Dresden, Cologne, or Hamburg

I'd say Cologne - as most of it was destroyed in WW2 and rebuilt. For us, it was very 'city-like' = and not the quaint European towns that we love. The Cologne Cathedral is Magnificent though!! The Chocolate Factory is fun- but other than that- and the markets at Christmas, it wasn’t one of our favorites

It depends on your own goals. Hamburg is a big city with almost 2 million people so it has the things such places have: The Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Shopping and Big Business. So I'm sure you can find something to do if we are past Covid.

It depends on your own goals. Hamburg is a big city with almost 2 million people so it has the things such places have: The Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Shopping and Big Business. So I'm sure you can find something to do if we are past Covid.

That is kinda why I am considering eliminating Hamburg. Seems like a larger city than I'm looking to visit. The other large cities seem to have more history (Berlin) or events (Munich Oktoberfest)

I haven't been to Cologne or Hamburg yet.

Dresden has some magnificent museums, but it was fire-bombed during the war. A small part of the center was rebuilt in the old style. If you're looking for surviving older architecture and aren't big on museums, you might consider Quedlinburg, Erfurt or Goerlitz--all in the east.

I went to Hamburg to see Miniatur Wunderland.

https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/?_ga=2.194882349.1428485610.1601976169-1208162804.1601976169

I loved it. Everything is made by hand. The craftsmanshp and the detail were amazing. I was there a few years ago but I will probably return to see the new additions. It's not just a model railroad.

There are numerous videos of the place on You Tube.

I will agree with a previous poster that Cologne is probably the place to skip. The cathedral is nice but there are lots of cathedrals.

I wasn't in Cologne very long but all that I enjoyed was the cathedral. I loved Dresden, which is conveniently close to Berlin, a great destination.

None of the three are “missable”, but I choose Dresden and Cologne.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/one-day-in-cologne-what-not-to-miss

Note that you can easily include Duesseldorf while in Cologne, or daytrip to Aachen. If you go to Hamburg, you could visit a Baltic city like Lübeck. I agree about visits from Dresden, and might add the Schloss in Gotha.

I have been to all three cities and all are worth a visit, but Dresden would be my first choice. Cologne, for its cathedral would be a close second.

I agree that Miniatur Wunderland is a great reason to include Hamburg.

We loved Dresden......and the beautiful cathedral that was destroyed in WW2 that has been rebuilt is too pretty to miss.....it has a fascinating story.......after it was decimated by the allies in WW2 the people of Dresden wanted to rebuild it......and even now an English rep comes in regularly to lead the prayer in this cathedral for peace after the war.

I second the comments about choosing Dresden and Hamburg over Cologne. I enjoyed Dresden (in fact I've been there twice) - it's good for a full day or 2 at most with interesting sights and it's interesting to see how it has recovered. Hamburg is definitely worth a couple of days. I could have spent almost a full day at Minature Wunderland (see someone else's comment and link) - it was absolutely amazing. There are lots of things to see and do, and it's a very enjoyable city to just take in the sights and relax along the water.
Enjoy!

Thanks for all the feedback. Based on the information, I've decided to plan on Desden and Hamburg (with a possible stop in Lubeck depending on timing.) I'll hate to miss seing the cathedral in Cologne but I guess I'll save it for a future trip

Dresden was a fabulous surprise last fall as part of a loop itinerary to cities in Germany, Poland and Czech Republic. Perhaps my trip report on Dresden will give you some ideas. Enjoy!