The historic heart of Aachen centers around its magnificent UNESCO-listed cathedral, a masterpiece of Carolingian architecture dating back to Charlemagne's era. Medieval streets wind through the pedestrian-friendly district, leading to treasures like the Gothic Town Hall and bubbling Elisenbrunnen thermal springs. This walkable area balances rich history with vibrant university life. Visitors can sample traditional printen cookies in cosy cafés or browse boutiques in cobblestone squares. With excellent train connections and cultural landmarks at every turn, Aachen-Mitte offers an authentic German experience.
Laurensberg offers a peaceful suburban retreat just outside Aachen's bustling centre. Sports enthusiasts can catch events at CHIO Stadium or New Tivoli Stadium. This residential area provides direct access to Aachen Forest's hiking trails and cycling paths. The area sits conveniently near RWTH Aachen University and its medical campus. Clean, tree-lined streets create a tranquil atmosphere rarely found city centre. Though dining options are limited, the genuine glimpse into suburban German living makes Laurensberg worth exploring.
Brand offers a peaceful suburban retreat from bustling Aachen while keeping the city's attractions within easy reach. This quiet residential area sits adjacent to the Aachener Wald forest, perfect for nature walks and outdoor recreation. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and well-maintained gardens create a leafy, tranquil atmosphere. The area provides more affordable accommodation options than central Aachen, with guesthouses and family-run pensions. Regular bus service connects to city centre in just 15-20 minutes. While dining and shopping options are limited locally, Brand's proximity to both forest trails and city amenities offers a balanced German suburban experience.
Frankenberg Quarter takes you back in time through Aachen's medieval history. The iconic 13th-century Frankenberg Castle dominates this charming area with its imposing stone walls and weathered towers. Cobblestone streets wind past traditional half-timbered houses where daily German life continues largely unchanged by tourism. Castle grounds offer peaceful gardens perfect for contemplative walks amid historical surroundings. The quarter maintains an authentic residential character with limited dining and shopping options that close early evenings. This quiet district provides a genuine glimpse into Aachen's past while remaining within reach of the city's major attractions.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Aachen
Aachen Cathedral
9.2/10 (778 reviews)
Aachen Cathedral blends Carolingian and Gothic styles around Charlemagne's golden shrine. Join the daily English tour at 2:00 PM to appreciate its medieval mosaics and architectural brilliance.
Aachen Town Hall
8.8/10 (253 reviews)
This magnificent Gothic town hall stands on Charlemagne's palace ruins, witnessing centuries of royal coronations. Explore the impressive Coronation Hall with its historic murals depicting the emperor's life.
CHIO Aachen
9.0/10 (6 reviews)
This world-class equestrian venue hosts the prestigious CHIO Aachen, drawing 40,000 spectators to witness elite show jumping and dressage. Book tickets early for summer events for optimal viewing.
Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen
8.8/10 (131 reviews)
Soak in healing thermal waters at Carolus Thermen, Aachen's premier wellness retreat. Fifteen distinct saunas and outdoor mineral pools offer a rejuvenating escape from everyday life.
RWTH Aachen University
8.2/10 (203 reviews)
RWTH Aachen University blends historic buildings with cutting-edge research facilities across its campus. Explore the iconic SuperC building for panoramic city views or attend one of the university's public lectures.
Hauptstadion
8.2/10 (54 reviews)
This world-class equestrian venue hosts the prestigious CHIO Aachen, drawing elite riders and thousands of spectators. Experience thrilling competitions in a vibrant atmosphere of sporting excellence.
New Tivoli Stadium
8.6/10 (21 reviews)
Experience the electric atmosphere of New Tivoli, home to Alemannia Aachen football club with capacity for nearly 33,000 fans. Evening matches showcase the stadium at its vibrant best.
Ponttor
8.6/10 (62 reviews)
This imposing 14th-century medieval gate once guarded Aachen's city entrance with twin towers and robust archway. Explore the Pontviertel district's charming cafés after viewing the illuminated structure at dusk.
"This hotel is wonderful. People who work there make you feel at home.
And the bed with its bedding gives you the experience of sleeping on the clouds.
Thank you very much!"
"A good location for site seeing or getting out of town. Place is clean inside but general streets around are not clean. Good buffet breakfast and underground parking is handy. Area can get noisy at night if you leave windows open otherwise it is quiet."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a holiday to Aachen costs! Our packages simplify travel planning and maximise your savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to Aachen?
January, February and April are the best times to search for cheap Aachen holiday packages. Opting to travel in less busy months means you can generally find lower prices on flights and hotels.
How many days is enough for Aachen?
Dedicate around 2 days for your Aachen holiday to take in everything that makes this place unique. Wander around key areas, including Aachen-Mitte and Laurensberg. Then check out top sights like Katschhof and Suermondt Ludwig Museum. With a well-planned itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some relaxation too. Want to travel outside of Aachen? Consider squeezing in an excursion or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Aachen?
Aachen has all the ingredients you need for the perfect break — history, views and family-friendly attractions are just the start. Whether you'd like to visit sights like CHIO Stadium and Aachener Soers Equitation Stadium, or take the path less traveled, there's plenty to do on your Aachen holiday.
How to find the best Aachen package deals?
Finding a cheap Aachen package deal is a cinch with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and preferred dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, apply a couple of filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most economical Aachen package deals. Want a simple trick to score even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book an Aachen holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Aachen retreat by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to see some great hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a neat package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Aachen?
If you're planning a spur-of-the-moment Aachen adventure, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can land terrific deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Aachen?
Pick the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to travel to Aachen.
Budget wisely: As well as the price of your hotel, you should consider other expenses. These include flights, transportation and food. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that could crop up during your trip to Aachen.
Work out your trip length: Think about how much time you want to spend exploring Aachen. Plan your days so you can get to all the activities and attractions you're interested in at a leisurely pace.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your hotels, car rental, flights and more into a customised Aachen holiday package.
Aachen offers a delightful blend of adventure and culture for visitors. Engage in a city tour to discover its rich history, or partake in exciting excursions that showcase the local charm. Consider a train tour of Aachen for a unique perspective, and explore activities in nearby Mönchengladbach. With options for motor racing and body treatments, there's something for everyone seeking an outdoor getaway in this vibrant city.
Shopping
Aachen offers a delightful shopping experience with the charming Elisenbrunnen and the bustling Aachen Christmas Market, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Designer Outlet Roermond, around 48.3km away, which features a wide selection of outlet stores and brands.
Recreation
At Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen, indulge in soothing thermal baths and rejuvenating wellness treatments, enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere. For an active day, the New Tivoli Stadium offers exhilarating sports events, while Theater Aachen provides a captivating mix of culture and entertainment for a delightful evening out.
Adventure
The Eifelsteig hiking trail near Aachen offers breathtaking outdoor scenery and a thrilling adventure experience. As you traverse its scenic paths, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant nature, making it an ideal spot for both hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Nightlife
Aachen's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Visit Club M in the city centre for pulsating dance beats, or relax at Café Blum for a laid-back atmosphere with delightful pastries. For live music, check out the Musikbunker, where local bands often perform in an eclectic setting.
Find the best attractions in Aachen
Aachen, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is an ideal destination for adventure and cultural exploration. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Aachen Cathedral, delve into history at the Aachener Domschatzkammer, and appreciate the city's historic civic buildings and gate arches. This vibrant city offers a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences, making it perfect for those seeking enriching tourist attractions and sights.
Aachen Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning cathedral showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Carolingian, Gothic, and Baroque. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and the Palatine Chapel, which houses the tomb of Charlemagne, offering a unique glimpse into history and culture.
RWTH Aachen University: Renowned for its engineering and technical programmes, this historic university features impressive architecture and a vibrant academic atmosphere. Explore its beautiful campus, where innovation and tradition coalesce, and enjoy the rich cultural events hosted throughout the year.
Suermondt Ludwig Museum: An art lover's haven, this museum boasts a remarkable collection of European artworks, including pieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Experience the diverse exhibitions and engaging cultural programmes that bring art to life in a charming setting.
Best time to go to Aachen
The best time to visit Aachen can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Aachen falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature in Aachen falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Aachen
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Aachen.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to March) for more affordable package holidays to Aachen.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.