Travel guide

Aachen

Charlemagne's imperial spa city

🗓️ Best time: May–September, December💰 Mid-Range · ~$110/day📍 Germany

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About Aachen

A city at the meeting of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands — home to Charlemagne's glittering octagonal cathedral (Germany's first UNESCO site), hot springs, and famous Printen gingerbread.

⭐ Things to do in Aachen

Aachen Cathedral & treasuryTown Hall (Rathaus)Carolus Thermen spaElisenbrunnen springsChristmas market (December)Cathedral glass chapelThree-country point (Vaalserberg)Lousberg hill view

🍽️ What to eat in Aachen

Signature local dishes worth seeking out.

Aachener PrintenSauerbratenReibekuchenBelgian-style beer

✈️ Know before you go

🚕 Getting around

Walkable centre; trams and trains to three countries.

💡 Local tip

Sip the (strongly mineral) hot-spring water at the Elisenbrunnen, then warm up in the thermal baths.