Aachen(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

Stay at Hotel Aachen or Aachener Hof Hotel, both located just steps from the Aachen Cathedral and Imperial Palace Ruins. These historic properties blend Renaissance architecture with modern comforts, offering spacious rooms with original stone walls and heated floors. Guests enjoy direct access to the Charlemagne Memorial Trail and free Wi-Fi. For luxury, Hilton Garden Inn Aachen provides a rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline and an on-site fitness center.

The City Center District is ideal for first-time visitors, with easy access to major attractions like the Aachen Cathedral, Römisch-Germanisches Museum, and Town Hall. It’s also well-connected by public transit, including frequent buses and the S-Bahn linking to Cologne and Düsseldorf. The area features cozy cafés, traditional German beer halls, and vibrant nightlife. For a quieter stay, consider Koppenberg, close to RWTH Aachen University, perfect for academic travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

Join the Charlemagne Commemoration Ceremony held annually at the Aachen Cathedral, where reenactors in medieval attire recreate the coronation of Emperor Charlemagne. Attend the Aachener Bierfest, a three-week festival featuring over 50 regional breweries serving local Kölsch and Schwarzbier. Sample traditional dishes like Rinderrouladen and enjoy live folk music. Don’t miss the Aachen Christmas Market, one of Germany’s oldest, set beneath the cathedral’s glowing spires.

Try Aachener Printen, a spiced honey cake made with cinnamon, almonds, and molasses—available at Bäckerei Höffner and Gasthof zur Post. Another highlight is Aachener Rinderrouladen, beef rolls stuffed with onions and bacon, slow-cooked with red wine sauce. Also sample Sauerbraten Suppe, a rich stew made from marinated beef, served with potatoes and pickled onions. These dishes reflect the region’s deep-rooted West German culinary heritage.

Yes, Aachen is highly family-friendly. Visit Aachen Zoo, home to polar bears and giraffes, plus a children’s play zone. Kaiserpark offers a large playground, artificial lake, and picnic areas. The KinderMuseum Aachen features interactive exhibits on science, art, and nature, perfect for kids. Most hotels provide cribs, high chairs, and kid-friendly meals. Family passes are available for museums and parks, making it easy and affordable to explore together.

Public transit in Aachen is efficient and well-integrated via Aachener Verkehrsverbund (AVV). Buses cover all key districts, and the S-Bahn connects to Cologne in 30 minutes and Düsseldorf in 60. The city center is walkable, but renting a bike from Aachener Fahrradverleih is ideal for exploring Roman Baths and Cathedral grounds. Day passes offer unlimited rides and are cost-effective for tourists.

Most mid-to-high-end hotels in Aachen include complimentary continental breakfast with bread, jam, yogurt, fruit juice, and coffee. Hotels like Hotel Aachen City Center and Hilton Garden Inn Aachen serve locally sourced ingredients and offer gluten-free or vegan options upon request. Some boutique hotels, such as Hotel Schloss Jülich, feature special breakfasts with regional sausages and homemade pastries. Always confirm dietary needs when HopeGoo.

Capture the Aachen Cathedral’s iconic Charlemagne Throne and Byzantine dome at sunrise. The Römisch-Germanisches Museum’s underground ruins offer dramatic stone arches perfect for architectural photography. The Kaiserpark fountain and Charlemagne statue provide classic cityscape shots. At night, the Rhine River promenade lights up the water, creating stunning reflections. Don’t miss the Old Town Market stalls under golden streetlamps during festive seasons.

Aachen has a temperate maritime climate. Spring (March–May) brings mild temperatures (8–15°C), ideal for sightseeing. Summer (June–August) averages 20–25°C with occasional rain—pack a light jacket. Autumn (September–November) offers crisp air and colorful foliage, perfect for photography. Winter (December–February) is cool (0–5°C), occasionally snowy, but indoor attractions like museums and thermal spas remain welcoming. Spring and autumn are optimal for visiting without crowds.

Head to Kölnstraße Shopping Street for international brands like Zara, H&M, and C&A, plus local boutiques. Visit the weekly Old Town Market (Altstadtfest) for handmade crafts, organic food, and Aachener Printen. The Aachen Cathedral Gift Shop sells exclusive items like Charlemagne medallions and vintage maps. For book lovers, Aachener Buchhandlung stocks rare German history volumes and antique prints, reflecting the city’s scholarly legacy.