Aachen in Two Days: A City Break Combining Urban Nature, Europe, and Unique Spots

The best way to get to know Aachen is on foot. Just start strolling and take your time to discover the little gems along the way. It’s often just a few minutes’ walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown to local hidden gems and the nearest green space. And if you feel like venturing further out, the bus will take you easily to the Aachen Forest or almost to the state border. 

Beyond the familiar postcard scenes, Aachen has so much more to offer—and that's exactly what our audio tour is for Aachen – Off Track. It takes you away from the city center and shows you places full of Aachen charm: well-known local anecdotes, personal recommendations from residents, and the occasional fact that even surprises long-time Aachen locals. 

The fact that the devil has already been outwitted twice in Aachen is just as much a part of the story as a quirky ritual at the Karlsbrunnen. And as a bonus, the audio tour takes you out into nature.  

Madelon was also out and about with the guide and has come to a clear conclusion: 

"The best way to explore Aachen is on foot: The city center is compact and a bit hilly in places."

 Along the way, you'll learn interesting facts about the sights and get directions to the next stop right away—and thanks to the built-in map with real-time location tracking, it's practically impossible to get lost. 

One moment you're right in the heart of the old town, and the next you're surrounded by greenery. These short distances are what make Aachen a special destination for a city trip. 

One of Madelon's favorite places in Aachen was the Lousberg: within walking distance of downtown, with varied woodland and hammocks offering views of the surrounding countryside—“perfect for a quick break.” 

The“Aachen – Off Track”audio tour guided Madelon up from the market square in front of City Hall. A highlight of the climb: the Aachen Acropolis. Striking columns amid old trees—remnants of the old Belvedère restaurant, which opened its doors in the 19th century and was destroyed during World War II. 

These days, it’s a great place to spend time, especially in the summer. Families have picnics there, and there’s a Kneipp pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip. For Madelon, it’s the perfect way to end a walk up the mountain. 

Want to let yourself drift away even more? Then take a stroll through the Frankenberger Quarter, which, according to Madelon, is particularly well-suited for wandering around without a set route. About a 20-minute walk from the Elisenbrunnen, Frankenberger Park and the castle of the same name form the heart of the neighborhood. 

On the way there is the HirschGrün community garden: Spanning about 1,400 square meters, this freely accessible garden—with its herb beds and habitats for insects and birds—shows just how colorful urban nature can be.

As if it were on the outskirts! Germany may end pretty soon after Aachen, but that’s where Europe really begins. Charlemagne is part of history, the Charlemagne Prize is part of the present, and Belgium and the Netherlands are right next door. 

You’ll quickly realize that Aachen is a college town—at the latest when you get toPontstraße. Café Kittel has been a part of the scene since 1977 and is a true“institutionof Aachen’s student scene,” as Madelon calls it in her blog. 

It’s a café, a bar, and a beer garden all in one—plus a historic mural by street artist Klaus Paier that has become an icon here. There’s hardly a more authentic way to get to know student life in Aachen. 

Time for a brief journey through the centuries: At the Centre Charlemagne , you’ll journey through Aachen’s history back to the era of Charlemagne, when the city became a European center of power. Presented in a modern way and accompanied by a multilingual audio guide available as a free app, the history is particularly accessible. 

A few steps further on, you'll come across the historic Grashaus brings you back to the present: Here, everything revolves around the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen and current European issues.

For a short trip abroad from Aachen, all you need is a bus ticket and hiking shoes. The Netherlands is only six kilometers away, and the Belgian border is about eight kilometers from the city center. 

Madelon took the bus (lines 25, 35, or 55) from the Elisenbrunnen to Vaals, the Netherlands—a trip of about 20 minutes—and from there continued on to the Three-Country Corner , where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet. 

Their hiking route ran for about six kilometers through the border region, mostly through the forest. 

If you’re looking for something a little more enchanting, take a stroll through the Aachen Forest near the Belgian border —which is also easily accessible by bus (Line 14 to the “Altes Zollamt” stop). The hike through the Öcher Bösch begins at the old customs house on the border and leads deep into the countryside from there. 

Nearby, you canadmire the “Cyclops Stones”: large, rounded sandstone boulders in the middle of the forest. Madelon describes the route as winding paths through dense forest, “far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”  

And that's exactly what makes it so wonderful: It feels like you're far away, but you don't have to travel far to get there.

The best experiences aren’t always on the “must-see” list. If you take your time, Aachen reveals itself—behind the pretty facades of its Old Town— as warm, creative , and charming —often in less obvious places and off the beaten path.

A garden right in the middle of the city, a lively student café, hammocks with a view of the greenery just a few minutes from downtown, and local stories you have to listen closely to hear:Aachen has plenty of little discoveries to offer. 

When it comes to food, it’s also worth checking out Aachen’s true local favorites. Madelon tried out three quite different spots. 

"For coffee and light meals, there's the Café Baristinho in the city center is a great spot,” says Madelon. Here, eclectic furniture meets a keen eye for detail. Every creation is prepared with passion—which you can both see and taste. 

At the market, Madelon recommends the Golden Swan for its “friendly service” and a menu full of original ideas that proves traditional doesn’t automatically mean predictable. 

And if you’d like to stop for a bite to eat after or during a hike in the Öcher Bösch, you can make yourself at home just like Madelon at the Gut Entenpfuhl Forest Restaurant . The restaurant reopened in 2026 following a renovation. The old Biedermeier-style furnishings were carefully preserved and integrated into the new design—surrounded by greenery and in a wonderfully idyllic setting.