Discover Aachen sights in one day

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Points of interest in Aachen - Dom

Aachen sights for a day

We have been guests in Aachen several times, but as travel bloggers we always didn't have enough time to see all of Aachen's sights in one day. On our first visit we explored Charlemagne's city on a walk through the old town, for which we took a day. We discovered some very interesting museums that piqued our interest. Reason enough to come back again.

 

Candlesticks in Aachen Cathedral
Candlesticks in Aachen Cathedral

1 day in Aachen and on the trail of its history

We learned on our first visit that Aachen played a major role in history. We wanted to explore this story during our second stay in the city. This time we planned to see the three museums in the center of Aachen in one day. This is easy to do since they are only a few steps apart. Therefore, you hardly waste any time on the way between the museums. Our plan included:

  • The cathedral treasury
  • The Center Charlemagne and
  • The Couven Museum

Further down in the text you will also find a suggestion for a daily routine in which we adapt the visit to these three museums to the opening times. This gives you plenty of time to take a close look at their exhibitions.

 

 

3 museums for a Aachen old town tour

Aachen in one day - which sights in Aachen do you have to see as a museum friend in the city of Charlemagne? That was the question we asked ourselves on this visit to the city Nordrhein-Westfalen put. We visited three of them on our tour of the old town. They are all located in the city center and can easily be visited in one day. The walking distances between the museums are short. This tip is suitable for a day trip or a rainy day. If you want to stay longer, you will find further suggestions below Imperial city.

 

Book accommodation near Aachen Cathedral here

  • The Park Apartments* are two studios located near the Aachen Cathedral, the Theater Aachen and the main train station.
  • From the three-star hotel Motel One Aachen* it is only eighty meters to the Theater Aachen, and the cathedral and the main train station are also not far away.
  • The four star hotel Aquis Grana City Hotel* is 200 meters from Aachen Cathedral. Also practical: the hotel has an underground car park.
  • In the three-starHotel Three Kings* you spend the night directly at the Aachen town hall and the cathedral. It doesn't get any closer!
  • During one of our visits to Aachen we stayed at the four-starHotel INNSiDE by Mélia Aachen*. From there it is about 500 m to the town hall and 600 m to the Aachen Cathedral. But there is a great breakfast terrace with a view of Aachen in this hotel. There is also a practical garage directly at the hotel where you can park your car.
  • Not the right thing? Here you will find further accommodations in Aachen*.

 

 

Rathaus - a must when visiting Aachen in one day
The town hall of Aachen - one of the top sights in Aachen

Aachen city center in the rain

These three Aachen sights are good for a rainy day in the city. You can spend Aachen in the rain in the museums in the city center. There you will learn a lot about the city and its history.

 

This map was created with Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

 

Aachen sights for Aachen sightseeing

The Center Charlemagne near the town hall in Aachen's old town

A museum that should not be missed when visiting the city of Aachen is the Center Charlemagne. Among other things, the exhibition is about a resident of Aachen who has shaped the city to this day: Charlemagne. This museum is located at the Katschhof. That's the name of the large square between the Aachen Cathedral and the town hall. The square was already used for festivals in the times of Charlemagne, just as it is today. In the Center Charlemagne we will also learn more about the history of the city. However, the urban region was a settlement area much earlier. Already in the 5th millennium people lived where the city is located today.

 

Center Charlemagne
Center Charlemagne City Museum of Aachen

 

From the Romans to Emperor Charlemagne

The history of Aachen only became interesting with the Romans. These used the thermal springs. As a result, the place quickly developed into a spa. To this day, the thermal baths make the city a destination for wellness lovers. When Charlemagne finally came to the city, he decided to build his imperial palace in it. The cathedral still reminds of the times of the great emperor. All that remains of his palace are the foundation walls that are located under today's town hall. All the more you learn about the emperor and his time at the Center Charlemagne. We therefore recommend a visit to this museum to everyone who wants to get to know Aachen and its development better.

 

Center Charlemagne
Center Charlemagne - one of the Aachen sights where you can find out more about Emperor Karl

 

Under Napoleon and the French, the city experienced a renewed heyday. Nobles from France visited the thermal baths at that time. Even if they were not exactly popular in Aachen, they contributed to the boom in the 19th century. In our time, Emperor Karl lives again. He is considered to be the first to think of European unity. As such, he is now the namesake of one of the most prestigious prizes awarded to supporters of European unity: the Charlemagne Prize. This is awarded every year in the Aachen City Hall to people who have made a contribution to the unity of Europe.

Center Charlemagne

New City Museum Aachen
Katschhof 1
52062 Aachen
Tel: +49 241 432-4956
Fax: +49 241 432-4989

 

That has to be in your suitcase for a tour of the Aachen sights

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The Couven Museum - one of the Aachen sights with everyday history

The Couven Museum provides an insight into the citizens of Aachen. Where pharmacists once mixed their pastes and powders, today you can see how the middle class citizens of Aachen lived. The museum is also located in the old town. It's on the chicken market, about a five-minute walk from the Center Charlemagne.

 

Pharmacy
Pharmacy in the Couven Museum - one of the Aachen sights, in which old times come to life

 

Here I recommend visiting the Center Charlemagne first. There you will already familiarize yourself with the history of Aachen. In the Couven Museum we get an insight into what everyday life looked like in the city of Aachen from Rococo to Biedermeier. With knowledge of the history of the city of Aachen, visiting this museum is even more fun.

 

banquet hall
Ballroom in the Couven Museum - one of the Aachen sights that is still used today for celebrations

 

In memory of the pharmacist Adam Coebergh, we begin our tour of the museum in a room that looks like a pharmacy. Here once had pharmacist Coebergh in the second half of the 17. Century chocolate sold over the counter. At that time it was still reserved for the rich and wealthy. The house changed hands several times until it finally houses the Couven Museum since 1958.

 

cuisine
Kitchen in the Couven Museum - Aachen Sights from the city of yore

 

We particularly like the kitchen, the ballroom and the tiled room. Its walls are completely covered with ceramic tiles from the Netherlands that tell stories. It's about children's games, shepherd scenes, ships and even sea monsters.

 

In the tile room
In the tiled room of the Couven Museum - one of the Aachen sights that we particularly liked

 

Couven Museum

Chicken market 17
52062 Aachen
Tel. + 49 241 432 -4421
Fax +49 241 432-4959

 

Cathedral treasury at the cathedral - a must among the Aachen sights

The third museum in our list of Aachen sights is the cathedral treasury. This is a must for every history lover! In addition to relics of Charlemagne, which are kept in gold, there are also the coronation mantle of the German emperors and other utensils that were needed for the imperial coronation.

 

Domschatzkammer
In the cathedral treasury of Aachen - one of the top Aachen sights

 

In addition, the exhibition provides an insight into the splendor of the Catholic Church. It's unbelievable what treasures lie here. There are crosses decorated with precious stones, as well as altars that are carved from wood and decorated with gold leaf. We see holy water stoups and ivory book covers alongside works of art of book art from the city's scriptoria. Margaret of York's crown is particularly splendid. We had already heard from her during our visit to Mechelen heard in Belgium.

 

coronation robe
Coronation mantle of German emperors - Aachen sights of bygone times

 

After so much splendor, we take a break in the inner courtyard of the cathedral treasury with a view of the cathedral, which towers over the administration building. We will take a few minutes' rest here before we go looking for cafes and restaurants that have been recommended to us for Aachen. But this is another story.

 

Aachen attractions
Aachen attractions

 

Cathedral Treasury Aachen

Pope-Johannes-Paul-II-Straße ("Little Dragon Hole")
52062 Aachen
(no access through the cathedral)
Tel: 0241 / 477090
Fax: NO / NO

Hof in Aachen - what to do in Aachen
Hof in Aachen - here you can meet for a cup of coffee or juice

Daily schedule for the sights of Aachen in one day

With this daily itinerary for Aachen in one day, you will be well prepared for your sightseeing of the city, rain or shine.

  • 9:00 a.m. – 10.00:XNUMX a.m. Start your day in Aachen with breakfast at Café Didier at Fischmarkt 6.
  • 10.00:11.00 - XNUMX:XNUMX Visit the cathedral treasury (John Paul II Street) and marvel at the works of art in the largest church treasure north of the Alps.
  • 11.00:12.00 a.m. – 45:XNUMX p.m. Take a look at Aachen Cathedral on your own or join a guided tour (XNUMX min.).
  • 12.00 – 13.00 p.m. Lunch break in the Hanswurst sausage kitchen near the cathedral. You can find our review in our article about the Aachen specialties.
  • 13.00:14.00 p.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Find out more about the history of Aachen at the Center Charlemagne. (Mon. closed)
  • 14.00:14.15 p.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Take advantage of the views of the Old Town Hall and the cathedral from Katschhof for photos.
  • 14.15:15.15 p.m. - 18:19 p.m. Visit the Couven Museum (closed Monday) and see how Aachen's upper society lived in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries
  • 15.15:16.45 p.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Walk to the doll fountain and the courtyard with the Roman portico (there you can drink coffee in one of the cafes and people watch).
  • 16.45 p.m. – 18.00 p.m. Walk past the Postwagen Restaurant to the town hall and visit the town hall on your own.
  • 18.00:20.00 p.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Typical Aachen dinner Post Car Restaurant or enjoy finer cuisine Ratskeller at the city Hall.

 

 

Other Aachen sights

In addition to these three museums, there are other Aachen sights that are worth visiting. You can find a selection of them here:

  • Aachen City Hall

The city's historic town hall rises above Aachen's market square.

  • The Katschhof

The Katschhof separates the back of the cathedral from the back of the town hall. The Center Charlemagne is also located there.

  • The Elisenbrunnen

In addition to being a cathedral city, Aachen is also a city with thermal springs. Even the Romans liked coming to Aachen, as did the emperor and many prominent guests from all over the world. They all appreciated the healing powers of the Aachen thermal water. The Elisenbrunnen has stood above the Kaiserquelle since the 19th century. There you can try the medicinal water.

  • The Carolus thermal baths

In the Carolus Thermen there are outdoor and indoor pools where you can relax in Aachen's thermal water.

  • Frankenberg Castle

Frankenberg Castle dates back to 1261. Today there is a civic and event center there.

  • The Doll Fountain

The doll fountain behind the cathedral is worth seeing. What is remarkable is that the figures can be moved. They symbolize different aspects of the city of Aachen.

  • The yard

The courtyard is a square with pavement cafes and a Roman portico. Located behind the Couven Museum, it is a place to relax.

  • The Pont Quarter

Pontstraße branches off from Aachen's market square to the Pontviertel. Pubs, restaurants and cafés line the street and are popular with students from the nearby university.

  • The district of Kornelimünster

Museums, historical markets and hiking trails can be found in the Kornelimünster district.

 

Aachen City Hall
Aachen City Hall

Discover the hidden sights of Aachen: local tourism tips

Take a break from the ordinary and discover the hidden gems Aachen has to offer! Here you will find local attractions for visitors to explore.

Aachen is definitely a great destination for tourists looking to experience something off the beaten track. From historical monuments to spectacular natural sights, there is much to discover in this old German city. Here we present the best Aachen attractions and sights that not everyone knows.

  • Aachen City Hall with the Coronation Hall

Visit the town hall with its historical paintings and frescoes. No visit to Aachen is complete without a visit to the town hall! Located on the Markt, it is the epicenter of Aachen's political life as well as home to the famous Coronation Hall. This hall played an important role in the history of Aachen, from the Middle Ages to modern times. In the Middle Ages, the coronation banquets were held there. Today, the international Charlemagne Prize is awarded to deserving Europeans every year.

  • Aachen Bismarck Tower

Also check out the view of Aachen from the Aachen Bismarck Tower. It was erected at the beginning of the 20th century in the area of ​​the Aachen Cemetery of Honor in the district of Aachen-Burtscheid. It was renovated from 1999 to 2005. It is therefore still a popular excursion destination for Aachen residents today and offers a beautiful view of the city.

 

Aachen attractions
Aachen attractions

Aachen Activities & Sights

What can you do in Aachen?

  • A walk through the old town will definitely show you the architecture of the city from the time of Charlemagne to today.
  • Join a city tour through Aachen, for example. You will learn a lot of interesting things about the city and its history.
  • Be sure to visit one or more of the city's museums. The cathedral treasury is particularly impressive.
  • Afterwards you can relax in the thermal baths of Aachen.
  • Also try Aachen's specialties and let us show you how to make them.

Aachen insider tips among the Aachen sights

  • Experience the sunset in Aachen

You can do this best from the viewing platform on the Lousberg. On this page you can find out the date for the Sunset on the day of your visit and you can plan your day accordingly.

  • Wait in the Lousberg hammocks until the sun goes down

The best way to experience the sunset in Aachen, for example, is on one of the Lousberg hammocks at the viewing platform.

 

You can find restaurants in Aachen's city center here

An unusual restaurant in Aachen is the Katzencafé, Alexanderstraße 55, 52062 Aachen.

 

Krakant Printen herbs are only available in Aachen
Krakant Printen herbs are only available in Aachen

 

Questions and answers about the sights of Aachen

Where is Aachen located?

Aachen is located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is about 72 kilometers to Cologne (as the crow flies). Düsseldorf is about 74 kilometers away as the crow flies.

What do you have to do in Aachen?

The squares of Aachen are definitely worth seeing. Münsterplatz am Dom is particularly beautiful in spring when the magnolias are in bloom. The market square with the Kaiser Karl fountain is worth a visit on market days and in the evening. The Elisengarten is worth seeing. Also not to be missed is the courtyard with the Roman portico and its cafés, which invite you to take a break.

What is famous in Aachen?

Of course, the cathedral comes first. The town hall and the Elisenbrunnen are also well known. If you like culinary things, you shouldn't miss out on trying Aachener Printen.

Is Aachen a beautiful city?

In any case. With its squares, the cathedral, the historic town hall, the small streets and the cafés, bars and restaurants, Aachen is a city that is definitely worth a visit.

What do you drink in Aachen?

Beer is one of the favorite drinks in Aachen. Pilsner, full beer and wheat beer are preferred.

What is there in Aachen?

These are certainly the Aachen Printen. In addition to the original herbal Printen, there are now also Printen with almonds and nuts or those covered with chocolate or icing. Aachener Printen are definitely one of the local specialties that you should try.

 

Popular activities in Aachen

 

Do you like to travel to the sights of Aachen by motorhome?

 

Order your travel guide for Aachen attractions here*.

If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

 

Excursion destinations and sights around Aachen

There is also a lot to discover in the city and in the vicinity of Aachen. Here you will find additional destinations in and around Aachen that we have visited ourselves. We also present travel tips from other travel bloggers:

 


Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Getting to the Aachen sights by plane, train, bus or car:

For example, book your journey here by flight, bus or train*. The nearest airport is definitely Maastricht-Aachen (about 40 km away). For arrivals from all over the world, however Frankfurt the best choice. From there you take the train or bus to Aachen. If you are traveling by car, you can park your car in one of the parking garages near the center.

Reserve a rental car here for a visit to the Aachen sights:

Cheap Car Hire - Book Fast and Easy! *

By mobile home to the Aachen sights:

Compare motorhome prices here. Or do you prefer to travel with the Rooftent or Tent?

Accommodation near the Aachen sights:

Hotels, apartments and other accommodation in Aachen * You can also book via our partner booking.com under this link. However, we have in INNside at Melia * A comfortable hotel with a parking garage, from which you can easily reach the museums on foot.


 

Aachen museums - Aachen sights
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Do you know this?

 

Slow Travel Tips you can definitely find it here. Discover Sights in other cities in Germany also at this link.

Source for these sights in Aachen : Research on site. We would like to thank you in any case Aachentourismusservice eV for supporting this trip. However, our opinion remains our own.

Text Aachen Sights: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos Aachen Sights © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Videos Aachen attractions © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

Discover Aachen sights in one day

Monika Fuchs

Monika Fuchs and Petar Fuchs are the authors and publishers of the Food and Slow Travel blog  TravelWorldOnline. They have been publishing this blog since 2005. TravelWorldOnline has been online since 2001. Their topics are trips to Savor, wine tourism worldwide and slow travel. During her studies Monika Fuchs spent some time in North America, where she - partly together with Petar Fuchs - traveled to the USA and Canada and spent a research year in British Columbia. This intensified her thirst for knowledge, which she satisfied for 6 years as an adventure guide for Rotel Tours and then for 11 years as a tour guide for Studiosus Reisen around the world. She was constantly expanding her travel regions, but curiosity still gnawed at her: "What's beyond the horizon? What else is there to discover in this city? Which people are interesting here? What do they eat in this region?" As a freelance travel journalist (her articles have appeared in DIE ZEIT, 360° Canada, 360° USA, etc.), she is now looking for answers to these questions as a travel writer and travel blogger in many countries around the world. Petar Fuchs produces the videos on this blog as well as on YouTube. Monika Fuchs from TravelWorldOnline is among Germany's top 50 bloggers in 2021. Find more Information about Monika and Petar Fuchs here.

4 thoughts too "Discover Aachen sights in one day"

  1. What a beautiful city, so many great buildings and culinary sounds that very seductive. I've heard a lot, but I've never been to Aachen myself. When the sun is shining like that, it'll be twice as fun.

    Regards

    Victoria

    1. Dear Victoria,

      what us in Aachen what I like so much is that it is not a “dusty” medieval city. It not only has the great buildings that have accumulated there throughout history, but is also very lively and hip as a university city. A visit to Aachen It is definitely worth it.

      Best regards,
      Monika

  2. Hello Monika,

    As an “old Latin”, I think that all the cities built or influenced by the Romans are great from the start. Otherwise, I find Aachen particularly historically exciting. Unfortunately I have never been there. I hardly ever traveled in Germany. So this is definitely on my list in case I should go on a tour of Germany…

    Best regards,
    Barbara

    1. Dear Barbara,

      we are - admittedly - fans of cities where history is still palpable. And Aachen is a prime example, although little is left of the Romans. But one sees all the more from the time of Charlemagne. A visit to Aachen definitely worth it.

      Best regards,
      Monika

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