Stuttgart
#7 in Best Places in Germany
Stuttgart offers a diverse mix of attractions that helps it appeal to travelers with varying interests. Culture hounds will love the city’s countless museums (including the Porsche Museum and the Mercedes-Benz Museum) and architectural sights (think: the Killesberg Tower), while nature lovers will appreciate its beautiful parks (like the Wilhelma, a zoological-botanical garden). There’s also a thriving nightlife scene for those who like to party. What’s more, Stuttgart boasts proximity to the country’s largest wine-producing region, so oenophiles can easily take a daytrip to a few wineries.
Dresden
#8 in Best Places in Germany
Dresden is made for architecture enthusiasts. The city, which is located in eastern Germany close to the Czech border, features a remarkable amount of facades and edifices adorned with incredible architectural details. Though you’ll have your pick of stunning structures, make sure you visit the Dresden Zwinger (a Baroque palace) and Schloesserland Sachsen (a Renaissance palace where the Fürstenzug, the world’s largest porcelain mural, resides). If you prefer modern architecture, head to Kunsthofpassage to gaze at its quirky buildings, one of which has singing drainpipes.