There’s plenty to see and do in this 2,000-year-old German city. The gothic Saint Bartholomeus Cathedral is a perseverant structure, having been destroyed and rebuilt twice since its 14th century construction. Catch a screening at the German Film Museum, stroll the exhibit halls of one of Frankfurt’s many galleries, or climb to the top of the Main Tower for sweeping 360-degree views of the city.

Dating from at least the 10th century, today Kassel is most famous internationally as the home of Documenta, an every-five-years exhibition of modern and contemporary art. In the late 17th century Kassel received a large influx of Huguenot refugees from France. During the 1800s, it became the capital of the Brothers Grimm's Fairy Tale Route. In 1943, the city was virtually razed by British bombers, leaving few old sights, but the 18th-century Wilhelmshöhe Castle overlooking the city remains.

Tucked in a lovely valley between the Rhine River and the Taunus Mountains, Hesse's capital of Wiesbaden has long been an important spa city, dating back to Roman times when it was called Aquae Mattiacorum. In the 19th century, Wiesbaden also became a popular gambling center. For a soothing plunge, try the famous Kaiser Friedrich's Therme in the city center. And don't miss the Schlossplatz (Palace Square) and impressive Kurhaus Wiesbaden event and conference center, both within a few blocks.

A romantic wine village located along Germany's Rhein River.

A romantic German riverfront town that dates back to the 9th century. Marburg Castle overlooks this medieval university town.