- Aachen was the coronation site for German kings for over 600 years, beginning with Otto I in 936.
- The city's thermal springs were used by the Romans, and it remains one of the most prominent spa locations in Germany.
- Aachen is the only city in Germany where three different countries share a single border point.
- The city has its own local dialect known as Ocher Platt, which is still occasionally heard in traditional settings.
- It is the birthplace of the Aachener Printen, a specialized type of gingerbread that is protected as a regional food product.
About Aachen
Aachen is a historic spa city located at the precise intersection of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It served as the primary residence of Charlemagne, who initiated the construction of the iconic Aachen Cathedral [1845]. The city center is dominated by the medieval architecture of the City Hall Aachen [38110] and the surrounding bustling Markt [12661]. Visitors frequently traverse the historic Ponttor [9939], a preserved gate that remains a testament to the city's ancient fortifications.
Highlights of Aachen
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the intricate Byzantine-style mosaics and the octagonal Palatine Chapel interior.
Places of interest
Stand at the official junction where the borders of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet.
Historical places
Observe the neoclassical portico structure that sits atop one of the city's historic thermal wells.
Historical places
Pass through one of the two surviving medieval city gates that once guarded the western entrance.
Historical places
Experience the center of civic life surrounded by historic guild houses and the main market square.
Historical places
Visit the site of coronation banquets featuring the grand Ceremonial Hall.
Museums
View one of the most significant collections of medieval ecclesiastical art in Europe.
Zoos
Explore the park facilities which host a variety of animal species and green recreational spaces.
Top things to do in Aachen
The 151 highest-rated places in Aachen, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe, originally commissioned by Charlemagne around 796 AD as his...
2
Places of interest
The Three Country Point, known as Drielandenpunt, marks the intersection of the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and...
3
Zoos
Euregiozoo Aachen is a family-oriented zoological park situated within the recreational area of the Drimbornshof in Aach...
4
Historical places
Elisenbrunnen is a neoclassical rotunda designed by Johann Peter Cremer and Karl Friedrich Schinkel, completed in 1827 t...
5
Parks
Landal Hoog Vaals is a holiday park situated in the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, located at the intersection of...
6
Venues
Tivoli in Aachen is a multipurpose event complex located adjacent to the home stadium of the Alemannia Aachen football c...
7
Places of interest
The Wilhelmina Tower is a 35-meter-high observation tower situated at the Drielandenpunt, the tri-border point where the...
8
Historical places
The Ponttor is one of two remaining medieval gates of Aachen's former city fortifications, dating back to the early 14th...
9
Historical places
The Markt in Aachen serves as the city's historic central square, situated directly in front of the Aachen Town Hall (Ra...
10
Historical places
Aachen City Hall (Rathaus) is a Gothic structure built in the 14th century on the foundations of the Carolingian Palatin...
11
Venues
Theater Aachen is a multi-disciplinary performing arts venue featuring opera, ballet, drama, and concert performances. T...
12
Museums
The Aachen Cathedral Treasury holds one of the most significant collections of medieval ecclesiastical art in Europe. Lo...
13
Museums
The Ludwig Forum for International Art is housed in a former umbrella factory, characterized by its distinctive Bauhaus-...
14
Temples
The Islamic Center Bilal Mosque in Aachen is a prominent religious and cultural hub serving the local Muslim community n...
15
Temples
The Aachen Central Mosque, operated by the DITIB Yunus Emre Mosque association, serves as a significant hub for the loca...
16
Parks
Stadtpark Aachen serves as a central green lung for the city, situated in the northeastern district. It features a mix o...
17
Museums
The Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum is housed in the Villa Cassalette, a notable 1880s urban mansion in Aachen. The collection s...
18
Places of interest
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Parks
20
Venues
21
Historical places
22
Venues
23
Places of interest
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Museums
25
Historical places
26
Venues
27
Historical places
28
Parks
29
Historical places
30
Historical places
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Aachen on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Aachen
May to September, as the mild weather is ideal for exploring the historic Old Town and visiting the nearby nature reserves.
2-3 days to explore the historic core and visit the tri-border region.
The city center is highly walkable, complemented by an extensive regional bus network.
Staying near the Altstadt (Old Town) provides the best access to major historic sites and dining, while the area near the main train station is convenient for regional commuters.
Mid-range; while luxury options exist, dining and lodging remain standard for North Rhine-Westphalia.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 151 curated attractions in and around Aachen, ranked by traveller ratings.
Aachen Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Aachen right now.
The largest category is temples, with 43 places to explore.
Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège.
Explore more of Belgium
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
