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.
Book with confidence
Things to do in Aachen
Shopping
Aachen boasts the charming Aachen City Centre, where you can find a variety of shops, cafés, and boutiques. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Gelsenkirchen's Einkaufszentrum, offering a vast selection of stores and modern amenities for a delightful shopping spree.
Recreation
Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen offers a tranquil retreat with soothing thermal baths and rejuvenating body treatments, perfect for relaxation. For an active experience, CHIO Aachen provides an exhilarating atmosphere with equestrian sports events. Meanwhile, the charming Theatre Aachen showcases captivating performances that celebrate culture and entertainment.
Adventure
Eifelsteig is a stunning hiking trail in the Aachen area, offering breathtaking scenery and an exhilarating outdoor experience. As you traverse the path, immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, with lush landscapes and adventure vibes that beckon exploration and discovery at every turn.
Nightlife
Aachen's nightlife offers vibrant experiences, from the lively atmosphere of Café Blum to the energetic dance floors at Club Vaudeville. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy a drink at the charming Nizza Bar, where you can unwind and mingle with locals.
Find the best attractions in Aachen
Aachen offers a delightful blend of adventure and culture for tourists. Key attractions include the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, the Aachener Domschatzkammer, and the historic Town Hall. The city's rich history is complemented by its iconic gate arches, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're exploring cultural landmarks or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, Aachen promises a memorable experience for every visitor.
Aachen Cathedral: A masterpiece of Carolingian architecture, Aachen Cathedral is renowned for its stunning octagonal dome and intricate mosaics. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Holy Roman Empire, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
RWTH Aachen University: One of Germany's leading technical universities, RWTH Aachen boasts a vibrant campus filled with historic buildings and modern innovations. The university's commitment to research and education creates a lively atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in academic culture.
Aachen Town Hall: A symbol of medieval power, Aachen Town Hall features impressive Gothic architecture and a grand interior. Explore its richly decorated rooms and learn about the city’s political history, all while enjoying the charming surroundings of the Old Town.
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 to Aachen during the low season (January to March) for more affordable options.
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.