Ever considered Germany as a short-break destination? We visit 5 great cities and discover the country has a lot to offer outside of Berlin
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Introduction
Germany is known to be a friendly and welcoming country, yet remains very underrated as a tourist destination. Despite its variety of landscapes, cultures and architectural styles on offer, the country receives far fewer foreign visitors than some other Western European states (particularly outside of its capital, Berlin).
Whenever we have visited Germany we have always been impressed with our experiences there. It is true that Berlin is a 24 hour, fun-loving bohemian city that everyone should definitely try to visit if they can. Away from the capital though, there is a lot more on offer throughout the rest of the country. Here are 5 of our favourite cities that we have visited in Germany – all of them perfect for a short break, or as a stopover when touring.
#1 Munich
The capital of the Bavaria region in Germany’s south, Munich is also the country’s third largest city overall. It is a prosperous and fast growing city that regularly scores highly in standard of living surveys. As such, the city is dynamic and vibrant, with its mix of sights and attractions, restaurants and boutique hotels making it a great place for visitors.
Although heavily bombed during the Second World War, the city has done well to restore much of its historical centre back to its former glory. There is plenty to explore. The area around Marienplatz is particularly impressive, including the grand Rathaus (Town Hall) building. This houses the quirky Glockenspiel, a moving clockwork arrangement of 43 bells and 32 life-size figurines set high up on the bell tower, that re-enact 2 folklore stories from the 16th century for crowds of tourists gathered below at 11am and 12pm each day.
If eating out, expect to find plenty of traditional meat and potatoes Bavarian hearty fare. If that is not your thing, the increasingly international make-up of the city’s population ensures that there are plenty of other global options also on offer. That said, no trip to Munich would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s historic beer halls, complete with long tables to sit at and enjoy the locally brewed beers and often live music and entertainment. Every autumn, these beer halls become the centre of the city’s focus for the annual Oktoberfest event.
For the best Munich hotel offers, check out Ebooking.
#2 Hamburg
Germany’s second largest city after Berlin, Hamburg also has the country’s fastest growing tourist industry. The city sits on the River Elbe in the north of Germany, with its inland port the third largest in all of Europe after Rotterdam and Antwerp. With over 2,500 bridges spanning the city’s many rivers and canals, Hamburg also has more bridges than London, Amsterdam and Venice combined.
Visitors come for the medieval architecture, interesting history and traditional gastronomy. By night, the city has a strong music and cultural scene, playing host to many annual festivals and events, as well as the Reeperbahn area, Europe’s largest red light district. For more ideas for things to do, take a look at this itinerary for how to spend two days in Hamburg.
In the historic centre, the impressive city hall and enormous spire of St Michael’s church stand tall and proud in a city that is interestingly lacking any modern skyscrapers. The Speicherstadt (old warehouse zone) and nearby Kontorhausviertel district have since 2015 been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If looking for local cuisine, due to Hamburg’s northern location, expect to find strong Danish influences. Alongside fried potatoes and other more traditionally Germanic foods, you will find open sandwiches and pickled fish more often associated with places like Copenhagen. In the summertime, locals head to the sandy river beaches of the Elbstrand to relax while watching the container ships pass by.
For the best Hamburg hotel offers, check out Ebooking.
#3 Bremen
Like its larger neighbour Hamburg, Bremen is also a port city in northern Germany. Despite having a reputation as a traditional working class city, it makes for an interesting destination for visitors. Nowadays, Bremen has developed into an important cultural hub, with dozens of museums and art galleries dotted around the city.
The main architectural sights are located around the Altstadt (or Old Town), surrounded by the Weser river and moats of the former medieval town walls. The oldest part contains the Marktplatz (Market Square), home to the city’s grand old Rathaus (Town Hall), first constructed back in the 1400s and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bremen is also home to a lovely city park, the Bürgerpark, which has walking trails, restaurants, and playgrounds and animals for children.
For some traditional dining, the Town Hall now contains the Ratskeller restaurant, complete with original decor and traditional German food. You can enjoy locally brewed beers, as well as an incredible wine list of over 600 all-German wines.
For the best Bremen hotel offers, check out Ebooking.
#4 Würzburg
Located in central Germany in the north of the Bavaria region, Würzburg is a beautiful city full of history. Settled since as far back as the Bronze Age, the city is now best known for its leading examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It makes a great detour for anyone travelling along the famous Romantic or Fairytale routes through Germany.
The finest example of this style of building is arguably the Würzburg Residence, a grand palace and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Residence and formal gardens are well worth visiting, with guided tours available (including English language tours at certain times). Some of the decorative painted ceilings and frescos around the main Baroque staircase are incredible.
Another treasure is the Alte Mainbrücke (or Old Main Bridge), completed in 1543 and later decorated with 12 huge stone statues. At the entrance to the bridge are wine bars that sell local wines by the glass to be enjoyed while relaxing on the bridge and enjoying the views to the Old Town and Marienberg fortress on the hillside above. It makes for a lovely ‘sundowner’.
For the best Würzburg hotel offers, check out Ebooking.
#5 Frankfurt
Situated in central Germany, Frankfurt is perhaps best known for its financial district and busy airport. Step away from that though, and the city offers a fun and vibrant destination for visitors, alongside a wealth of history. With a large migrant population, there is also a variety of cultures and experiences on offer.
While the new town and financial district are home to numerous modern skyscrapers, the old town retains many interesting historical buildings including the Cathedral and Römer, a complex of nine houses that form the Town Hall (Rathaus). Sited between these are 15 reconstructions of historical buildings that were destroyed during the Second World War.
Located close to Germany’s main apple producing region, the traditional local drink in Frankfurt is apple wine (like a traditional dry cider). This comes served in little pottery urns to pour into small glasses and can be found in many of the city’s historical bars and restaurants. To go with this, meats are served with ‘green sauce’, a kind of yoghurt-like sauce loaded with fresh herbs (a little like Greek tzakziki in taste).
Frankfurt definitely has a fun side, hosting many city centre events throughout the year. We were lucky enough to be there for the city’s gay pride event, which was a colourful celebration of music and street drinking. For a tour of the city with a difference, ‘BierBikes’ allow groups to pedal their way around the sights, while enjoying beer on tap!
For the best Frankfurt hotel offers, check out Ebooking.
In Summary
Germany’s reputation for only ever being sensible and efficient is usually undeserved. For the most part there is fun to be had all over, with the country’s cities in particular offering a whole range of festivals, events and cultural experiences. Add to that the wealth of history and distinctive architectural styles and there is plenty on offer for tourists of all kinds.
While Berlin is a great city to visit, it shouldn’t be the only place on the radar of foreign tourists. Venture away from the capital and you will be sure to find a variety of welcoming and interesting cities; all of them either perfect short break destinations on their own, or visited in combination for a great summer holiday in Germany.
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Such a great list of cities to visit in Germany! Wurtzburg does look like a fairytale city & Hamburg is also on my radar! Saving this post for later!
Thanks. It’s a great country for touring.
I actually didn’t like Berlin even after multiple visits and it looks like we have a similar taste when it comes to traveling! So I will save all these places – thank you for sharing!
The next time I travel to Europe, Germany is at the top of my list! I’ve always been super interested in traveling to Munich, so I was really happy to see you’ve included it on this list. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
It’s a great country for touring. I’ve always loved the old beer halls in Munich.
I enjoyed this article. Would love to visit Hamburg! I had no idea that it had so many waterways and bridges. Looks beautiful. Of course, Munich is also on my list of places to see in Germany. Love how you encapsulated unique elements of each location.
Thanks. It’s a beautiful and varied country.