Germany: Aachen old town

Score: 69

"Charming historic area, with the impressive cathedral as heart of the city."

"A stunning historical aura to Aachen; one feels suitably dwarfed by its buildings and its history. Plenty of tourist information. So far seems to balance nicely its role as tourist destination with daily life."

"Enhanced when you consider that the city center was largely reduced to rubble during World War II."

Germany: Dresden historic areas

Score: 70

"Much effort has been expended in reconstructing cultural buildings in the historic core that were destroyed by bombing in WWII. Frauenkirche church is a recent example."

"Dresden's story is one of the most heartening of the postwar era. Seeing the reconstructed churches and palaces is a wonder."

"Suburbs built between the 1870s and 1920s are a forgotten gem."

"A great pleasure to wander about the Altstadt—Old Town—and along the river Elbe."

"The current discussion about the building of a new river bridge typifies the problems of Dresden: It's in danger of losing so much for short term gain." For more on the controversial bridge project, see Destination Watch in our July/August 2008 issue.

Germany: Munich historic areas

Score: 72

"Largely damaged in World War II. Many historical sites have been reconstructed meticulously to their original grandeur."

"The English Gardens and the numerous suburban parks are the centerpiece of Munich's culture and quality of life."

"High environmental standards; conserves its architectural environment effectively. It is a complex city, and the range of historic sites is not easy for tourists to grasp."

Germany: Potsdam historic areas

Score: 80

"The imprint of Soviet life is rapidly disappearing and excellent restoration work is succeeding it; Potsdam is assuming its deserved place as one of Germany's most important cultural centers. Potsdam is well on its way to a sustainable future."

"Potsdam, easy to reach with public transport from Berlin, has a great deal of history to tell and historic buildings to show."

"The Lenne landscapes are a breath of air—well managed and delightful."