If you’re wondering where to live in Germany, rest assured, there’s no wrong answer. The major cities in Germany are some of the best places in Europe to live. The architecture is beautiful, the people are friendly and welcoming, and there's lots to do for recreation and entertainment. However, it can be difficult deciding where to live in Germany because each city has its own distinct personality. Each city has its own unique flavor, from the buzzing metropolis of Berlin to the traditional and charming Nuremberg. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of some of the most popular cities in Germany to help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.
Where to live in Germany:
When it comes to deciding where to live in Germany, some of the major cities in Germany might appeal more strongly to you than others do. While you should let your gut impressions steer you, a little research never hurt! Let's dive in!
Berlin
Berlin is the vibrant and dynamic capital city of Germany. This bustling, cosmopolitan city has a rich history and a vibrant culture. Berlin is known for its world-famous museums, iconic landmarks such as the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, and incredible nightlife. People from all over the world flock to Berlin for its vibrant art scene, tolerant and experimental communities, trendy bars, and exceptional food.
Pros of living in Berlin:
Affordable cost of living, large international / expat community, world-class museums, excellent public transportation, and a thriving tech and start-up industry.
Cons of living in Berlin:
Expensive cost of living, harsh winters, bureaucratic red tape, and a high crime rate.
Munich
Munich is a charming and historic city located in the heart of Bavaria. It is best known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and exceptional food and beer. And don’t forget the world-renowned Oktoberfest, which attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. Its proximity to lakes and the Alps make it especially popular with nature lovers.
Pros of living in Munich include:
Strong economy, beautiful parks, large international / expat community, excellent public transportation and airport connections, and a high quality of life.
Cons of living in Munich include:
Expensive cost of living, conservative mindset, mostly German spoken, and a lack of diversity.
Hamburg
One of the more overlooked major cities in Germany, Hamburg is a bustling port city in northern Germany. Hamburg's maritime history is evident throughout the city, from the old warehouses of the Speicherstadt to the impressive Elbphilharmonie concert hall, built on the site of an old warehouse. Visitors can also explore the city's numerous museums, including the Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway in the world. The city is also known for its lively music scene, with countless live music venues and festivals throughout the year.
Pros of living in Hamburg include:
Excellent job opportunities, affordable cost of living, large international / expat community, beautiful architecture, and a lively nightlife.
Cons of living in Hamburg include:
Mostly German spoken, Gray and rainy weather, high levels of pollution, and a lack of diversity.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a modern, cosmopolitan city located in the heart of Germany. It's known for its rich cultural heritage and status as a major financial hub, home to the European Central Bank and numerous multinational corporations. It’s also the only major city in Germany with a real skyline. One of Frankfurt's most impressive landmarks is the Römerberg, a beautiful square in the heart of the city that is lined with historic buildings, including the famous Römer town hall. The city also boasts numerous world-class museums, such as the Städel Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art, and the German Film Museum.
Pros of living in Frankfurt include:
Strong economy, excellent public transportation and airport connections, vibrant nightlife, and international community.
Cons of living in Frankfurt include:
Expensive cost of living, busy traffic, and harsh winters.
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is a chic and fashionable city located in Western Germany. It's known for its high-end fashion boutiques and vibrant nightlife. Düsseldorf's art and culture scene is world-renowned, with numerous museums and galleries throughout the city, including the Kunstpalast and the Museum Kunstpalast. Residents also enjoy the city's many parks and gardens, including the beautiful Hofgarten and the Rheinpark .It also hosts the largest Japanese population in Europe after London and Paris, and food critics suggest that Düsseldorf has the best Japanese cuisine in Europe.
Pros of living in Düsseldorf include:
Strong economy, affordable cost of living, large international / expat community, close proximity to Cologne and Bonn, and a high quality of life.
Cons of living in Düsseldorf include:
Mostly German spoken, unpredictable weather, and a small city feel.
Cologne
Though it’s one of the smaller major cities in Germany, Cologne is still lively and progressive. Cologne's stunning cathedral, the Kölner Dom, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and one of the most visited attractions in Germany. This Western German city is also known for its world-class museums, including the Museum Ludwig, which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Cologne is also known for its lively LGBTQ+ community and hosts one of the largest Pride festivals in Europe.
Pros of living in Cologne include:
LGBTQ+ friendly, affordable cost of living, close proximity to Düsseldorf and Bonn, and a lively culture.
Cons of living in Cologne include:
Can be more traditional, mostly German spoken, not as architecturally beautiful as other German cities, and can be crowded during peak tourist season.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a charming medieval city located in northern Bavaria. Nuremberg's medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the city's most impressive landmarks, including the Imperial Castle and the Albrecht Dürer House. The city is also famous for its Christmas market, which attracts millions of visitors each year with its festive atmosphere, delicious food, and unique crafts.
Pros of living in Nuremberg include:
Affordable cost of living, excellent public transportation, a strong economy, and a high quality of life.
Cons of living in Nuremberg include:
Harsh winters, mostly German spoken, lack of diversity, and a small city feel.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a thriving city located in southern Germany. Stuttgart's world-class museums include the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum, which celebrate the city's strong ties to the automotive industry. The city is also home to numerous beautiful parks, including the sprawling Rosenstein Park and the Schlossgarten, which offers stunning views of the city. Stuttgart is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters, music venues, and festivals throughout the year.
Pros of living in Stuttgart include:
Strong economy, excellent public transportation, vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, and a high quality of life.
Cons of living in Stuttgart include:
Expensive cost of living, mostly German spoken, busy traffic, and harsh winters.
Where to live in Germany depends on your own interests.
Berlin is ideal for those seeking a dynamic and diverse city with plenty of cultural attractions, while Munich is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more traditional German experience. Hamburg is a bustling port city with a thriving music scene, while Frankfurt is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a strong financial industry. Düsseldorf is a chic and fashionable city with a high quality of life, Cologne is a lively and progressive city with a rich history, Nuremberg is a charming medieval city with a world-renowned Christmas market, and Stuttgart is a bustling city with a thriving automotive industry. As you consider where to live in Germany, you should also think about your personal interests and whether there is a job market for your professional skills in your chosen location.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our little tour through the German cities. If you want to get a better feel for them, we highly recommend reading some local blogs or browsing Instagram and TikTok for advice from other expats. And if you’re not sure where to start? Let us know in the comments! 🔵
