Rich in history and compact enough to explore easily, Aachen’s best tours center around its magnificent cathedral and medieval old town. The most worthwhile options are the 2-hour walking tours led by certified local guides, who explain Charlemagne’s influence and the city’s role as a coronation place for kings. The market square tours, especially during Christmas season, offer excellent value by combining history with local food sampling. For independent travelers, the well-produced audio guides from the tourist office provide good flexibility and cover all major sites.
I particularly recommend the morning cathedral tours (offered daily at 10 a.m.) for their thorough coverage of the UNESCO site and shorter lines, and the evening old town walks for their intimate atmosphere and stops at traditional cafes.
Check out these tested and recommended tours that showcase the best of Aachen’s 1,200-year heritage:
Key Points
- Guided walking tours led by passionate local guides provide an immersive exploration of Aachen’s rich history and significant landmarks, including Charlemagne’s legacy and UNESCO-listed sites.
- Self-guided audio tours offer a flexible, in-depth experience to discover Aachen’s historic center at one’s own pace, with engaging commentary in multiple languages.
- Seasonal tours, such as the Aachen Private Christmas Market Tour, offer a unique opportunity to experience the city’s festive traditions and local artisan products in a personalized setting.
- Aachen’s historical and cultural significance is showcased through tours that highlight the city’s medieval architecture, local governance, traditional craftsmanship, and community values.
- Positive customer reviews emphasize the enjoyable and informative nature of Aachen’s tours, with small-group formats, flexible scheduling, and unique interactive elements that cater to diverse interests.
Explore Aachen With Passionate Tour Guides
Offering a personalized approach led by passionate guides, the “Explore Aachen with Passionate Tour Guides” experience delves into the city’s captivating legends and rich history.
This 1.5-2 hour tour provides an engaging storytelling experience combined with deep historical insights. Showcasing Aachen’s main sights and hidden gems, the tour highlights the city’s evolution from Charlemagne’s era to modern times.
Priced from £2.53 per person with a 3€ reservation fee, the tour offers excellent value. Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Payment is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later. While tips are welcome at the end of the tour, no payment is required upfront.
Available in English and Spanish, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides who receive high praise for their engaging, humorous, and informative approach.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 15 reviews, this is an excellent way to explore the unique charm of Aachen.
Read our full review: Explore Aachen With Passionate Tour Guides Review
Book now: Check availability
Aachen Classic Walking Tour
The Aachen Classic Walking Tour provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and renowned landmarks. Priced at €25.00 per person, this 1.5-hour Italian-language tour is led by a certified, native Italian-speaking guide.
Discover Aachen’s ancient Roman heritage, Charlemagne’s legacy, and the coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors.
Highlights along the route include the Elisenbrunnen, the UNESCO-listed Palatine Chapel, the historic City Hall, and various archaeological sites, fountains, and museums. Engage with the guide’s captivating stories and historical images to deepen your understanding of Aachen’s storied past.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a convenient reserve-now-pay-later option, the Aachen Classic Walking Tour provides an accessible and flexible way to explore the city.
Both Fabrizio and another traveler from Italy have praised the tour, rating it 5/5 for its helpfulness and enjoyment.
Read our full review: Aachen Classic Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Germany: Guided Tour of Aachen
What better way to experience Aachen’s rich history and architectural gems than through a guided tour? For just $30.85 per person, visitors can embark on a 2-hour adventure that showcases the city’s most significant landmarks.
The tour begins at Aachen Central Station, where participants can marvel at the medieval Marschiertor wall entrance and stroll through the old town, inhaling the aroma of local Printen cookie shops.
The highlight is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Aachen Cathedral and its treasure, dating back to the 8th century. Guests will also visit the Charlemagne Center to explore the connection to the ancient king of the Franks.
The tour includes a stop at the Aachen Town Hall and Couven Museum, as well as the famous doll fountain at Elisenbrunnen, an important tourist center in 18th century Europe.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, this guided tour offers a convenient and hassle-free way to uncover Aachen’s rich history.
Read our full review: Germany: Guided Tour of Aachen Review
Book now: Check availability
Aachen: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour
Aachen’s First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour invites visitors on a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
This 1.5-hour tour, led by passionate local guides, promises an immersive experience, allowing participants to uncover the secrets and stories that lie behind Aachen’s historic landmarks.
During the tour, guests will stroll through the city’s charming old town, discovering its architectural gems and learning about the influential figures who’ve shaped Aachen’s past.
The tour’s focus on reading and interpretation adds a unique dimension, encouraging participants to engage with the city on a deeper level.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from previous visitors, this activity is a popular choice for those seeking an authentic and enriching introduction to Aachen.
Priced at SEK 794 per person, the Aachen: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour offers a comprehensive and insightful way to experience the city’s vibrant history and culture.
Read our full review: Aachen: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Aachen Center: One Day Audio Tour Experience
With its immersive audio guide and self-guided exploration, the Aachen Center: One Day Audio Tour Experience offers visitors a convenient and flexible way to discover the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks.
Priced at just £6.33 per person, this 2-3 hour walking tour covers 33 stops across 3.8 km, with captivating stories accessible through a dedicated mobile app. Offering a choice of 7 languages, the tour can be started at any point along the route, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace.
The tour includes access to the CityAppTour app, GPS navigation, and entrance tickets to local sites, making it a comprehensive and value-packed experience.
While some reviewers found the content depth and installation process lacking, the majority praised the tour guide’s knowledge and engagement.
With the option to enjoy up to 60% off when touring with companions, the Aachen Center: One Day Audio Tour Experience is an affordable and convenient way to discover the city’s highlights.
Read our full review: Aachen Center: One Day Audio Tour Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Aachen – Historic Walking Tour
Spanning a captivating 1.5 hours, the Aachen – Historic Walking Tour provides an immersive exploration of the city’s architectural marvels and rich historical legacy.
Priced at $359.92 for up to 20 participants, the private group experience allows visitors to discover the iconic Aachen Cathedral, one of Europe’s oldest, and explore the treasury’s medieval artworks.
The tour highlights the whimsical Dolls Fountain and the Elisenbrunnen’s healing thermal waters.
Architectural landmarks like the 14th-century Aachen Town Hall and the mysterious Haus Löwenstein captivate the senses, while historical sites such as the Grashaus and the Ponttor City Gates offer a window into Aachen’s storied past.
With a flexible cancellation policy and the option to reserve without upfront payment, this walking tour is an ideal way to discover the city’s rich heritage.
Guests can also arrange hotel pick-up within the Old Town, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.
Read our full review: Aachen – Historic Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Aachen: Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
Offering a comprehensive introduction to Aachen’s captivating history, the private walking tour with a professional guide takes visitors on an immersive 1.5-hour journey through the city’s architectural gems and storied past.
Priced at $226.24 for a group of up to 15 participants, the tour explores Aachen’s role as the former capital of Charlemagne’s empire and the site of the Aachener Dom, Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guests will marvel at Charlemagne’s throne and burial place, as well as the city’s medieval buildings and historic gates. The knowledgeable guide brings Aachen’s history to life through engaging storytelling and anecdotes, highlighting the Puppet Fountain’s symbolic characters and the city’s evolution from the Roman era to modern times.
With customizable options and the ability to cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund, this private walking tour offers an excellent value for those seeking an in-depth understanding of Aachen’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Aachen: Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Monschau – Old Town Private Guided Tour
Situated in the heart of the picturesque Eifel region, the Monschau – Old Town Private Guided Tour invites visitors to discover the charming medieval town of Monschau.
Priced at £228.00 per group (up to 20 participants), this 1-hour English and German-language tour showcases the town’s historical highlights, including the 13th-century Burg Monschau castle, the 18th-century Rotes Haus (Red House), and the 150-year-old Felsenkeller Brauhaus & Museum.
Guests will stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets, lined with timber-framed houses, and visit the Rathaus (City Hall), established in 1654.
The tour culminates at the historic Senfmühle Monschau, a mustard mill. While the tour covers only exterior visits, you will gain a deep understanding of Monschau’s medieval heritage.
Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this private guided tour promises an immersive and flexible experience in one of Germany’s most picturesque towns.
Read our full review: Monschau – Old Town Private Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Aachen: Private Christmas Market Tour
As the holiday season approaches, the Aachen: Private Christmas Market Tour invites visitors to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the city’s renowned Christmas markets.
This 2-hour walking tour provides a personalized experience, guiding participants through the festive stalls and twinkling lights of Aachen’s historic center.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 by previous customers, the tour offers a skip-the-line option, ensuring a seamless experience. Priced at $70.96 per person, it’s a small-group tour, allowing for an intimate and interactive exploration of the markets.
Visitors can expect to discover the city’s rich history, local traditions, and the unique offerings of the Christmas stalls, from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Glühwein (mulled wine).
Whether seeking a festive escape or a deeper appreciation of Aachen’s holiday celebrations, the Aachen: Private Christmas Market Tour promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Read our full review: Aachen: Private Christmas Market Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Aachen offers a variety of engaging tours led by knowledgeable guides. Visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks, discover hidden gems, and even experience the vibrant Christmas markets. Whether you prefer a classic walking tour or a more specialized experience, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests. With these diverse tour options, you’re sure to gain a deeper appreciation for Aachen’s rich history and culture.