The guide to the best and biggest cities in Germany presents the European country’s most famous and best hubs based on several aspects such as geographical area, city population, work opportunities, places of attraction, and living conditions.

German cities offer diverse job opportunities with high salaries, desirable living conditions, and additional benefits such as free education and health insurance.

Subsequently, many students and young people travel to Germany to pursue higher studies and work prospects and seek a better future.

But there is much more that adds to the fascination of the major German cities: history and culture, shopping opportunities, and thriving nightlife are some of those.

Based on the performance of Germany’s many cities in aspects such as total population, job availability, salaries, living costs, and prospects, we present the list of the best and most prominent cities in Germany.

10 Best and Biggest Cities in Germany

 1. Berlin

Size: 891.1 km² Population: approx. 3,677,472

Berlin, the nation’s capital, is one of Germany’s largest cities in population and territory. It has city-state status since the state of Brandenburg encircles it. Some of the most important employers and well-known companies worldwide have headquarters.

The history of Germany’s capital has seen a lot of upheaval over the centuries. East Berlin evolved to become the capital of East Germany after World War II, while West Berlin was an enclave of West Germany surrounded by the Berlin Wall. However, Berlin has been the capital of Germany ever since the German reunification in 1990.

Berlin leads the energy and environmental technology market. Its Manufacturing sector is also exceptionally lucrative, combining traditional and modern means of working in this industry. Employment sectors also encompass ICT, media, and Innovative technology.

Berlin offers an endless supply of employment options and career paths. People travel to Berlin from all over the world for better lives and employment.

Lifestyle in Berlin ranges from chic, grungy, hip to international. The living costs in Berlin are high compared to other cities in Germany. Berlin is also a thriving centre for culture, literature, arts, and media. It is home to famous universities such as Humboldt and Freie University of Berlin.

2. Hamburg

Size: 755.1 km² Population: 1,853,935

It is frequently referred to as “the gateway to the World.” Hamburg, Germany’s second-biggest city, is a pleasant northern metropolis with a maritime atmosphere and lovely architecture, especially along the Binnenalster. It serves as a significant commercial centre for the country.

Hamburg’s Harbor on the river Elbe is about 110 km inland from the North Sea. It has a thriving service sector, including trade, tourism, education, and health, making it a strong economy. Salaries in Hamburg are higher than in other German cities.

Apart from the famous Harbor of Hamburg, there are several other attractions. The old storehouse district (Speicherstadt), the Reeperbahn (red-light district), the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and the Binnenalster are famous places of tourist attractions. Hamburg is home to several bridges in the entire world.

3. Munich 

Size: 459.2 km² Population: 2,230,600

The largest city in the state of Bavaria and the third-largest metropolis in all of Germany is Munich. Additionally, it has Germany’s highest population density. Munich enjoys a solid international reputation in the industrial sector, particularly in engineering, cutting-edge technology, and health. It is a prospective employee’s paradise.

Employment in Munich involves trade, communication, science, transportation, government, entertainment, and the manufacturing industry. The immersive environment makes Munich one of the best cities in Germany for work.

The cost of living in Munich is much higher than in other German cities. However, the salaries of highly qualified employees are high enough to support the lifestyle. 

Munich, which is well-known for Oktoberfest, is a well-liked vacation spot. Most of Munich’s attractions are located in the historic city centre, between Karlstor and Isartor. The most well-known landmark in Munich is the “Frauenkirche.” The English Garden, one of the biggest parks in the entire world, is also housed there (The Englische Garten). The city’s notable attractions also include food and beer.

4. Cologne/ Köln

Size: 405.0 km² Population: 1,073,096

Cologne is another of Germany’s most significant cities. Belgium and the Netherlands border Germany just across the Rhine from Cologne. Natural topography around the city, cultural gems, and a blending of modern and classical environments colour the life in Cologne. Wages are higher and allow a high standard of living.

Many manufacturing and business industries have attached themselves to the land. Cologne has a highly developed economy and is one of Germany’s best cities to work in. 

The automotive industry drives the economy of this city. The media and insurance service sectors are also highly developed.

The Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions, is another reason for Cologne’s fame.

The local Kölsch beer is a favoured delicacy. The Kölner Karneval, a major carnival in Cologne, showcases fancy-dressed people, street parades, and pubs.

5. Frankfurt

Size: 248.3 km² Population: 759,224

The list of the biggest cities in Germany would be incomplete without mentioning Hesse’s largest city– Frankfurt. 

Frankfurt has high-tech industries and offers a promise of a fulfilling lifestyle. It is also the seat of the leading national and European bank headquarters. Aside from this, its unique charm and vibrant environment provide a good work culture. 

Frankfurt Airport happens to be one of the busiest airports globally, providing several work opportunities.

Frankfurt has a high living cost. However, various modern industries provide several ways to generate the required sustenance. 

Frankfurt offers a lot to its visitors. Museums, culture, history, and shopping opportunities are endless. The annual book fair (Buchmesse) is the largest in the world. 

It’s incredible to see the skyline from the other side of the river. Another notable sight is the recently constructed town hall known as “Römer.” The high-rise structures in Frankfurt’s banking district distinguish its skyline from other European cities.

6. Stuttgart

Size: 207.3 km² Population: 626,275

Baden-Stuttgart Wurttemberg is one of the nation’s most significant commercial hubs. The thrifty and hardworking Swabians call it home. Additionally, it is among the largest cities in Germany.

Hills, vineyards, and forests surround Stuttgart of the Neckar Valley, giving the city a green and lush appearance. 

The Swabian metropolis is home to Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) and Porsche- making it a central industrial region. Both the population and the economy of the area are expanding. The country’s high-tech sector, which includes Bosch, helps the economy. Nonetheless, many job opportunities are available, regardless of expertise in a particular field.

The town is also a significant centre for culture and the arts. Hearty food and wine, the spirit and soul of this city, are only two of the pleasures Stuttgart has to offer visitors.

Stuttgart’s principal gathering area is Schlossplatz, a popular tourist site and home to the new palace. The Königstrasse, sometimes known as “King Street,” is a lengthy pedestrian mall and a haven for shoppers. Additionally, the New Castle is a stunning tourist destination.

7. Dusseldorf

Size: 217.4 km² Population: 619,477

One of the most prominent cities in Germany, Düsseldorf, is the centre of public administration activities in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also a national and global centre of business and science.

This Rhine metropolis of Düsseldorf is well-known for its fashion and art industries. The city holds large urban areas- that boast high salaries and equally high quality of life, alongside various job opportunities. The major developed industries in Dusseldorf are health services and innovative and industrial technology. The fashion sector also brings a lot of revenue to the local economy.

Königsallee, also known as just “Kö,” is one of Düsseldorf’s busiest retail avenues and is lined with upscale stores. Unique structures created by renowned architects along the Media Harbour waterway make for pleasurable strolls for tourists and locals.

8. Dortmund 

Size: 280.7 km² Population: 586,852

Dortmund is situated in the same state as Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia. The coal and steel industries formerly dominated this area.

Dortmund was founded in or around the year 882. Numerous industrial landmarks serve as persistent reminders of times past. One such monument is the former Dortmund Phoenix-West blast furnace factory.

The Ruhr Area, a heavily urbanised and industrialised region of Germany, is centred in Dortmund. It serves as a hub for education, the arts, and culture.

9. Essen

Size: 210.3 km² Population: 579,432

Essen, a city in the Ruhr region, is on the list of the largest cities in Germany. A large part of the town was destroyed during World War II. Numerous German corporations, notably the most significant energy firms in the country, E.ON, and RWE, are based in Essen.

Essen makes up for its lack of architecture with a lot of greenery. With many woodland and green areas, it is renowned for being among the greenest cities in the nation. The Zeche Zollverein, a World Cultural Heritage Site, is also there.

A swimming pool, festivals, exhibitions, and other forms of entertainment may now be found inside the former coal mine.

10. Leipzig

Size: 297.8 km² Population: 601,866

The list of Germany’s most prominent cities ends with Leipzig. Leipzig is located around 160 kilometres southwest of Berlin.

Leipzig is an industrial city, and it prides a thriving job market regarding diversity and wages. The most extensive industry functioning in this city is the automotive industry. The two worldwide acclaimed companies, BMW and Porsche, are based in Leipzig and are the biggest employers in the area. 

Recent years have seen a rise in Leipzig’s environmental technology industry. The high-quality standard of living makes Leipzig one of the best cities in Germany for work. Leipzig is a livable city and attracts mainly young and creative individuals. 

The leading university is located- in the middle of the town centre, surrounded by many shopping facilities, restaurants and parks. Hence, Leipzig is famous as an ideal student city.

Tourists flock to its distinctive Renaissance-style buildings and famous opera house, Oper Leipzig.

The Last Stop

Apart from the biggest cities in Germany listed above, several other important cities such as Aachen, Dresden, Freiburg, Lower Saxony, Bremen, and Erfurt are also beautiful places to visit.

Although not as well-known as the cities listed above, these cities are vital portals of education, tourism, and industries. Check out these fantastic cities for a beautiful experience if you visit Germany.

Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty