Aachen is a city in Germany that has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, this former coronation site of the Holy Roman Empire was named the European Capital of Culture in the year 2006. With its breathtaking architecture, Aachen is known for its majestic churches and palaces. In addition to visits to famous sites, Aachen offers a range of delicious German dishes, from spaetzle to schnitzel. Here are some of the must-visit historical and architectural sites in Aachen, along with the food that one must savor while visiting this delightful German city.
Aachen Cathedral: Aachen Cathedral is a stunning 12th-century Roman Catholic church located within the city center of Aachen. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit destination, with its intricate Gothic stained glass windows and royal chapel. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Entrance fees are € 8 for adults and € 4 for children. Don't forget to visit the treasury, where one can find significant artifacts from the coronation of Charlemagne.
Aachen City Hall: Aachen City Hall is a magnificent building in the city center of Aachen, built in the latter part of the 19th century. This Baroque-style building is a must-visit attraction, decorated with the coats-of-arms of historical German rulers. The City Hall is open from 9am to 5pm, and admission is free. Make sure to take a tour to explore the intricate details of the frescos and stained glass windows that line the corridors of this beautiful building.
Elisenbrunnen Fountain: Elisenbrunnen Fountain is a notable landmark in the city, known for its bubbling mineral water. Dating back to the 18th century, this fountain is a popular site with both locals and visitors alike. The fountain is located in the middle of the old town and is open 24 hours. Entrance is free and people flock to this spot for its therapeutic mineral water.
Charlemagne’s throne: Charlemagne's throne is one of the most significant attractions in Aachen. Located in the Aachen Cathedral, this coronation seat was used by the Holy Roman Empire rulers for the ceremony. Visitors can explore the throne at the cathedral, with its elaborate carvings and intricate detailing. The throne is accessible to visitors on all days, and the entrance fee for the cathedral also covers the cost of visiting the throne.
Rathauspark: Rathauspark is a quaint park located in the heart of Aachen. This park is home to the Aachen City Hall and provides a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. The park is open from 9am to 5pm, and admission is free. Visitors can relax in the shade of the park's many trees and admire the flower beds and ponds located here.
Must-try food: Aachen's restaurants provide a range of delicious German dishes and homemade specialties. The city is known for its spaetzle, a hearty noodle dish, and its schnitzel, a fried pork cutlet. Enjoy a hearty meal of sausage and sauerkraut, along with a pint of beer. The local pastries, such as Aachener Printen, are a great way to finish a meal at the city's many cafes.
Hengebach Castle: Hengebach Castle is an impressive castle located just outside of Aachen. Built in the 14th century, this castle offers stunning views of the city skyline. The castle is open for visitors from 10am to 6pm, and entrance fees are € 8 for adults and € 5 for children. Don't forget to explore the various rooms of the castle and admire the old artifacts that were once owned by German royalty.
Aachen is a perfect destination for travelers and history buffs. With its stunning architecture and delicious food, this city is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. From the illustrious Aachen Cathedral to the awe-inspiring Hengebach Castle, this city is filled with historical and architectural sites that will take the breath away. Be sure to explore all of these must-visit attractions in Aachen and savor the delicious local dishes while you're there.

Welcome to Basel, Switzerland a picturesque city with rich culture, beautiful architecture and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re looking to explore Basel’s historic sites, relax by the river, or delve into local culture and cuisine, there’s something to delight every traveler! Here’s a list of some of the must-visit sites and activities for your upcoming trip.
Spalentor: Located near the Rhine River and the old city center, Spalentor is the city's best-preserved medieval gate. Dating back to the 14th century, the gate was part of the city’s former fortifications and stands as a reminder of Basel’s long and fascinating history. Hours: Open 24 Hours. Entrance: Free. Insider Tip: Light shows are projected onto the gate in the evening, so be sure to check it out when the sun goes down.
Tinguely Fountain: This fountain was created by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely and is located on the banks of the Rhine. The colorful and imaginative sculptures are a must-see for any traveler looking to experience Basel’s unique art scene. Hours: Open 24 Hours. Entrance: Free. Insider Tip: Check out the fountain at night and watch the sculptures light up.
Basel Minster: This 12th century Gothic cathedral is one of Basel’s oldest and most iconic monuments. From its jaw-dropping stained glass windows to its majestic bell tower, this is an experience not to be missed. Hours: 9am- 6pm. Entrance: Free. Insider Tip: Take the elevator to the top of the tower for stunning city views.
Museum of Ancient Art: Founded in 1671, this museum houses a remarkable collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including sculptures, paintings and more. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Entrance: Adults €10. Insider Tip: Be sure to check out the museum’s sculpture garden.
Basel Zoo: Home to over 900 species, Basel Zoo is a great place to explore and observe animals in their natural habitats. Hours: 8am-7pm. Entrance: Adults €16. Insider Tip: The petting zoo is a great place to take the kids!
Gundeldingen: Explore Basel’s oldest neighborhood and take a stroll through the narrow streets. Make sure to check out the ancient churches and historical buildings along the way. Hours: Always open. Entrance: Free. Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the gardens.
Gelateria Fiore: This is the best place to go for some tasty ice cream and other sweet treats. Hours: 10am-10pm. Entrance: Free. Insider Tip: Try the seasonal flavors for something special.
Be sure to spend some time sampling Basel’s delicious cuisine too. From traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette to international specialties, Basel has something for everyone!
From visiting historical sites to indulging in local cuisine, a trip to Basel is sure to be a memorable one. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure - Basel is waiting to be explored!

The city of Aachen in Germany has a main train station called Aachen Hauptbahnhof. The station is the largest and busiest train station in the city, with regular connections to other important local destinations, as well as to major cities in Europe. There are other smaller train stations in Aachen, such as Westbahnhof, Eilendorf and Rott.
Aachen Hauptbahnhof is located at Willy Brand Platz 1, 52064 Aachen, Germany. The station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Passengers can take advantage of the numerous services offered, such as a ticket office, automatic ticket machines, travel information desk, luggage storage and lockers. The contact telephone number is +49 800 150 70 90.
Basel main train station, known as Basel SBB station, is the main hub of rail transport in Basel, Switzerland. Besides this main station, there are also Basel Badischer Bahnhof and Basel RheinCargo, which are both important for travelers. Basel SBB station offers a wide range of services: from international connections to regional connections, travelers can easily take the train to all near by cities.
The station is located at Elisabethenanlage 7, Basel, Switzerland and it is open 24 hours per day. It has ATMs, post boxes and a customer service desk which is open from Monday to Sunday. Additionally, travelers can also find lockers and luggage storage services at the station. Those arriving or departing in Basel can use the station's Taxi stand for comfortable transport.
Book in Advance:
Just like with airfares, train ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking weeks or even months in advance can save you a significant amount.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours:
Avoid traveling during peak times such as weekday mornings and evenings. Opt for midday, late evening, or mid-week rides when there's less demand.
Consider Slower Trains or non direct routes:
Express or high-speed trains might save time, but they're often pricier. Opting for regional or slower services can reduce your fare.
Look for Special Deals and Promotions:
Train operators occasionally have promotions or special deals, especially during off-peak seasons. It's worth signing up for newsletters. Additionally, there are sometimes group or return ticket discounts, so consider these options if they fit your travel plans.