Aachen is a historic spa city in North Rhine-Westphalia, in western Germany, close to the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands. It makes an easy base for exploring the region, and its compact centre rewards a slow walk.
What to see
The city is best known for its Gothic cathedral, where Charlemagne was crowned. The cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that also covers the surrounding historic core, so a visit there naturally takes in older streets and squares as well as the church itself.
Thermal springs and a mix of eras
Aachen is also a spa city, with thermal springs long associated with rest and recovery. Alongside the medieval architecture you will find traces of Roman history, and a lively modern side shaped by its university. The contrast between these periods is part of what gives the city its character.
Planning a visit
- Allow time for the cathedral and the old centre on foot.
- Consider adding a spa visit if you want a slower pace.
- Use the city as a stop when travelling between Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.