Many cities in Germany offer unique opportunities to experience more, without having to deal with huge crowds. These two cities are popular vacation destinations, have great attractions and things to do, and won’t be as busy as larger places like Berlin and Munich.

A closer look at Essen, Germany

Located directly on the Ruhr river, Essen is one of the most important cities in Germany. Essen was selected as one of three honorary cities to be the “European Capital of Culture” in 2010 due to the large number of relevant activities and accessible cultural events. Essen is a city that was once a coal and steel giant. One of the main attractions of the city is the Zollverein colliery, which was closed in 1986, however, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mine is available for guided tours and exploration and is always a fun activity. Another popular destination to visit is Essen Abbey. It is home to many ancient artifacts, dating back to the 10th century, including Essen’s famous Golden Madonna, which dates back to the year 980. Whatever the reason for your visit, you are sure to keep yourself entertained as there is plenty to do.

Essen is a great base of operations if you also plan to explore more of Germany. From Essen, you are relatively close to the Netherlands and Belgium. You could easily do a long weekend trip from Essen to Amsterdam, down to Brussels and back if you want to tour the area.

A closer look at Bonn, Germany

Located just south of Cologne, Bonn is the 19th largest city in Germany. Many people may not know that Bonn is the former capital of West Germany. About half of all government jobs still remain in Bonn and it is known in Germany as the “Federal City”. Today, much of the business in Bonn is dedicated to research and development for sustainable development, making Bonn one of the greenest cities in Germany. Its clean air and water make it a great place to visit from all over the world, and several UN agencies are located in Bonn. It is also the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, so many music fans are also drawn to this area.

From Bonn, it is easy to explore more cities located on the famous Rhine River, such as the picturesque town of Konigswinter or Bad Honnef. You can also visit many of Germany’s famous national parks, which basically surround the area. Whatever your travel plans, Bonn is a great place to make your home base as you explore the area with your Germany rental car.