Hotmannspief (Hotmannspiif) is situated on Alexanderstraße and is one of the city’s monuments and historic fountains. It was created in the form of an obelisk in 1825 by architect Adam Friedrich Franz Leydel. The monument was erected in 1830 and features four cast-iron, gilded figures on all sides, holding cans in both hands, from which water flows into a round catch basin on the front sides. Under the figures you can see four lion mouths. It is not quite clear as to why this fountain has such a name; perhaps, it was once the property of a family or a company bearing the same name.

The Water Tower Belvedere is a water tower of reinforced concrete construction located on the Lousberg hill. It was built in 1956.

The water tower accommodates a revolving restaurant, which reopened in 2005 after being closed for several years (it closed again for one year, but was reopen again in 2012). The restaurant revolves once every 56 minutes. Service includes a restaurant, a beer garden and a traditional Sunday brunch.

Nestled between Aachen’s two main squares-Market Square and Katschhof Square-the Town Hall is a magnificent reminder of the city’s imperial past. Dating back to the early 14th century, this storied building still serves as the headquarters for the mayor and city council. In its prime, it hosted the lavish coronation banquets for Holy Roman Emperors, who were crowned in Aachen Cathedral. From 936 to 1531, 31 emperors took their vows here, and the monumental Coronation Hall still echoes with that regal history. Step inside, and you’ll find faithful replicas of the imperial regalia-the crown, sword, and gospel book of medieval rulers.

But the Town Hall’s history goes even deeper. It’s built atop the remains of Charlemagne’s original palace, and elements of the Carolingian dynasty are woven into its very walls. Look closely at the south wall to spot the ancient masonry that survived centuries of change.

And change it did. Fires repeatedly damaged the building, prompting reconstructions that gave it a constantly evolving appearance. After the Great Fire of Aachen in 1656, the roof and towers were rebuilt in a baroque style. By the 18th century, gothic adornments were stripped away, and the baroque trend took hold. However, in the 19th century, a neo-gothic restoration project sought to revive the Town Hall’s medieval charm, adding frescoes that told Charlemagne’s legendary tales and statues of kings and symbolic figures along its facade.

Even World War II could not topple this resilient landmark. Bombing raids left the towers twisted and charred, but emergency beams prevented a total collapse. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the towers were finally rebuilt, restoring the structure’s iconic skyline presence.

Today, the Town Hall not only stands as a monument to Aachen’s imperial past, but it also hosts the prestigious Charlemagne Prize ceremony, honoring those who have advanced the cause of European unity. Past recipients include Pope John Paul II, US President Bill Clinton, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel-proof that this historic hall remains at the heart of Europe’s ongoing story.

Aachen’s Market Square has long been a focal point of city life. Located in the heart of the historic center, it has been a gathering spot since medieval times. Here, traders once peddled their wares, locals swapped gossip, and grand celebrations lit up the town. Over the centuries, this place has been the stage for coronations, civic announcements, and daily commerce. Its central location, surrounded by landmark buildings, ensures it remains a vibrant gathering spot.

At the heart of the square is Aachen’s Gothic Town Hall, built in the 14th century on the remnants of Charlemagne’s former palace. Not far from this stately structure, the Market Fountain draws the eye. With its elegant Renaissance flair and bronze statue of Charlemagne, this iconic monument has become one of Aachen’s most recognizable symbols, celebrating the city’s ties to the legendary emperor.

Just to the north, in the courtyard of the Karlshof building, the Karlshof Fountain steals the show. A modern masterpiece from 1969, its seven sides each depict one of the Seven Free Arts of Roman antiquity-grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.

As you stroll across the square, it’s hard to resist the charm of cozy cafes and shops. You might catch yourself nibbling sweet Aachener Printen gingerbread, or perhaps sipping a perfectly rich coffee-either way, you'll be immersed in history, elegance, and an lively atmosphere. Throughout the year, the square transforms for festivals, open-air markets, and the beloved Christmas Market, which draws visitors from near and far.

The Granusturm is a monument in Aachen and was originally built as part of Charlemagne 's imperial palace. The roughly 20 meter high tower, made of quarry stone, was completed in AD 788. The sides of the square building measure 8.85 meters. Today, the Granusturm is one of Aachen 's two town hall towers, along with the Marktturm. According to the current state of research, it was named after the Celtic god of healing Grannus (cf. also Aquae Granni ).

There is a vaulted room on each of three floors. Stairs between the interior walls and the exterior masonry connect the floors. A water-flushed latrine was installed in a vaulted room on the ground floor.

The function of the tower is so far unclear and is currently the subject of research. Previous assumptions that the building temporarily served as a residential tower for Charlemagne's family seem to have no substance. The building could not be heated, there were no sanitary facilities on the upper floors and the lighting conditions are insufficient, since the only small windows were covered with thinly scraped and greased animal skins in iron window frames to protect against rain or snow during the cold season.

The tower is currently assigned the function of a stairwell. This made it possible to climb to the upper floor of the porch of the King's Hall and thus the transition to an adjacent (late antique) fortification wall that ran in a circle around the market hill, and thus to possible other buildings attached to this ring wall. Corridors lead into the basement of the tower, some of which are now buried and walled up.

One of Aachen’s most enchanting pedestrian streets, Krämer is the quintessential blend of medieval charm and modern-day flair. Just a short stroll from the Cathedral, this quaint lane has its roots in the medieval trade that once defined the city’s marketplace. Even its name-Krämer-nods to the merchants who made this street their home, trading in everything from fine cloth to aromatic spices.

Strolling down the street today, you’ll find an array of boutiques, specialty shops, and cozy cafes. The narrow pathway is lined with beautifully preserved historic facades that provide the perfect backdrop for a few snapshots. Many of the buildings retain their medieval and Renaissance elements, giving you a sense of the street’s centuries-old heritage.

Notable historic structures include the Postwagen, Ratskeller, and Eulenspiegel houses, all dating back to the mid-17th century. Once crucial fixtures near the Town Hall, they now host upscale restaurants where history and fine dining meet. Another standout is Number 29, a three-story brick beauty from 1656 with a curved façade and a quirky round staircase tucked into the right half of the building.

As you wander along, keep an eye out for whimsical art installations and fountains. The Dolls’ Fountain delights visitors with its playful figures, while the Chicken Thief Fountain near the street’s northern end has a storied past. Originally unveiled at the 1913 Christmas Market, the fountain portrays a hapless chicken thief betrayed by a crowing rooster. Though the original was lost in World War II, the fountain was lovingly recreated in 1950.

The Dolls’ Fountain is pure whimsy in bronze form, tucked near the Cathedral in Aachen’s picturesque old town. Dreamed up by local sculptor Bonifatius Stirnberg and installed in 1975, this playful fountain isn’t just for show-it’s for play. Its bronze figurines, from a market woman and a professor to a rooster and a clown, all have swiveling joints. That’s right-these aren’t your typical static statues. You can twist, turn, and pose them, turning a quick stop at the fountain into a hands-on history lesson for all ages.

The figures themselves each tell a story, nodding to Aachen’s rich past and present. The market woman reflects the city’s trading roots, the horse and rider represent riding tournaments, and the professor with his monocle tips his hat to Aachen’s universities and intellectual history. Even the rooster at the top hints at the city’s musical talents, although some claim it points to the times of the French occupation. Meanwhile, the doll pays tribute to Aachen’s long textile history, and the clown and masks channel the city’s cheerful, celebratory spirit.

It’s more than a fountain; it’s a conversation starter, a photo opportunity, and moment of interactive joy for kids, parents, and curious passersby. So as you stroll past this delightful landmark, don’t just look-step right up, turn a figure or two, and let Aachen’s colorful past come alive, one moveable joint at a time.

Inside the Cathedral Treasury, one of Europe’s most extraordinary church treasure troves awaits. The collection, rumored to have begun with Charlemagne’s spoils from Jerusalem and Constantinople, is so impressive it secured the very first German spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with Aachen Cathedral itself.

This treasure chest of history includes relics and artifacts from the late antique, Carolingian, Ottonian, Staufian, and Gothic eras. Since its grand redesign in 1995, the Treasury showcases over 100 dazzling works of art across five themed sections, all spread out over a space larger than six tennis courts.

The first section highlight the Cathedral as Charlemagne’s personal church. Here, you’ll find a silver and gilded bust of the emperor (post-1349) taking center stage. Next come Aachen’s liturgical roots, featuring the ornate Lothar Cross (circa the year 1000) and the so-called Aachen Altar (circa 1520). Another collection showcases ceremonial pieces tied to royal coronations held here between 936 and 1531, like an exquisite ivory holy water vessel. Elsewhere, Marian devotion and the city’s storied pilgrimages come to life through reliquaries, Hungarian donations, and breathtaking sculptures of the Virgin Mary.

Downstairs, a rotating display of the Cathedral’s textile treasures surrounds the legendary coronation mantle, the “Cappa Leonis,” from the early 16th century. It’s all a testament to Aachen’s centuries-long place at the crossroads of religion, art, and history.

Aachen Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral, is a true heavyweight in Germany’s lineup of iconic landmarks. Built in the late 8th century at the behest of Charlemagne, this architectural gem earned the honor of becoming the first German site inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1978.

At its core is the magnificent Palatine Chapel, a crowning achievement of Carolingian design that proudly reflects Charlemagne’s lofty dream of crafting a “new Rome” right in the heart of Europe. Inspired by Byzantine influences, the chapel’s octagonal shape is rich with symbolic meaning: eight sides evoke the eighth day and the resurrection of Christ, while recurring multiples of ten embody medieval notions of architectural perfection. Case in point: the dome’s height and the building’s diameter each measure a perfect 100 Carolingian feet. Multiples of ten were considered perfect and complete, so the precise use of 100 feet emphasized divine order and the chapel’s role as a sacred space.

After Charlemagne’s passing, the chapel became his final resting place and soon cemented its status as a centerpiece of medieval power. Between 936 and 1531, no fewer than 31 German kings and 12 queens were crowned in the cathedral, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy as a cornerstone of royal tradition.

The cathedral’s Treasury ranks among Europe’s most revered church treasuries. Inside, you’ll find the Throne of Charlemagne, the four great Aachen relics-including a cloak attributed to the Virgin Mary-and the Pala d’Oro, a dazzling golden altar screen.

As the centuries rolled by, the structure expanded and evolved, blending the strength of Carolingian architecture with the soaring elegance of Gothic design and later additions. The awe-inspiring 13th-century choir hall, with its intricate stained-glass windows, serves as a spectacular counterpoint to the original 8th-century structure.

Today, Aachen Cathedral stands tall as a breathtaking reminder of Charlemagne’s visionary legacy, the unmatched craftsmanship of the Middle Ages, and the enduring beauty of a masterpiece shaped by history.

Fountain “Circulation of Money” or Kreislauf des Geldes is an original fountain and interesting landmark in Aachen. Situated in the historic centre near Elisengarten, it was created by Karl-Henning Seemann in 1976. Depicting the circulation of money, the fountain presents six bronze figures: a woman that symbolizes the thrift, while the leaning man shows the avarice. You can also see a father with his child explaining how to deal with money. The centrifugal movement of water exemplifies the steady flow of money.

The Bahkauv is a mythical monster. The creature has been featured in the folklore of both Aachen and the Rhineland. Often depicted as a deformed calf with fangs, the Bahkauv was commonly associated with drunken men.

The Bahkauv is typically described as being similar to an elongated or deformed calf with sharp fangs. According to legend, the creature often lurks near fountains, streams, and sewers.

The Aachen city sewers and the many thermal springs found under the city have been cited as a dwelling place for the Bahkauv. One legend holds that Pippin the Younger slew a Bahkauv as it was laying by a spring. In 1902 the city of Aachen erected a statue of the Bahkauv over an old well that had been associated with the monster. This statue was melted down for its metal in World War II, prompting the city to build a second statue in 1967. This statue persists to the present day.

The Klenkes is a sign of identification for Aacheners and a greeting to one another. It is the raised little finger of the right hand. Since 1970, a memorial by the Aachen sculptor Hubert Löneke at the Holzgraben commemorates the Klenkes.

Aachen was known for its cloth industry and therefore also for its needle factories. The workers, mostly children, used their right little finger to sort out the needles. This activity, the "notching" of the faulty needles on the tape, led to malpositions and growth defects in the little finger.

As a result, people from Aachen could often recognize each other from a distance by their deformed little finger, even without saying a word. In the course of time, the cloth industry increasingly lost its dominant role in the Aachen area. But the landmark of the Klenkes remained, so the radio tower built in 1984 in the Aachen forest was given the official name Mulleklenkes, which means something like speaking Klenkes in High German.

The Elise Fountain is one of Aachen’s most famous landmarks, a neoclassical masterpiece that has been drawing visitors since 1827. With its grand colonnade and two charming pavilions, it exudes an air of old-world elegance.

Named after Princess Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria-later the Queen of Prussia-who visited Aachen in her younger years, the fountain sits atop the city’s legendary hot springs. These springs have been bubbling away since Roman times, celebrated for their therapeutic properties. Inside, two fountains still flow with that famous mineral-rich water. A quick warning, though: the distinct sulfur aroma might not be to your taste, and officially, the water is considered a medicinal product, so no casual sipping unless you’ve got a prescription!

Back in the 19th century, this was the go-to hangout for Europe’s upper crust-royalty, politicians, and artists flocked here to “take the waters” and rub elbows. Over the years, the fountain has become a proud symbol of Aachen’s spa tradition and its reputation as a cultural meeting point.

Although it suffered damage during World War II, the structure rose from the ashes and was carefully restored. Today, it remains a popular gathering place in the city center. Snap a photo against its stately colonnade, or peek inside to see those famous thermal waters.

The Aquis Plaza (in earlier planning stages Kaiserplatz-Galerie ) is a shopping center in central Aachen at the eastern end of the Adalbertstraße shopping street. It stretches from Willy-Brandt-Platz to Kaiserplatz .

Around 130 retail stores with a sales area of 29,200 m 2 are spread over the basement, ground floor, 1st and 2nd floors of the shopping center, including large retail chains such as Sport Scheck, Zara, TK Maxx, Reserved, Media-Saturn-Holding and Rewe. The center employs around 700 people.

The parking areas have 600 parking spaces and can only be reached via Kaiserplatz. They are located above the sales levels on the 3rd and 4th floors. A "car finder system" to find the parking space is available.