Tours/Cologne/Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems
Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems
4.9(19)Cologne2 hours
VIATOR4.3(3)TRIPADVISOR5.0(16)
+8 photos
At a glance
Duration
2 hours
Price from
$75 / person
Location
Cologne, Germany
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 19 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 15
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Local Tours Expert
Meeting point
Meet your guide at the Marktplatz, in front of the Starbucks.
Description
Aachen invites you to explore its rich tapestry of history and vibrant culture. Wander through its charming streets and uncover the legacy of German kings as you visit key attractions like the UNESCO-listed Aachen Cathedral and the lively Marktplatz. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour offers a perfect blend of medieval architecture and modern life, ensuring an engaging experience as you connect with fellow travelers. Enjoy the thrill of discovering hidden gems like the historic Granus Tower, and capture memorable moments at each iconic site.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
9:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:45 PM, and 5:30 PM
Next available
Mon, Oct 5
Adult (ages 12+)
$75
Child (ages 0–11)
$35
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $150.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 5:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:36 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 4.
Tour Options
Private Tour in English
Private
English speaking tour guide
Itinerary
20 min
Marktplatz is a central square that serves as a vibrant hub for local activities and gatherings. It is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Aachen Town Hall, which dates back to the 14th century. The square hosts regular markets and events, making it a lively spot for both residents and visitors. With its convenient location, Marktplatz is a focal point for exploring the city's cultural and historical sites.
Aachen Cathedral
20 min
Aachen Cathedral is renowned for its architectural and historical significance. Constructed by Charlemagne in the 8th century, it has served as the coronation site for German kings and houses Charlemagne's Palatine Chapel. The cathedral features an octagonal basilica and a choir from the Gothic period, making it a unique blend of architectural styles. It continues to be a place of worship and a key attraction for visitors interested in medieval history and art.
Elisenbrunnen
20 min
Restaurant Elisenbrunnen is located near the historic Elisenbrunnen pavilion, known for its sulfur springs. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, drawing on both local and international culinary traditions. Its proximity to the city center makes it a convenient spot for a meal while exploring Aachen. The restaurant provides a comfortable setting for diners to enjoy a break from sightseeing.
Bahkauv
20 min
Bahkauv is a notable bronze sculpture in Aachen, depicting a mythical creature from local folklore. Located near the cathedral, it represents a calf-like beast said to haunt the city’s streets at night. The sculpture, created by artist Bonifatius Stirnberg, is a popular spot for visitors to learn about Aachen's legends and take photos. Its central location makes it easily accessible while touring the city's historic areas.
Puppenbrunnen
20 min
Puppenbrunnen is a whimsical fountain in Aachen, featuring bronze puppet-like figures. Created by artist Bonifatius Stirnberg, the figures are movable and represent various aspects of city life, including a knight, a horse, and a market woman. Located near the cathedral, it attracts visitors with its playful and interactive design, offering a charming spot to pause and enjoy the creative artwork while exploring the city.
20 min
Granus Tower is a historic structure in Aachen, part of the original Carolingian Palace complex. Dating back to the 8th century, it is one of the city's oldest buildings and was used for various administrative and residential purposes over the centuries. The tower is named after the Roman god Granus, associated with healing, reflecting Aachen's historical significance as a spa town. Today, it stands as a testament to Aachen's rich architectural heritage and is a point of interest for visitors exploring the city's past.
What's included
Included
Professional tour guide
2-hour walking tour
Not included
Gratuities (optional)
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
19 reviews
5
18
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Cologne
No. 34 by number of reviews among 207 tours in Cologne
Excurgo comparison of 207 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems take?
Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems cost?
Prices start at $75 per person for this Cologne experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $150. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:45 PM, and 5:30 PM.
How much does Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems cost for children?
Children aged 0–11 pay from $35, adults from $75.
Can I cancel Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet your guide at the Marktplatz, in front of the Starbucks. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 19 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Local Tours Expert.
Reviews(19)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
LMM314
September 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A wonderful few hours of history and anecdotes about Aachen
My daughter and I had an excellent tour of the historic center of Aachen in August led by Axel who is a student at the university. He was easy to find at our meeting point, knowledgeable about the history and architecture of Aachen and went above and beyond to show us the cathedral at the end of the hour which was not officially on the tour list. He also followed up with the name of a store we were looking for to buy a Christmas ornament. All in all a great way to spend a few hours to give us a good foundation of the world heritage gems and historic significance of the City with some interesting anecdotes about the printen cookies and Aachen greeting.
L
Liferenewed
August 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour guide. I learned a lot.
It ended up being a semi private tour as it was only me and my companion. The tour was very short in terms of distance as the city itself is not that large, but it did last for the advertise length of time. Alex, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the area. He also had great suggestions on where to eat after the tour, even pinning locations on Google Maps for us. He also had good picture suggestions and took great photos.
T
Tracey_M
August 14, 2026 · via Viator
Good but, room for improvement
Axel was a friendly guide but, lacked passion for Aachen’s history. Tour information was read rather than given with knowledge. Made to feel a little awkward as he kept talking about tips. We had no cash but, he kept bringing up taking us to a bank.
Operator response
Dear customer,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are glad to hear that you found Axel friendly, although we are sorry that the tour did not meet your expectations regarding the presentation and local history.
We also appreciate your comments regarding the mention of tips. This is not the experience we want our guests to have, and we will share your feedback with the guide and our team.
Have a nice day!
L
linapF110LO
July 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour
Great tour! My and my partner learned a lot from the guide Axel!
N
nerisv2024
July 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful tour
Wonderful guide, Axel was beyond amazing
K
kiraelizabethp
July 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing 5 stars
Amazing, Axel is top guide. I loved the tour
S
sarahdX3039MA
July 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour
Excellent tour. Axel was a great guide and very informative
V
velotourers
July 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Aachen Walking Tour
Axel was an excellent guide, an interesting two hour tour!
O
oskarsY9150XY
June 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A tour of old Aachen
Axel did a fantastic job. He was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions.
J
James_C
June 21, 2026 · via Viator
Excellent tour of Aachen
Aachen is a beautiful town with a very long and important history beginning with Charlemagne. Our tour guide, Sxel, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the tour. We were fortunate to be the only two on the tour. Axel answered all our questions and was able to give us a longer tour to make sure he addressed all our particular interests. We were never rushed.