A Memorable 5-Day Adventure: Aachen on a Budget

Discover historical charm on a shoestring in Aachen, Germany.

21 June 2023

A trip to Aachen, Germany on a limited budget is still possible. Explore the city's rich history by visiting the Aachen Cathedral, City Hall, and the Elisenbrunnen fountain. Save money by staying in a budget-friendly hostel or guesthouse, and enjoy local cuisine at affordable restaurants and street vendors.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Aachen

  • Check into the budget-friendly A&O Aachen Hauptbahnhof hotel near the train station
  • Take a stroll through the historical old town and soak in the charming architecture
  • Visit the impressive Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Try the local specialty, Aachener Printen, a spiced gingerbread cookie
  • Have dinner at Zum Kleinen König, a cozy restaurant serving traditional German cuisine
Day 2

Museum and Market Day

  • Start your day with a visit to the Couven Museum, showcasing regional furniture and interior design
  • Stop by the Markthalle Indoor Market for local produce, spices, and snacks
  • Visit the Suermondt-Ludwig Museum, housing an eclectic collection of European art
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Elisenbrunnen Park
  • Wind down by taking a relaxing dip in the thermal waters of Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen spa
Day 3

A Taste of Franconia

  • Take a scenic train ride to the nearby town of Monschau, famous for its half-timbered houses
  • Walk along the winding streets and visit the Red House museum
  • Sample authentic Franconian cuisine at Restaurant Zum Haller
  • Admire the picturesque Rur River Valley and hike the surrounding trails
  • Head back to Aachen and enjoy a nightcap at the historic Domkeller bar
Day 4

Explore the Outskirts

  • Rent a bike and cycle along the Vaalserberg, crossing borders between Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium
  • Visit the Kasteel Bloemendal, a stunning castle with a lush garden
  • Relax and have a coffee break at the idyllic Kaffeebud in the Dreiländereck park
  • Indulge in the beloved Belgian waffles and chocolate in the neighboring city of Liege
  • Tour the factory and sample the famous marzipan at Lambertz Chocolate World
Day 5

Final Day in Aachen

  • Take a morning hike up to the Lousberg Hill for a panoramic view of the city
  • Spend the afternoon at the Ludwig Forum contemporary art museum
  • Pick up souvenirs at the bustling Apfelbäumchen open-air market
  • Dine at the trendy Pontstraße street with plenty of restaurants and bars
  • Enjoy a final night in Aachen with live music at Wild Rover Irish pub or Club 66.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Aachen by plane is to fly into the Cologne-Bonn Airport and take a connecting train or bus to Aachen.

Car

Driving to Aachen is possible and there are good connections to major highways from neighboring countries. However, be prepared for heavy traffic and limited parking options in the city center.

Train

A direct train to Aachen can be taken from various cities in Germany, including Cologne and Dusseldorf. The Aachen Hauptbahnhof is the main train station in Aachen.

Boat

There are no boat options to reach Aachen as it is not located on a major body of water.

Bus

Taking a bus to Aachen from major European cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, or Paris is a convenient and affordable option. The Aachen central bus station is located in the city center.

Destination

Aachen

If you're a fan of thermal baths and horse shows, you might think you're in heaven in this city. But don't worry, even if you're not into those things, Aachen still has more to offer than just steamy water and fancy equine displays.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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