Aachen, Germany, is one of the country’s most captivating historic cities. Once the capital of Charlemagne’s empire, it boasts one of Germany’s oldest cathedrals, which was the first UNESCO site in the country, charming medieval streets, rejuvenating thermal springs, and the renowned Aachener Printen cookies that are unique to the region, complemented by a delightful food scene.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, this guide covers the best things to do in Aachen, where to eat, and the must-see sights that make this charming city one of Germany’s most rewarding destinations for history lovers and foodies alike.
Aachen, Germany Surprised Us: Why This Historic City Is One of Germany’s Most Underrated Destinations
When most people begin planning a trip to Germany, cities like Munich, Berlin, Heidelberg, or Rothenburg ob der Tauber usually make the list. Aachen, tucked away in Germany’s far western corner near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, rarely gets the same attention.
We knew Aachen was famous for its cathedral and its connection to Charlemagne, but we assumed it would simply be another pleasant stop on our journey through Germany.
During our two days exploring the city, we discovered one of the most historically significant places in Europe, walked streets that have witnessed more than 2,000 years of history, enjoyed outstanding local food, and found ourselves surrounded by a youthful energy that completely changed our expectations.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s rich in history without feeling overwhelmed by tourists, Aachen deserves a place on your itinerary.
Where Is Aachen?
Aachen sits in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, just a few kilometers from both Belgium and the Netherlands. Because of its unique location, it’s incredibly easy to combine with destinations in all three countries.
From Frankfurt am Main, Aachen is about two hours by ICE train, making it an easy weekend getaway or an excellent stop during a longer Germany itinerary. If you’re flying into Frankfurt Airport or exploring western Germany, Aachen is surprisingly convenient to reach.
Although the city has just over 250,000 residents, it never feels overwhelmingly large, thanks in part to its youthful vibe created by a vibrant university community of 40,000 students from all over the world. Most of the historic center is easily explored on foot, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the sights and less time figuring out transportation.
The Capital of Charlemagne’s Empire
Charlemagne: Also Known as Charles the Great and Karl der Große
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to get acquainted with Charlemagne—a figure you’ll hear about often in Aachen.
Charlemagne, also known as the “Father of Europe,” was a total game-changer back in the day (around 747–814 AD). He brought together a huge chunk of Western Europe through some serious military moves.
When he got crowned as the first Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day in 800 AD, it marked a cool partnership with the Christian Church. Operating out of Aachen, he kicked off the Carolingian Renaissance, pushing for a common written language, saving old-school texts, and setting up schools, which was a big deal for shaping what we now know as modern France and Germany.
The City That Helped Shape Europe
It’s difficult to overstate Aachen’s importance in European history.
Around 800, Charlemagne made Aachen the capital of his vast empire. Despite the lack of navigable waters, he cherished Aachen for its hot springs, which he enjoyed for his ailments, reminiscent of the Romans before him. Under his rule, Aachen became the political and cultural heart of Western Europe after centuries of instability.
Standing in the city’s historic center today, it’s remarkable to realize that decisions made here helped shape the future of Europe.
The magnificent Rathaus (Town Hall) occupies the site of Charlemagne’s former palace, while the nearby Granus Tower is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city, dating back to the late eighth century.
One of our favorite things about Aachen is that history isn’t confined to museums. Everywhere you walk, you’re surrounded by buildings and streets that have witnessed more than a thousand years of European history.
Top Things to Do in Aachen
History Underfoot on the Münsterplatz
One of the absolute highlights of our visit to the Münsterplatz was witnessing history actively coming to life.
During a routine project in early 2026 to replace two storm-damaged linden trees, workers unexpectedly opened a fascinating window into Aachen’s layers of time.
Standing just feet away, we watched them uncover everyday baroque artifacts and the lost foundation wall of the Münsterimmunität. It is an electrifying feeling to realize that centuries of stories sit just inches beneath your boots as you walk toward the cathedral.
Right inside the tree pits, they uncovered seven human skeletons dating back 300 to 400 years, an incredible reminder of the square’s past as the historical Münster-Kirchhof cemetery.
Follow Aachen’s Charlemagne Route
If, like us, you’re interested in history, the Charlemagne Route is a fantastic way to explore Aachen. This walking trail takes you past many of the city’s most important landmarks connected to Charlemagne, bringing his incredible story to life as you wander through the historic streets.
Spotting three of these notable markers indicates that you’ve arrived at a significant historical point of interest, often accompanied by informative signage to enrich your understanding. It’s an easy and rewarding way to discover why Aachen played such a pivotal role in European history.
Marvel at the Aachen Cathedral
Without question, the highlight of any visit is Aachen Cathedral.
Completed around the year 800, it is one of Europe’s oldest cathedrals and was the very first site in Germany to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photos simply don’t prepare you for what it’s like to stand beneath its magnificent dome.
The cathedral’s famous octagonal Palatine Chapel was revolutionary for its time. Inspired by Byzantine architecture, it introduced a style unlike anything previously built north of the Alps.
As you step inside, your eyes are immediately drawn upward toward shimmering mosaics, soaring arches, marble columns, and intricate decoration that reflects both Roman and Byzantine influences.
It isn’t just beautiful. It’s one of the most historically significant churches in Europe. Charlemagne himself is buried here, and for nearly 600 years, more than 30 German kings were crowned within these walls before beginning their reigns.
Inside you’ll find soaring domes, dazzling mosaics, ornate chandeliers, and beautiful marble columns gathered from across Europe.
It’s free to enter the cathedral, but a one-euro donation is requested for taking pictures and videos. Paying this donation is well worth it, as experiencing the beauty of this cathedral is truly remarkable.
Standing in front of it, it’s difficult not to appreciate just how much European history passed through this room.
Imagine Seeing This in the Year 800
While walking through the cathedral, we couldn’t help imagining what it must have felt like for someone visiting over 1,200 years ago.
Imagine being a recently converted Saxon or Frankish villager who had spent your entire life in small wooden settlements. Suddenly you’re brought to Aachen and stand before one of the grandest buildings ever constructed north of the Alps.
Massive stone walls. Towering bronze doors. Glittering mosaics. Soaring ceilings. It must have felt almost otherworldly for the people who likely had never seen a two-story building, much less such a grand cathedral. Understanding that perspective makes visiting Aachen Cathedral even more fascinating.
The Legend That Still Fascinates Visitors
Like many medieval cities, Aachen has its share of legends. Our favorite involves the construction of the cathedral itself.
According to local folklore, the people of Aachen struggled to finance the enormous project and eventually struck a bargain with the devil. He agreed to provide the money in exchange for the soul of the first “being” to enter the completed cathedral.
The clever townspeople had other plans. Rather than sacrificing one of their own, they sent a wolf into the cathedral first. The devil realized he’d been tricked only after claiming the animal’s soul.
The legend continues from there, but we’ll let you discover the rest when you visit—or watch our YouTube video.
Whether it’s true or not, stories like this add another layer of charm to exploring Aachen
Catch the Sulfur Scent at the Elisenbrunnen
Eventually, your nose will tell you you’ve reached one of Aachen’s most famous landmarks. The Elisenbrunnen is a beautiful neoclassical pavilion built over one of the city’s thermal springs.
Before you even see the water, you’ll probably notice its distinctive sulfur smell. It’s certainly… memorable. The hot mineral water emerges naturally at nearly 50°C (122°F) and has attracted visitors for centuries who believed in its healing properties.
Some brave visitors still sample the water today. We’ll admit—we weren’t among them. But even if you skip the tasting, the pavilion is worth visiting as a reminder that Aachen’s history began long before Charlemagne arrived.
Discover Aachen’s Archaeological Window
Just behind the famous Elisenbrunnen, tucked away in the Elisengarten, you’ll find one of Aachen’s hidden gems—the Archaeological Window.
We almost walked right past it, but we’re glad we didn’t. Inside this free exhibit, you can look down at the remarkably preserved foundations of Roman buildings uncovered during excavations in the early 2000s.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into Aachen’s ancient past and a reminder that this city has been welcoming visitors for nearly 2,000 years. Best of all, it only takes less than 15 minutes to explore, making it an easy stop while wandering through the Old Town.
Exploring Aachen’s Old Town
After spending time inside Aachen Cathedral, we slowed our pace and simply wandered through the old town. That’s often when we discover our favorite parts of any city, and Aachen certainly didn’t disappoint.
The historic center is compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old buildings, outdoor cafés spill into lively squares, and nearly every corner seems to reveal another piece of history.
One thing that immediately stood out to us was how vibrant the city feels.
Despite its incredible history, Aachen isn’t frozen in time. Thanks to RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany’s top technical universities, the city has a youthful energy that you don’t always find in historic destinations. Students filled the cafés, bicycles zipped through the streets, and locals gathered in plazas long after the workday ended.
It’s a wonderful combination of old and new.
Aachen’s Beautiful Rathaus
Eventually we found ourselves standing in front of Aachen’s Rathaus, or Town Hall. Even after seeing photos beforehand, it was more impressive than we expected.
Built during the 14th century on the foundations of Charlemagne’s former imperial palace, the Rathaus dominates the Market Square with its Gothic towers and ornate embellishments, while the Granusturm, erected over Charlemagne’s palace dating back to the late eighth century, adds to its historical significance.
It’s amazing to think that beneath this beautiful Gothic building once stood the palace where Charlemagne governed one of the largest empires Europe had seen since Roman times.
Market Square Is the Heart of the City
Directly in front of the Rathaus lies the Marktplatz, Aachen’s lively Market Square. This became one of our favorite places to simply sit for a while and take everything in.
Surrounded by colorful historic buildings, restaurants, cafés, and outdoor terraces, it’s easy to spend an hour here watching everyday life unfold.
Children played around the fountain while locals enjoyed afternoon coffee and visitors admired the architecture. That’s one of the things we love most about traveling in Germany. Many historic city centers aren’t just preserved for tourists—they’re still the heart of everyday life. The Market Square perfectly captures that feeling.
If you visit during December, this same square transforms into one of Germany’s most popular Christmas markets, attracting visitors from all over Europe.
Although we visited during warmer weather, we could easily imagine how magical it must look during the holiday season.
A City Made for Wandering
Some cities require an itinerary. Aachen rewards curiosity. Some of our favorite discoveries happened when we simply turned down side streets without knowing where they would lead.
Beautiful courtyards, historic fountains, half-hidden alleyways, small boutiques, so every few minutes we found another reason to stop and take photos.
The old town isn’t particularly large, but that’s part of its charm. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, Aachen encourages you to slow down and enjoy the journey between destinations.
Strolling from Pontstraße to the Iconic Ponttor in Aachen
The walk from the Market Square to the Ponttor takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, making it an easy addition to your sightseeing route. Even if you’re not a history enthusiast, it’s worth making the short detour to see one of Aachen’s most iconic landmarks while experiencing one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
We made our way along Pontstraße, one of Aachen’s liveliest and most energetic streets. Thanks to the nearby RWTH Aachen University, the street is filled with students, giving it a youthful atmosphere that’s quite different from the quieter, more historic streets around the cathedral. Along the way, you’ll find a mix of cafés, pubs, restaurants, and small shops, making it a great place to stop for a coffee, a meal, or simply soak up the local vibe.
At the northern end of Pontstraße stands the impressive Ponttor, one of the best-preserved medieval city gates in Germany. Built around 1320 as part of Aachen’s second ring of defensive walls, the gate once controlled access to the city from the north. Merchants, pilgrims, and travelers entering Aachen would have passed through this very gateway centuries ago.
The massive stone gate was designed for defense, featuring thick walls, twin towers, narrow arrow slits, and a portcullis that could be lowered to block intruders. It’s hard not to imagine guards standing watch from the towers as people and goods entered one of medieval Europe’s most important cities.
Although much of Aachen’s medieval fortifications disappeared over the centuries, the Ponttor remains remarkably intact, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Standing beneath its towering walls, you can appreciate both the craftsmanship of medieval builders and the importance of Aachen as a prosperous trading and imperial city.
The Food Scene in Aachen Was Another Pleasant Surprise
One thing we’ve learned after living in Germany is that every region has its own culinary traditions, and Aachen certainly didn’t disappoint. Between authentic German specialties, international cuisine, and local bakeries, we discovered a delightful array of ethnic eateries and budget-friendly spots to grab a bite, ensuring we indulged just as much in the local flavors as we did in the captivating sights.
Our First Night: Authentic Chinese Dumplings at Wei & Wei
After arriving in Aachen and settling in, we kicked off our visit with dinner at Wei & Wei, a cozy restaurant known for its handmade Chinese dumplings. Since Aachen is a university town, there were numerous ethnic options available, but we decided on dumplings due to their amazing reviews.
It was the perfect way to start our food tour of Aachen. Every dumpling was made fresh by hand, with delicate wrappers and flavorful fillings that tasted wonderfully authentic. The restaurant had a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and it quickly became one of our favorite international meals in Germany; their dipping sauces were a huge highlight, making the meal even better.
It was a great reminder that Aachen’s diverse population—thanks in part to RWTH Aachen University—has created a fantastic international dining scene.
The Best Sauerbraten We’ve Had in Germany?
The next day, we made our way to Wirtshaus Hühnerdieb to try one of the Rhineland’s most famous specialties: Sauerbraten.
After living in Germany, we’ve sampled Sauerbraten in several regions, but this version may have been our favorite yet.
The beef was incredibly tender after being marinated for days and slowly braised until it practically melted apart with a fork. The rich gravy, enhanced by raisins which we had never had before, struck the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, while the potato dumplings and red cabbage completed what felt like the ultimate Rhineland comfort meal.
If you’re wondering where to eat traditional German food in Aachen, we’d happily recommend Wirtshaus Hühnerdieb.
Kaffee und Kuchen at Café Van Daele
No afternoon in Germany feels complete without Kaffee und Kuchen, so naturally we took a break at Café Van Daele.
We ordered a slice of traditional Reisfladen, a regional rice tart that’s especially popular around Aachen and neighboring Belgium. Creamy, lightly sweet, and baked into a delicate pastry crust, it was unlike any dessert we’d tried elsewhere in Germany.
Of course, no visit to Aachen would be complete without sampling the city’s famous Aachener Printen.
Rather than choosing just one variety, we sampled five different kinds of Printen, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Known as the champagne of cookies, Printen holds a distinctive status; similar gingerbread cookies made outside of Aachen cannot bear its name.
Historically considered the original energy bar, Printen was crafted without eggs or milk, allowing it to resist spoilage and be easily packed for long journeys. Modern-day Printen now comes in an assortment of flavors and is dipped in different types of chocolate, appealing to a wider range of taste preferences.
Combined with excellent coffee, it made for one of those relaxing afternoon breaks that we always look forward to while traveling through Germany.
A Shawarma We Couldn’t Resist
As we explored Aachen’s Old Town, one restaurant kept catching our eye.
Every time we walked past AKL Lebanese Cuisine, it was packed with people, and the aroma drifting out the door made it impossible to ignore.
Eventually, curiosity got the better of us.
Even though we already had dinner reservations later that evening, we decided to split a chicken shawarma sandwich—and we’re so glad we did.
The chicken was perfectly seasoned, incredibly juicy, and wrapped in warm, soft bread with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. It was one of those simple meals that completely exceeds your expectations.
Now we understand why the restaurant always had a line.
Dinner at Aachen’s Oldest Restaurant
For dinner, we had reservations at Am Knipp, proudly recognized as the oldest restaurant in Aachen.
Although we weren’t especially hungry after our shawarma stop, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to experience one of the city’s most historic restaurants.
We began with a sizzling plate of escargot swimming in rich garlic butter, served with plenty of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop. It was an outstanding start to the meal.
For our main course, we shared a schnitzel topped with a creamy mushroom gravy and served alongside crispy fried potatoes; we weren’t super hungry from our earlier snack, so they were sweet enough to serve it to us on separate plates, making this plate essentially half an order. Even though we were already fairly full, every bite was filling and delicious.
If you’re looking for a traditional German restaurant with centuries of history and excellent food, Am Knipp is well worth adding to your Aachen itinerary.
Finding Our Favorite Printen
Earlier that day, we also stopped by Klein Printen, where friendly staff were handing out generous samples.
After tasting several varieties, we immediately fell in love with their original Printen.
Unlike some of the sweeter versions we’d tried elsewhere, these were packed with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and anise, giving them a rich, complex flavor that felt much more traditional.
Needless to say, we didn’t leave empty-handed.
We received a helpful tip from the lovely lady at Klein Printen: when you first open the printen, they are quite hard, and while they can be enjoyed in that state, leaving the package open will allow them to soften over time. We can attest that they indeed become softer. We’ve heard numerous complaints about printens being rock hard, but now we understand the secret.
The Perfect Breakfast to End Our Visit
Before leaving Aachen the following morning, we made one final food stop at MOSS Bakery, which we’d heard served the city’s best Streuselbrötchen.
We’ve eaten plenty of Streuselbrötchen throughout Germany, so our expectations were already fairly high.
This one somehow exceeded them.
It was wonderfully soft, incredibly moist, generously topped with buttery streusel, and just the right amount of sweetness. Even now, it’s one of those pastries we still find ourselves talking about—and wishing we could have again.
We also sampled a Streuselbrötchen and Printen at Nobis Bakery in Munsterplatz. Although this bakery is indeed remarkable, the Streuselbrötchen did not quite reach the level of moisture and delight we had experienced at Moss Bakery. Also, we found the Printen to be a touch sweeter and crunchier compared to those we savored at Klein Printen, yet there is an enticing array of baked goods waiting to be explored.
The view from the outdoor seating area is breathtaking, and the upstairs terrace offers an extraordinary panorama. When you find yourself in Aachen, a visit to Nobis is a must!
Aachen Is a Fantastic Food Destination
While Aachen is best known for its cathedral, Charlemagne, and medieval history, we left equally impressed by its food scene.
From authentic handmade dumplings and traditional Rhineland Sauerbraten, Schnitzel to legendary Printen, regional pastries, Lebanese shawarma, and one unforgettable Streuselbrötchen, every meal added something special to our visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Aachen, don’t just come for the history. Come hungry.
Visit the Three-Country Point (Dreiländerpunkt)
Just a short drive of about 20 minutes from Aachen’s city center, you can stand at the Three-Country Point (Dreiländerpunkt), located in the Netherlands, where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet.
It’s a fun stop to snap a photo with the three national flags and literally stand in three countries at once. There’s also a small café, restaurant, and even a labyrinth to explore.
One of the highlights is climbing the Wilhelmina Tower, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views across all three countries. You can take either the stairs or the elevator to the top, but you’ll need to purchase a token from the restaurant before entering. If you have a little extra time, this makes a fun and unique side trip from Aachen that’s well worth the visit.
Our Recommended Hotel to Stay in Aachen
If you’re looking for a central, affordable hotel in Aachen, Motel One Aachen is well worth considering. We’d seen Motel One properties scattered across Germany on our travels but had never taken the plunge — and we’re glad we finally did.
The location is excellent. The hotel sits within easy walking distance of Aachen’s Altstadt (Old Town), meaning the cathedral, the Münsterplatz, and the city’s best restaurants and cafés are all just a short stroll away — a big plus when you’re trying to make the most of your time exploring.
The rooms are compact but thoughtfully designed — modern,clean, and equipped with air conditioning, which is more of a bonus than you might expect in a European hotel. Motel One’s signature style leans into sleek, contemporary design without the inflated price tag, and Aachen is no exception. For the quality and location, the value is hard to beat.
If you’re planning a trip to Aachen and want a reliable, well-located base without breaking the budget, Motel One Aachen earns a confident recommendation from us — we’d absolutely stay here again.
Tip: Motel One hotels across Germany follow the same reliable formula — stylish, affordable, and consistently clean — so if you spot one in another German city on your itinerary, it’s a safe bet.
Is Aachen Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. In fact, we’d go one step further and say it’s one of Germany’s most underrated cities.
It offers world-class history, UNESCO-worthy architecture, outstanding food, fascinating archaeology, and a vibrant atmosphere—all without the overwhelming crowds found in many of Germany’s better-known destinations.
It’s also incredibly convenient to visit, whether you’re exploring western Germany or taking a train ride from Frankfurt am Main as part of a larger itinerary.
After spending time here, we left wondering why more international visitors don’t include Aachen on their Germany bucket list.
If you’d like to experience Aachen with us, including the incredible cathedral, hidden streets, delicious local food, and fascinating stories that make this city so special, be sure to watch our full YouTube video.
Final Thoughts
Some destinations live up to expectations, while others quietly exceed them, and Aachen undoubtedly falls into the latter category.
It isn’t flashy. It doesn’t rely on over-the-top tourist attractions or manufactured experiences. Instead, it tells the story of Europe through its streets, churches, squares, and people.
If you enjoy history, beautiful architecture, authentic German cities, and discovering places before they become overcrowded with tourists, Aachen deserves your attention.
We certainly didn’t expect to love Aachen as much as we did—but we’re already looking forward to returning.
Although we spent two wonderful nights in Aachen, it still wasn’t enough time to experience everything this remarkable city has to offer. We missed exploring several fascinating museums, including the Cathedral Treasury, Centre Charlemagne, Couven Museum and the International Newspaper Museum. We also ran out of time to relax in Aachen’s famous thermal spas and hike up Lousberg Hill for its panoramic views over the city.
One stop we were especially disappointed to miss was the whimsical Lady and the Devil statue on Lousberg. The sculpture depicts a legend about a clever market woman who outwitted the devil.
In a humorous twist, an anonymous student once sawed off the devil’s thumb to make the statue match the local legend about the Aachen Cathedral. It’s quirky stories like this that make us want to return and continue exploring everything Aachen has to offer.
This only reinforces our desire to return, perhaps to experience the magical charm of the Christmas market.
Explore More of Germany with Us
Aachen is just the beginning — Germany is packed with incredible cities waiting to be discovered, and we’re covering them all. If this guide has inspired you to dig deeper into German history and culture, be sure to check out our other Germany travel guides. Our newest additions include:
- Mainz — a stunning Rhine city with a remarkably well-preserved old town and a cathedral to rival any in the country
- Koblenz — dramatically positioned at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers
- Ulm — home to the world’s tallest Gothic church steeple and a charming medieval quarter
Whether you’re planning a grand European road trip or a focused German adventure, our guides are designed to help you travel smarter and see more.
Our Exact Aachen Itinerary
Arrival Evening: Dinner & Stroll Through Old Town
Check-In: Drop your bags at Motel One Aachen and head straight into the Altstadt (Old Town).
Dinner: Kick off your trip at Wei & Wei for a cozy dinner of fresh, authentic handmade Chinese dumplings—the perfect introduction to Aachen’s vibrant, university-driven international food scene. This is a bit outside of the city center but worth the walk.
Nighttime Stroll: After dinner, walk over to the Market Square to take in the spectacular view of the illuminated Gothic Town Hall and the historic facade of the Löwenstein Haus. Wander through the quiet, atmospheric cobblestone alleys of the old town under the streetlights before heading in for the night.
Day 1: The Ultimate History & Food Marathon
Morning: Head straight to Aachen Cathedral right when it opens to beat the crowds. Explore the magnificent octagonal chapel, then walk through the stunning Münsterplatz to see the active 2026 archaeological excavations.
Late Morning (Get Lost in the Old Town & Fountains): Right after the cathedral, leave the map behind for a couple of hours. Slow down and wander through the narrow side streets, pop into small local boutiques, and track down Aachen’s interactive fountains. Don’t miss the playful, moveable joints of the Puppenbrunnen (Puppet Fountain), the whimsical figures around the Kreislauf des Geldes (Money Cycle Fountain), and the classic Fischpuzzelchen (Fish Market Fountain).
Lunch: Head over to Wirtshaus Hühnerdieb for an incredible lunch featuring traditional Rhineland Sauerbraten, served with tender potato dumplings and a rich, sweet-and-tangy raisin gravy.
Early Afternoon: Follow the Charlemagne Route markers to burn off lunch. Take in the grand Rathaus (Town Hall) and the ancient Granusturm on the Market Square, then wander down Pontstraße all the way to the massive medieval Ponttor gate.
Late Afternoon (Kaffee und Kuchen): Rest your feet at Café Van Daele for a cup of excellent coffee and a slice of traditional Reisfladen (creamy regional rice tart). Afterward, pop into Klein Printen to grab a bag of authentic spiced Aachener Printen to take home.
The Pre-Dinner Snack: Passing by AKL Lebanese Cuisine, the incredible aroma will be impossible to ignore. Grab a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken shawarma sandwich to split as a late-afternoon snack.
Dinner: Head to your evening reservations at Am Knipp, Aachen’s oldest restaurant. Start with the sizzling escargot in garlic butter and enjoy a classic Schnitzel with mushroom gravy.
Nightcap: End the night with drinks out on the terrace at Markt 22, enjoying a fantastic view of the illuminated Market Square and Town Hall as the city winds down.
Day 2: Thermal Springs, Roman Ruins & 3 Countries
Breakfast: Before heading out, make a final food stop at MOSS Bakery for a legendary Streuselbrötchen—wonderfully soft, moist, and generously topped with buttery streusel.
Mid-Morning: Take a leisurely walk to the neoclassical Elisenbrunnen pavilion to experience the mesmerizing, 50°C natural sulfur springs. Just behind it, in the Elisengarten, enjoy a quick 15-minute stroll through the Archaeological Window, where you can glimpse the well-preserved ancient Roman foundations.
Note: You may also choose to explore this section upon your arrival in Aachen, depending on your schedule. Feeling a bit hungry when we arrived, we decided to head straight to dinner.
Afternoon (The Three-Country Border): Take a quick 20-minute drive or bus ride out to the Dreiländerpunkt. Climb the Wilhelmina Tower for panoramic views, navigate the labyrinth, and snap a fun photo standing in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands all at the exact same time before heading home!
The Final Verdict: As you can see, we packed an absolute marathon of incredible eating into our two days! Because we spent so much time indulging in Aachen’s phenomenal food scene, we naturally missed out on a few iconic sights.
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