Aachen City Guide

Local specialties include Aachener Printen gingerbread and Öcher Sauerbraten. The city offers many international and vegetarian options. Some late-night eateries like döner shops stay open late.

Nightlife is lively near Pontstraße with bars, pubs, and some clubs popular among students.

A mix of traditional and modern specialty cafes. Good quality coffee and cozy atmosphere.

Tipping is appreciated but optional. Usually 5-10% or rounding up the bill in restaurants and taxis.

SIM cards are sold at Telekom, Vodafone, O2 stores, supermarkets, and electronics shops. Telekom and Vodafone have best coverage. Registration with ID is required.

City is generally clean with good waste management and recycling systems.

Limited 24/7 services. Emergency pharmacy service is available. Some gas stations and fast-food places open late.

Large supermarkets like Rewe, Edeka, Aldi, Lidl, and Netto offer local and international products. Weekly markets provide fresh local produce.

Card payments work in most supermarkets, bigger stores, and many restaurants. Smaller shops and bakeries may prefer cash, so carry some with you.

ATMs are common at banks like Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Postbank. Using ATMs from certain banks may have fees unless you belong to their network.

Public German schools are common. The International School Aachen offers an English curriculum for expats.

A small but growing community around RWTH Aachen University with some meetups and nomad-friendly cafes.

Parks like Stadtgarten and Westpark plus walking paths along the Wurm river provide ample green space.

Popular running spots include Stadtgarten, Westpark, Wurm river paths, and Lousberg hill. Generally safe with good air quality.

Gyms offer various options including university and private facilities.

Tennis courts available at several clubs with clay and hard courts and coaching options.

Padel courts are less common but growing in number.

Several yoga studios with various styles and some English-speaking instructors. Spa culture is strong due to thermal springs.

Various martial arts schools teaching Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing. Some classes in English.

Small ski areas nearby with beginner to intermediate terrain. Larger resorts about 2 hours away. Seasonal and weather-dependent.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are possible on Lake Rur during warm months.

No surfing options; city is far from ocean or large surfable lakes.

Not suitable for diving or snorkeling.

Aachen has good healthcare including the RWTH Uniklinik Aachen. English speakers are common in bigger hospitals. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are widely available with regulated hours and emergency services.

Tap water is safe to drink and of high quality throughout the city.

Aachen has playgrounds, family-friendly cafes, and attractions like the Euregiozoo and thermal baths suitable for kids.

High acceptance and safe spaces with events like Christopher Street Day. Strong legal protections.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, vet clinics, and pet stores. Many places allow dogs on leash.