1. Berlin

The capital city of Germany offers an enormous amount of things to see and do. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Museum Island offers five different museums ranging from art to history. Those into history should visit the Memorial of the Murdered Jews as well as Checkpoint Charlie. The Berlin Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in Europe, with over 1500 different species to see. For relaxation, try one of the thousands of swimming lakes surrounding the city.

3. Cologne

Forested and hilly, the country of Germany is an incredible destination that should be on more people’s travel to-do lists. Germany has fairytale castles resting high on craggy mountaintops, tiny romantic villages, beautiful forests, and plenty of culture. The cities of Germany buzz with beer gardens, remarkable architecture, and rich history.

With so much to see and do in Germany, it’s hard to narrow down where to go, so I’ve listed 7 fantastic cities and towns you should consider visiting.

2. Munich

Though Munich might be best known for Oktoberfest, there is much more to explore in this city. Marienplatz is the center of the city, a social hotspot surrounded by beautiful, historic architecture. The massive Englisher Garten offers vast lawns and groves and even surfing in the Eisbach River. Car lovers can also enjoy the BMW museum, which even houses Elvis Presley’s BMW. Another must-see is St. Peter’s Church, where you can enjoy an incredible view of the city from the top of the tower.

This historically significant city is situated on the Rhine River and is home to the Cologne Cathedral, the most visited landmark in Germany. Here you can view artifacts dating as far back as the 10th century. For more modern art, the Ludwig Museum features avant-garde and pop art. And no trip to Cologne is complete without visiting Old Town, where you can experience what the city was like before it was destroyed in World War II.

4. Hamburg

This port city’s most popular spot is Speicherstadt, a warehouse district with plenty of visitor attractions. The oldest warehouse is home to the International Maritime Museum, which has artifacts dating back thousands of years. Another warehouse is filled with Minatur Wunderland, where those who love miniature trains can enjoy models of cities worldwide. The city’s tallest building is the new Elbphilharmonie, which is not only a great place to enjoy music, but the architecture with curved windows is a wonder all its own.

5. Dusseldorf

Another city situated on the Rhine river, Dusseldorf, is the perfect place for those who love to dine out and shop. The Rheinuferpromenade is a highlight as a long, sunny strip lined with cafes and shops. For high-end shopping, visit Konigsallee, another strip that features premium shops. And if you’re into exciting nightlife, the old town Altstadt offers over 300 bars and nightclubs. But the city does offer museums of modern art such as the North-Rhine Westphalia.

6. Rothenburg ob der Taube

Rothenburg is one of the most historic medieval towns along the Romantic Road and should definitely be on your itinerary, especially at Christmas. It’s the type of town where you could walk around for hours and never get bored with its beauty. Walk atop the ancient walls. At 1.5 miles, the medieval wall completely encircles the town’s historic center, giving you a great view of Rothenburg’s half-timbered architecture. Visit Plönlein, the most photographed location in Rothenburg. It is a perfect starting point for exploring the most beautiful historic houses in the old quarter of Rothenburg. The Christmas Museum preserves rare antique ornaments and has a wide selection of Christmas-themed gifts to decorate your home.

7. Dresden

Dresden, in the state of Saxony, was the former royal residence in Germany. Walking through the Old Town with its beautiful baroque buildings, you could understand why Dresden was known as both the ‘Florence of the North and the ‘Venice of the River Elbe.’ Most of this once magnificent city was destroyed during World War II, but luckily, Dresden has restored much of the city to its former beauty. With 63 percent of its area devoted to green spaces, Dresden is also one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Is Germany on your to-do list? Call or email me today to start planning!