A popular travel destination and one of the most diverse countries in Europe, Germany is brimming with progressive cities, charming towns and villages and castle-coated countryside that make it a paradise for nature and culture lovers, history buffs and romantics. In one of our previous posts we have given a general info about the best of Germany, introducing only the charming capital city of Berlin and in today’s post we’ll speak about four more cities that are considered some of the best in Germany, drawing visitors from around the world. They include: Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Dresden.
Munich
A serious rival to Berlin in terms of culture and sightseeing, Munich is the beautiful capital of Bavaria and certainly the greenest of all the big German cities with stunning landscapes and lush gardens, scenic lakes and mountains. The Cathedral of our Lady or Frauenkirche is perhaps the most famous landmark of Munich and the symbol of the city, which two domes are seen from almost anywhere in the city. Another point of interest that forms the heart of the city is Marienplatz, a historic square that is a popular spot for street performers. Englischer Garten also adds to the list of not-to-be-missed attractions, which is Europe’s largest city park, featuring two beer gardens, a Chinese Pagoda, Japanese tea house and a temple, built in Greek style.
Most must-see attractions in Munich are concentrated in the center of the city’s Old Town, so you can easily walk from one landmark to the other. While in Munich, make sure to also organize a day trip into the gorgeous Bavarian Alps, visit the Passion Play Village of Oberammergau and King Ludwig’s fairytale castle Neuschwanstein.
Munich is an ideal city to go on a leisurely stroll through the shops, and a great place to sample Bavarian cuisine in one of the many restaurants and cafes scattered in different parts of the city.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is another major city in Germany that is considered the nation’s economic powerhouse, as well as cultural center. It’s the birthplace of Germany’s most revered writer, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, and simply a nice getaway, where the old and new combine to create a truly impressive atmosphere.
The Main Tower is one of Frankfurt’s top attractions, from the top of which visitors can enjoy splendid views of the cityscape. Palmengarten – the Botanical Garden of Frankfurt is also worth to check out, as it will take you on a horticultural journey from the African savanna, and the tropical plants of the rainforests, to the amazing flower gardens in Europe. Those visiting Frankfurt with kids, can take them to the famous Frankfurt Zoo, which boasts an extensive collection of animals, including specimens from every continent on the planet.
The city is also packed with many museums, centuries-old churches and high-rise skyscrapers, which never fail to appeal with their unique design and beauty. What more, Frankfurt offers visitors a good choice of hotels that come in all sizes and categories and cater to both budget and luxury travelers.
Hamburg
As part of Germany, which is among the best countries for vegans, Hamburg stands out as a vegan-friendly destination. The city’s commitment to sustainable and ethical living is evident in its increasing number of vegan restaurants and cafes, complementing its status as one of the best vegan-friendly cities. Planning a trip to Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city is a truly interesting experience. And for good reason as many people consider it to be the world’s most beautiful city, a city where water is everywhere and there is no shortage of canals and interconnected waterways, which provide marital charm and ideal opportunities for cruising. A city that came up around a castle, Hamburg today has regained much of its past and is Germany’s largest port and a thriving commercial center.
Hamburg is also where elegant and tastefully designed residential areas come side by side with middle-class suburbs and lively and trendy quarters, while nature in this city seems to return with more wooded areas than a century ago.
The list of Hamburg things-to-do is quite extensive. Many great activities are concentrated on the Hamburg harbor, which is over 800 years old. Visitors can indulge in everything from taking a boat tour, strolling along the waterfront, or else having an exceptional seafood dinner at restaurant Rive, which is also an ideal venue to enjoy stunning views of the port. Worth a visit are also Hamburg’s Red Light District, Hamburg Fish Market, Emigration Museum Ballinstadt and Church St. Michaelis to name but a few.
Dresden
Known as the ‘Florence of the Elbe,’ Dresden is found east of the country and is famous for its numerous historic buildings that will make you marvel and take you back a few hundred years to a time when this was the capital of kingdom. This monumental city is also graced with a wealth of cultural treasures, including ceremonial staircases, panoramic terraces and huge square adorned with statues of solemn-faced saints and monarchs, as well as lively restaurants and trendy shops. The 63 percent of Dresden’s area is devoted to woods and green spaces, and it’s no wonder why it is also considered as one of the greenest cities in Europe.