City: North Rhine-Westphalia
Top Things to do in North Rhine-Westphalia
Top Hotels in North Rhine-Westphalia
What to do and see in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
North Rhine-Westphalia (German: Nordrhein-Westfalen, pronounced [ˈnɔʁtʁaɪ̯n vɛstˈfaːlən] ( listen), commonly shortened to NRW) is the most populous state of Germany, with a population of approximately 18 million, and the fourth largest by area. Its capital is Düsseldorf; the largest city is Cologne. Four of Germany's ten largest cities (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Essen) are located in this state, as well as the second largest metropolitan area on the European continent, Rhine-Ruhr.
Restaurants in North Rhine-Westphalia
1. Cologne Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,825 reviews
This giant Gothic cathedral, which until its completion in 1880 had been under construction for over 500 years, is perhaps Germany's most famous religious structure and includes two huge towers that serve as the defining symbol of Cologne's skyline.
Reviewed By _rayscom - Long Buckby, United Kingdom
Jaw dropping cathedral.Wonderful to walk around.You can have an unhurried stroll and wonder at the skills involved in the conduction of this wonderful building.Not for the faint hearted is a trip up to the bell tower.Breathtaking in every sense of the word. Very busy in summer
2. Aachen Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,659 reviews
Reviewed By karan06011955 - Bengaluru, India
Any structure that speaks about historical facts and figures are always interesting. Aachen Cathedral is no exception. The Gothic architecture is too evident in the structure. Tall minarets, high domes with stained glass paintings and large doors welcoming you... with quiet interiors. The Dom Cathedral of Aachen was built by the great Emperor Charliemagne and his body is buried here.. There are many more religious leaders and Kings are also buried here. In that sense this is almost like a holy place with so many historically famous and those who have been associated with Infant Jesus, - the infant jesus cloth was sbelieved to have been brought by Emperor Charlie... Its said that the Loin cloth of Jesus was also brought by him It is an important pilgrimage stop. Its indeed an architectural marvel embedded with historical facts that makes it extremely interested.
3. Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,092 reviews
Travel back in time through German history since 1945: Our exhibition starts with the post-War years, new beginnings and the division of Germany. Why did the Cold War come about? How did the two Germanies develop and what links existed between West Germany and Communist East Germany? What prompted Reunification and what challenges has Germany faced since? Political events and developments form the red thread running through the exhibition. Moreover, you will see a broad variety of objects relating to everyday life, culture, business life and world events. Each item in the exhibition has its own story to tell. We present the small private and the large public narratives that changed society. Contemporary witnesses report their personal experiences and memories of their youth. We offer additional special services for kids, families, school classes, students, adults and senior citizens, such as guided visits, audio guides and educational materials.
Reviewed By 355stefang - Brussels, Belgium
This museum is easily one of the better museums I've visited. Very large, very well thought-out, engaging, informational and insightful. I spent several hours working my way through the museum, which is organized in a linear fashion progressing through time starting with WWII up to reunification. Many, many items on display with description signs in English and German. More history than you ever wanted to know about the former West Germany (and incidentally/tangentially East Germany and Germany in general of course). Free admission. Gift shop and restrooms on site. Easy to get to via use of the Heussallee/Museumsmeile tram stop just steps from the museum. Definitely recommended.
4. City Hall Aachen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 984 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The town hall of Rathaus is hard to miss as it's right in the old town and part of the Charlemagne Route. It's a put much of the facade is under covers dues to renovations, but what you can see is pretty. Even by the standards of Gothic architecture, the facade is adorned with an incredible number of statues. Inside you can see a painting of Charlemagne and two paintings of Napoleon and Josephine in the main hall.
5. Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,414 reviews
Reviewed By KarinvanB
They are still re-opening/re-arranging areas of the old mines for the people. You can get on the terrain without paying a fee and just walk around. There is also a cycling path. I would suggest to visit the museum. The very long escalator is a highlight itself. There is plenty to see. You can have a drink afterwards at the cafe. Plenty of parkingspaces. The area is also good accessable by train. Everywhere in Essen you see pictures of the Zollverein. Happy I finally got to meet it, in real life????.
6. Historisches Rathaus Munster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
This 12th-century building is where the Westphalian Peace Treaty was ratified.
Reviewed By Vladimiramirela - Mississauga, Canada
With a typical Gothic façade, Muenster's town hall is a mid-14th century edifice. The characteristic gable was rebuilt true to the original in the 1950s. In 2015, it was awarded the European Heritage Label as the "Site of the Peace of Westphalia", which seems to be such a well fitting name for a place like Muenster, mainly a University and residential city where the number of bicycles exceed the number of people and where the old town is beautifully surrounded by a park.
7. Schloss Augustusburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 596 reviews
Reviewed By MaryBethH417 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We had a wonderful visit to this Palace in Corona-time. Must reserve and be patient on phone. We went directly to desk and got the last”tour “ of the day 3:30-4:30 pm when they close. The tour consists of a guard more than guide, who directs you to info sheet in your language. No real tours due to Covid. Gardens are lovely. No photos allowed inside palace so be sure to buy small guidebook in your language. Large book only available in German but luckily my husband reads it so he bought one. Sadly we didn’t have time for the hunting lodge. My impression was that this was like a mini-Versailles. We had time for lunch at the Bruhler Wirsthaus-former train station-excellent! We returned after the tour for coffee and apple cake-not a bit was left and now we have to have carrots and cheese n crackers for dinner since we ate it all! Go if you can!
8. Muenster Cathedral (St. Paulus Dom)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
Reviewed By BigBirdEdinburgh - Livingston, United Kingdom
Been to a lot of churches and monasteries across Europe and this one is well worth a look. Despite the external renovations inside is immaculate and very inspired. The astronomical clock is outstanding and the structure itself very imposing. My only criticism was the beggars at the door....!!
9. Villa Hugel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 590 reviews
Reviewed By SERGUEY1969 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Very Nice Krupp Family House located in the Park nearby the river. Historical Place with more than 100 years History. I was pleased to be there.
10. BayArena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By 688alexj - Hamilton, United Kingdom
When my friend and I visited the Bay arena recently for a match, the first thing I noticed was the lack of pre match atmosphere, I suppose that we expected so much more after our previous visits to Schalke, Dortmund and Bayern Munich, to mention just a few of the German grounds we have visited. The ground itself was quite impressive, and I have to say that gaining access to the ground was possibly the easiest we have encountered. We had good seats in the east tribune, wit an excellent, unhindered view of the pitch. Like all of the German stadiums, beer and hot snacks are available inside. The game itself wasn't bad, though I think that Frankfurt could have tried harder. This ticks off another German ground for us, and I would go back again, though next time it would need to be a match against one of the bigger, more fancied clubs, if only to see if the pre match atmosphere is any better. Still worth a visit if you haven't been before.
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