Aachen
Western Europe · Germany
Did you know?
- Charlemagne used the city as his preferred residence from 800 to 814 AD.
- The city is legally a spa but declines the usual Bad prefix.
- Pontstraße is a student hangout lined with restaurants and bars.
See also
Simpelveld
Netherlands50.83°N 5.98°E · 138 m
Gulpen
Netherlands50.82°N 5.88°E
Overview
Aachen combines Charlemagne's cathedral, thermal springs and the energy of a university city. Its position beside Belgium and the Netherlands adds a cross-border dimension to a visit.
Languages: German
Why go?
Aachen is a historically important city, spa and university centre in North Rhine-Westphalia, situated at the 'three lands corner' where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet. It is known for its medieval significance, the impressive cathedral of Charlemagne, thermal springs, and a large student population making it a multi-cultural tourist destination.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Aachen was the preferred residence of Charlemagne from 800 to 814 AD. It is a legally recognised spa, but refuses to call itself Bad Aachen. The city lies at the borders of Germany with Belgium and the Netherlands, forming the Euregio Maas-Rhein.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Aachen Hauptbahnhof is the main train station with connections to major cities. Bus line 350 from Maastricht serves Aachen every 15 minutes. Flixbus operates coaches from Henricistraße, and Sindbad offers services to Poland and Ukraine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are mild and pleasant. Winter brings the famous Christmas market (late November to 23 December). In February/March, Carnival turns the city into a party. Summer can be hot; the outdoor pool Hangeweiher opens from May to mid-September.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The old town is best explored on foot, with orientation signs around. The city is fairly large, so for longer distances, buses are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Aachen offers many activities: visit the Lousberg hill for views, enjoy the Christmas market from late November, relax at Carolus Thermen spa, or attend annual events like Carnival in spring and the CHIO equestrian championship in summer.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Learn
Aachen is home to RWTH Aachen University, strong in mechanical engineering. The International Summer Course in September is open to students with A1 German level.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Aachen offers diverse cuisines from traditional German to exotic, with relatively cheap prices compared to other German cities. The Pontstraße is a student hangout with many restaurants and bars. A local custom: drinks are ordered at the table, not at the bar, and tipping 5-10% is expected.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Aachen has hostels like Hostel Aachen and Jugendherberge, and budget hotels like Hotel Granus in the city centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Aachen is one of Germany's safer cities, but pickpockets can be a problem near the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof) and the bus station (Bushof) due to junkies. Some neighborhoods south of the city center can be sketchy. Drug trafficking exists but won't affect tourists.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations include Dreiländereck (three-country border), Cologne (less than an hour by train), Maastricht, Monschau, and the Eifel National Park.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Babylon
"The Kebab Cube" if you have only EUR
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bacchus
Great Greek restaurant with a wide variety of dishes. Absolutely recommendable gyros and grill dishes
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Café & Bistro Anvers
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Carlos I
This Spanish restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine like Tapas, the perfect food for sharing, Paella, etc., at medium prices
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Curry-Palast
German cuisine
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Damascus Gate Restaurant
Syrian cuisine
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Del Negro
Best ice cream in town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Estado Steakhaus
Great steakhouse with a salad bar and wide variety of dishes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi in many cafes. SIM cards available at Telekom or Vodafone.
Culture
Tipping 5-10% is customary. Order your drinks and pay with the coaster system.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink. Emergency number 112.
Language
German is the main language; English is widely understood, especially among students.
Local transport
ASEAG buses cover the city; single ticket ~€2.80. Day tickets available. The center is walkable.
Money
Currency is Euro (€). Tipping 5-10% by rounding up is customary.
Safety
Generally safe, but watch for pickpockets near Hauptbahnhof and Bushof.
Transport
Aachen Hauptbahnhof is the main rail hub. Bus line 350 connects to Maastricht.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Weather
Cool temperate climate. Summer average ~23°C, winter ~6°C. Rain likely year-round.