Aachen travel guide
must see sights
take a look at Aachen's special places
The Aachen Cathedral
Price per person:
- Cathedral entry: Free
- Guided tour: about €7 per adult
- Treasury Museum: about €7 per adult
Better alone or in a group?
Visiting alone or in a small group is great if you enjoy taking your time and soaking in the atmosphere and architecture. If you want to learn more of the history behind everything you’re seeing, a guided tour works really well — especially with a group.
Opening times:
- Cathedral: usually 11:00–18:00 (slightly different on weekends)
- Treasury Museum: generally 10:00–18:00
Why it’s a must-see:
For me, the Aachen Cathedral feels like one of those places you have to experience at least once. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, the burial place of Charlemagne, and one of the most significant medieval buildings in Europe. The mix of 8th-century architecture and later Gothic additions is fascinating. The inside is absolutely stunning, and the Treasury has some truly impressive historical pieces.
Aachen Christmas Market
Price per person:
Free entry
Better alone or in a group?
It’s definitely more fun with a group — sharing mulled wine, trying different foods, and enjoying the festive atmosphere together. But it’s also really nice on your own if you prefer wandering around quietly and taking everything in at your own pace.
Opening times (example for 2025):
- Usually runs from late November until 23 December
- General hours: 11:00–21:00 (may vary slightly depending on the day)
Why it’s a must-see:
The market is set around the cathedral and the town hall, which makes the whole atmosphere feel extra magical. With over 100 stalls, lots of lights, great food (including the famous Aachener Printen), handmade gifts, and that cozy Christmas feeling, it’s one of Germany’s most charming Christmas markets. The historic old town really adds to the experience.
nature
see Aachen's beautiful landscapes
Lousberg
Price per person:
Free
Better alone or in a group?
Both options are great. Going alone is perfect if you want a quiet walk and time to enjoy the view over the city. With a group, it’s ideal for a relaxed outing, picnics, or just hanging out in nature.
Opening times:
Always open (it’s a public hill).
Why it’s a must-see:
Lousberg offers one of the best panoramic views of Aachen. You can see the cathedral, the old town, the valleys, and on clear days even parts of the Eifel mountains. It’s peaceful, scenic, and great for photos, sunsets, or simply unwinding in nature.
food / drinks
try the most delicous regional food and drinks
Reibekuchen
Dönerteller
Kakao
Printen
Glühwein
action / sport
have fun while being active
Ice Rink
Price per person:
- Ice skating entry: around €7.50
- Skate rental: around €5
- Group rates (10+ people): discounted
- Family ticket available
Better alone or in a group?
It’s definitely more fun with friends or family — skating, laughing, and maybe even falling together. But it’s also really enjoyable on your own if you like skating or just want an active break during the day.
Opening times (typical season):
- Tue & Thu: 09:00–17:00
- Wed: 09:00–22:00
- Fri: 09:00–17:45
- Sat: 10:00–22:00
- Sun: 10:00–17:45
- Mon: Closed
Why it’s a must-see:
It’s a great place to go ice skating, especially in the colder months. Fun, energetic, and a nice change from sightseeing. They also run events like ice discos and sometimes even sports matches, which makes the atmosphere even better.
shopping
shop clothes, decoration and see the huge selection
Aquis Plaza
Price per person:
Free entry
Better alone or in a group?
Both work really well. Going alone is great if you want to grab a coffee, browse shops, or just wander at your own pace. With a group, it’s fun for a shopping spree or hanging out in the food court together.
Opening times:
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00–20:00
- Closed on Sundays
Why it’s a must-see:
Aquis Plaza is Aachen’s biggest and most modern shopping center, with around 130 shops and a nice food court. It’s perfect if the weather isn’t great, or if you just need a break for shopping, a quick meal, or some indoor comfort during your visit.
The opinion of the Spanish students :)
We found Aachen Cathedral amazing, both inside and out. The same goes for the food, which you can try, and the activities you can do, such as ice skating or shopping at Aquis Plaza. And of course, we must mention nature, which stands out in every corner of Germany.
The opinion of the German students :)
Of course, we know every corner of Aachen, but it was another great experience with the exchange students. Although we live here, we believe that many students and teachers learned something new.
