Aachen Cathedral
The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany and Charlemagne's imperial chapel. Entry to the cathedral is free, though the treasury charges a small fee.
City in Germany
Aachen
4 things to see
Aachen is Charlemagne’s ancient capital and a rewarding budget stop, sitting where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet. The UNESCO cathedral is free to enter, the old town and market square cost nothing to wander, and thermal fountains are scattered around the center. Its tri-border position makes it an easy add-on to a Cologne visit, and quieter shoulder months keep both crowds and accommodation prices down.
What to see
Things to do in Aachen
What each one costs, where the cost is known.
Aachen Rathaus
The 14th-century town hall built on the ruins of Charlemagne's palace, overlooking the market square. The exterior and square are free to explore, with a modest fee for the interior halls.
Elisenbrunnen
A neoclassical pavilion where you can drink (or smell) Aachen's famous thermal water for free. The warm sulphur springs have drawn visitors since Roman times.
Ponttor
One of the best-preserved medieval city gates in the Rhineland, part of Aachen's old fortification ring. Completely free to visit and photograph from the outside.
Filter every place by type, country and price.
Browse all places