7 can't-miss cities in Germany

With a stellar intercity train system, it's relatively easy to tie together Germany's urban and cultural hubs into one trip. But deciding which cities to visit can be overwhelming. After all, each has its own distinct personality—from the über-hip, history-filled Berlin to the charming, riverfront Heidelberg. We've mapped out a few of the best cities to prioritize on your next trip, plus what to do and where to stay in each one.

Germany’s capital city of Berlin has a dynamic mix of history and innovation. Iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall Memorial are powerful reminders of Germany’s complicated past, while the city's more modern art galleries and museums (including the impressive Museum Island) show just how far its has come since the Cold War.

As far as German food and nightlife go, Berlin reigns supreme. The city is home to Michelin-starred restaurants like Mrs. Robinson’s and top-rated bars like 100 Gramm Bar. To try a little bit of everything, take a tasting tour with Secret Food Tours and sample local delicacies like flammkuchen (a pizza-like tart) and eisbein (corned ham).

Where to stay: Those looking to post up in a fashionable neighborhood should book a night at the sleek-but-playful Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz in Kreuzberg. Hotel Adlon Kempinski is another great option, with easy access to many of the city’s most popular attractions.

You likely know Munich for its rowdy Oktoberfest celebrations—but there's more to this city than its beer gardens. It's one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, with some truly spectacular architecture. Start in the historic city center, where you can marvel at the stunning Frauenkirche cathedral and Marienplatz, which has served as Munich’s main square since 1158. Then immerse yourself in the city’s art scene at museums like the Pinakothek der Moderne and the Museum Brandhorst, where you’ll find the largest collection of Andy Warhol works in Europe. Afterward, take a beer and brewery tour to sample some of Germany’s best suds (no dirndl required). If you’d prefer a booze-free adventure, try a ghost tour to hear wild tales of Munich’s supernatural side.

Where to stay: You can’t go wrong with the Mandarin Oriental, located in the city center near famous tourist spots, but for something slightly more budget-friendly, try Hotello Schwabing. The more minimalistic spot is within walking distance of lively cafes like Tante Emma and celebrated restaurant OEINS.

While the imposing Cologne Cathedral, art-filled Museum Ludwig, Chocolate Museum, and Flora Botanic Garden may be historic Cologne's most familiar attractions, there are several lesser-known sites that also deserve recognition. The Kolumba Museum, for instance, boasts a first-rate collection of art and religious icons dating from late antiquity to the present, while stylish neighborhoods like the Belgian Quarter (do a scavenger hunt!) feature chic cafes like Miss Päpki and boutiques like Magasin Populaire. For breathtaking views of the city, ride the Cologne cable car over the Rhine River.

Because of its location on Germany's western border, Cologne also makes for a great home base to take tons of day trips. Bonn—the birthplace of Beethoven—is just 20 minutes away by train and best visited during the annual outdoor Beethoven Festival each fall. And Liege, Belgium's third largest city and home of the iconic Liege waffle (not to be confused with the larger, lighter Belgian waffle), is just an hour away by train.

Where to stay: Book a room at the highly rated URBAN LOFT Cologne, or the budget-friendly Hotel Boulevard.

A bustling port city in northern Germany, Hamburg offers a unique blend of maritime history and modern architecture. The striking city center is filled with historic sites like the Rathausmarkt (a buzzing square) and the St. Nikolai Memorial (which honors the victims of World War II). While here, be sure to get on the water, like on a sunset sailing cruise or a stroll through the canal-lined Speicherstadt.

Berlin's notoriously hard-to-get-into Berghain gets most of the nightlife attention in Germany, but Hamburg has its own (albeit less exclusive) raucous nightlife scene on Reeperbahn Street. It's an onslaught for the senses, with rows of X-rated cabarets, backpacker-friendly dive bars, discos, jazz clubs, and upscale cocktail lounges—so no matter what kind of night out you want, you can find it here.

Where to stay: Base yourself at a hotel in a popular neighborhood, like The George Hotel in St. Georg or the Mövenpick Hotel in Sternschanze.

Frankfurt stands out from other German cities thanks to its global reputation as a financial hub, which means both its vibe and architecture are decidedly more urban. Head to the rooftop observation platform at the 56-story Main Tower for a different perspective on the city’s skyscrapers and then drop back to street level to explore the large-scale contemporary works at the Museum für Moderne Kunst.

The one exception to Frankfurt's shiny modernity is its medieval old town, where you’ll find the Römerberg (a public square that’s existed since the 15th century) and the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew (a 14th-century Gothic church that served as the coronation site for holy Roman emperors).

Where to stay: Great hotels in Frankfurt include Tripadvisor community favorite Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer and the more cost-conscious ibis Frankfurt Centrum.

A delightful university town in southwestern Germany, Heidelberg is beloved for its postcard-worthy historic district and hilltop Heidelberg Castle. Visit the castle to walk the walls and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city. (The castle is also oddly home to the world’s largest wine barrel.) Then explore the Old Town, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses that’s been around since the fifth century. To make sure you see it all, book a guided walking tour that covers Heidelberg’s architecture, art, and culinary scene. End your visit with a stop by the Students’ Prison, an unusual museum that showcases Heidelberg University’s pre-WWI tradition of jailing miscreant students.

The city is just an hour from Frankfurt by train, making it an easy day trip, too, if you're tight on time.

Where to stay: If you overnight here, book an elegant room at the Europaischer Hof Heidelberg or experience the city’s more modern side at the Arthotel.

Each November and December, Nuremberg's central square transforms into a fairy-light-covered wonderland when the Nuremberg Christmas Market opens. It draws crowds from around the world and can be overwhelming with the sheer amount of holiday goods for sale. If you're looking for an only-in-Nuremberg souvenir, look for zwetschgenmannle, figurines made from prunes (yes, prunes), and rauschgoldengel, small golden angels that serve as the ambassador for this Christmas market. (Another great option? A commemorative mug filled with warm glühwein to sip on while you shop.)

But the city shines beyond the holiday season, too, with exceptional, educational museums worth visiting year-round. Tour Nuremberg Castle for a glimpse into the city’s medieval past, or browse the exceptional German National Museum, which houses items related to German art and culture from prehistoric times to today. Another must-see is the Albrecht Dürer House—the former home of Germany’s most famous painter, it’s one of the few remaining merchant houses from Nuremberg’s Golden Age.

Where to stay: As far as where to spend the night, Karl August and Hotel VICTORIA are Tripadvisor community favorites.