Must see! Cologne, Germany’s Oldest City

Located across both sides of the Rhine river, the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne is considered Germany's oldest city and is the region's cultural hub. The city itself is brimming with rich architecture and history. It is brimming with galleries and museums that showcase a range of exhibitions and shows from 20th-century pieces to modern art and sculpture and even Roman antiquities. There so much to see in Cologne that it might get overwhelming at times, make sure to download the Cologne Travel Guide and Offline City Map to help you on your cultural trip.

1.      Cologne Cathedral

What is locally called the grand Kolner Dom–Germany's largest cathedral–dominates Cologne's skyline with its famous twin spires. This massive church took over 600 years to build and is hailed as the epitome of European gothic architecture. It is one of Western Europe's most famous medieval sites of Christian art where you can admire its beautifully stained-glass windows and elaborately decorated towers. If you're up for a challenge, you can climb up 509 steps of the South tower and witness a breathtaking view of the city from up above.

2.      Museum Ludwig

Right next door to the Cologne Cathedral is the Museum Ludwig, which offers a stimulating trip through the art of the last century, the third-largest Picasso collection in the world, as well as one of the most comprehensive Pop Art collections by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein outside the Unites States. The museum it in itself is also a work of art, showcasing a combination of striking sharp angles and curves. If you’re keen on a pre-game bite before getting lost in a sea of art, the Museum Cafe and Restaurant's food is an excellent treat.

3.      Rhine River Cruise

One of the world's most popular river cruising destinations is Europe's longest river, the mighty Rhine River. Take in Cologne's beautiful scenery as you cruise down at least 20 ancient, hillside castles, lush vineyards, and about 15 German Rhine towns with their winding streets and sleepy medieval architecture. Visit the famous Trendelburg Castle or also fondly known as the Rapunzel's Castle along the Rhine Gorge. If you've whipped up an appetite from all the sightseeing, fret not, the river cruises not only offers amazing architecture, old world style and charm, but also delicious wine, beer, and food in a fairy tale atmosphere.

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Visit Berlin, the Historical European City

Brandenburg gate at sunset

Berlin is one of the most coveted tourist spots in Europe. Below are some of the many amazing reasons why you should definitely go and visit Berlin. Refer to the Berlin Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro for a more comprehensive understanding of this wonderful city.

Profound History

No other European city is as historically significant as Berlin. In fact, a major part of recent history in the continent began at Berlin, making it the dream destination for history both history geeks and the average Joe who are simply curious. It is the best place to obtain an understanding of World War II and how it impacted Europe. Berlin also has Communist roots. The city has several museums you can spend a few hours on.

Liberal Mindset

Berlin is regarded by many as the most liberal European capital. It is a place where you can just be yourself and no one will judge you or act awkward towards you because of it. It has numerous alternative neighborhoods and vibrant places where you can just chill and relax.

Impressive Monuments

The Berlin Wall alone is worth your visit to Berlin. It is a mammoth structure that once separated East Berlin from West Berlin. Then there is also the Holocaust Memorial where you can gaze at remnants from the most terrible genocide in history. In contrast, there is the East Side Gallery, a particular 1316m section of the Berlin Wall that serves as an international memorial for freedom. There are other remarkable monuments scattered all over the city.

Wow! Graffiti House in Easten Berlin

Delicious Food

Berlin offers a wide selection of cuisine. First of all, it is a haven for vegans. It has the most number of vegan restaurants in the continent. You won’t even have to look for one to see one. Berlin also has the highest population of Turkish people in Europe so there is an abundance of Turkish restaurants and supermarkets. Other cuisines you can quite easily find in Berlin include Oriental, Italian, and Mexican.

Fun Shopping

Berlin has its fair share of colossal shopping malls such as the Berlin Mall, the KaDeWe and the Gallery Lafayette. The city also has a plethora of booth shops and small stores as well as flea markets full of vintage items. There are also secondhand bookstores and sellers of second hand designer clothes.

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Hamburg, the Most English City Outside England

Many Englishmen refer to Hamburg as the most English city outside of England saying that its vibe is more English than German. It is one of the most welcoming port cities in the country and being only a two-hour ride from Berlin makes it an ideal last stop for tourists nearing the end of their Berlin vacation. Our Hamburg Travel Guide and Offline City Map will is surely the best guide before your travel! On its own, however, there are still many reasons why you should visit Hamburg. Hamburgers

Hamburgers are one of the most popular foods in the world. The true origin of hamburgers has yet to be fully ascertained but Hamburg does have a pretty strong case considering hamburgers are named after Hamburg. Going to the origin of hamburgers and not taking a bite of the authentic local hamburger can be considered a sin. The most popular hamburger joint in the city is Kleine Pause. Food in Germany is quite cheap so don’t hold back and gobble up as much as you can. You can worry about losing the extra weight you’ve gained when your vacation is over.

Schanzenviertel

Schanzenviertrel is the quirkiest and most hip part of the city so be sure to check it out when you visit Hamburg. This part of town is filled with graffiti making it look like a giant painting. Numerous bars, eateries, and small stores can be found all around and there is someone playing music at every corner. It is the best place to look for souvenirs and taste a wide variety of food.

St. Pauli

If you are looking to stay up all night and party then the neighborhood of St. Pauli will be perfect for you. This portion of the west side of Hamburg is filled with 24-hour establishments. It is like a part of the city that never sleeps. If you don’t like low-key bars full of young people, St. Pauli is also where the Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s Red Light District, is located. Here in Reeperbahn you can find nihtclubs, beerhouses, and strip clubs.

St. Pauli District. The night never ends

Warehouse district

The Warehouse district is the best part of the city to have your pictures taken. The long, old brick warehouses will serve as amazing backgrounds for your photos. These red brick buildings have been restored and converted into shops, eateries, galleries, etc. and exploring each one would be a great adventure.

Hamburg Warehouse District

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Top 5 Reasons to Visit Frankfurt, the City of Contrast

A significant portion of Frankfurt was damaged during World War II. The damaged sections were rebuilt using modern design and architecture while the rest remained unchanged. The contrasting aesthetics of the buildings makes for a unique experience. We have useful infos ready in our Frankfurt Travel Guide and Offline Street City Map. Below are some more reasons why you need to visit Frankfurt! Sip a jug of apple wine

Indulge your taste buds with Frankfurt’s most popular drink for almost 3 centuries, apple wine. The most exciting way of tasting it is aboard the multicolored tram Ebbelwei Express. The tram offers a one hour tour around the city. Your ticket will also come with non-stop traditional music, pretzels, and 2 glasses of apple wine.

Have a bite of bratwurst sausage

The Kleinmarkthalle food market serves Frankfurt’s most famous bratwurst sausage. The market houses the best eateries in the city. Almost every dish in Europe is served here. You might also want to try Parma ham and authentic Italian coffee.

Enjoy Frankfurt food. So tasty!

Learn about ancient gladiators

The Archaologisches Museum Frankfurt is one of the most popular museums in Germany. For a few months each year, the museum presents a special exhibition titled “Gladiators, Death and Triumph in the Coliseum” that chronicles the lives of these ancient professional fighters.

Marvel at magic tricks

You can find one of the best resident magicians in the country at the cocktail bar of the Maritim Hotel. Even more amazing is that he is the lead cabaret singer of the bar and his magic tricks are just a bonus. The hotel also has a huge swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a gym. It is also the only hotel in the city that is directly connected to the Festhall, the Frankfurt’s main conference and music center.

Take a guided walking tour of the St Paul’s Church

The St Paul’s Church has important political symbolism for the country. It was built as a Lutheran church in 1789, the same year as the French Revolution, and was eventually converted into the seat of the Frankfurt Parliament in 1848. The Frankfurt Parliament is the first publicly and freely-elected German legislative body. The tour will help you understand the structure’s rich history.

St. Paul's Church, a piece of Frankfurt History

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5 Reasons to Visit Munich, the Beer Capital of Germany

If you like to just let loose and have fun then we highly advise you to visit Munich Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro app for your travel ! Other than that we shared more information below. Munich is one of the most entertaining places in Germany, filled to the brim of unique things to do. Here are five reasons why you need to start making plans to visit Munich.

Oktoberfest and Beer Halls

Oktoberfest is what the city of Munich is most noted for. Oktoberfest is a festival of beer drinking, live music, and fair that lasts for 16 days. The festival starts late September and lasts until early October. Munich has one of the best tasting beers in the world. Even if you can’t make it in time for Oktoberfest, you can still find authentic Munich beer in numerous beer halls spread all around the city.

Oktoberfest, the most impressive beer fest around the world

Englisch Garden

Located at the heart of Munich, the Englisch Garden is the most serene and often considered most beautiful part of the city. It is ideal for relaxing with your partner or family. Stalls serving authentic Munich beer and cuisine are also spread around the park. It even has a section for surfing.

Christkindlmarkt

Christkindlmarkt is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany and one of the busiest parts of Munich. In it you can find produce and gifts coming from all around the country. It is a city that never sleeps where the music and dancing never seems to stop. This huge market also offers a wide array of foods and drinks including the world renowned Gluehwein (Mulled Wine).

Munich Museums

Munich has several museums and you will likely find one that caters to your taste. Aside from the standard history museums, it also has:

• The Pinakothek Art Museum
• The Deutsches Museum of Science
• The BMW Museum

From knights armor to modern BWMs. Visit Munich Museums

Bavarian Lakes

If you prefer the tranquility of nature over the busy city, just an hour or so drive from Munich and you will reach several wonderful lakes such as the Tegernsee, Schliersee, Garmsich, and Partenkirchen. You can go on a boat trip or try out some watersports like knee-boarding and water skiing or just go to a nearby restaurant and dine while enjoying the view.

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5 Reasons to Visit Stuttgart, One of the Most Beautiful Places in Germany

German humanist Ulrich von Hutten once said that Stuttgart is the name the Swabian people gave to paradise on Earth. In many ways, this city on the Neckar has retained much of its appeal and is still considered one of the top tourist destinations in Germany. Below are 5 reasons why you should visit Stuttgart. For more information you can also use our Stuttgart Travel Guide and Offline City Map!

Structural Marvels

Stuttgart has been around since the early 10th century. Its numerous historic buildings are definitely a sight to behold. You can take a look at some of the hundred year-old structures and compare them with recently built ones. Here are but a few of the awe-inspiring structures located in this beautiful city.

• Solitude Palace - Duke Carl Eugen von Württemberg’s hunting lodge that was built in the 18th
• Wilhelmla – built on the grounds of a historic castle, it is the second largest zoo and botanical garden in Germany that houses over 11,500 animals.
• Stuttgart’s Municipal Library – built in the 21st century, it is one of the most advanced libraries in the world.
• Stuttgart Train Station – has a viewing platform that gives a panoramic view of the city.

WOW! Stuttgart Library (Stadtbiliothek Stuttgart)

Local Delicacies

Many tourists revisit Stuttgart just to have another taste of its unique cuisine. The Spätzle (soft egg noodle) is an all-time favorite and you should not leave without tasting it at least once. The Markthalle market also sells almost every delicacy to be found in the country while several restaurants in the suburbs will allow you to have a sip of Amber Ale and original German beer.

Porsche Factory

You can purchase a Porsche directly from the Stuttgart Porsche factory at a significantly discounted rate. Buyers are also offered a 3-course meal at the Porsche casino, a tour of the Porsche museum, and a showcase of the upcoming new models.

Visit the luxury Porsche Factory in Stuttgart

The Black Forest

Baden-Württemberg is where the most famous cake in Germany, Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte (known by the rest of the world as Black Forest), originated. Going to one of the bake shops is the only way to have a taste of the original recipe. Most of the towns in the area are also full of houses that still retain their pre-20th century look.

Festivities

Another reason to visit Stuttgart is its seasonal festivals. The most famous one is the Weindorf festival which is all about booze drinking. Another is the Long Night of the Museums where you can bask in the rich culture of Germany.

Don’t be content with just reading about it, start making your plans to visit Stuttgart. You will definitely have a blast. Have more knowledge about your next travel by checking out eTips!