Aachen Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Choose between local SIM cards or modern eSIM solutions for staying connected on the go.

SIM & eSIM Options

Prepaid SIM cards from Telekom, Vodafone, O2 are available.
Passport for registration is legally required in Germany.
eSIMs from Airalo or other providers give immediate connectivity.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels and many public places. Mobile data offers consistent access throughout the city.

Access & Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers.
An increasing number of free public Wi-Fi hotspots exist in city squares.
A local SIM or eSIM features consistent internet access. Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable options.

Language & Translation

German is the official language. English receives wide speaking in tourist areas and among younger generations.

Assistance & Learning

English is generally spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and museums.
Google Translate app is excellent for immediate translations (offline packs available).
A small German phrasebook proves helpful for basic interactions. Or explore Rosetta Stone for deeper learning.

Postal Services

Deutsche Post is the national postal service, offering convenient ways to send mail and deals.

Mail & Services

Deutsche Post operates throughout Germany.
Post offices ("Postfilialen") are available throughout Aachen for all your mailing needs.
Yellow mailboxes are scattered around the city for sending letters and postcards.

Main German Phrases

Common Greetings

Hello: Hallo (hah-loh)
Hello: Guten Tag (goo-ten tahg)
Please: Bitte (bit-tuh)
Thank you (very much): Danke (schön) (dank-uh shurn)

Helpful Phrases

Goodbye: Auf Wiedersehen (ouf vee-der-zay-en)
Excuse me / Sorry: Entschuldigung (ent-shool-dee-goong)
Can you speak English?: Sprechen Sie Englisch? (shpreh-khen zee eng-lish?)
How much is this?: Wie viel kostet das? (vee feel kos-tet das?)

Language Navigator

English is widely understood in tourist areas, but a little German always receives appreciation.

Business Hours & Services

Business hours and schedules vary by type and day. Public holidays often influence services, with many establishments observing closures.

Shops

Mon-Sat: Around 9/10 AM to 6/20:00. Most shops are closed Sundays, with exceptions at train stations and bakeries.

Restaurants & Cafes

Lunch service: 12-3 PM. Dinner service: 6-10 PM. Coffee shops open earlier. Many kitchens close around 9:30 PM.

Banks & ATMs

Mon-Fri: Approx. 9 AM to 4/5 PM. Some close for lunch. ATMs ("Geldautomat") are widely available 24/7.

Public Holidays

Germany observes national public holidays, with North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) having its own regional holidays.

Main Dates

New Year's Day (Jan 1), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1).
Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi (NRW only).
Day of German Unity (Oct 3), All Saints' Day (NRW only), Christmas.

Airport Services

Access airport lounges for comfort or seek compensation for flight disruptions to ease your journey.

Travel Convenience

Priority Pass: Access independent airport lounges around the world.
Compensair: A service for flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding compensation.
Few attractions have full seasonal closures; check websites for reduced winter hours.

Seasonal & Museum Hours

Museums & Attractions

Hours vary widely. Most close one day a week (often Monday).
Shorter hours on weekends or in the low season.
Always check specific opening hours on official websites before your visit.

Reduced Winter Hours

Some attractions operate on reduced hours during winter (November-March).
This excludes the Christmas market period, which typically has extended hours.
Verify specific opening times to avoid disappointment.

Planning Note

Public and regional holidays influence business operations. Verify schedules, especially for museums and attractions, before your trip.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Germans value politeness and directness. Small efforts to be respectful of local customs will contribute substantially to your experience.

Greetings & Formality

A firm handshake is common when meeting. Default to the formal address ('Sie') with strangers.

Interaction Basics

A firm handshake is common when meeting and leaving.
"Guten Tag" (Good day) or "Hallo" (Hello) are common greetings. "Mahlzeit" is used around lunchtime.
Use "Sie" (formal 'you') when addressing strangers or elders.

Appropriate Attire

Generally casual and practical for daily sightseeing. Smart casual is appropriate for nicer restaurants or evening events.

Dress Code

Generally casual and practical for daily sightseeing.
Smart casual is suitable for nicer restaurants or evening events.
Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) receives appreciation when visiting churches and the Cathedral.

Dining & Tipping

It is customary to wait to be seated. Ask for the bill. Tipping is a common practice.

Restaurant Customs

It is customary to wait to be seated in a restaurant.
Do not expect the bill automatically; ask for it ("Zahlen, bitte").
Tipping: Round up the bill or add 5-10% for good service.

Photography Ethics

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in public spaces, but certain restrictions exist.

Guidelines

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Flash photography often has a prohibition in museums, churches, and galleries.
Be on the lookout for signs indicating photography restrictions in specific locations.

Sensitive Topics & Conduct

Avoid & Respect

Nazi Era/WWII: Avoid jokes; public display of Nazi symbols is illegal.
Punctuality: Being on time for appointments or reservations holds significance.
Noise: Avoid excessive noise in public spaces, especially late at night.

Cultural Awareness

Directness: German communication prioritizes clarity. This signifies directness.
Privacy: Do not photograph people without their consent.
LGBTQ+: Germany is a tolerant society. Aachen welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers.

Cultural Understanding

Common Practices

Greetings feature handshakes. Formal address ('Sie') is standard for strangers.
Punctuality receives high regard.
Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants (5-10%).

Considerations

Seek permission for photos of individuals. Respect "no photography" signs.
Maintain quiet in public spaces, specifically at night.
Avoid sensitive historical topics.

Cultural Appreciation

A little awareness of local customs will enrich your interactions and demonstrate respect during your visit to Aachen.

Accessibility Information

Aachen strives for accessibility, while its historic nature has some challenges. Plan ahead if you have mobility necessities for a smoother trip.

Infrastructure for Mobility

Germany commits to improving accessibility. Newer public buildings and transport are included inclusive designs.

Accessibility Features

Newer public buildings, train stations, and public transport vehicles have accessibility in mind.
Features include ramps, elevators, and low-floor entry.
Historic areas (old town) have cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks, posing some difficulties.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Many sites and transport options accommodate accessibility, though some historic areas pose challenges.

Specifics

Aachen Cathedral: Treasury is generally accessible. Some parts may have limited access.
Modern museums (e.g., Centre Charlemagne, Ludwig Forum) are well-equipped with lifts.
Newer ASEAG buses are low-floor. Deutsche Bahn trains have designated wheelchair spaces.

Support & Resources

Visual Impairments:Audio guides, tactile exhibits at attractions.
Hearing Impairments:Some public transport has visual displays.
Tourist Service:Aachen Tourist Service (aachen-tourist.de) for latest info.

Specialized Organizations:Groups for disabled travel offer general advice.
Public Restrooms:Often charge a nominal charge (€0.50-€1.00).
Planning:Notify transport staff in advance if assistance is needed.

Accessibility Focus

Plan ahead and check specific venue details to make certain a comfortable and accessible visit to Aachen.

Aachen Travel Tips