City: Rhineland-Palatinate
Top Things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate
The 10 Best Things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate (German: Rheinland-Pfalz, pronounced [ˈʁaɪ̯nlant ˈp͡falt͡s]; French: Rhénanie-Palatinat; Dutch: Rijnland-Palts) is one of the 16 states (German: Bundesländer) of the Federal Republic of Germany. It has an area of 19,846 square kilometres (7,663 sq mi) and about four million inhabitants. Its state capital and largest city is Mainz.
Restaurants in Rhineland-Palatinate
1. Porta Nigra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,692 reviews
This huge stone gate has stood as a symbol of the city since the second century.
Reviewed By 819colinr - Dublin, Ireland
Took a short ride from Luxembourg to visit Trier, a very fascinating and interesting place steeped in history. The Roman gate is like being in Rome . Take the small tourist "train " ride around the town
2. St. Stephan's Church (Stephanskirche)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Although often overshadowed by the tremendous Martinsdom, this cathedral is notable for its dazzling Chagall stained-glass windows.
Reviewed By Aussie135 - London, United Kingdom
St Stephans was founded in 990 but it is most famous for its stained glass windows which were created by Marc Chagall and then Charles Marq. The church itself is beautifully simple, lofty and illuminated by the majesty of its stained glass windows. Chagall intended the windows to be a token of friendship between Germany and France, providing a message of understanding and peace. He chose blue, 18 shades of blue, for his biblical cycle of nine windows because they appeal to our very life spirit just as a clear blue sky on a summers day lifts the heart. He thought gazing on such lovely shades of blue placed the visitor in a more meditative state and made it easier to commune with god.. The windows tell the story of creation and they endow the church with great beauty. It is remarkable that he finished his windows in his 98th year. Charles Marq was a life long friend of Chagall and carried on his work in the church by completing the window in the north and south aisles. Marq created magnificent windows using only 8-10 shades of blue and they fit perfectly in harmony with the Chagall windows and are a joy to see. Buy a guide book and spend time in this joyful and peaceful place admiring the work of two great artists. There is much to see and admire including the church organ. Don't forget to visit the cloisters which are also lovely. At the back of the church there is a WC. My cruise ship guide never mentioned this church which was amazing but I rate it as an absolutely unmissable place to visit in Mainz. Its a bit of walk uphill but well worth it Highly recommended- do not miss.
3. St. Peter's Cathedral (Dom)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,738 reviews
This 11th-century cathedral holds the tombs of several archbishops and displays an impressive collection of religious relics.
Reviewed By CJFitCrazy - Brandon, United Kingdom
Stunning!!!! A peaceful place to privately take a moment or just walk around a see beautiful architecture and love that went into building this Cathedral! It is a must visit!!
4. Rhine Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
I can’t recommend doing a Rhine Valley cruise enough. This was a fabulous way to see the Rhine Valley. Doing the KD cruise was absolutely the best thing we did while staying in this part of Germany. The KD boat leaves from a number of locations. We got on at Mainz because that's where our hotel was. It was very simple. We bought our tickets that morning and the boat left from in front of the ticket booth (see photo). I would recommend sitting outside at the back of the boat but it really doesn't matter which side you choose because both sides of the river are dotted with castles, vineyards and pretty, colourful houses. It really is as lovely as it sounds. HIGHLIGHTS: • The most scenic part and the part with the all of the castles is between Rudesheim and St Goarshausen. The boat commentary is in English and German and will point these out to you (although it can be hard to hear outside) • Stopping at Rudesheim was a real highlight. There was a 2 hour gap between boats – long enough for us to look around the town, get the cable car up to the Neiderwald Monument, walk back down through the vineyards and have a traditional German lunch. • We loved being able to sit out the back of the boat in the sun and order a bottle of champagne – it doesn't get a lot better than that. PLANNING TIPS: • KD boats are not frequent so make sure you check out the timetable in advance. In the mornings from Mainz, they only leave at 8:30am and 9:30am (less frequent in winter). • You can get off at various towns along the way but (and this is a big but) you need to carefully to coordinate your timing. Given the timing issues, it is best to attempt only one town. If you get off, make sure you know know when the next boat is coming and keep an eye on the time. If you miss it, you won’t be stranded because can still get a train (but you will miss your cruise). • The timetable is just plain difficult to read. I relied on double-checking our timing with staff before we got on and off. • Ticket prices vary depending on how many zones you are doing. Mainz to St Goars was €52 (€59 return). • A return ticket is good value but we opted to get the boat one way and the train back. Return boats don't leave until quite late in the day and the trip back is against the current so it takes a lot longer. Beautiful as the cruise is, once you have done it, you don't really want to do it all over again. • It is worth noting that the boat was very steady. I am tend to get sea-sick but I was fine and didn't feel at all unwell. • Take a hat and sunglasses but also take something warm. It was a beautiful sunny day but it still got cold on the water in the afternoon.
5. Deutsches Eck (German Corner)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,102 reviews
Reviewed By pdlglosuk - Churchdown, United Kingdom
Walked past this on my way back from the cable car to my cruise ship in Koblenz on Monday. This is an amazing spot to stop and see where the Moselle flows into the Rhine and it also has an impressive statue of Kaiser Wilhelm II. You can walk up to various levels inside the monument and would probably have the most impressive views of German Corner or Deutsches Ecke without doing the cable car ride. The emblems of all the regions of Germany are also impressive to look at. This area of Koblenz is free to look at.
6. Reichsburg Cochem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,960 reviews
Reviewed By emfeAthens_Georgia - Athens, United States
This beautiful castle atop a steep hill has a spectacular view of the town below. The interior areas were lovely and the guided history of the castle was outstanding.
7. Schloss Stolzenfels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Reviewed By 170anonymous - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Well arranged tour in Covid times. Beautiful castle with gardens. Beautiful views. Parking down the hil is for free just show your ticket at the kiosk and you get a coin to arrange your departure from the parking lot.
8. Gartenschau Kaiserslautern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By 1Pucky - Kaiserslautern, Germany
Best place to take children, water, dinosaurs snacks and other children help kids get rid of access energy, learn about nature and make new friends in all ages. Great for pictures and creating memories. Really loved it and got a season tickets.
9. Cablecar Koblenz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,436 reviews
Koblenz Cable Car - a very special experience Hover over the Rhine in the Cable Car and discover the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Experience the unique views over a city with a tradition stretching back over 2000 years where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Enjoy the spectacular Cable Car journey and take a stroll through the beautiful fortress grounds to discover the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with its wonderfull exhibitions and events. We look forward to welcoming you!
Reviewed By DanC958 - Tucson, United States
The ride across was fantastic. Be ready to take pics because it is a short trip. Head left to a nice observation area looking down the Rhine. Next there is an exercise park and then a putt putt golf course and great kids climbing park with bridges and slides. Continue around the loop to the fortress entrance. Very interesting although most of the museum is german-only signage. Views from the wall facing town are awesome and there is a bier garden and snack bar there. Great 3 hour excursion!
10. Markt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
The best time to visit Marktplatz (the central square) is Tuesday, Friday and Saturday when the Farmers’ Market is on. The square fills with local seasonal fruit and veg, wines, cheeses, colourful flowers and hot food stands with German sausages and specialties. The flowers weren't the only colourful thing. The blue and green cheeses (lavender and basil pesto) on the cheese stall also caught our eye. If you are looking for some slightly different gifts to take home rather than the usual souvenirs, then there are some good foodie gifts here (wine, nougat, honey, biscuits). We picked up some local Riesling and a selection of different fruit nougats (see photo). There is a great atmosphere and the stallholders were very friendly. It starts early and finishes around 2pm I think. While you are there, look out for: • 1000 year old Mainz Cathedral • Pretty pastel coloured row of traditional style buildings • Marketbrunnen – lovely pink Renaissance fountain • Heunensaule ‘Giant’s Pillar’ – column in centre of the square • Nagelsaule – a fascinating oak pillar that raised funds in WWI by selling the nails that were hammered into the wood was a WWI fundraiser people
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