Aachen is a city rich in history, famous worldwide as the center of Charlemagne’s empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located conveniently at the three-country border of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, it combines ancient majesty with the vibrant energy of a modern university town. If you are looking for culture, cuisine, and unique charm, Aachen is the perfect destination for your next trip.
So if you are looking for an updated list of attractions in Aachen, places to eat and fun things to do, look no further!
May we introduce ourselves?
We are POHA House. We offer effortless living right in the heart of Aachen and, more importantly, we offer a community experience managed by our Community Management (CM) team, who are local experts and seasoned professionals, forming the true, knowledgeable heart of POHA House.
Here are our top recommendations of what to do in Aachen:
Lets start the tour in the city centre.
It goes without saying that the best way to start is by soaking up the city’s atmosphere on foot. So we decided to start the list with the best recommendation: walk around the city.
Our suggestion? Start from the Theatre and slowly move towards Elisenbrunnen and then the city centre. Don’t worry, the city is very easy to walk around, with beautiful architecture and great photo spots.
Love walking tours? Check out the Aachen Tourist Centre
You can find all kinds of tours in English and German for all types of budgets!
Enjoy a Show at Theater Aachen
The Theatre opened in 1825, this is the centre for all theatre and opera productions in the city. The historical building, reconstructed after being completely destroyed during the War, has a beautiful facade that already attracts a lot of tourists to its doors but, of course, the magic happens inside. If you want to book tickets to a play, click here.
The magnificent Theater Aachen, a beautiful historical landmark, is the city’s main stage for culture. It is home to the Sinfonieorchester Aachen and features a rich schedule of opera, ballet, drama, and concerts.
Located right where your city tour begins, it offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy a high-quality performing arts experience during your visit.
Check their program and add a touch of world-class culture to your trip!
The Aachen Cathedral:
A beautiful Palatine chapel built between 790–800 under the Emperor Charlemagne and UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Elisenbrunnen and Elisengarten:
Consisting of an open lobby and two pavilions, is known for its thermal water and definitely one of Aachen’s iconic views. Right behind the Elisenbrunnen is the Elisengarten, one of the local’s favourite hangout spots in warm summer days in which you might even be lucky enough to see a live piano player!
Aachener Rathaus:
The City Hall in Aachen sits in Charlemagne’s favourite palace, built in the year 789 and it is a must-visit spot in terms of architecture and history. You can simply take pictures from the impressive fassade or have a tour inside
Museum Centre Charlemagne.
Located right between the Cathedral and the Rathaus, this museum is the perfect place to learn about Aachens history and Charlemagne’s influence in the city with fun workshops you can join and even a cafe inside.
Suermont-Ludwig- Museum.
Voted as the number one recommendation of museums to visit in Aachen in Tripadvisor, this museum showcases art pieces that go from paintings to sculptures and even an Egyptian mummy! If this is your type of exhibition then you definitely won’t want to miss it.
Trying Aachener Printen is a must.
First of all: What are Printen? A delicious treat originally from Aachen. These are similar to gingerbread cookies that you can find all around the city, however if you want our recommendation we would definitely say go to Nobis.
They are known for their printen, but they also offer a varied selection of pastries, cakes and baked goods that are to die for! With a location right in front of the Aachen Cathedral it makes it the perfect spot to try a traditional Aachener delicacy while enjoying a great view of the old town.
Christmas time in Aachen is magical!
If you are planning your trip during Christmas, the Christmas Market in Aachen will not disappoint. Considered one of the most beautiful ones in Europe, this market goes around the Cathedral and the Rathaus, you will find yourself immersed in a real winter wonderland, enjoy a glass of gluhwein, some traditional christmas treats and an overall magical experience.
Our favourite food spots.
There’s nothing better after a long day of sightseeing than a tasty dinner and thankfully Aachen does not disappoint with the amount of options you can find around the city centre area.
In the mood for brunch?
Aachen’s city centre is full of beautiful cafes and restaurants that offer different options for every palate! If you ask us for our favourite, right next to Elisenbrunnen you will find Leni Liebt Kaffe. Perfect to enjoy a beautiful summer day with an iced coffee and a nice brunch or a hot coffee on a winter day while staying in the heart of the city. Definitely worth a visit.
Our favs?
Wei Wei dumplings, a restaurant with homemade dumplings and other asian dishes that are simply unreal! It offers vegan and vegetarian options which make it versatile and a fun dinner experience overall.
Pro tip: If you are staying at POHA House you get an extra 10% discount!
Restaurant Luna, sitting right by the Theatre, this restaurant offers Mediterranean dishes with a Croatian accent that will not disappoint.
AKL Libanesisches Restaurant, a recommendation from one of our coworkers, this place is the definition of good food for a good price, with lots of meat and vegetarian options, if you are up for some Lebanese food, this is your spot.
Im „Goldenen Einhorn“: Taste History by the Cathedral
For an authentic German dining experience, you must visit Im „Goldenen Einhorn“ (At the „Golden Unicorn“) right near the Aachen Cathedral. This restaurant is conveniently located centrally on the Markt, it offers delicious traditional German cuisine in one of Aachen’s most historic and visually charming settings.
First recorded in 1349, this is the oldest known inn in Aachen, once stabling the city’s horses and later serving important figures. The building features a beautiful, classicist facade, rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1656 by renowned city architect Laurenz Mefferdatis.
It’s the ideal spot to refuel with a memorable meal after exploring the old town!
Ratskeller Aachen
For a dining experience steeped in history, look no further than Der Postwagen Zum Ratskeller. This rustic inn is uniquely integrated into the protected architecture of the Aachen City Hall (Rathaus), placing it right in the heart of the historic Old Town on the Market Square. Its standout feature is a generous terrace that offers an unobstructed view of the majestic Aachen Cathedral (Dom) on the Katschhof, it’s a truly unique setting where every guest can feel a little bit like Charlemagne himself.
Other great places to try!
Aachen is a multicultural city full of colours and history so of course here are some extra recommendations for the curious and hungry visitors:
Leonidas Chocolates: Delicious Belgian Chocolates and pralines.
Baristinho: A lovely option for coffee, breakfast, light meals and cakes in an original vintage atmosphere.
Nela’s Coffee & Kitchen:You can find an exquisite selection of specialty coffee and tea with mouthwatering breakfast options.
Pontstraße : If you are looking for a café to wind down or a bar to have a fun time, Pontstraße offers a large selection of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, where lively nightlife is always part of the menu!
The perfect spot to recharge.
For a relaxing retreat after a long day of sightseeing, the Carolus Thermen is Aachen’s essential wellness destination. This modern spa complex celebrates the city’s 2,000-year history of thermal bathing, using natural, mineral-rich water from the famous Rosenquelle spring. You can unwind in a variety of indoor and outdoor thermal pools, hot tubs, and a dedicated Sauna World, offering the perfect opportunity to soothe tired muscles and recharge your energy before the next day’s adventures.
Are you into nature and outdoor activities?
Aachen is surrounded by beautiful forests in which you can find hiking and cycling trails, fun parks and activities as well as the famous ‘Dreiländereck’, the point where the German, Dutch and Belgian borders collide! Learn more about these activities here. Aachen’s Outdoor Hidden Gems
Where to stay?
Need a place to stay during your visit? Look no further than POHA House Büchel. Located right in the heart of Aachen, this option provides modern, comfortable flats perfect for any trip length. Whether you’re here for a weekend sightseeing spree or an extended stay of up to six months, POHA House offers flexible and stylish accommodation, putting you steps away from all the key attractions and dining spots.
Staying more than six months?
POHA House Theaterplatz is the place to be. With different types of flats that accommodate every need, this location is also right in the heart of the city, perfect for long-term residents.
No matter which POHA House location you choose, you’re guaranteed a seamless and comfortable experience, making it the perfect home base for exploring everything Aachen has to offer.
Aachen is where history meets modern comfort and great flavor. We hope this guide inspires you to explore all the magic this unique city has to offer. Enjoy every moment of your Aachen adventure!