What can you do in Aachen?
Do you know that? Do you have a free weekend but don't feel like scrolling through Google results for hours again, only to end up in the same café as always? Aachen is much more than just cathedral and Printen, it is a city full of opportunities. Regardless of whether you're new here or have lived for a long time: In this guide, you'll get concrete, easy-to-implement suggestions on how to discover new things in Aachen and make your leisure program more varied.

Culture that inspires: history meets the present
Aachen's old town is a good starting point for any discovery tour. It is not for nothing that the cathedral attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, because it is not only an impressive building, but also a symbol of European history. When you enter the cathedral, you immediately feel why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next door, it's worth a trip to the historic town hall, which, with its rooms, gives an insight into the life and power of Charlemagne.
If you want to learn more about the city's history, the Centre Charlemagne has a modern exhibition that brings history to life without appearing dry. And if you like art, you can discover current works at the Ludwig Forum for International Art. All these places show that Aachen combines tradition and modernity in a wonderful way.
Relaxation and far-reaching views: green sides of the city
If you're wondering what you can do in Aachen when you're more drawn to the outside world, you have plenty of options. The Lousberg, for example, is a place where people from Aachen meet to enjoy the view over the city. Once at the top, you realize how pleasant it is to get away from the hustle and bustle for once. A walk in the Aachen Forest or in the Monheimsallee spa park will take you just as quickly to another world just a few minutes from the center.
A particularly beautiful trip takes you to the border triangle, where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet. Here you can climb the observation tower, eat ice cream or simply enjoy the special atmosphere. Especially for families with children, this place is perfect because it combines adventure and nature.
Experience cuisine: Between tradition and trend
Good food is simply part of a successful day in Aachen. If you're in the mood for regional classics, you'll find many restaurants in the old town that serve Rheinische sauerbraten, grated cake or, of course, the famous Aachen Printen. Especially in the small alleys around the cathedral, there are cafés and bakeries that have kept their recipes for generations.
But Aachen also has a modern side. Many young restaurateurs are opening small restaurants with international cuisine, vegetarian dishes or creative drinks. You can feel this lively, student flair around Pontstraße. Restaurants and bars are perfectly lined up here if you want to be out and about in the evening.
Events that fill the calendar
Aachen is a city of festivals and events. If you spend the summer here, you can hardly miss open-air concerts, street festivals and markets. The CHIO, the biggest horse show in the world, which attracts sports fans from all over the world every year in July, is particularly well known. In winter, the Aachen Christmas Market enchants the city center with its lights and the scent of roasted almonds, an experience you shouldn't miss.
There is also the September Special with live music on several stages and the Classix Kurpark, which plays classical music in the open air. These events show that Aachen is not only steeped in history, but also fun-loving.
Get active: movement and adventure
Sometimes you just want to clear your mind and move around. Aachen offers many opportunities for this. For example, you can discover the Vennbahntrasse, one of the longest rail track cycle paths in Europe, by bike. It takes you through picturesque landscapes all the way to Belgium. If you prefer to travel on foot, there are many well-signposted trails around the Lousberg or in the Aachen Forest.
If you like sports, you can visit the climbing forest or swim in the Carolus Thermal Baths and enjoy the perfect sauna to do something good for body and mind. Especially during the week, the spas are often pleasantly empty, so you can relax in peace and quiet.
Find a home: Living in Aachen
If you stay longer, whether as a student, a commuter or because you simply take a break, the question of where to live will arise at some point. Many choose furnished apartments because they offer flexibility and make it easier to get started in a new city. In Good Shepherd In Aachen-West, for example, you will find modern apartments with high-speed WiFi, fitness rooms and co-working areas. So you don't have to worry about set-up or additional costs and can concentrate entirely on your studies or your job.
The housing offer shows that Aachen not only has a lot to offer if you want to do something, but also if you're looking for a place where you feel at home.
conclusion
Aachen is a city that invites you to be discovered. It is versatile and friendly, just right for people who want more than just check off sights. Whether you're marveling at the cathedral, wandering through Pontstraße, taking a deep breath on the Lousberg or simply drinking good coffee: It's the little experiences that make Aachen so special. So if you're wondering what you can do in Aachen, the answer is clearly anything that's good for you.
Now it's your turn: Pick a tip that you want to try out, or plan an entire weekend full of discoveries. You can find even more ideas on the website of the city of Aachen or in local event calendars. Enjoy exploring and maybe Aachen will soon become your new favorite place.