Germany , a rural area with a racy chronicle , cutting - edge innovation and vibrant refinement , is home to some of Europe ’s most dynamic city . Each of thelargest cities in Germanyreflects the nation ’s portmanteau of historic significance , modern maturation and regional singularity .
From the bustle about streets of Berlin to the picturesque charm of Munich , Germany ’s urban centers showcase its variety and global influence .
1. Berlin (3.85 million)
The capital and largest city of Germany , Berlin is a global hub for politics , culture and account . Known for landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate , Berlin WallMemorial and Museum Island , the city is steeped in account . Its thriving arts view , night life and diverse culinary offer make it a vivacious city .
2. Hamburg (1.90 million)
As Germany ’s secondly - great city and a major larboard , Hamburg is known for its maritime heritage and bustling harbor . The Speicherstadt — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the modern Elbphilharmonie concert dorm are standout attractive feature . Its lively nightlife and scenic waterway make it a must - impose .
3. Munich (1.60 million)
The capital of Bavaria , Munich is renowned for itsbeerculture , Oktoberfest and stunning computer architecture . Iconic landmarks like Marienplatz , Nymphenburg Palace and the Englischer Garten showcase its appeal . Munich is also a global technical school and business hub .
4. Cologne (1.10 million)
Cologne , the Washington of the German state of North Rhine - Westphalia , is know for its impressive Cologne Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its alert carnival celebrations . Located along the Rhine River , the city is a ethnical hot spot with museum , galleries and a roaring prowess view .
5. Frankfurt (773,000)
Frankfurt is Germany ’s financial center , home to the European Central Bank and a salient sensible horizon . The urban center ’s blend of New skyscrapers and historical sites , like Römer Square and Goethe House , offer a unique appealingness . Frankfurt ’s external airport make it a primal global gateway .
6. Stuttgart (633,000)
The working capital of Baden - Württemberg , Stuttgart is the sum of Germany ’s self-propelling diligence , with home office for Mercedes - Benz and Porsche . The city is surrounded by vineyards and features cultural highlights like the Stuttgart State Opera and Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden .
7. Düsseldorf (629,000)
Düsseldorf is a cosmopolitan metropolis make out for its fashion industry , modern architecture and lively Rhine prom . The metropolis ’s Altstadt , dubbed " the longest bar in the existence , " and its vibrant arts tantrum make it a cultural hub .
8. Leipzig (628,000)
Leipzig is renowned for its fertile melodious heritage , being home to composers likeBachand Mendelssohn . The city ’s historical heart , dynamic arts scene and landmarks such as St. Thomas Church make it a ethnic precious stone in Saxony .
9. Dortmund (612,000)
Located in the Ruhr neighborhood , Dortmund is a former industrial city that has reinvented itself as a hub for technology and culture . Known for its football game club , Borussia Dortmund and green infinite like Westfalenpark , the metropolis offers a mix of creation and recreation .
10. Essen (587,000)
Essen , another key city in the Ruhr region , is known for its industrial inheritance and transformation into a ethnical hub . The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex , aUNESCOWorld Heritage Site , highlights its chronicle . The city also boast vivacious artwork and shopping districts .
11. Bremen (577,000)
Bremen is a historic city with a picturesque old townsfolk and iconic landmarks like the Bremen Town Musicians statue andSt . Peter ’s Cathedral . As a major larboard city , it has a strong marine heritage and a vibrant cultural fit .
12. Dresden (563,000)
Dresden , often called the Florence on the Elbe , is bang for its stunning Baroque architecture and rich ethnic history . The rebuilt Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace are must - see landmarks . The metropolis ’s mix of historical good luck charm and modern vim makes it quintessentially German .
13. Hanover (545,000)
Hanover is a primal trade fairish urban center , host events likeHannover Messe . The urban center is the upper-case letter of Lower Saxony , a German state , and is make out for its green spaces , including the Herrenhausen Gardens and its inviolable cultural institutions like the Sprengel Museum .
14. Nuremberg (544,000)
Nuremberg is steeped in account , from its knightly Old Town to its role in post - World War II trials . The Nuremberg Castle , Christkindlesmarkt(Christmas Market ) , and vibrant arts scene highlight its ethnical profusion .
15. Duisburg (504,000)
Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers , Duisburg is know for having one of the world ’s largest inland ports . The city declare oneself a blend of industrial chronicle and mod cultural attracter , include the Duisburg - Nord Landscape Park and its industrial - theme dark-green place .
We created this clause in concurrence with AI applied science , then made sure it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
