Emperor Charlemagne was a big deal.
This medieval ruler was King of the Franks, King of the Lombards and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, and many consider him the “Father of Europe” for unifying the continent and laying the foundations for the Holy Roman Empire.
Aachen is Charlemagne’s city, famous for its cathedral, his final resting place and an important pilgrimage site. In my three decades of poking around European churches, Aachen Cathedral is one of my favourites and unlike any other I’ve visited.
This spa city in Western Germany has enough attractions to fill 24 hours and is worth an overnight stop. Here are the best things to do in one day in Aachen.
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Suggested 1-Day Aachen Itinerary
Your day in Aachen starts at the Rathaus and finishes with a relaxing soak in a thermal bath. This is how the itinerary shapes up:
As with any city itinerary, adjust it to your tastes and energy levels. The must-see sights are the Cathedral, Treasury and Rathaus.
Aachen is a walkable city and the best way to explore it is on foot.
1. Tour the Rathaus
History buffs should not miss visiting Aachen Rathaus (Aachen City Hall).
Standing on the site of Charlemagne’s former palace, it was built between 1330 and 1349 and was designed to serve as both a symbol of civic pride and a functional space for municipal administration.
It is famous for its Coronation Hall, or Krönungssaal, used for the coronation banquets of German kings and emperors from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Five of the original eight Charlemagne Frescoes decorate walls, regarded as the most important series of romantic historical scenes painted in the 19th century.
2. Take a coffee break in Aachen Marktplatz
The Rathaus flanks the southern end of Aachen’s cobblestoned market square (Marktplatz). This is a good place to stop for a coffee in one of its many cafés and bars.
The local food market is held here twice a week. It is also the setting for Aachen’s Christmas Market.
3. Snack on an Aachen Printen
Pick up a packet of Aachen’s most famous culinary export at Nobis Printen. Aachen Printen are similar to gingerbread and typically spiced up with cinnamon, cloves, aniseed and coriander. They are yummy.
4. Step back in time at the Couven Museum
Are you interested in what life was like for the bourgeoisie in the 18th and 19th centuries? Named after the famous Aachen architect Johann Joseph Couven, this museum recreates the living spaces of Aachen patricians of that era.
This time capsule is furnished with period pieces, including furniture, porcelain, silverware and decorative arts. As this museum is small, it won’t take up much of your day in Aachen.
5. Visit Aachen’s medieval gates
Aachen was once a fortified city, its walls and gates protecting it from invasions and regulating trade and movement. Two of its medieval gates remain: Marschiertor and Ponttor.
Although both gates are within walking distance of major attractions such as the Aachen Cathedral and the Rathaus, they are at opposite ends of the historic centre. You may have to pick one or the other (I’d plump for Marschiertor).
6. Dive into history and art at Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) is a testament to the faith and artistry of medieval Europe and one of its most important cathedrals. It became Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
It was built for Charlemagne between 796 and 800 AD and is where he was laid to rest. The octagonal Palatine Chapel dates from this time and forms the nucleus of the cathedral.
Aachen Cathedral’s Gothic choir was added in 1414 and contains 1000 square meters of stained glass, inspired by those at Saint-Chapelle in Paris.
Although entry to the cathedral is free, I recommend joining one of the daily English language tours at 2 pm. This is the only way to access the choir and the imperial throne. Buy your ticket at Dominformation.
To learn more, check out my guide to visiting Aachen Cathedral.
7. Marvel at the treasures of the cathedral
Aachen’s Cathedral Treasury is considered one of Northern Europe’s most important collections of ecclesiastical bits and bobs. I spent an easy hour here, but concentrate on the ground floor if you are short on time.
This has the Treasury’s most compelling pieces, including the Bust of Charlemagne, housing a fragment of his skull.
Other highlights are the extraordinary bejewelled Cross of Lothair and a marble sarcophagus that once contained the body of Charlemagne, which is decorated with a relief of the Abduction of Proserpine.
8. Go on a fountain treasure hunt
I loved Aachen’s more whimsical water fountains scattered across the city centre
Puppenbrunnen (Fountain of Puppets) is a collection of bronze puppet-like figures, capturing different facets of Aachen’s history and culture. This fountain is unique because the figures are mounted on swivels, allowing visitors to manipulate them.
Spatzenbrunnen (Sparrow Fountain) depicts a group of animated sparrows. Erected in the post-war period, the fountain symbolizes peace, renewal and the return to normalcy.
The artist and sculptor Fritz Baldauf created Fischpüddelchen in 1911, depicting a small boy holding two squirming fish. He doesn’t look thrilled about it.
9. Take a photo of the Grashaus
Grashaus (Grass House), Aachen’s first town hall, is opposite Fischpüddelchen and is an excellent example of medieval Gothic architecture in all its pointy perfection. Dating from 1260, it has also served as a prison and a venue for civic ceremonies.
10. Soak your cares away in a thermal bath
The Ancient Romans were lured to Aachen by the promise of dips in its thermal waters, a tradition that continues to this day. I spent an hour in Aachen’s most famous spa, Carolus Thermen.
The water temperature ranged from 33.5 degrees in its main pool to 37.5 degrees in the grotto area. There were multiple opportunities to be pummeled by cascades of water.
Whirlpool baths flank the main pool and there is also an outdoor pool. You can rent a towel or robe if needed.
If you just want to see one of Aachen’s hot springs, head to Elisenbrunnen in the city’s historic centre. This has been spewing out mineral-rich drinking water since 1827.
Plan Your Day in Aachen
Getting there
As Aachen is located close to Germany’s border with Belgium and the Netherlands there are good rail connections with cities in all three countries (I took the 80-minute train journey to Namur in Belgium after my stay).
Here are a few typical train journey times:
The cathedral is an easy 15-minute walk from Aachen Hauptbahnhof (main train station).
Where to stay
I enjoyed a two-night stay at Hampton by Hilton. My room was clean and comfortable and the breakfast was awesome with lots of variety. Although it is near the Carolus Spa, it may be further from the cathedral and historic centre than some would wish.
Aachen has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. For example, other travellers like Motel One Aachen which gets my vote for its convenient location between the cathedral and the main train station. This boutique-style hotel has a stylish lobby and a highly-rated bar.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.