Aachen, Germany

Aachen

Charlemagne's cathedral and thermal springs, next to the Dutch border.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Aachen

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit Aachen Cathedral and its octagon, built by Charlemagne, who is buried here.
  2. AfternoonSee the town hall's Coronation Hall and wander the old town fountains, like the Puppet Fountain.
  3. EveningRelax at the Carolus Thermen spa, fed by the city's hot springs.

Day 2

Visit the three-country point at Vaalserberg, or day-trip to Maastricht or Monschau.

What to eat

Aachener Printen, hard spiced gingerbread, and Öcher Puttes blood sausage.

Local tips

Make the most of Aachen

Beat the crowds

The cathedral is busiest midday. Mornings are calmer.

Best photo spot

The cathedral's octagonal chapel inside, with gold and mosaics.

Getting there

Trains connect with Cologne, Liège and Maastricht. The centre is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

Maastricht and the three-country point, where Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet.

Good to know

Charlemagne is buried in Aachen's cathedral. Try Printen, the local gingerbread.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Aachen

Our most hidden places around Aachen: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Aachen to take with you.

27 km away
46 km away
20 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Aachen

Getting there

  • Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST)25 km away
  • Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)75 km away
  • Maastricht30 km away
  • Cologne65 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryGermany

Questions

Aachen: good to know

Is Aachen worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Charlemagne's cathedral and thermal springs, next to the Dutch border.

How many days do you need in Aachen?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Aachen?

You can visit all year. The cathedral is busiest midday. Mornings are calmer.

How do you get to Aachen?

The nearest airport is Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), about 25 km away. Trains connect with Cologne, Liège and Maastricht. The centre is walkable.

What is there to see near Aachen?

Nearby hidden places include Maastricht (29 km), Hautes Fagnes (30 km) and Cologne (64 km).

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