UEFA EURO 2024: The 10 best German cities to visit in 2024

Written by Anna Lorrain 
Translation: S. Castlemilk 

In the land of poets and philosophers, History, Culture and modern urban life come together in a fascinating blend. Each major German city offers its fair share of Art, striking architecture and internationally known festivals. 
But among the 82 main towns in Germany which are the most beautiful, the most interesting and the most popular with tourists? 
From Berlin to Gelsenkirchen, we have prepared an overview of 10 major German cities _which happen to be hosts of UEFA EURO 2024!_and their most popular POI, allowing you to prepare your trip more efficiently. 

Contents: 

• Germany: a wide range of activities for city-breakers 
• Berlin: History and underground culture everywhere you look 
• Hamburg: Hanseatic charm meets wild nightlife 
• Munich: Its Bavarian friendliness and its splendid Old Town 
• Cologne: Cheerfulness and carnival 
• Frankfurt am Main: Skyscrapers and medieval charm 
• Leipzig: A New Berlin with a rich World Music heritage 
• Düsseldorf: Fashion, luxury and beauty 
• Stuttgart: The city of automobiles nestled in vineyards 
• Dortmund: A mix of industrial heritage and football frenzy 
• Gelsenkirchen: Discover the modern region of the Ruhr

Germany: a wide range of activities for city-breakers

The federal state of Germany includes 16 Länders and 82 cities with over 100, 000 inhabitants. This means that many towns have developed their own strong and individual personality, each offering visitors a wide array of new and interesting activities. From Berlin’s multicultural influences and tragic historic heritage to the chic and comfortable infrastructures of Munich, visitors can also enjoy Cologne’s joyful atmosphere thanks to its carnival which attracts millions every year. If you are planning a city break in Germany in 2024, the Teutonic world is your oyster! 

Our guide to the 10 most interesting German cities and their main attractions will help you plan the best possible getaway!

Berlin: History and underground culture everywhere you look

Visiting Berlin is not a trivial experience. Be prepared for intense emotions in this unique city where tragic history meets insatiable thirst for life. 

Berlin and its Spree River are known worldwide for their complicated past. The city-dividing Wall and the many attempts of East Berliners to cross it during the Cold War captured international attention for years. The physical scars of this deep trauma are still visible everywhere: the East Side Gallery (the longest section of the Wall still standing), Checkpoint Charlie (the former border control) and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Located in the city centre, the 5.7 km Berlin Wall trail will take you along the former East/West border. You will discover many interesting facts, moving life stories as well as commemorative plates in honour of the Berlin Wall victims. 

While respecting the tragedies of its past and thanks to Berliners’ incredible energy, the city has also managed to become over the years a beacon of architecture, art and underground culture. 

Berlin, the most outstanding German city, attracts History and Art aficionados as well as international artists and musicians thanks to its art galleries and its globally renown Museum Island, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the many houses left empty mainly in East Berlin offered cheap accommodations, attracting artists and musicians throughout the Nineties. Berlin became a centre of multicultural and underground art in Europe. This vibe still lives on today and the Berghain night club is probably its most emblematic and famous symbol. This atmosphere of artistic cultural blend so unique to Berlin can also be found in other neighbourhoods such as Kreuzberg and Neukölln with their trendy coffee shops and bars.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Berlin

1. The Brandenburg Gate
2. The Government District, the Reichstag building and its glass dome
3. Museum Island
4. The Television Tower or Fernsehturm
5. The Hackesche Höfe (courtyards)
6. The Tiergarten and the Victory Column
7. The Holocaust Memorial
8. The Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery
9. The Gendarmenmarkt
10. The Oberbaumbrücke or Oberbaum Bridge 

Did you know? 

→ There are over 1000 Spätis in Berlin. These little shops sell everything you can possibly need and are open day and night. Look around, there is probably one on the next street corner!
→ With a population of around 3.87 million people (June 2023), Berlin is the biggest city in Germany and the one which attracts the most tourists. During the ten first months of 2023, 10.1 million travellers visited Berlin among which 40% were foreigners (mostly from the United Kingdom and the US) and 60% were German tourists. 

For more information: visit the website of the official tourism office of Berlin

Hamburg: Hanseatic charm meets crazy nightlife

The port town of Hamburg exudes sea air and hanseatic charm. The river Elbe connects the city to the North Sea and walking along the endless beaches of the river you will immediately switch to relax mode. Hamburg is a city built around water which is a focal point for activities whether business or leisure. 

The must-see Portuguese neighbourhood located in the harbour is the proof of the multiculturalism of this town. For centuries, exotic goods arrived from worldwide, their trade bringing prosperity and wealth to the town. 

The red brick warehouses of the Speicherstadt, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, still smell of the spices and coffee which were stored there with rugs and fabrics from faraway lands. Enjoy a boat ride in the harbour and admire this unique neighbourhood from a different perspective. 

The cultural heart of the city beats in the Elbphilharmonie, the city concert hall. This architectural masterpiece offers unbelievable sound quality during concerts and orchestral performances. Musicals (including the obvious Lion King and Frozen) also attract millions of visitors to Hamburg every year. 

Head to St Michaelis Church a.k.a “Michel”, another beacon of the town, where you will find serenity, history and baroque architecture. 

For more excitement, the Reeperbahn district is what you need. Putting aside its infamous red-light district, Reeperbahn is internationally known for its animated nightlife, which includes a 92 night performance by the Beatles in 1961 at the Top Ten Club! 

For a perfect evening in Hamburg we recommend enjoying a musical or a concert at the Elbphilharmonie before having drinks in Reeperbahn. To recover from your exciting evening, relax and sunbathe on the Elbe beach. If you are up for it, rent a canoe or a kayak and paddle along the Alster canals.

Top 10 of the best sites to visit in Hamburg

1. Hamburg Port & Landungsbrücken
2. The Speicherstadt and the Elbphilharmonie
3. St. Michaelis church
4. Miniatur Wunderland
5. Jungfernstieg & Hamburg Town Hall
6. Alster (Binnenalster and Außenalster)
7. St. Pauli & Reeperbahn
8. Elbe beach & Strandperle
9. The fish market & the Alter Elbtunnel
10. Tierpark Hagenbeck zoo 

Did you know? 

→ With its 2, 500 bridges crossing over the many canals and little rivers within and around the city, there are more bridges in Hamburg than in Venice, Amsterdam and London combined! Making it the city in Europe with the most bridges. 
→ Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany. In September 2023, its population was 1.9 million inhabitants. 
→ It is the third most visited city in the country, after Berlin and Munich. In 2022, 6.88 million tourists visited Hamburg. Almost 70 % come from Germany itself. Among the 30 % of foreign tourists, most came from Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Austria. 

For more information: the official tourism office of Hamburg

Munich: Bavarian friendliness and splendid Old Town

What immediately pops into your mind when you think of Munich? Beer and leather shorts (Lederhosen)! Munich is known worldwide for its conviviality and Bavarian traditions –and most of all for its annual Oktoberfest! But this splendid town has much more to offer. 

Starting off at the centre of the city, Marienplatz is the heart of Munich, surrounded by historic buildings, shops and coffee shops. Tourists flock to see the Glockenspiel of the New City Hall (the Neues Rathaus) and particularly its automated figures reproducing scenes from the town’s history. 

Follow in the devil’s footsteps if you dare and discover the gothic cathedral of Frauenkirche and its two emblematic towers. 

The royal prestige of the city is present everywhere and particularly at the Nymphenburg Palace. This baroque architectural masterpiece transports its visitors back to the time of Bavarian monarchs. After admiring the impressive furniture, paintings and sculptures inside the palace as well as its different museums, enjoy a walk in the majestic park and its flower gardens, canals and fountains. 

If you are up for more outdoor activities, the English Garden is one of the biggest city parks in the World. Relax and enjoy the scenery or grab your board and surf on the Eisbach i.e. the standing wave! After all these good vibrations, Bavarian specialities including a cool beer await in one of the Biergärten (beer garden). No visit of Munich would be complete without a detour by the World famous Hofbräuhaus, the town’s most famous pub. There you will be greeted by Bavarian friendliness, traditional music and the unique atmosphere of a Biergärten at its best.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Munich

1. Marienplatz and the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus)
2. The English Garden and the "Eisbachwelle"
3. The Frauenkirche
4. The Deutsches Museum
5. The Olympic Park 
6. The Nymphenburg Palace
7. The Viktualien market
8. The Isar River and its many activities
9. The Hofbräuhaus
10. Hellabrunn zoo 

Did you know? 

→ Munich is the World capital and the birth place of river surfing. On the Eisbach, advanced surfers can take on an artificially-created wave. It is one of Munich’s main attractions. 
→ With 1.58 million inhabitants (June 2023), Munich is the third biggest city in Germany and the second most visited town after Berlin. Most tourists are nationals but among the foreigners most come from the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and the United Kingdom. 

For more information: the tourism board of Munich

Cologne: Lebensfreude and carnival

Cologne or Köln is a lively metropolis on the Rhine. Famous for its carnival and Kölsch beer, tourists usually start their visit by its impressive cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. From its towers, it offers a breathtaking view on the city and the Rhine. The Altstadt, Cologne’s old town, attracts tourists with its narrow streets, historic buildings and many charming shops, bars and restaurants. The Town Hall Square and its surrounding colourful houses is a famous meeting spot for locals and visitors. 

The city beats at the rhythm of the Rhine all year long and by all seasons. The Hohenzollernbrücke is one of the main bridges of the town as well as where lovers like to hang padlocks and enjoy the view on the Rhine. For a drink or a meal, head to one of the traditional restaurants such as the "Früh Em Veedel". You will discover local specialities such as "Himmel un Ääd" ("Heaven and Earth": a traditional German dish of mashed potato with apple sauce and sometimes served with black pudding) while sipping a famous Kölsch beer. 

Cologne is not only renowned for its impressive buildings, its vitality and festive spirit are also part of its internationally loved qualities! Its carnival brings to life the whole city. Colourful costumes, joyful music and parades make for an unforgettable experience, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Cologne

1. Cologne Cathedral
2. Hohenzollern Bridge
3. Old Town
4. The south part of the city
5. Rheinau Harbour
6. The Flora and Botanical Garden
7. The Cable Car
8. The Carnival
9. The Chocolate Museum
10. Rheinpark 

Did you know? 

→ If you order a “Halve Hahn”, you won’t be eating a half rooster but a split rye roll usually served with Gouda cheese, onions and mustard. A typical Rhenish treat, to be enjoyed with a cool beer of course! 
→ With 1.09 million inhabitants, Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and the fifth most visited by tourists (source: Statista 2022). They were 3.2 million in 2022 among which 69 % were German, the others came from the Netherlands, Great Britain and the US. 

For more information: the tourism office of Cologne

Frankfurt am Main: Skyscrapers and medieval charm

Welcome to Frankfurt am Main, the city of modern finance. Not only is Frankfurt a key financial hub in Europe, it also attracts many visitors thanks to its breathtaking skyscrapers and exciting life style. 

The Main Tower is an absolute go-to particularly to embrace the city from a bird’s-eye view and take in the impressive Frankfurt skyline. 

Fifty-six stories below, discover the historic old town, also known as “Römer”, its charming half-timbered houses, its stunning Römerberg and the imperial St. Bartholomäus Cathedral. The soul of the town as well as its rich history can be felt in all the narrow streets of the neighbourhood. 

Frankfurt is also known for its museums. The Museumsufer or Museum Riverbank and its 39 museums and exhibition venues will please all types of Art lovers. The Städel Museum shelters masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern times, the Deutsches Filmmuseum focuses on the movie industry. 

During your visit, don’t miss the Sachsenhausen district with its traditional architecture. In one of the picturesque bars, savour a glass of Ebbelwoi, the local apple wine. On the opposite bank, discover what the locals call “Mainhattan”, the city’s futuristic European neighbourhood and its modern architecture. Thanks to its combination of skyscrapers and historic charm Frankfurt allows you to enjoy the best of tradition and modernity.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Frankfurt

1. The Old Town
2. Römer (City Hall)
3. St. Bartholomäus imperial Cathedral
4. Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church)
5. The Main Tower and its observation platform
6. Goethe House
7. Museumsufer
8. Städel Museum
9. The city skyline
10. The Palmengarten 

Did you know? 
→ Don’t mistake Frankfurt am Main with its sister Frankfurt (Oder), both cities being named after the rivers that they were built along. 
→ Frankfurt and its 767 600 inhabitants is the fifth largest town in Germany and the fourth most visited (Source: Statista 2022). In 2022, 4.7 million tourists visited Frankfurt. Among the foreign visitors most were from the US, the UK and Spain. 

For more information: the tourism board of Frankfurt

Leipzig: A New Berlin with a rich World Music heritage

Often called the “new Berlin”, Leipzig enjoys a young and vibrant cultural scene, a creative and artistic atmosphere as well as constant demographic growth. This big Saxon town is not only internationally renowned for its trade fairs but also for its important cultural scene, its charm and numerous activities. 

The Old Town has undergone a major makeover over the last 20 years, with a rehabilitation of its imposing buildings, of the former city hall and of the old stock market. St Thomas church is not only an architectural gem, it is also inextricably linked to the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. He was the church’s "Thomaskantor" and his remains are buried in front of the church altar beneath a commemorative plate. Music is at the heart of the history of the city. The Gewandhaus concert hall is known worldwide and music lovers will enjoy a moment of pure musical bliss. The annual Bach festival also attracts musicians and visitors from around the Globe. 

The artistic spirit of the town is also omnipresent in the Plagwitz and Connewitz districts. Here beats the creative heart of Leipzig. Colourful streets, graffiti and non-traditional art galleries will amaze you and the coffee shops and bars will allow you to sit down and take in the setting. 

For a refreshing and unusual excursion, head to the Karl-Heine canal in Plagwitz, where you can rent small boats and head off on a mini cruise to discover the scenery. 

Visitors also enjoy the former Cotton Mill which is now the home and workplace of about one hundred international artists. And if you want to know more about current German literature, head to the Liepzig book fair, the second biggest in Germany. You will meet authors, editors and other bookworms celebrating their passion for literature.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Leipzig

1. The Battle of the Nations Monument
2. Thomaskirche (St Thomas church) & Bach Museum
3. The Old Town Hall & Augustusplatz
4. Connewitz
5. Mädlerpassage & Auerbachs Keller (for Goethe fans)
6. Asisi Panometer
7. Plagwitz & Heinrich Heine Canal
8. The MdbK Museum (Art Museum)
9. The Alte Spinnerei (the former cotton spinning mill)
10. Leipzig Zoo 

Did you know? 

→ The peaceful revolution which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall between East and West Germany started quietly on September 4 1989 in Leipzig’s St Nicholas Church. A small gathering of people praying for peace changed Germany’s fate. 
→ If you can, make a detour via Dresden. The baroque capital of Saxony is an absolute must-see! 
→ With a population of about 628 700 inhabitants (January 2024), Leipzig is the seventh biggest city in Germany. In 2022, 1.7 million tourists visited the Saxon town. Most foreign visitors came from the US, Poland, the UK and the Netherlands. 

For more information: the tourism office of Leipzig

Düsseldorf: Fashion, luxury and beauty

Düsseldorf known as the city of luxury and beauty is a melting-pot of creativity, style and love of life which you will enjoy along the banks of the Rhine. 

Start your exploration by the Altstadt i.e. the Old Town. In its charming streets, surrounded by historic buildings, relax and savour the moment in one of the numerous restaurants and bars. You can then discover the old Castle Tower and its fantastic view on the city and the Rhine. 

A promenade on the Rhine embankments will allow you to enjoy both the urban atmosphere as well as a magnificent view on the river either on foot or by bike. The many bars and restaurants offer the possibility of a relaxing break by the water. 

Düsseldorf is also famous for its shopping streets, particularly the very exclusive Königsallee, or “Kö” as the locals call it, and its designer boutiques, jewellery stores and high-end shops. 

A few steps away from the main train station, get ready for a trip to Japan! Fans of Japanese culture will enjoy the authenticity of "Little Tokyo", its restaurants, shops and cultural events. 

For Art lovers the collection of the Kunstsammlung NRW is an absolute must-see. It includes 20th century art work including masterpieces of artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso and Max Ernst. The K20 and K21 buildings also offer an interesting artistic experience. 

MedienHafen is also a place worth visiting if you enjoy impressive architecture and trendy bars.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Düsseldorf

1. Königsallee ("Kö") and Kö-Bogen
2. The Old Town
3. The Rhine Tower (Rheinturm)
4. MedienHafen
5. Little Tokyo
6. Benrath Palace
7. K20 & K21 Museums
8. Kaiserswerth
9. Hofgarten park
10. The Düsseldorf Carnival 

Did you know? 

→ In the old town of Düsseldorf, you can find the “longest bar in the World” which is not an actual bar but a 1 km area with over 260 bars, restaurants and clubs. If you are up for it, try to start your visit by the East side of Bolkerstraße (i.e Bolker street). 
→ With 629,000 inhabitants (January 2024), Düsseldorf is the sixth biggest city in Germany. 
→ In 2022, 2.8 million people visited the Rhine metropolis. Among the foreign visitors, most were from the Netherlands, Great Britain and the US. 

For more information, visit the official tourism office of Dusseldorf

Stuttgart: The city of automobiles nestled in vineyards

Stuttgart is rather a confidential holiday destination but the number of tourists choosing to visit the city has been increasing every year. 

The history of the capital of Bade-Wurtemberg is tightly linked to the automotive industry. The motorised car was invented there 135 years ago. The city also welcomes the most important automobile museums and productions sites in the world. 

The Mercedes-Benz museum is not only a beacon for automobile fans, its building is also an architectural masterpiece. As for the Porsche museum, it offers visitors the chance to discover iconic sports cars in a futuristic environment. 

But Stuttgart is not only reserved to automobile aficionados. Prestigious buildings such as the New Palace and the Staatsgalerie retrace the history of when dukes and kings reigned over Wurtemberg. 

In Rosensteinpark and Schlossgarten you will enjoy relaxing promenades and picnics. If you want to observe exotic animals and admire sumptuous gardens, head for the Wilhelma, a zoological and botanical garden. 

Art lovers will also be satisfied when they discover the Staatsgalerie and its impressive collection of masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present time. 

After a long day’s walk, stop for a drink in one of the many wine bars located in one of the historic neighbourhoods such as Bohnenviertel. Enjoy a convivial evening!

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Stuttgart

1. The New Palace
2. SWR TV Tower
3. Mercedes-Benz Museum
4. Cannstatter Wasen Volksfest or funfair
5. The Staatsgalerie
6. Stuttgart Funicular Railway
7. Porsche museum
8. Mercedes-Benz Arena
9. Wilhelma : Zoo & botanical garden
10. Stuttgart mineral baths 

Did you know? 

→ Thanks to William the 1st, American sequoia trees grow in Stuttgart. And it all started with a misunderstanding. The Emperor had ordered "ein Löt Samen" (a handful of grains) but the American trader understood “a lot” instead. Over 40 sequoia trees can now be found in Weinsteige, including a 150 year old specimen with an award-winning house built around it. Others can be found in the Wilhelma as well as in the Palace garden. 
→ With a population of about 610,000 inhabitants (December 2023), Stuttgart is the eight biggest city in Germany. 
→ In 2022, 1.5 million tourists visited the capital of Bade-Wurtemberg, among them 370,000 foreign visitors. 

For more information: the official tourism office of Stuttgart

Dortmund: A mix of industrial heritage and football frenzy

Dortmund is located in the Ruhr area, Germany’s former coal mine region. The town has brilliantly managed its transformation from industry to culture: 1,000 industrial heritage sites, 200 museums, 250 festivals, 120 theatres and three venues dedicated to musical shows. 

Dortmund’s industrial history is particularly visible in Dortmunder U. What used to be a brewery is now a cultural centre hosting modern art exhibitions, artistic projects and offering an incredible view on the city from its observation platform. 

The city’s industrial legacy is also celebrated at the German Football Museum, a true paradise for football fans, as is the Signal Iduna Arena, Germany’s largest football stadium and the home of Borussia Dortmund, first division club.

Westfalenpark is a green oasis at the heart of the city. Its immense lawns and rose gardens offer the perfect opportunity for a relaxing break while the Florianturm (the TV and radio tower) will impress architecture fans. 

The medieval castle of Hörder Burg by Phoenix-See (i.e. lake), was built in the 12th century and bears witness to the city’s long history. 

Along Emscher River you will enjoy the eco-friendly infrastructures designed by the town to develop urban sustainability. Visitors can follow natural trails, observe birds and discover this former industrial site transformed into a beautiful space where Nature has reclaimed its territory. 

Lake Phoenix, the Hörde and Phoenix-West areas are also good examples of the city’s successful urban development. Modern constructions meet historic industrial atmosphere. 

After a walk around the lake, enjoy a drink and a meal in one of its restaurants and coffee shops.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Dortmund

1. Dortmunder U
2. The German Football Museum
3. Signal Iduna Park
4. Westfalenpark
5. Hörder Burg
6. Phoenix-See
7. Emscher island
8. The Old Market
9. Zollern coal mine
10. Hansa Square 

Did you know? 

→ Pfefferpotthast is a traditional Dortmund dish. This meat stew is very popular and even has its own festival which takes place every year in autumn. If you can pronounce, don’t forget to order it! 
→ 609,500 people live in Dortmund, making it the largest city in Westphalia. Unfortunately there aren’t any reliable figures concerning tourism, in part due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

For more information, visit the official website of the city of Dortmund

Gelsenkirchen: Discover the modern region of the Ruhr

Gelsenkirchen welcomes you at the heart of the Ruhr. You will discover far more than its industrial history, Gelsenkirchen will surprise you with its wide array of activities and new discoveries. 

Start your exploration with the Nordsternpark, a lovely name meaning North Star park, an immense activity zone located on a former coal and steel mine site. You can take long walks, picnic on the laws or go on a boat ride on a lake, the Nordsternsee. Nature and culture coexist in the park which also shelters the Ruhr Museum where visitors will have an interesting insight into the history of the Ruhr region. 

Football fans will rush to visit the Veltins-Arena, the FC Schalke 04 home stadium. Feel the atmosphere inside the stadium, catch a glimpse of what happens backstage and discover the turbulent history of the club at the Schalke museum. 

Musiktheater im Revier is another cultural gem of Gelsenkirchen. This futuristic building designed by Werner Ruhnau, is not only impressive because of its architectural aspect but also because it hosts major opera and ballet performances.

Top 10 of the best places to visit in Gelsenkirchen

1. Nordsternpark
2. The Ruhr Museum
3. Veltins-Arena
4. Musiktheater im Revier
5. The Rheinelbe Halde
6. The Schalke Museum
7. ZOOM Erlebniswelt (animal park)
8. The Rhine-Herne Canal
9. Schloss Berge or Berge Castle
10. Horst Castle and its museum

Did you know? 

→ Around 40 % of the EU population live within a 500 km radius of Gelsenkirchen. 
→ With 265,000 inhabitants, Gelsenkirchen is the smallest of the EURO 24 host cities and for many, it remains a rather unknown holiday destination. The town can be visited in the context of a wider exploration of the Ruhr region. There are no official numbers concerning tourists’ annual visits to Gelsenkirchen. The latest figures (2022) concern January to October 2022 with 92,867 visitors. 

For more information: Visit Gelsenkirchen 

Important Reminder! 
To obtain a Schengen visa or to travel to Germany and the rest of Europe in the best and safest conditions, remember to subscribe to AXA travel insurance 

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