Aachen, one of the oldest cities in Germany but also in Europe, is an interesting vacation destination to say the least. Known over time for its springs and thermal baths, this city is surrounded by nature, being the ideal destination for those who want to disconnect from everyday life. The royal roots of the city date back to the Middle Ages, being a residence of the kings of the Franks and an important fortress, Aachen being in the past the place of coronation for 32 German kings. In this romantic city, full of history and tourist attractions, it is worth spending at least a few days. Below you will find a complete guide that includes accommodation recommendations, places with delicious food and unmissable tourist attractions.
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Accommodation
The accommodation alternatives are various, here you can find rooms that offer excellent conditions located in the central area with affordable prices starting from 80 euros. Below you will find some of our recommendations for a sensational vacation.
- Best Western Plus Hotel Regence this 4-star hotel is located near the central area. It has all the facilities you could need for a successful stay. The rooms are spacious, modernly decorated and the prices start from 84 euros per night for a double room.
- Motel One Aachen with a vintage decor, as if detached from the 20s but with modern influences, this three-star hotel is located right in the city center. The price of a room starts from 109 euros, and if you want to have breakfast directly at the hotel, it costs 13.5 euros.
- Novotel Aachen City located in the central area, this hotel has a modern, minimalist design and is equipped with everything you need from wifi to air conditioning. The price of a double room starts from 80 euros and if you want to serve breakfast it costs 21 euros.
Aachen tourist attractions - What to visit in Aachen
Aachen will fascinate you with the beauty present at every step in the architecture, in nature and in the special atmosphere of the city. Here you will find something for all tastes, from interesting museums, grand churches dating back centuries to spas where you can disconnect from everyday life. In the following you will find some points of interest that you should not miss.
Marktplatz
An excellent starting point, the city square contains a number of notable tourist attractions. From the architecturally beautiful City Hall building to the International Newspaper Museum with its collection of over 200,000 newspapers from around the world. Here you will be able to get in touch with the dynamics of the city, being surrounded by some of the most beautiful and historic buildings. You can sit at one of the cafes or you can try local products on Tuesdays and Thursdays when a market takes place in this location.
Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral is part of the UNESCO world heritage, being one of the oldest such buildings dating back to 796 AD. The cathedral is also known for its many unique bronze sculptures, most of which date from its foundation. Also worth noting are the windows in the cathedral, considered excellent examples of post-war German style. Access is free, but there is the possibility of making a donation for those who wish to do so.
Aachen City Hall
Aachen's town hall, the Rathaus, is located directly opposite the city's cathedral and is equally important in terms of its architecture and history. Built on the site of Charlemagne's original palace, it incorporates other old structures that were part of the Marktplatz, including the old Grashaus. With structures dating back to 1300, the construction has transformed with the passage of time. Among the attractions are a series of statues on the northern facade of the German kings crowned in Aachen, as well as the magnificent Coronary Hall, with the famous fresco from Rethel dating from the 19th century.
Ludwig Forum for International Art
Many pieces of modern art from around the world are exhibited at the Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst (Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst). Built in the Bauhaus style in 1928 to resemble a train station, this former umbrella factory has become home to a fascinating collection of art from American pop art to 1970s photo-realism pieces. In addition to exhibits that highlight the evolution European art from the 60s, the exhibits include collections from contemporary artists, as well as works by local artists. The price of one ticket it is 6 euros for adults.
Couven Museum
The Couven Museum, located in an old bourgeois house known as Haus Monheim, was founded in 1958 and boasts numerous exhibits and decorative pieces dating from 1740 to 1840. The collection focuses on decorative pieces and artefacts which would have been found in upper class houses from that period. Here you can admire unique pieces belonging to various periods including Rococo, early Classicism and Napoleonic styles. The price of one ticket for adults it is 6 euros.
Charlemagne Center
Located in one of the newer buildings in the old center of the city of Aachen, the Charlemagne center - also known as the Museum of the New City of Aachen offers a fascinating look at the rich history of the city from the first moments in which it was documented. It is not a surprise that a great emphasis is placed on Charlemagne, king of the Franks, and the role of the city as a place of royal coronations. Using the latest audio video techniques, the museum is an excellent starting point for those following the Route Charlemagne tourist route. There is also a cafe and a shop with interesting products in the premises. The price of a ticket for adults is 6 euros.
Suermondt-Ludwig Museum
Of particular interest to art lovers, the Suermondt-Ludwig Museum was originally founded in 1877 and is located in an impressive old palace. This gallery houses unique collections of medieval sculptures and early Dutch and German art, including works by Rembrandt van Dyck. There is also a collection of modern art especially German painters, unique glass paintings, gold creations and tapestries.
Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo
On the road to the Aachen suburb of Kornelimünster 20 minutes from the city center is the Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo. It is located in the Drimborner Wäldchen conservation area and is a fun excursion for both children and adults. Now home to approximately 1,700 animals from more than 250 different species, the park was opened in 1966 and has remained one of the city's most important attractions. The price of a ticket for adults varies from 18 to 20 euros depending on the place where it is purchased, you can find more details here.
Gastronomy & Restaurants - What and where to eat in Aachen
German food is based especially on an extraordinary variety of meat dishes. In Aachen you will find many specific and extremely delicious traditional dishes. Below are some of them.
- pretzel the famous Bavarian pretzel is impossible to miss. Made from a sweet dough and sprinkled with large salt crystals, the pretzel is absolutely delicious. It can be enjoyed alone as a snack or for breakfast, along with a wrust.
- Allgäuer Bergkäse Spätzle a pasta-based dish with a mixture of cheese.
- Munich Schnitzel a variant of the Viennese schnitzel, but, unlike in Austria, where the schnitzel is prepared with beef, in Germany it is mostly pork.
- Münchner Weißwurst the popular white sausages that you can find in any brewery or restaurant along with a sweet mustard, pretzel and, of course, a pint of German beer.
- Nürnberger Rostbratwürste a pork sausage that you can find in almost any restaurant menu in Bavaria, served with potato salad or delicious German sauerkraut.
- Black Forest Cake an extremely well-known recipe, this cake consists of several layers of delicious chocolate top with whipped cream and pieces of cherries. Traditionally syruped with a delicious liqueur of bitter cherries called Kirsch.
- Apple strudel you cannot leave Aachen without trying the traditional apple pie.
restaurants
- Hanswurst as the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in wurst, but you will also be able to try other delicious dishes. The quality-price ratio is excellent, the restaurant is decorated modernly and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming.
- Sauerbratenpalas a rustic restaurant specializing in traditional dishes, this is the ideal place if you want to try authentic food. Also here you will be able to try an authentic selection of German beer. The atmosphere is welcoming and warm and the food delicious, you will definitely find something to your taste.
- I have Knipp this restaurant with traditional food is the ideal place to discover dishes specific to the area. With traditional dishes, but also with a variety of craft beers, this restaurant is an ideal place to get in touch with the German atmosphere. The decor is unique, you will have the impression that you have teleported to another world. The prices are extremely good compared to how delicious the food is.
Aachen, a unique city that will surely impress you with its elegance, romance and fascinating history. It is worth spending at least two days here to relax, to visit each interesting objective separately and for the delicious food. Full of dynamism and various activities, this trip will be one you will not forget.
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