- South and North Avenue
- River Promenade
- Posthof
- St. George’s Fountain
- Karl Marx House
- Electoral Palace
18. Würzburg
The worth seeing city of Würzburg in Franconia is also a very popular travel destination. It is a real highlight for anyone who loves Baroque, wine, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Residenz palace, with its impressive staircase and beautiful courtyard garden, is an absolute must.
The Marienberg Fortress also offers not only history but also a fantastic view of the city. And a stroll across the Old Main Bridge with a glass of Franconian wine in hand should also be on your must-do list. You can find out more about Würzburg here: Würzburg Sights and Highlights.
The following hotels in Würzburg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Hotel Würzburger Hof*, Mercure Hotel Würzburg am Mainufer*, Moxy Würzburg*, DAS v EVERT Hotel*.
Other Würzburg Highlights:
- Visit the Zukunftshaus (Future House)
- Würzburg Harbor Summer
- Museum im Kulturspeicher (Culture Storage)
- Alter Kranen (Old Crane)
- Würzburg Town Hall
- Brückenschoppen (Bridge Pub)
- Falcon House (Falcon House)
- Marienkapelle (St. Mary’s Chapel)
19. Erfurt
Erfurt is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Germany – and rightly so. The historic old town is simply a dream: half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets, and highlights such as Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church, which tower majestically over the city.
The Krämerbrücke, which is completely built over, makes the city truly unique. Added to this is the relaxed atmosphere with small cafés, exciting shops, and the Egapark as a green retreat. Whether you stroll through the old town or simply enjoy the flair – Erfurt is a mix of history and modern lightness that is simply fun.
The following hotels in Erfurt offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Altstadtrefugium Krämerbrücke*, Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt*, DAS KEHRS – Hotel auf dem Petersberg*, Hotel Alma Am Anger*.
Other Erfurt highlights:
- Krämerbrücke
- View from the Ägidienturm
- Domplatz & Cathedral
- Severi Church
- Petersberg Citadel
- Discover Kika figures
- Around the fish market
- Alperstedter Lake
20. Ravensburg
Brand new to our list of the most beautiful cities in Germany is Ravensburg. This beautiful city in Baden-Württemberg is a real gem and boasts a charming old town. The historic city center is perfect for strolling through the narrow streets, discovering small shops, and enjoying the atmosphere.
Particularly impressive are the Mehlsack, arguably the city’s most famous tower, and the Blaserturm ensemble, which offer a magnificent view over the rooftops. But Ravensburg has more to offer than just history – modern life is also well represented, with cozy cafés, cool events, and a vibrant cultural scene. More about this here: The most beautiful highlights in Ravensburg.
The following hotels in Ravensburg offer a very good starting point for your vacation: Hotel Obertor*, GINN**** Hotel*, Hotel Kaiserhof Ravensburg*, Hotel Restaurant Sennerbad*, Ochsen – Hotel am Mehlsack*.
More Ravensburg highlights:
- Obertor
- Mehlsack observation tower
- Veitsburg viewing point
- Ravensburger Museum
- Ravensburg Art Museum
- Blaserturm Ravensburg
- Marienplatz & Bachstrasse
- Ravensburg Weekly Market
The Most Beautiful Cities in Germany – Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are so many beautiful cities in Germany that the decision isn’t easy. Whether historic old towns, vibrant metropolises, or hidden gems – every city has its own charm and something unique that makes it special.
Whether you stroll through narrow streets, marvel at impressive buildings, or simply enjoy the special atmosphere – there’s always something new to discover. Germany is so diverse, surprising, and full of character that everyone is guaranteed to find a city that inspires them.