Aachen is a German city located near the border with Belgium and the Netherlands famous for its spas and thermal baths.
Aachen Germany
How to spend 1 day in Aachen Germany
In this 1-day itinerary in Aachen, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Aachen
Start the day by visiting the Cathedral of Aachen, a symbol of the city and a main attraction.
It was the first building in Germany to be included in Unesco’s Patrimony List. Near the cathedral walk down the streets Hartmannstrasse, Kapuzinergraben, Kleinmarschierstrasse, Schmiedstrasse, Annastrasse where you will find small boutiques.
The Town Hall of Aachen is another attraction of Aachen, and one of the striking structures of the old town center with its façade with 50 statues of German rulers. The Town Hall is located in Markt square.
At 450 meters (0.3 miles) from the Town Hall is the Elisenbrunnen, a symbol of the spa town of Aachen. The marble plaques remind us of the names of the famous visitors who came to the spa over the centuries. Several spa-related resorts and baths continue the tradition, including the luxurious Carolus Thermen Resort.
Follow to the Adalbertstrasse, the main shopping street in Aachen. Also visit the medieval gates of the city, Marschiertor, and Ponttor.
Things to see
- Aachen Cathedral
- Town Hall
- Markt
- Elisenbrunnen
- Adalbertstrasse
- Marschiertor
- Ponttor
Distances
Aachen Cathedral – Town Hall – 200 meters (0.1 miles)
Town Hall – Ponttor – 850 meters (0.5 miles)
Markt – Elisenbrunnen – 500 meters (0.3 miles)
Elisenbrunnen – Adalbertstrasse – 350 meters (0.2 miles)
Adalbertstrasse – Marschiertor – 1 km (0.6 miles)
Itinerary Map
Sights in Aachen
1. Aachen Cathedral
The Aachen Cathedral is the first German architectural monument on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It is a symbol of the city.
Domhof 1, 52062
2. Town Hall
The Town Hall is one of the most outstanding structures in the old town.
It is located opposite the cathedral.
Markt, 52062
3. Marktplatz
At the Marktplatz, you will find the Town Hall and the International Newspaper Museum.
Markt, 52078
4. Elisenbrunnen
Elisenbrunnen is the symbol of the spa town. It was built in 1827.
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz, 52062
5. Couven Museum
The rooms of the Couven Museum show the development of the various styles of middle-class interior decoration of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Hühnermarkt 17, 52062
6. Ponttor
The Ponttor is one of the remaining gates of the original city wall.
It was built in the 14th century.
Pontwall 18, 52062
7. Marschiertor
The Marschiertor is a remaining medieval gate located close to the Central Station.
Franzstraße 995, 52064
8. Tivoli
The New Tivoli is a football stadium that opened in 2009 replacing the Old Tivoli.
It has a capacity for 32,960 spectators.
Krefelder Str. 205, 52070
9. Burg Frankenberg
The Burg Frankenberg is a building that was completely rebuilt after World War II.
It is located in Frankenberger Viertel in a residential district.
Bismarckstraße, 52066
Where to stay in Aachen
1. Inside by Melia
The INNSIDE by Melia is located in the Mitte neighborhood.
Each room comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower.
The hotel has a fitness center, a sauna, a sun deck, and a terrace.
Sandkaulstraße 20, 52062
2. Best Western Hotel Regence
The Best Western Hotel Regence is located in the heart of the city.
Some accommodations have a sitting area for your convenience. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and refrigerator.
Peterstraße 71, 52062
3. Mercure Hotel Aachen am Dom
The Mercure Hotel Aachen am Dom is located in the historic center.
All rooms include satellite TV, a large desk, and tea/coffee facilities.
Peterstraße 1, 52062
4. Novotel
The Novotel is located in the heart of the city.
Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and safe.
The hotel has a terrace, Turkish/steam bath, and a fitness center.
Peterstraße 66, 52062
5. Pullman Hotel
The Pullman Aachen Quellenhof is located 900 meters (0.7 miles) from the cathedral.
Some rooms include a sitting area to relax.
The hotel has a swimming pool, spa, and sauna.
Monheimsallee 52, 52062
Shopping Streets
The Adalbertstrasse is the main commercial street of the city, you will find shops like H&M, New Yorker, Tom Tailor.
Around the Marktplatz, there are several large stores, small boutiques, and specialty shops.
Near the cathedral on the streets Hartmannstrasse, Kapuzinergraben, Kleinmarschierstrasse, Schmiedstrasse, Annastrasse you will find small boutiques.
Malls and Department Stores in Aachen
1. Galeria Kaufhof
Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany.
The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.
Adalbertstraße 20-30, 52062
2. Aachen Arkaden
The Aachen Arkaden Mall is located 2.6 km (1.6 miles) from the cathedral.
Brands: Cecil, Claire´s, Vero Moda.
Trierer Str. 1, 52078
3. Aquis Plaza
The Aquis Plaza is located 700 meters (0.4 miles) from the cathedral.
Brands: Calvin Klein, Mango, Olymp, Levi´s, Tom Tailor, Zara, Zara Home.
Adalbertstraße 100, 52062
4. Elisen Galerie
The Elisen Galerie is located 300 meters (0.2 miles) from the cathedral.
Brands: Anna Klein Mode, Camp David, Martha Mode.
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz 5-6, ElisenGalerie Einkaufszentrum, 52062
Plan your Trip
Aachen has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Düsseldorf, Bonn, Koblenz, Cologne.
Distances
Düsseldorf – 87.5 km (52.4 miles)
Bonn – 96.6 km (60 miles)
Koblenz – 156.3 km (97 miles)
Cologne – 83.2 km (51.7 miles)
Tourist Information Centre in Aachen
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz, 52062 Aachen, Germany
Aachen Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many of budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
40 Popular Train Routes in Germany
