Top 3 German Cities

Fun fact: Germany is the 5^th most traveled to country in Europe and the 7^th more visited worldwide. It is one of the safest travel destinations worldwide.

The goal of this post is to give an introduction to three major cities in Germany I plan on visiting. I will be in Germany’s capital, Berlin, for two weeks attending a contemporary dance workshop at the State Ballet School of Berlin. I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity to explore a country I’ve never visited before and dance in a country I never have before. Following the program, I plan on traveling to several of Germany’s other great cities, including Munich and Cologne.

Berlin is the capital of Germany and indeed the largest of its cosmopolitan cities. Its population is close to 3.5 million and has become the center of politics, culture, media, and science of the country. It is the home of the renowned Berlin Opera and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The city’s most famous landmark is the Brandenburg Gate; it used to be a symbol of separation, but now the gate is the scene of artistic and cultural inspiration. I look forward to wandering the charming streets of Berlin and making feel like home for two weeks.

Munich is known as “the gateway to the Alps” as Germany’s 3^rd largest city. With a population of over 1 million, Munich attracts many tourists with its history and prominent architecture and culture. One of these spots is Marienplatz Square; a historic open square that displays its New and Old Town Hall with a central clock tower. Just east of the square is the Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, a Lutheran church with one of the largest domes in Europe. In addition, Munich is the headquarters of BMW (Bayerische Motoren Were AG), the largest company in the country, that features an office tower and a museum. In the fall, Munich hosts the Oktoberfest, which attracts 6 million visitors each year to celebrate their world-famous beers.

Cologne is Germany’s oldest city founded by the Romans. This city is rich in its architectural history and contemporary art communities. The Cathedral of Cologne is the centerpiece of the city and is the second most visited landmark in the entirety of Germany. The largest carnival celebrations are hosted by this city and seem to be in a league of their own. On November 11 at 11:11 am, the Carnival season begins with marching bands, confetti, and the works. It finishes on Ash Wednesday with a costume ball held all over Germany. Hopefully, one time in my life I will be able to experience a true German carnival.

I could spend a month in each city without seeing all the historic sights, but I hope to get a true feel for the culture and the lifestyle of each city. Each city will have a different history, but will they all have a varying way of life? One has to be there to know and I can’t wait to explore.