Cities in Germany
You may think that with so many cities in Germany, it would be easy to whittle them down to the most beautiful ones. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. With over 1,200 cities and towns (not to mention smaller settlements) throughout the country, there are so many that it’s hard to choose just a few as being the most beautiful. That said, we’ve done our best to identify 10 of the finest German cities you should visit before you die. They aren’t listed by size but rather their beauty—all of which come with their own set of pros and cons. So whether you reside in Germany or are planning on visiting soon, here are the top 10 most beautiful cities in Germany:
1. Dresden
Nicknamed “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This historic city is home to many architectural gems, including the Semperoper opera house, the Frauenkirche Church, and the Zwinger Palace (which houses the Gemäldegalerie art collection). Dresden is also well known for its cultural events, like the Dresden Music Festival and the International Culture Congress. The city is also conveniently located between Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. While the city has experienced some economic hardship in recent years due to its location near the border with the Czech Republic, it is making a comeback as a top tourist destination in the country.
2. Frankfurt
Likely the most important city in Germany and the financial center of the European continent, Frankfurt is the most beautiful city in the country. Situated on both sides of the Main River, Frankfurt is a vibrant city with a lot of culture and history. Its most prominent attraction is the Frankfurt Cathedral, which dates back to medieval times. Other notable sights include the Goethe House, the Städel Museum, and the Frankfurt Zoological Garden. The city has a thriving economy, with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Deutsche Börse as two of its main employers. There are also many large corporate offices in the city, which makes Frankfurt a very attractive place to live.
3. Freiburg
Nestled in the southeast corner of the country, Freiburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This university town is not only the economic and cultural capital of Baden-Württemberg but also one of the best cities in Germany for quality of life. This scenic city is known for its Black Forest, vineyards, and rolling hills. Even though the city is known for its natural beauty, Freiburg is also home to many historical sites, including the 13th-century Münster Cathedral, the Haus zum Roten Hut, and the Medieval City Hall. In addition to being close to the Black Forest, Freiburg is also very close to the Swiss and French borders, making it an ideal travel destination.
4. Hamburg
The second-largest city in Germany and one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Hamburg is located in the northern part of the country near the North Sea. This vibrant city is not only the most important port in Germany but also a major port of call in Europe. Hamburg is a major hub for trade, tourism, culture, and research, making it a truly international city. While this is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, it is also one of the most expensive. It is estimated that the cost of living in Hamburg is 31% higher than the national average.
5. Munich
The capital of Bavaria, Munich is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This city is not only a cultural center of Bavaria but also the whole of Germany—it is home to many important political, economic, and cultural institutions. One of the top tourist destinations in the country, Munich is famous for its Oktoberfest, the Alps, and its rich cultural heritage. The city is also home to many important buildings and monuments, including the Frauenkirche Church, the New City Hall, the Hofbräuhaus, and the Allianz Tower. While this is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, it is also one of the most expensive. It is estimated that the cost of living in Munich is 29% higher than the national average.
6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Nestled in the northern part of Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It is not only one of the best known towns in the country but also one of the most well preserved. This town has retained its medieval charm, with many of its original buildings still intact. The most famous landmark in Rothenburg is the Medieval City Wall, which is one of the best preserved town walls in all of Europe. Not only is Rothenburg ob der Tauber one of the most beautiful cities in Germany but it is also one of the most inexpensive. It is estimated that the cost of living in Rothenburg is 5% lower than the national average.
7. Stuttgart
The capital of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This city is not only the cultural and economic center of the state but also one of the most important cities in the country as a whole. Stuttgart is not only a beautiful city but also a modern city, with many of its buildings reflecting the architectural styles of the 20th century. The most famous landmark in Stuttgart is the Fernsehturm, which is not only the tallest structure in the city but also in all of Germany. While this is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, it is also one of the most expensive. It is estimated that the cost of living in Stuttgart is 29% higher than the national average.
8. Tübingen
Nestled in the southwestern part of the country, Tübingen is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This picturesque city is located near the border with Switzerland and is surrounded by forests and mountains. Tübingen is both a city and a municipality, and it is home to the University of Tübingen, which is one of the oldest universities in Germany. Among the city’s most notable landmarks are the Hohenzollern Bridge, the Cathedral, and the Wasserstadtschloss. Despite being one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, Tübingen is also one of the least expensive. It is estimated that the cost of living in Tübingen is 6% lower than the national average.
9. Ulm
Nestled in the southwestern corner of the country, Ulm is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This city is not only the economic and cultural center of Baden-Württemberg but also one of the best cities in Germany for living a sustainable lifestyle. Along with being close to the border with Switzerland, Ulm boasts a low cost of living and a good quality of life. Some of the most notable landmarks in Ulm are the Ulmer Münster Church, the City Hall, and the Deutsches Museum, which is one of the largest museums in the world. While this is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, it is also one of the most expensive. It is estimated that the cost of living in Ulm is 28% higher than the national average.
Conclusion
You may think that with so many cities in Germany, it would be easy to whittle them down to the most beautiful ones. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. With over 1,200 cities and towns (not to mention smaller settlements) throughout the country, there are so many that it’s hard to choose just a few as being the most beautiful. That said, we’ve done our best to identify 10 of the finest German cities that you should visit before you die. They aren’t listed by size but rather their beauty—all of which come with their own set of pros and cons. Now that you know which cities are the most beautiful in Germany, you can start planning your next trip!
