City: North Rhine-Westphalia
Top Things to do in North Rhine-Westphalia
Top Hotels in North Rhine-Westphalia
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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. Schloss Benrath
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 721 reviews
Reviewed By cleom708
We spent a great day at this palace, everything was amazing from the building to the beautiful gardens. You could truly travel back in time
3. 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.
4. 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.
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. 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!
7. Lake Aasee
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. Rheinuferpromenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,761 reviews
This promenade includes restaurants, bars and cafeterias, you can find there boats for having a trip on the river Rhein, just walk around the river or do jogging / roller blades or find a green area to sit down and relax.
10. Landschaftspark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By IJA_Travel - Rhede, Germany
Here you can spend a nice day/night and that without entrance fee. If you are free from giddiness, you can climb up to the top of the blast furnace (approx. 80 meters) and enjoy the fantastic view of the surrounding area. Hobby photographers get their money's worth here, motives at every corner in this former steel mill. In the twilight the whole charm with special lighting comes to the fore, guided or also introduced inspections are also possible in the dark and maybe you are lucky and you can enjoy a wonderful sunset on top of the blast furnace. A snack is also possible. Diving in the gasometer and climbing in the former bunkers is unfortunately reserved for club members.
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