The Most Beautiful Cities In Germany That You Have To Visit 😍

My native country of Germany has so much that I love. One of the biggest reasons I can’t stop going back is the vibrant, famous German cities that not only have a great energy but are beautiful as well. From the historic Old Town centers to riverfront cities, it’s hard to actually come up with a list of the most beautiful cities in Germany. There’s so much competition!

However, I was happy to take on the challenge when Sharon asked me. I have been to most (all?) of the main cities to visit in Germany so it didn’t take me long to come up with my top 12 most beautiful cities of Germany.

Each of the prettiest cities in Germany listed below are highly recommended. They have their own unique heartbeat, a rhythm that you’ll feel walking down cobblestone lanes, through bustling market squares or by serene riverbanks. Each offers a distinct palette of experiences, from the resplendent, baroque streets of Dresden to the dynamic, cosmopolitan vibes of Cologne. Which is the best city in Germany to visit for you will depend on your own unique preferences and travel style.

But I am excited to share Germany’s most picturesque cities, places that effortlessly blend historical grandeur with contemporary buzz. From the half-timbered fairytale facades of quaint Old Towns to the magnificent urban sprawls that pulse with life, these are cities that demand to be experienced by every traveler.

So what is the most beautiful city in Germany? For me, it is Berlin. It’s urban grunge style, it’s amazing sights and historical significance make it stand out among all the must see cities in Germany. If you are an urban lover like me, you will absolutely love Berlin.

I wrote this article and picked this list of most beautiful German cities from my personal experience of traveling in Germany throughout my life. I hope it helps you plan your own trip to Germany.

Let’s start!

If you are looking for the most beautiful Old Towns instead, find our list of them here. For this list of the best cities of Germany, I wasn’t just considering stereotypical colourful Old Towns but the vibe. energy and natural surrounds.

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Top 12 Most Beautiful Cities In Germany

Berlin

Berlin is a city where history breathes through the graffiti-ed remnants of the Berlin Wall and the solemn grandeur of the Brandenburg Gate. Its story is riveting – once the heart of the Kingdom of Prussia, the nerve center of the Weimar Republic, the head of Nazi Germany, and the divided city at the forefront of the Cold War. Today, it stands unified, pulsating with life and creativity, a testament to resilience.

Berlin’s beauty lies not only in its historic core but in its vibrant street art, green spaces like the sprawling Tiergarten, and riverbanks where locals bask in the summer. It’s a cultural smorgasbord from museum island’s treasures to cutting-edge art galleries, and a music scene that’s the envy of the continent.

Every corner has a different flavor. Neukölln buzzes with eclectic eateries, while Prenzlauer Berg is a leafy retreat with chic boutiques. Kreuzberg offers a gritty charm with its pulsating night-life and multicultural vibe, and Charlottenburg oozes old-world elegance with its palaces and upscale stores. 

Visitors should come to experience this diversity. From techno temples to classical concerts, street food to Michelin stars, flea markets to high-end shopping, Berlin delivers it all with an unpretentious welcome.

When it comes to the best cities in Germany to visit, Berlin is, undeniably, a must-visit metropolis that makes you feel part of its ongoing story.

Click here to read our guide to Berlin.

Dresden

Nestled along the banks of the Elbe River, Dresden is a tapestry of architectural and cultural splendor with a storied past. Dresden’s history dates back to the 12th century, evolving through Renaissance and Baroque periods into a regal tapestry of imposing palaces and art galleries.

In February 1945, WWII Allied bombings razed the city to the ground, but like a Phoenix, Dresden rose from the ashes, meticulously restoring its historic Old Town, the Altstadt, to its former glory. It’s one of the most famous cities in Germany for a reason.

As I wandered through cobblestone streets, Dresden’s beauty unfolded in the amazing architecture, the sights and the Elbe River. The Frauenkirche’s majestic dome whispered tales of rebirth, while the Zwinger Palace’s fountains danced amidst sculptures and galleries. Not just the Old Town, but the Neustadt buzzed with youthful energy, quirky bars, and graffiti art—an ode to creativity and resilience.

The whole city is an eclectic mix—a blend of history and dynamic modernity. This seamless transition between yesterday and today is why Dresden captivates so many hearts, including mine. It’s not just a historic landmark, but a living, breathing city with a story to tell.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Dresden.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a city in the eastern part of Germany brimming with a history that dates back a thousand years. It has been a marketplace for trade and ideas, particularly known for its vibrant fairs and as a cradle of classical music, with greats like Bach and Wagner weaving their legacies here.

Leipzig’s beauty shines in its diversity—from the historical architecture of the Old Town to the modern vibes in the Plagwitz district, known for its canals and cultural scene. The city feels like a living storybook where each corner tells you tales of the past, interpreted in a modern dialect.

But Leipzig’s appeal extends far beyond its Old Town. It thrives with creative energy, buzzing cafes, and art spaces dotted around the city. Its green spaces, like the Clara-Zetkin-Park, provide a lush break from the urban areas.

Visitors should want to come to Leipzig not just for its historical beauty but for its lively cultural scene. It’s one of the best German cities to visit because it has a great vibe, energy and liveliness. I love it.

While it’s not going to win an award for being the traditionally most beautiful city of Germany, the city’s patchwork of parks, lakes, historical landmarks, and contemporary hubs make it one of the most dynamic and most interesting cities in Germany.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Leipzig.

Hamburg

Hamburg, a city-state in northern Germany, is a tapestry of history and modernity woven along its bustling port, the second-largest in Europe. Its story begins around the 9th century as a small fort, growing through trade to become a major member of the medieval Hanseatic League. Wars, fires, and epidemics reshaped Hamburg, but it always emerged as a trading powerhouse.

Beyond the historic Speicherstadt, with its iconic red-brick warehouses, Hamburg’s allure extends to grandiose concert halls like the Elbphilharmonie (pictured above), contemporary art in the Deichtorhallen, and the verdant canopy of Planten un Blomen Park. The city’s lakes and canals, crossed by over 2,500 bridges—more than Venice and Amsterdam combined—add a sense of tranquility.

Strolling through Hamburg, the kinetic energy of the port blends with serene neighborhoods. Altona offers sunsets by the Elbe, and the Schanzenviertel district buzzes with eclectic shops and eateries. This contrast makes Hamburg not just a historical gem but a living, breathing city of diverse experiences.

I attended university here so I may be biased but it’s one of the most fun cities in Germany. It’s vibrant, lively and there’s always something going on. It deserves to be in all top 10 cities in Germany lists.

Beyond it’s beautiful setting, it is one of the coolest cities in Germany with a great nightlife and plenty to enjoy.

Lübeck

Lübeck is a gem in northern Germany, woven with layers of history and charm. With beginnings around the 12th century, it blossomed as the capital of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance. This history gifted it with stunning architecture like the Holstentor, a city gate that looks plucked from a fairytale.

Walking its cobbled streets, I felt a sense of stepping back in time. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of brick gothic buildings, each holding centuries of stories. Not just a historical exhibit, this heart of Lübeck is alive, buzzing with cafes and shops that invite exploration.

But Lübeck’s beauty stretches beyond its famed center. Quaint neighborhoods with hidden gardens and the shimmering Trave River, which rings the city, contributes to its allure. The blend of old and new, from medieval churches to modern harbor scenes, creates a unique picturesque tapestry.

Overall, Lübeck isn’t just a city; it’s an experience that transcends time, blending historical splendor with the vitality of today. It’s undeniably one of the best German cities – cozy, majestic, and endlessly fascinating.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Lübeck.

Bremen

Bremen, nestled in Northern Germany, is a historical mosaic where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. Its roots stretch back 1,900 years, evolving from a critical member of the medieval Hanseatic League to a contemporary hub for space and aeronautics.

Bremen’s beauty lies not only in its age-old architecture, like the storybook Schnoor quarter, but also in its vibrant cultural tapestry that unfolds across the city.

Strolling through Bremen feels like walking through time. The Old Town whispers tales of ancient mariners, while the statuesque Town Hall and Roland on the market square stand proudly as UNESCO World Heritage sites, symbolizing freedom and market rights since the Middle Ages.

Yet beyond the Old Town, Bremen’s allure spreads to the futuristic Universum Science Center, the serene Bürgerpark, and the bustling Schlachte Riverside Walk, offering a modern counterpoint to the historic core.

This dual charm is what I love about Bremen. Where else can you wander through historical streets one moment, then explore space travel the next? It’s one of the best cities to see in Germany for the old, new and lively feel.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Bremen.

Cologne

Cologne, with its illustrious past stretching back to Roman times, stands as one of Germany’s most picturesque gems especially if you are an ubran lover like me. Its heart pulses with a history that’s witnessed the rise and fall of empires, carved deeply into the ancient walls and cobbled lanes. At the center is the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), whose spires reach skyward, offering a lofty reminder of medieval genius.

Beyond the Old Town’s charisma, Cologne’s vibrance spills over into its varied neighborhoods. Each quarter boasts a distinct personality, from the bohemian Agnesviertel to the trendy Belgian Quarter, with their fusion of old-world charm and contemporary zest.

There’s so much to enjoy here from museums like the Ludwig showcasing avant-garde art to traditional breweries where Kölsch beer flows. I love walking along the Rhine, soaking up the energy and visiting the museums. Cologne has a great atmosphere and is one of the best tourist cities in Germany.

Click here to read more about visiting Cologne.

Bonn

Bonn, nestled by the romantic Rhine River, glows with a blend of history and modern charm. Once the capital of West Germany, this city has witnessed pivotal moments, from being the birthplace of Beethoven to hosting global leaders. Its beauty lies not just within the Old Town with its quaint Beethoven House or the age-old market square, but throughout its vibrant streets, museums, and waterside paths.

Across Bonn, you can wander through sprawling gardens, like the Rheinaue Park, perfect for picnics and bike rides, and get dazzled by cherry blossoms in the Nordstadt each spring. Modernity weaves through Bonn as well, with the United Nations campus bringing a global pulse to the city.

But it’s not just the sights; I love the feeling I get strolling around. There’s a unique blend of coziness and grandeur, with little cafes near grand historical buildings, like the Poppelsdorf Palace, that let you step back in time. The universities add a young and vibrant buzz to the city as well making it one of the best German cities for tourists.

Click here to read our full guide to Bonn.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a gem nestled in the southwest of Germany. It’s home to one of the country’s oldest universities, founded in 1386. Its history dates back to Celtic times, and it flourished in the Middle Ages.

During the Renaissance, it became a hub of intellect and culture, with its castle – Heidelberg Schloss – symbolizing the town’s illustrious past. Despite suffering destruction in the 17th-century wars and 18th-century fires, Heidelberg’s spirit remained unbroken, rising from the ashes as an emblem of Romanticism.

Heidelberg’s beauty stretches far beyond its famous Old Town. Wander away from the ancient cobblestone streets, enjoy the Neckar River’s tranquil banks and walk the Philosopher’s Way. It has amazing views of the city (pictured above) which will convince you that you’re in the best city in Germany for beauty.

The entire city radiates a youthful vibrancy, thanks to its university. It’s a city of contrast where historic buildings and modern life blend seamlessly. Cafes, shops, and museums pulse with the fresh energy of student life while nestled amidst architectural marvels. I love just hanging out in Heidelberg, soaking it all in.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Heidelberg.

Freiburg Im Breisgau

Freiburg im Breisgau, a gem nestled in Germany’s Black Forest region, embodies a storybook charm with deep historical roots, dating back to its 1120 A.D founding. It flourished through the ages as a free market town, reflected in the name ‘Freiburg,’ meaning ‘free town.’ Known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas, and the iconic Freiburg Minster with its soaring spire, the city captivates visitors who wander through its enchanting old town.

However, Freiburg isn’t one of the must see German cities just because of its historic core. It’s a great mixture of lush parks, modern neighborhoods, and forests. This eco-friendly city, bathed in sunshine, draws nature enthusiasts and those intrigued by sustainable living. It’s known as Germany’s sunniest city and this extends to its social climate.

When I visited Freiburg, I loved the harmonious blend of past and future. Its medieval past is right next to its future while being right next to the lovely Black Forest. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Freiburg.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg, a treasure of Bavaria, combines historic charm with modern vibrancy. Walking its streets feels like stepping through a storybook, with half-timbered houses and the majestic Nuremberg Castle looking over the city, telling tales of its past as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and later, a hub for Renaissance art.

Despite the shadows of WWII and the Nuremberg Trials, the city has embraced its complex history and today stands out for its rich cultural life and dynamic atmosphere. Nuremberg isn’t just about its stunning Old Town; its appeal spreads through lively markets, cozy cafes, and green spaces like the Wöhrder Wiese, perfect for a leisurely pause from urban exploration.

I love visiting and exploring Nuremberg. Each corner offers a different flavor, from the traditional Bratwurst restaurants to contemporary art spaces. Above it all is an appreciation for its resilience and renewal. Add in a vibrant population and the big, gorgeous Old Town and you can see why Nuremberg is one of the must visit cities in Germany.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Nuremberg.

Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Founded in 1158, it has seen centuries of change from its beginnings at the foot of the Frauenkirche, the city’s iconic cathedral, to sprawling out into a bustling metropolis known for its beauty and cultural richness.

This city is much more than its picturesque Old Town. Venturing beyond, you find lively public spaces like the English Garden, larger than New York’s Central Park, offering a green escape within the urban landscape.

Munich is stunning not only for its well-preserved architecture but for its capacity to celebrate tradition while embracing innovation. The juxtaposition of the annual Oktoberfest with cutting-edge German technology and design showcases this perfectly.

This is one of the most visited cities in Germany and visitors are drawn to Munich for the world-class museums, grand opera house, and vibrant culinary scene – a mix of hearty Bavarian fare and international cuisine.

I always love visiting Munich. There is always so much happening and so much to do here. There’s always something new to explore and enjoy.

Click here to read our full guide to Munich.

Map Of The Most Beautiful Cities Of Germany

Find all the most beautiful cities to visit in Germany to visit by clicking on the map below.

Final Words

I hope you have found this list of the beautiful cities in Germany to visit useful and it helps you work out which German city to visit on your trip. Or that this list inspires you to visit Germany in the first place!

Germany offers so many amazing and beautiful cities. In an ideal world, you should visit every one of the most beautiful cities Germany offers on this list. But if you can get to any of them, you’re going to have a great time. They all offer a lot.

My top recommendation is to visit Berlin – you’ll never regret it!

Looking for more information to plan your trip? Find all our planning guides here. You can also read our guide to the best Old Towns in Germany here and some fabulous hidden gems in Germany here. Also find out why Germany is cooler than you think here. Visiting in December? Don’t miss the best Christmas markets here.