The Magic Cities of Germany are a patchwork of cities and towns of rich culture and colorful tradition; would you expect anything less from their culinary scenes? It can be tempting to simply sample the entire menu of each region’s offerings (and by all means, go for it if you have the appetite), but if you’re looking to be discerning when it comes time to order, here’s our recommendation for the can’t-miss foodstuff for the country’s famous 10 Magic Cities.
Bremer Klaben ©WFB/Carina Tank
Bremen
Long known for its role in maritime trade, Bremen is a bustling hub of culture and business in the northwest of the country. On the banks of the river Weser, among the baroque streets, you’ll find cultural treasures and traditions galore. The can’t-miss foodstuff? Bremer Klaben — a rich fruit cake, not unlike Stollen except it contains more fruit than Stollen. Plenty of shops sell this this European Union recognized treat, but a surefire spot for trying it yourself is Café Knigge. A local landmark in its own right, Café Knigge has been serving the city quintessential confectionary since 1889; they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their recipe.
Früh "Em Golde Kappes" ©Cölner Hofbräu Früh
Cologne
The oldest metropolis in the country at the spry age of 2,000 years old, Cologne sits flush with a bend in the Rhine, offering serene vistas chock full of postcard-worthy snapshots. The can’t-miss foodstuff of the city is actually beer — Kölsch to be exact. A top-fermented, light and digestible beer, it’s best described as a mix between a lager and an ale (due to fermenting with ale yeast but finishing at a cold temperature like a lager), or “delicious” for short. There’s no shortage of potential breweries to sample this at … but the local neighborhood inn Em Golde Kappes is a good place to start. All Kölsch Beers have easy drinkability, which pairs nicely with the iconic German and Cologne cuisine served all over town.
Dresdner Stollenfest ©Schutzverband Dresdner Stollen / Michael Schmidt
Dresden
The capital of Saxony, Dresden, is a city famed as a hub of history, heritage and culture — the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the Semperoper opera house, the Church of Our Lady, Elbe Castles, the garden city of Hellerau — the list goes on and on. But it’s also synonymous with Christmas markets, as it claims the oldest one in Germany with the historic Dresden Striezelmarkt; and there is no treat more integral to the season (or the city itself) than Stollen. Blending dried fruits, nuts and spices into a rich, traditional festive cake, Stollen is a hearty and heartwarming treat.
Altbier Culture ©Düsseldorf Tourismus
Düsseldorf
Known for an eclectic mix of art, cultural institutions, historic landmarks and a thriving fashion scene, Düsseldorf is both at the heart of the cutting edge and the timeless. You can find chic boutiques and exclusive designer stores, and the city is also a must-visit for beer culture enthusiasts. The local brew is Altbier. Produced only in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area, Altbier is a dark, copper-colored beer savored by the city’s population. You’ll find four notable breweries in the Altstadt (the historic center) — Schumacher, Uerige, Füchschen and Schlüssel — that specialize in this one-of-a-kind brew. Make a day visiting all four and comparing their wares!
New Old Town Frankfurt ©#visitfrankfurt/Holger Ullmann
Frankfurt
Sitting central to all of Germany, Frankfurt is a charming metropolis perched on the banks of the river Main. This international financial hub is home to the European Central Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and several large commercial banks. Of course, your visit is more likely to see you exploring some of its many museums (the Goethe House Museum is top of list) and sampling local delicacies — such as apple wine. The uninitiated might think this is just another name for cider; but apple wine is its own thing (for starters, it has a much higher alcohol content). Any tavern is a great choice to try the tipple!
Fischbrötchen at the Harbor ©Mediaserver Hamburg/Christian Brandes
Hamburg
Hamburg holds a certain maritime charm; sure, it’s a major northern port. But the canals crisscrossing the city infuse a sea-breeze spirit into each and every street. Is it any wonder that the can’t-miss dish is fish? Fresh Fischbrötchen is herring in a bun, the fish sandwich is the perfect quick meal to refuel while exploring. Landungsbrücken is a prime spot to sample the local delight; situated on top of a pier overlooking the Elbe River river, the ambiance is unmatched.
Leipzig’s Original: The Leipzig Lark ©leipzig.travel/Franka Hoser
Leipzig
In Leipzig, culinary delights and culture have always gone hand in hand. Leipzig’s coffee house tradition was already appreciated by Johann Sebastian Bach, who dedicated his famous coffee cantata to it. Coffee has been served in the café Zum Arabischen Baum since 1711, making it Germany's oldest coffee house. Pro tip: order a Leipzig Lark with your coffee. The shortcrust pastry filled with marzipan and cherry jam has a long tradition and is an essential part of any visit to Leipzig.
Munich’s White Sausage & Pretzel ©München Tourismus/Jan Saurer
Munich
In the capital of Bavaria, Weißwurst — a delicious serving of pretzel, white sausage and cheese — is a popular breakfast dish. The city, as a whole, is bar food Valhalla, as you’ll discover as you visit the city’s numerous beer gardens. Like favorite sports teams, favorite breweries and beer gardens are a passionate affair in Munich, so for the sake of diplomatic neutrality we must simply recommend you sample as many as you can. The big, open secret? It’ll be delicious at every single one.
Nürnberger Bratwurst ©Christine Dierenbach
Nuremberg
Nuremburg is home to so much history: The medieval flair of Old Town, the Dürer's House and the scores of museums dotting the cityscape serve to showcase its ebbs and flows throughout time. Is it any wonder that the culinary tradition of the city is just as rich? The authentic flavors of Nuremberg — delicious sausages and gingerbread — stretch back centuries. Lebkuchen Schmidt may be the most famous maker of gingerbread, while when it comes to sausages, Bratwursthäusle is your best bet.
Maultaschen - A Swabian Delight ©SMG/Martina Denker
Stuttgart
Stuttgart's beloved Maultaschen, a Swabian pasta, features a savory filling. Handmade dough pockets stuffed with meat, herbs and spices are traditionally boiled and served in broth. Resembling a larger ravioli, they offer a unique flavor due to fresh, local ingredients, creating a distinctive taste exclusive to the Swabian region. In Stuttgart, Maultaschen can be found on nearly every menu. They are especially popular in traditional wine taverns, where you can enjoy them alongside a glass of regional wine and fully immerse yourself in Swabian culture.
The best way to visit any of the above cities — or, all of them for the truly adventurous — is by booking with a travel agent. Not only will you have the chance to experience the sights and flavors listed above, but you’ll also enjoy the seemingly endless perks that come from booking through a travel agent: A treasure trove of insight and recommendations that a simple Google search can never compete with, a host of exclusive deals and amenities thanks to working relationships with all the leading names in travel and the peace of mind that comes from knowing a professional is on call for whatever curveball life might throw at you. Our agents know Germany well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your vacation to perfection.
