Glamorous metropolises: 11 "Magic Cities"

The German capital combines history and modernity like no other metropolis: from the imposing Brandenburg Gate to the multifaceted art and cultural scene and lively neighborhood cafés. A city full of contrasts, where the past meets innovation.

Bremen has many faces. The Hanseatic city is the beating heart of north-west Germany and home to the world-famous Town Musicians of Bremen. It is a multifaceted city where history, tradition, science, nature and culture come together in a blend that is fascinating without fail.

Cologne is known for its joyous attitude and party spirit. The city is a matter of the heart, an emotion and an unfalteringly positive state of mind. At the root of this outlook are Cologne Carnival, kölsch beer and, of course, the cathedral.

There are many ways to define culture and beauty. But they can be easily summarised in just one word: Dresden. The sheer wealth and splendour of the cultural treasures just a stone's throw from the Elbe plains are enough to take your breath away.

Everything is close by in Düsseldorf: fashion, culture, entertainment – even the tolerant and cosmopolitan way of life that is cultivated here can be felt wherever you go. Take a seat in one of the famous craft breweries or stop for a break on the Rhine steps. You’ll soon discover that people love to chat.

Frankfurt is a pretty modern city. It is home to businesses, skyscrapers and Europe's third largest airport – all of which are state of the art. This may be why Frankfurt has a certain fondness for a wide array of museums. After all, the city is always a little ahead of its time but likes to keep records of it too.

The gateway to the world, a beautiful seafaring hub, the maritime capital of the north – even the normally reserved locals find it hard to conceal their pride in their home city, its ambiance and its cosmopolitan charm.

Hardly any other European city can boast such a rich musical heritage as Leipzig. As the birthplace of Richard Wagner and the place where Bach, Mendelssohn Bartholdy, the Schumanns and Mahler worked, Leipzig is a must for music lovers. Leipzig is also famous for the Peaceful Revolution of 1989.

Lifestyle is a priority in Munich. It might be down to the clear blue skies or simply the city's beauty, but one thing's for certain: The people of Munich always like to show their best side, whether they're in a beer garden, on one of the exclusive shopping streets, or in Bayern Munich's stadium.

Impressive, exciting, colourful, mighty and tragic: Nuremberg has reflected German history since the Middle Ages. Protected by the castle, a new spirit enlivened the city at a time when few other places could offer such a quality of life. And the same is still true today.

There are cars you drive... and then there are cars you dream of. Stuttgart is one of the world's best places for both – and not just because the world's best cars are made here. Automotive history comes to life here like nowhere else on Earth.