best german travel guide

15 Best Germany Travel Guides

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Looking for the best Germany travel guide to take on your trip? Here are 15 of the most useful options for travelers planning trips to Germany!

Germany is a world class tourist destination in the heart of Europe.

Every year, millions of people travel there to taste its many famous beers and traditional German cuisine , visit enchanting fairy tale castles , national parks, and beautiful sights, learn about its rich history and culture, and much more.

No matter whether you plan to visit busting big cities or Germany’s many thriving smaller cities, you’ll find tons of attractions and points of interest. But they can be difficult to explore effectively without a guide to help you along the way. 

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This article shows you the best Germany travel guides out in the market today (both in hard copy and Kindle) and how you can choose the best one for your trip.

Whether you plan to spend time in Berlin, the Rhine, Bavaria (or elsewhere!), want to travel by cruise, train or take a road trip, or are traveling solo, with a partner or your entire family, there’s a guide for every kind of itinerary and traveler!

• 1 Quick Guidebook Recommendations
• 2 Why Use A Travel Guide?
• 3 Germany Travel Guides Comparison Chart
• 4 How To Choose The Best Travel Guide For You
• 5 15 Best Germany Travel Guides
• 6 What To See And Do In Germany?
• 7 When Is The Best Time To Go To Germany?

Quick Guidebook Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite guide books if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• For Insider Tips On Hidden Gems : Fodor’s Essential Germany
• For Kindle Unlimited Users : The Rough Guide to Germany
• For First-Time Travelers to Germany: Rick Steves Germany
• For multiple formats and off-line maps: Lonely Planet Germany
• For DIY Berlin Walking Tours: National Geographic: Walking Berlin
• For Visiting Munich, Bavaria & The Black Forest: Lonely Planet: Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest
• For Visiting Rothenburg & the Rhine: Rick Steves’ Rothenburg & the Rhine
• For Road Trips & Day Trips in Germany, Austria & Switzerland : Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Best City Pocket Guide s: Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide Berlin, Hamburg, Munich
• For Roadtrips in Germany: DK Eyewitness Road Trips
• For Rail Travel in Germany: Europe by Rail
• For River Cruises: Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers
• Best Guide for Kids: Kids Travel Guide Germany
• For Quickly Learning About German Culture: Culture Smart Germany
• For Learning German Language: 1,000 German Phrases

Why Use A Travel Guide?

Germany travel guides are a great resource for planning specific aspects of your trip, especially when combined with the info we provide on this website.

You can never have too much trip planning information, and a good travel guide provides essential travel information without the need for wifi.

Travel guides are especially useful for people who don’t have a lot of experience traveling abroad or who don’t speak the language of their destination country.

The guides we highlight below can help you find good restaurants, learn about regional customs and traditions, and avoid scams in specific locations.

If you’re looking for something more specific than general travel advice, there are many specialty travel guidebooks available that cover everything from hiking trails to famous literary locations around the world!

Germany Travel Guides Comparison Chart

Here’s an overview of the best guidebooks for Germany travel. Scroll down for a more detailed review of each book!

• Perfect for insider tips
• Full-size street maps
• Sample itineraries

• Free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Full-color maps

• Perfect first timers
• Strategic advice for making the most out of your budget
• Tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany

• Honest reviews of restaurants
• Free on Kindle Unlimited too
• Add notes to personalize your digital guidebook

• 15 walking tours
• Step-by-step itineraries
• Detailed maps

• Up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19
• “What’s new” sections featuring cultural trends
• New, up-and-coming areas to visit

• Insider travel tips 
• How to avoid tourist traps
• Rothenburg & Rhine focused

• Germany, Austria & Switzerland
• 33 trip ideas
• Fastest travel routes & scenic detours

Small & handy

Books for Berlin, Hamburg & Munich

Expert advice on top tourist destinations & neighborhoods

• 24 well-researched driving routes.
• Discover stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track
• Practical tips for driving in Germany

50 key routes

Tips on the best ticket deals

Fun sights to see along the routes

• Advice for first-timers
• Covers Germany & other European cruise routes

• Fun facts about Germany
• Language learning
• Coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles & journal pages

• German history
• Cultural values, traditions & etiquette
• Regional cultural differences

• 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German
• Small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, ordering at restaurants
• Phonetic pronunciation guide!

How To Choose The Best Travel Guide For You

There are a lot of travel guides on the market, making it pretty overwhelming to find the right one. When choosing the best travel guide for your trip, there are a couple of things you should take into consideration.

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What are your travel plans?

If you’re going on a multi-week trip across Germany, visiting several cities and regions, then the best travel guide for you will be a comprehensive general country guide on Germany.

These kinds of guides usually have multiple chapters dedicated to all the big cities and regions, making it easy to flip through whichever destination you’re going to along your trip.

On the other hand, if you’re mostly staying in a specific region or a couple of cities, then it’s better to find a regional guide that really narrows in the area you’re visiting. This way you won’t be bogged down with city information that may not be applicable to your trip. 

What’s your travel style?

If you’re going on road trips, you’ll find guidebooks with specific information and helpful tips on driving in Germany, the best scenic routes, and more. Likewise, if you’re going on a river cruise, find a guide that covers that specific type of travel. There are also guides that are geared towards kids.  

What’s your preferred writing style?

Do you prefer matter-of-fact, objective, no-frills writing? Or do you gain more value from reading personal guides filled with the author’s own anecdotes and experience of the city?

There are also guides that focus heavily on history, others on beautiful travel photography. Make sure to read reviews to get a gist of the style and content of the guide!

Fodor’s Essential Germany is the perfect guide for those who want insider tips on how to experience Germany like a local.

Fodor’s Travel Guides are all written and researched by local experts, who can offer you unique insights you might not find in other guides. 

In this guide you’ll find fully updated information on all of Germany’s main attractions and hidden gems, which includes restaurants, hotels, and even outdoor activities.

As well as full-size street maps and beautiful photographs, you’ll also have access to multiple sample itineraries to help you make the most out of your travel time.

The Rough Guide to Germany is one of the best options   for those who want a guidebook on their Kindle – it’s free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)!

You’ll have rundowns of must-see landmarks, carefully planned itineraries, and full-color maps to navigate the streets of Berlin or Munich without the need to go online.

This guide covers a vast majority of areas in Germany, not just the major cities . If you’re spending more time in a certain region, then the detailed regional coverage will be very useful. 

Rick Steves is one of the most well known travel writers from the United States. His mission is to empower Americans to go on fun and culturally enriching trips to Europe and his guidebook to Germany reflects that.

People who are traveling to Germany for the first time will find this guide very useful. It has strategic advice on how to make the most out of your budget and time with tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany.

Other handy features include self-guided walking tours, a packing checklist, and a German phrasebook. This edition also has up to date detailed information reflecting the changes brought about Covid-19.

Lonely Planet has some of the best guidebooks in the market and the Lonely Planet’s Germany is no exception - it's currently the #1 best seller on Amazon.

They provide comprehensive and trustworthy information on everything you need to know about Germany, from the most visited tourist areas to less well known historic cities.

This guide makes sure to provide itineraries and honest reviews of restaurants, shops, landmarks that cater to every kind of travel style and budget.

The book is available in both digital (it’s free on Kindle Unlimited too!) and paperback versions. The digital version comes with downloadable PDF and offline maps that are great for preventing extra roaming charges, embedded links to recommendations with websites.

You can even add notes to personalize your guidebook. The paperback version is small and sleek, making it easy to bring around while traveling.

If you’re staying in Berlin for some time, then you’ll probably be spending a good amount of time walking (alongside using their excellent public transport).

And there’s no better way of getting to know a city than by walking! National Geographic Walking Berlin is the best guidebook for this.

This book contains 15 walking tours with step-by-step itineraries and detailed maps that will have you roaming and exploring Berlin like a true local in no time.

Lonely Planet just came out with their newest guide on Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spa town to relax along the Black Forest or celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, this guidebook will have you covered.

Since it was just recently published, you’ll be able to find up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19.

Aside from all the essential reading, there are also “what’s new” sections that feature cultural trends and new, up-and-coming areas to visit. 

From wandering around quaint villages, going back in time exploring ancient castles ruins, or dining in good restaurants by scenic vineyards, the Rhine Valley is a must-visit.

It’s particularly known as a romantic destination, but every kind of traveler can enjoy it. Rick Steves’ guide to the Rhine is a great place to start planning your trip.

It includes insider travel tips on how to beat crowds and avoid tourist traps. The selective coverage also includes information on Rothenburg, a picturesque well-restored medieval city. 

Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is perfect for those whose travel plans always include day trips or road trips.

Especially if you’ve planned your itinerary with the goal of visiting neighboring countries like Austria or Switzerland, then this guide is for you.

This guide covers everything from the Romantic Road, Lake Bodensee, the Swiss Alps, Zurich, Lake Geneva, Vienna, Salzburg, and more! It features over 33 trips to take with useful advice on breaks to stretch your legs along the way, the fastest travel routes, and scenic detours.

The Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide series are perfect for those taking shorter trips over a weekend or maybe those who have limited leisure time during business trips.

These guides are small and handy, getting down to the basics of each German city. It’s easy to use and concise, with expert advice on the top tourist destinations, neighborhood chapters, and day planners.

Click here for more information on Pocket Berlin, Pocket Hamburg , and Pocket Munich

DK Eyewitness Road Trips is ideal for those who want to explore Germany through road trips.

This guide contains 24 well-researched, easy to follow driving routes. Each lasts from 1 to 5 days, so you can choose any depending on your time and preference.

You’ll get to learn about stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track that you can only discover on the road. It’s full of practical tips like road conditions, detours, parking info, and navigation details for GPS use.

Plus, each tour includes ideas for activities and sights along the way.

Europe by Rail is the definitive guide for planning your European trail travel journey using Interrail or Eurail.

This guide includes 50 key routes that you can follow or incorporate into your Germany itinerary.

It also contains tips on the best ticket deals, where to stay, and fun sights to see along the routes. It covers popular routes such as Glacier Express, the Rhine Valley, French Riviera, and the Scottish Highlands with information on new routes to Slovakia, Greece, and more.

River cruises have been gaining popularity, with many tourists loving the different perspective you get as you travel by water through scenic riverfront views.

Riverboats are usually much smaller than Mediterranean cruises, making for a more social experience and more frequent stops and onshore activities. 

This Lonely Planet guide is perfect for those going on a European cruise through a number of different countries but who do not want to buy a guide book for each country.

It covers the following routes: Northern Rhine, Southern Rhine (France, Germany, Switzerland), Western Danube (Austria and Germany), Eastern Danube (Hungary and Serbia), the Seine (France), and the Elbe (Czech Republic and Germany).

Traveling with children to Germany for the first time can be intimidating. Kids Travel Guide Germany is here to help ease your worries!

This guide is a fun gift to give your kids as a way to cultivate their interest in traveling from a young age. Leonardo, the cute cartoon tour guide, will teach your kids fun facts about Germany and even basic German words.

It also comes with an activity book full of coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles, and journal pages to document their trip.

Nothing enriches travel experiences like immersing yourself in the country’s local culture. Culture Smart Germany shows you everything you need to know about German culture and way of life.

You’ll find chapters discussing history, values, cultural differences between regions, cultural traditions, and common etiquette to follow.

It’s great for navigating day to day life while you travel and even for more formal business trips.

This German phrase book is the ideal companion for your trip to Germany.

With more than 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German it covers every travel situation you could think of from small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, and ordering at restaurants.

Easy to use and straight to the point, this guide will help you familiarize yourself with the German language and navigate social situations with locals. It also comes with a phonetic pronunciation guide!

What To See And Do In Germany?

If you’re not sure which guidebook will work best for you, consider where you most want to spend your time.

Germany is filled with tons of historic places to learn from, beautiful landscapes to admire, and fun cultural activities to experience. To get a gist of what awaits you in your Germany trip, let’s break it down to some of the main travel destinations in the country.

Berlin, the capital of Germany (and the largest city), is where you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks of German history. You won’t run out of things to see from the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, the Holocaust Memorial, the German Parliament Building (Reichstag), and many more.

For more information on the top historic places to visit in Berlin, read our guide to planning the ultimate Berlin itinerary.

This dynamic city has also undergone a lot of changes in the past decades, growing into one of the most interesting cities to visit in central Europe. Many people are drawn to the vibrant Berlin arts scene and music scene.

After all, the capital city is home to world-class museums (including some that give you a glimpse into what life was like in East Germany) and some of the best nightlife in Europe. 

Plus, it’s the gateway to rugged Rügen island to the north on the Baltic Sea, historic Dresden to the south, as well as “Swiss Saxon” national park area.

Hamburg, located on the Elbe river in northern Germany, is one of the most unique German cities. Famous for its ports, lakes, canals, and rivers running throughout the city, Hamburg shows you a different side of Germany.

Whether you canoe through the canals (super fun!) or try delicious fresh seafood after a harbor cruise, you won’t run out of fun activities to do in Hamburg. It’s one of my favorite cities in Germany!

The Black Forest is a region worth visiting for its spectacular scenery, small towns, and close proximity to France and Switzerland. It’s one of the best places to visit for those who love outdoor activities. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore and lakes and waterfalls to admire.

In-between immersing yourself in nature, you can explore picturesque smaller towns like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, or Freiburg, and villages like Titisee-Neustadt, Triberg, and Gengenbach. You can also spend an afternoon seeing how people used to live at the Black Forest Open Air Museum.

Making your way to southern Germany, you’ll find the Bavarian Alps. For a scenic drive that makes the most out of your experience, we recommend driving south down the Romantic Road.

This route connects storybook castles , medieval towns, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s also one of the best ways to get to Neuschwanstein, the fairy tale castle that’s undoubtedly one of Germany’s most popular attractions.

A staple in all Germany itineraries is, of course Munich, the biggest city in Bavaria. It’s a popular destination for good reason – it’s a beautiful city rich with history far beyond the famous Oktoberfest. Munich (and Bavaria in general) is what most people envision when they think of Germany.

From Munich’s beer gardens, lush urban parks, and historic plazas, you won’t run out of things to see! Check out our guide on how to plan the perfect Munich weekend itinerary here.

Before leaving southern Germany, make sure to stop by Lake Constance (Bodensee in German). Found along the country’s border of Austria and Switzerland, this region with its lakeside small towns is a great place for sunny summer holidays. 

In Central Germany, you’ll find the Rhine Valley which holds great historical and cultural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a popular romantic destination where you can do activities like wine tasting in hillside vineyards and going on a cruise on the Rhine river. We recommend exploring the area on a boat tour to bring you to quaint villages and ancient castles.

Cologne is a great gateway city to the Rhine Valley. The city’s old town is home to the famous Cologne Cathedral and it’s a great walkable area with lots to see.

Another nearby major city is Frankfurt. Though you may only know Frankfurt as Germany’s financial capital or home to one of the world’s busiest airports, the city is fun to explore for its modern architecture, the contrasting historic old town, and interesting museums. Read our guide to spending a day in Frankfurt here or how to day trip to the many castles in the area.

We hope this gives you a good idea of all the exciting things to see and do in Germany. We know there’s a lot to take into consideration. That’s why we also prepared a step-by-step guide on how to plan the perfect Germany vacation that answers everything from where to stay, what cities to visit, and how to get around!

When Is The Best Time To Go To Germany?

We get this question a lot! The best time to go to Germany totally depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. There’s really no bad time to visit because each season has something great and unique to offer!

During summer, you’ll get to enjoy warm and sunny weather. The long days are perfect for sightseeing since the sun sets as late as 10:00-10:30 pm. Be aware that you won’t always be guaranteed clear, blue skies, though. Some days can be rainy or windy but that kind of weather usually doesn’t last longer than a couple of days.

On the flip-side, it can also get really hot during heat waves, and you won’t find A/C in all restaurants and hotels.

Another downside is that since it’s peak season, streets and tourist attractions can be much more crowded with families from all over the world traveling during summer break. Prices for tickets and accommodations are also at their highest so we recommend booking reservations as early as possible.  

Winter can also be a beautiful time to visit, but you’ll obviously have a very different experience. Snow, cold weather, and short days with the sun setting as early as 5 pm are just some of the things that you can expect.

Luckily, you’ll have the festive bright lights and cozy atmosphere of Christmas markets to make up for it. It’s also an ideal time to visit if you love winter activities like skiing or sledding.

Fall can be a good time to visit, especially if you want to participate in Oktoberfest festivities which take place late September to early October. The autumn weather means it’s still pleasantly enough for strolls, though you’ll have colder nights as you approach winter. 

Weather during spring can be a bit of a toss-up. Some days can bring light breezes and warmth but other days can be gloomy and rainy. But you’ll get to see cities come alive and locals spend more time in parks or beer gardens as flowers bloom and outdoor activities kick into gear.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

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The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

While most commonly associated with beers, bratwursts and tight leather pants, Germany is a country full of delightful finds that extend far beyond the stereotypes.

From dreamy castles and fairytale towns to awe-inspiring nature and sprawling cities, Deutschland has a little something for every kind of traveler… although I’ll admit the leather pants are also great.

I first visited Germany on a 6 week backpacking trip across Europe, and as I sipped my comically large beer under the toasty Berlin sun, I felt a strange sense of calm and belonging.

Spurred by this hunch, I moved to Munich. One study abroad, and 5 years later, I’m still here, with so much giddy enthusiasm for this country that I’ve become a thoroughly insufferable dinner guest.

But my social life’s loss is your gain, my friend… because today, I’ve decided to channel all my Deutschland fangirl tendencies into this concise Germany travel guide filled with all my top tips, itineraries, and recommendations.

Save this Germany travel guide for later!

I promise it’ll come in handy!

I hope you find it helpful, and of course, feel free to ask any more questions in the comments section or on Instagram here.

Traveling to Germany Basics

Currency: Euro

Language: German, although accents and dialects vary wildly! In larger cities and tourist hotspots, most Germans also speak excellent English.

Getting Around: Trains, buses and flights are plentiful and affordable in Germany – my best tip is to use Omio to compare options easily. Having a car is ideal for visiting smaller towns, more remote locations and numerous destinations in a short amount of time, but is otherwise not needed for big cities.

Germany Highlights (By the Season)

• Winter: Christmas markets, skiing & alpine sports, Karneval and Fasching season (Carnival), Starkbier (Strong beer) season
• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Bonn , Frühlingsfest (Springfest) in Munich
• Summer: Hiking, Beer Garden season, summer festivals/celebrations
• Fall: Oktoberfest and other Volksfests, the world’s biggest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg, the Wurstmarkt (world’s largest wine festival)

My Favourite Places in Germany

Let’s get my mega-biased opinion out of the way first – Munich is the city I now call home, and I couldn’t recommend it more… especially if you’re obsessed with beer like I am. This is the birthplace of Oktoberfest after all!

There are lots of fun things to do in Munich , like hopping around the city’s sprawling museum district (many only cost 1 euro on Sundays!), eating up the best Bavarian food that Munich has to offer or soaking in the wealth of historical sites scatered around the city.

It’s also an ideal base for many epic day trips. Going from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle (AKA the real life Sleeping Beauty castle) takes only 2.5 hours. Or, if you want to visit glorious Salzburg from Munich (AKA the birthplace of Mozart and setting of Sound of Music), that’s only 1 hour by train.

Why visit Munich when you travel Germany:

• Amazing beer & beer festivals
• The English Garden – one of the largest city parks in the world
• Beautiful palaces and museums
• Easy base for amazing day trips to the Alps

Berchtesgaden National Park

If it’s natural beauty you’re after, Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park (near the border to Austria) is a must-visit.

Everything here is breathtaking – from the shimmering turquoise lakes and snow-flecked mountains to the adorable Berchtesgaden town center.

And, if you’re up for it, this is the ideal place to enjoy a typically Bavarian wellness weekend.

Why visit Berchtesgaden National Park when you travel Germany:

• Stunning hikes and scenery
• The glorious boat ride on Königssee to see the equally stunning Obersee
• Historic sights like Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

Hands down one of my favourite places to visit time and time again is Berlin.

This endlessly fascinating city is home to incredible museums, delicious food, and a unique culture that makes it distinct from the rest of the country, despite its status as capital!

Whether you’re a history nerd, an avid partyer, or a famished foodie, Berlin has plenty to offer.

Why visit Berlin when you travel Germany:

• Fascinating history
• World-class museums and attractions
• A thriving nightlife and food scene

Franconia is a glorious region in northern Bavaria that is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Franconia.

To me, it’s one of the most underrated regions in Germany for international visitors, with an abundance of fairytale half-timbered houses, amazing beer, and unique natural landscapes.

Here are some places in Franconia that are absolutely worth visiting:

• Franconian Switzerland
• Würzburg (still haven’t been yet!)

Perhaps the most idyllic entry of this list is Monschau, a sleepy but gorgeous village found near the border to Belgium.

I was lucky enough to come here for Christmas markets a few years ago, and I loved it so much, I skipped the train I’d pre-booked just so I could spend a few more hours there. 

Picturesque half-timbered houses clustered around a roaring central river… oh, and a castle on a hill. Because of course they have one.

Why visit Monschau when you travel Germany:

• Super friendly locals
• Picture-perfect scenes at every turn
• Christina might cry if you don’t

Hamburg is an amazing city I’ve had the chance to visit a few times now. It’s a lifestyle city that reminds me a lot of my hometown, Vancouver.

Home to a mix of classic and modern architecture (including the coolest opera house in the world!), as well as Germany’s #1 attraction – the adorable Miniatur Wonderland, Hamburg has a lot to offer tourists, but perhaps the best way to enjoy it is with a nice beer and sunset along the Elbe.

Why visit Hamburg when you travel Germany :

• Amazing architecture like the Elbphilharmonie
• Fresh and tasty seafood (and a booming foodie scene!)
• A fun, vibrant vibe

Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and its beauty is all the more astounding when we consider that much of the city was destroyed completely in WWII.

After decades of reconstruction however, Dresden once again shines with its former glory, establishing itself as one of the most important cultural hotspots in Germany.

… and all only a stone’s throw from Saxon Switzerland, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country!

Why visit Dresden when you travel Germany :

• Stunning architecture and sights
• World-class museums and culture scene
• Its jawdropping Christmas market (the oldest one in the country!)

Stuttgart (and its Surrounding Area)

Stuttgart is the biggest city (and capital) of the German state Baden-Württemburg. 

It’s perhaps best known as the ‘cradle of the automobile industry’, which explains why it’s home to not just one, but two car-centric museums: one belonging to Mercedes-Benz, and one to Porsche.

Besides cars though, the area around Stuttgart offers up some of the cutest small towns you can find in Germany, all easily reachable by public transport, meaning you get the best of all worlds during a visit here.

Why visit Stuttgart and the surrounding area when you travel Germany:

• Fairytale towns like Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, and Tübingen
• Stuttgart’s Stadtbibliothek, one of the most unique and beautiful libraries in the world
• Lots of fun events like Stuttgart’s Christmas Market and the Cannstatter Volksfest 

Thuringia is a state often overlooked by international tourists, but if you’re looking for a truly charming German escape, its capital Erfurt makes an excellent choice.

This beautiful city is famed for its unique Krämerbrücke, which is a gorgeous medieval bridge lined with residential buildings.

But that’s not all – there’s also an impressive cathedral, an imposing fortress, and surprises waiting on every corner… quite literally, because Erfurt is the HQ of the German children’s channel KiKA, and there’s plenty of fun statues of famous characters scattered around town.

Why visit Erfurt when you travel Germany:

• Krämerbrücke, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe
• Quirky and fun children’s channel sculptures all over the city

Cologne, to me, is a city synonymous with fun and celebration. While at first glance, it might not rank among the “prettiest” places to visit in Germany (much of it was destroyed in the war), it still boasts several impressive landmarks and sights, like the epic Cologne Cathedral.

Where Cologne really shines though is during special events – the Christmas markets here are some of the best I’ve been to in my entire life, and the Karneval celebrations… well, those are truly epic!

Why visit Cologne when you travel Germany:

• Bucket list events like the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölner Karneval
• The iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of the most famous churches in the world 
• Fun-loving locals who are among the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in Germany

Last but not least, we have Hannover, a city which (in my opinion) is one of the most underrated cities in Germany where tourism is concerned.

Locally, people often joke that Hannover is one of the most boring cities in Germany, but I don’t think that’s true at all. One quick look and you’ll find a stunning palace within the city, an architecturally impressive Town Hall (with a unique elevator offering epic views), and a cool laidback vibe that many compare to what Berlin was like decades ago.

Here are some awesome things to do in Hannover.

Why visit Hannover when you travel Germany:

• Its gorgeous New Town Hall
• The stunning Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens
• A fun, laidback city vibe

Bucket List Experiences in Germany

Germany is full of incredible bucket list experiences. Here are a few of my favourites:

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are the stuff of bucket list dreams.

If you adore Christmas, a German Xmas market trip needs to make it on your bucket list, because nobody captures Christmas coziness and joy quite like the Germans do.

The best part (besides the droolworthy assortment of German Christmas Market foods ) is that you’ll find Christmas markets in just about every city, town, and even the smallest of villages, each with their own unique take on traditions.

Trust me, you could never get bored of visiting these.

Here are some full guides to the Christmas markets I’ve visited in Germany:

• Munich’s Christmas Markets
• Berlin’s Christmas Markets
• Cologne’s Christmas Markets
• Esslingen Christmas Market
• Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
• Karlsruhe Christmas Market
• Düsseldorf Christmas Market
• Nuremberg Christmas Market
• Essen Christmas Market

Oktoberfest

Trust me – Oktoberfest , AKA the world’s largest beer festival, is reason enough to make a trip to Germany.

Typically celebrated annually in Munich, this is one of the most incredible events in the world, with millions of people attending, millions of beer served, and a guaranteed recipe for making memories to last a lifetime.

… If you can remember anything after 5L of beer that is.

Read my full Oktoberfest guide for more details.

Visiting Fairytale Castles

If you love castles, I recommend avoiding Germany……. because you might just combust from sheer fangirl joy.

Seriously, Germany is every castle lover’s kryptonite, with elegant palaces and fairytale castles in the thousands. If you’re a Disney gal like me who grew up dreaming of happily ever afters, pack a ballgown and head to Germany ASAP.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some castles that you must visit in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Nuremberg Castle

The Cherry Blossoms in Bonn

The cherry blossoms in Bonn (also the birthplace of Beethoven and gummy bear legend, Haribo) are absolutely spectacular, and 100% worth visiting in Spring time. In fact, I’d even say they’re one of the best things to see in Europe at Spring time.

Yes, you, too, can come frolic in these tunnels of pink! Here is my guide on where to find cherry blossoms in Bonn.

Karneval, Fasching, Etc.

Carnival Season is one of the best times to visit Germany if you’re looking for a party.

The grandest celebrations take place just before Lent, and are celebrated throughout the country, although the festivites in North-Rhine Westphalia are probably the best known.

My top recommendation? Go celebrate in Cologne, where the Kölner Karneval draws millions of visitors every year.

My Recommended Germany Itineraries

Germany is a huge country with a massive diversity in sights… so how can you organize your time efficiently and make the most of your trip? Here are some German trip itinerary ideas…

Germany itinerary ideas for a taste of everything:

• Southern Germany Classic: Munich, the Allgäu (for Castles!), Garmisch Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden National Park, Stuttgart & Area, Black Forest
• Eastern Germany Classic: Berlin, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland
• Western Germany Classic: Aachen, Monschau, Eifel National Park
• Northern Germany Classic: Hamburg, Bremen , Lübeck, Kiel, Sylt
• The Rhine River Classic: Mainz, Koblenz, Burg Eltz, Cochem, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Harz Mountains Experience: Harz Mountains, Goslar, Wernigerode, Quedlinburg

Germany itinerary ideas for city breakers and culture hunters:

• The Big City Tour: Berlin and Munich (a 4 hour express train connects them)
• The BaWu Special: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Tübingen, Esslingen, Heidelberg
• The Bavaria Special: Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Bayreuth
• The Saxony Special: Leipzig, Görlitz, Dresden
• The Rhine City Hop: Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Romantic Villages Hop: Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Füssen

Germany itinerary ideas for nature lovers:

• Southern Germany Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Black Forest and Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Bavaria’s Best Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich’s Lake Region, Franconian Switzerland, Danube Gorge
• Eastern Germany Nature Itinerary: Dresden and Saxon Switzerland National Park

My Top Germany Travel Tips

• If you’re overwhelmed by transport options, Omio is a great resource for comparing trains, buses and flights in Germany at the same time.
• If travelling by train, look into group discount tickets like the Bayern Ticket which give you unlimited train travel for one day on regional trains. It can save you a TON of money.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries nearby (i.e. Switzerland), a Eurail pass might save you money.

Accommodation:

• Booking.com is a great place to search up hotels, and filtering by Free Cancellation allows you to book without paying upfront
• Airbnb can be a very affordable alternative for longer stays/bigger groups

Attractions and Tickets:

• GetYourGuide is a great site for finding tours and attraction tickets
• City passes like the Munich City Pass , Berlin Pass , and the Cologne Card can save you a LOT of money if you plan to visit many tourist attractions in a short time
• If you’re trying to find specific info about a place, try using Google Translate to search in German because German versions of sites always have more info

If you’re past the planning stage and heading to Germany soon, make sure you read this before you go:

• Hilarious must-knows before you visit Germany

More Germany Travel Reads

Feeling inspired to visit Germany after reading all that?

As you can (probably) tell, I’ve written extensively about Germany.

So, here are some more articles that might pique your interest:

• Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else)
• The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
• Hilarious Must-Knows Before You Visit Germany

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need”

i found myself reading almost every post in your website for days and days and i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and adore and thank you for spending so much time and effort to make it so helpful, informative and fun to read. you have helped me plan my trip to munich in december and i cant wait to visit just because of your enthusiasm 🙂

We would like to Thank you for sharing such a beautiful blog! Very informative.

This Germany Travel Guide truly captures the multifaceted beauty of Deutschland, a country that has something to offer to everyone, from culture enthusiasts to nature lovers. Your personal anecdotes from living in Munich make it come alive, making me yearn for a taste of that amazing beer you’ve mentioned, and a wander around the English Garden! The varied seasonal highlights emphasize how Germany is a year-round destination, offering uniquely charming experiences, from the festive winter Christmas markets to the lively summer festivals. It’s heartening to know that navigating around the country is convenient, making it possible to explore its picturesque small towns and vibrant cities. This guide is a treasure trove for anyone planning to travel to Germany – it gives a well-rounded view of the country, infused with personal insights, which makes it even more valuable. I’m particularly intrigued to visit Munich, the city you so passionately call home.

As a Berliner, I can’t agree more with this guide. Germany truly is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, natural beauty and urban charm, hearty cuisine and diverse cultures. Moving around in Germany is indeed quite convenient thanks to the well-organized public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. And yes, English is widely spoken in major cities, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for travelers. As for the varied dialects across regions, it just adds to the unique charm of exploring this beautiful country. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Germany Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Germany. The country is synonymous with beer, sausages, incredible hiking, majestic castles, serious people, and wild techno parties. It’s huge, diverse, and utterly amazing.

There’s a vibrant art and music scene in Berlin , beautiful forests in the west, majestic cathedrals and castles throughout the country, picturesque “Sound of Music” cities in the south, and overlooked historic cities and beaches in the north.

The more I visit Germany, the more I fall in love with it. Whether you are backpacking, traveling on a mid-range budget, or looking to splash out, traveling around Germany is wonderful.

That said, Germany is a huge country so don’t rush your visit. There’s more to the country than just Berin and those cross-country train rides are longer than you think.

This travel guide to Germany will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Germany

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in germany.

1. Get lost in Berlin

Germany’s hip capital has world-class museums, history, funky neighborhoods, and some of the best nightlife in Europe. From the museums to the art and music scene to the great bars and cheap food, Berlin is electric (and one of the cheapest European capitals). It’s a really amazing city that has grown on me with every visit.

2. See Munich

Berlin’s quiet, upscale cousin, Munich is a city steeped in history, lively beer halls, incredible food, lush parks, and a royal palace. It’s a beautiful destination and there are a lot of Bavarian towns nearby that make for scenic day trips.

3. Party at Oktoberfest

Held annually in September and October, the world’s largest beer festival is filled with huge steins and giant pretzels. I went there for 5 days and had the time of my life. Buy some lederhosen, raise a glass, and sing some German beer songs. Just make sure to plan your trip well in advance as things sell out fast!

4. Explore the Romantic Road

A string of historic cities in Bavaria, the “Romantic Road” is the name for the route through majestic Bavarian towns and their surrounding snow-capped mountains. The area can get quite touristy but it’s a beautiful area and a great choice for road trips and romantic getaways. There are a ton of tour options for the area that are worth checking out. For some of the more further afield attractions, the tours are a must as they are hard to visit without a car.

5. Hike the Black Forest

The Black Forest is so named because of the dark green pine trees that grow here. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles), there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails worth exploring and you can spend some time stopping in towns that are famous for their cuckoo clocks and hearty German fare. If you want to go on a guided hike or adventure activity, you can find a lot here.

Other Things to See and Do in Germany

1. explore lake constance.

Lying along the country’s southwestern border with Switzerland and Austria , Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in German) is Germany’s largest freshwater lake and the third-largest in Central Europe. One of the lake’s main attractions is the island of Mainau, also known as Flower Island, which is home to many specialty gardens, a baroque palace, and one of the largest butterfly houses in Germany. Tickets to visit the island are 10.50 EUR. Be sure to visit the many picturesque medieval villages and castles nearby, enjoy water sports, and go hiking and biking along the 272-kilometer (170-mile) Lake Constance Trail.

2. Visit Hanover

This city was one of the hardest hit during World War II, leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. But what I loved about Hanover were its large green areas of forests and big parks, the River Leine winding through the city, and the Sprengel Museum. Not many people visit, but I think it is one of Germany’s most underrated destinations .

3. Hike Berchtesgaden National Park

This national park, located in the south of Germany along the Austrian border, is an alpine heaven of lush forests, steep rock faces, crystal clear lakes, sleepy villages, and rolling meadows. It’s just you, the chirping birds, and cows ringing their brass bells. Well-marked trails wind through the spectacular scenery, which brims with opportunities for hiking and cycling. While nature is the main attraction, the beautiful red-domed Church of St. Bartholomew (dating to 1697) is a worthwhile stop as well.

4. Check out Trier

Nestled in the Moselle River valley, picturesque Trier is the oldest town in the country. With a 2,000-year-old history, Trier was home to six Roman emperors and contains numerous UNESCO Roman ruins. The most outstanding example is the Black Gate, a monumental structure that was once part of the city walls. Other Roman sites worth visiting include the incredibly well-preserved basilica, the huge amphitheater, the bridge, and the baths. Trier is also home to several important Gothic and Baroque churches, a beautiful main square, and great wine due to its location in the Moselle wine region.

5. Visit Dresden

Dresden, the capital of the German state Saxony, is a vibrant city located along the majestic Elbe River near the Czech and Polish borders. During World War II, the city was subject to one of the most devastating bombings of the war. Tens of thousands of civilians died, and over 90% of the city was razed at the hands of British-American forces. After the war, the city was completely rebuilt. The famous Frauenkirche church, the Neumarkt historic district, the Zwinger Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Semper Opera House have all been restored to their former glory. Other must-see attractions include the Fürstenzug, a unique 102-meter-long (334-foot) porcelain mural dating to the 1870s; and the baroque Grosser Garten, the largest green space in the city.

6. Spend a day in Cologne

Cologne is a cool place to stop in West Germany on your way to or from the Netherlands . The cathedral is the most popular landmark in the city (and one of the most popular in the country), but there’s also a vibrant art scene, incredible international restaurants, and lots of riverside cafes and pubs. It’s an underrated stop worth exploring for a couple of days.

7. See Neuschwanstein Castle

This 19th-century Neo-Romantic palace is the model for the Disney castle and a must for any Germany itinerary. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Europe, with over 1.5 million visitors each year. Perched on a rugged hill in Bavaria near the town of Füssen, the palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner. Visitors can walk around outside and admire the stunning exterior for free, but the interior is only accessible by guided tour at specific times, which must be booked in advance. While the palace is 6,000 square meters (65,000 square feet) in size, only 14 of those rooms were ever finished. The finished rooms were fitted with very modern technology for the time, such as central heating, hot and cold running water, automatic flush toilets, and telephones. Admission is 15 EUR and guided tours are available . I think the guided tours add a lot of context and would really recommend taking one.

8. See Frankfurt

Often considered just a stopover city (there is a huge airport here), Frankfurt is home to a gigantic exhibition hall (one of the largest in the world so tons of events and conferences are held here), an excellent science museum, and a towering 14th-century cathedral. It’s less expensive compared to other cities in Germany and worth spending a day or two visiting.

9. Visit Olympia Park

Located in Munich, this massive complex was originally constructed for the 1972 Olympic Games. It is topped by the largest roof in the world, which spans over 700,000 feet. There is a really good restaurant here too. Tickets to the stadium cost 3.50 EUR while a ticket to the Olympic Tower costs 11 EUR. You can also skate in the ice arena, swim in the Olympic swimming pool, and reserve court time on the tennis courts. The BMW Museum is also nearby and worth a visit.

10. Tour to Schloss Colditz

Originally built to be a Renaissance palace, this interesting structure has a long, bizarre history. Located between Leipzig and Dresden in the region of Saxony, it’s been a hunting lodge, a poorhouse, and even a mental hospital. It is most famous for being a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. There is a museum within the palace, with tickets costing 4 EUR. A two-hour guided tour through the castle (and escape tunnels built by prisoners) is 10 EUR. There is even a hostel within the castle (30.50 EUR per night).

11. Visit Hamburg

Located in northern Germany, Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. This port city, home to the second-busiest port in Europe, is famous for its parks and canals. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town) and is home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.

12. See Tierpark Hagenbeck

Located in Hamburg, this zoo and aquarium spans over 60 acres and is home to more than 2,500 animals including polar bears, penguins, and walruses. In addition to the classic attractions, there is a petting zoo, a miniature railway, pony rides, a playground for kids, and a serene Japanese garden. Combination tickets for the zoo and aquarium are 40 EUR.

13. Take a break in Bremen

Located in the north (near Hamburg), Bremen is a smaller city worth exploring. The charming medieval Schnoor district makes for a great stroll, and there is a beautiful cathedral and opulent city hall in the historic market square. The medieval harbor has been converted into the Schlachte, a large pedestrian promenade along the banks of the Weser River lined with countless restaurants, beer gardens, and riverboats. Bremen is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Universum Bremen, an interactive science museum in a modern whale-shaped building. The museum also offers a Dining in the Dark three-hour dinner experience, where you learn to experience food with just four out of your five senses.

14. Explore the Rhine Valley

The longest river in Germany, the Rhine holds incredible importance both historically and culturally. The most popular area to visit is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 67-kilometer (41-mile) stretch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless castles, ruins, villages, and vineyards. An extensive network of walking and cycling paths, as well as excellent public transportation, means you don’t even need to rent a car when visiting.

15. Step back in time in Bamberg

Located less than an hour from Nuremberg, Bamberg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, home to Europe’s largest intact historic city wall. Founded in the 9th century, the town was important in both the 12th-century Holy Roman Empire and the 18th-century German Enlightenment. It’s an incredibly picturesque town so spend the day wandering around, seeing the old homes, visiting the 13th-century cathedral, the 17th-century palace, the 18th-century city hall, and the seven churches that sit atop each of the seven hills surrounding the village.

16. Take a river cruise

Many of Germany’s major cities lie along large rivers, making river cruises a popular way to see the country. While there are expensive multi-day cruises going from city to city, you can also take a day cruise for a more budget-friendly option . Generally, these are around 15-25 EUR for a 1-2 hour trip. They are super fun.

17. Ascend Germany’s tallest mountain

Located in the Alps along the German-Austrian border, the Zugspitze mountain measures 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) and is a popular destination for winter sports. Even if you’re not into skiing, you can still enjoy the trip up the mountain via one of three different cable cars and a 90-year-old rack railway line. At the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views and several restaurants with traditional Alpine food. Round-trip cable car tickets cost 24-63 EUR depending on the season and which cable car you take. If you don’t want to go solo, day trips are available from Munich and are the best way to get there and around without transportation.

  For more information on specific cities in Germany, check out these guides:

• Berlin Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Frankfurt Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide

Germany Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Germany is quite affordable compared to other Eurozone countries. Hostels are plentiful and range from 17-25 EUR per night for a dorm room with 6-8 beds. For a private room, expect to pay 40-60 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices begin around 45-65 EUR for a small double room with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available everywhere with private rooms going for as little as 30-45 EUR per night and entire apartments or homes starting at 50-75 EUR. Book early though or prices will double (or triple).

While wild camping is illegal, there are a ton of campsites around the country. Expect to pay 5-20 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). Meat is a staple of most meals, especially sausages; there are over 1,500 different kinds of sausages in Germany (sausages here are known as “wurst”). Stews are also a popular traditional choice, as are potato dumplings and sauerkraut. Breakfast is usually composed of bread, cold cuts, cheese, and boiled eggs.

You can get sausages and bratwurst from outdoor vendors for around 3-5 EUR. Meals at many of the beer halls around the country cost 9-15 EUR. Pre-made sandwiches cost around 5 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8.50 EUR for a combo meal.

If you eat in the beer halls, a traditional German meal costs around 14-18 EUR. Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Asian food can be found for as little as 5 EUR, while a nicer meal at a sit-down restaurant costs around 25 EUR.

Beer costs around 4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-50 EUR. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat. While they don’t always offer the most variety, the cheapest places are Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto. Bring your own bag if possible.

Backpacking Germany Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Germany, my suggested budget is 55 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add another 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat a few meals out, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a few drinks, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and castles.

On a “luxury” budget of 245 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, travel between cities via train, eat out at restaurants for all of your meals, drink more, take taxis to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Germany Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Overall, Germany is not an expensive country to visit. Yes, river cruises are expensive. Yes, there’s plenty of high-end cuisine throughout the country. Visiting Frankfurt, the capital of finance, costs a pretty penny. But those are exceptions to the rule. Overall, Germany is quite affordable for a Eurozone country, with plenty of bargains throughout the country. Here are my best tips for saving money in Germany:

• Eat cheap – Throughout Germany, cheap outdoor sausage vendors offer quick eats for only a couple of euros. Additionally, some of the best and cheapest food in Germany is Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. You can get meals for 5-8 EUR that are delicious and filling. It’s what I mainly eat while in Germany whenever I want to eat out.
• Drink cheap – In Germany, buying beer and walking around — known as a ‘Weg bier’ — is totally acceptable. Take advantage of good weather by sitting outside in Germany’s lovely plazas and lush parks and buy your own drinks from the Späti shops, street kiosks, and supermarkets to save money. Also, find the student areas by the universities as you’ll find the discounted places.
• Take the free tours – The bigger cities in Germany have free walking tours. They’re a good way to see the city, learn about the history, and get your bearings without spending money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Book your train early – Trains in Germany are expensive but you can get a saver ticket that is around 40-50% off the standard fare if you book at least a week in advance. These tickets have limited availability, so be flexible with your travel plans. Also, if you are more flexible with times, try Flixtrain instead, which has fewer routes between bigger cities sometimes at inconvenient times but is way cheaper than Deutsche Bahn.
• Take the bus instead of the train – While not as comfy or romantic, Flixbus or Postbus are two bus companies with super cheap prices. Download the app and you can get tickets last-minute but be aware that prices vary by time and availability so if you need to be somewhere by a certain time or day book in advance.
• Use rideshares – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). You save money and get to spend time with locals. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible). While the bus might be cheaper, this is usually faster (and more interesting). Just make sure to check where the pickup and drop-offs are as sometimes they are not exactly central places or main station.
• Stay with a local – While accommodation in Germany is pretty cheap, if you want to get some local insight into the country, you should Couchsurf. Not only will you save money on accommodation but you’ll meet locals who can help get you off the tourist trail and show you around! Plus, they have occasional meet-ups depending on the city so you can meet other travelers and locals
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Look out for free museum days – Most museums in Germany offer free admission on certain days or evenings. Check their website or ask the local tourism office to find out about discounts.
• Get transportation day passes – If you’re going to be using public transportation a lot in a city, get a day pass. Paying for single rides adds up quickly.
• Get city tourism cards – Most of the major cities in Germany offer city tourism cards. These include free admission to major museums and attractions, discounts on restaurants, and usually unlimited public transportation. If you plan on seeing a lot, these cards can save you money.

Where to Stay in Germany

There are lots of fun and social hostels in Germany. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• St. Christopher’s (Berlin)
• Circus Hostel (Berlin)
• Wombats (Munich)
• Jaeger’s Hostel (Munich)
• Five Elements Hostel (Frankfurt)
• Meininger (Hamburg)
• Generator Hostel (Hamburg)
• Station Hostel for Backpackers (Cologne)
• Black Sheep Hostel (Cologne)
• Lollis Homestay (Dresden)
• Hostel Mondpalast (Dresden)
• a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof (Nuremberg)
• Five Reasons Hostel (Nuremberg)

How to Get Around Germany

Public transportation – Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. All the cities and larger towns have public transportation that is reliable and efficient. In cities like Berlin and Munich, all the various networks are integrated: one ticket gives you access to buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (above ground train). Fares are determined by zone, but generally, a one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR. A one-day unlimited pass is generally around 7-9 EUR while a three-day pass costs 17-20 EUR.

Train – Train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany, though it’s not cheap. Germany’s main rail system is Deutsche Bahn, which has both high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are a quick way to get around but are usually much more expensive.

Take advantage of regional group tickets that start at around 22 EUR. These regional discounted tickets are available in Bavaria, Brandenburg-Berlin, Baden-Wüttermburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westfalia, Hesse, etc. For example, the Bavarian Bayern Ticket is 58 EUR for a group of 5 tickets for any train in Bavaria from 9am to 3am.

Last-minute tickets from Berlin to Hamburg can cost 50 EUR, but advance bookings start around 20 EUR. Frankfurt to Cologne is also around 20 EUR. It’s always best to book in advance when possible, otherwise, you’ll pay the price for last-minute bookings. You can track schedules and fares on the Deutsche Bahn website.

Another great site for trains around Germany (and into neighboring countries), is Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money .

Bus – Aside from hitchhiking, buses are the cheapest way to get around Germany. They are punctual but slow, with comfortable seats, air-conditioning, rest stops, and usually free Wi-Fi.

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Berlin to Dresden for as little as 10 EUR, or from Berlin to Munich for 20 EUR. Munich to Hamburg is around 22 EUR.

Ridesharing – Ridesharing in Germany is very common. Ridesharing means you travel as a passenger with someone in exchange for payment toward fuel costs. It’s usually not as cheap as the bus but it’s often faster and you’ll meet some interesting characters! BlaBlaCar and Mitfahren are the two most popular ride-sharing websites.

Car rental – German is a great country to explore by car. Car rentals start at 30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 21 years old.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Germany

Germany is a year-round destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit as temperatures are hot and everyone’s outdoors enjoying the weather. People flock to beer gardens and to the lakes to swim. This is also the peak season, when prices are much higher than usual. During this time, average temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F) and can soar well into the 30s°C (high 80s°F). You’ll want to book accommodation and transportation early (especially in July and August).

Temperatures warm up fast in spring, and the season is marked by the arrival of cherry blossoms. By May it’s warm enough to walk around in t-shirts and shorts. May 1 (Der Erste Mai) is Germany’s Labor Day, and the country breaks out in full celebration. If you’re lucky enough to be here during this time, take to the streets with your fellow Germans and enjoy the live music, drinking, dancing, and general mayhem.

Thanks to the famous Oktoberfest, autumn is a very popular time to visit Germany (especially Munich). From the end of September to early October, millions of people flock here from all over the world to enjoy the most epic beer-drinking festival in the world. If you’re planning on attending Oktoberfest, book your accommodations in advance. Way, way in advance.

An autumn visit to Germany is overall a great idea, especially in Bavaria when the foliage in the hills and mountains makes for some amazing photography. Temperatures can sometimes be chilly, but with light layers, you’ll be fine.

Winter in Germany can be cold, with temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), but Germany is known for its Christmas spirit and the holiday markets all over the country are well worth your time, especially in Munich, Berlin, and Dresden. Pack some warm clothes and let the delicious glühwein (mulled wine) warm you up.

Winter in Bavaria is a skier and snowboarder’s dream only around one hour outside of Munich. While people might not think of Germany first in terms of skiing in Europe, these slopes are pristine, truly breathtaking, and way cheaper than neighboring Switzerland. Check out Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, Kranzberg, Zugspitze, and Laber.

How to Stay Safe in Germany

Germany is an incredibly safe place to travel. However, due to a few high-profile terrorist attacks in the country, I often get asked if it’s safe to travel to Germany. I wrote a whole article about how Germany (and Europe) is safe to visit if that’s a concern of yours.

Generally, you just need to watch out for scams and petty crime as you would anywhere (especially in Berlin late at night). Keep an eye on your valuables when in large crowds and on public transportation. Violent crime is rare so as long as you keep your valuables secure you shouldn’t experience any issues.

Scams are rare but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should feel safe in Germany, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Germany Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Germany Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Germany and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Survive Oktoberfest

The 18 Best Things To Do in Berlin

Munich is Better than Berlin

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Germany » 5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip

5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip

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Plan Your Perfect Germany Itinerary with These Detailed Templates!

If you’re looking to plan the perfect trip around Germany, you are in luck! We’re passionate about exploring Germany because it’s a great country – and because Lisa is German!

Jokes aside, we’ve been lucky enough (and have made it a point) to see lots of different parts of the country – from the sea in the north to the mountains in the south. That said, Germany can be a tough country to plan a route or road trip through because there is just so much to see and do!

So, whether you’re looking for the best week in Germany or a Germany itinerary that covers 5 days or 14 days – here’s our master guide with 7 detailed Germany itineraries by train and/or by car! We’ve got cities, attractions, hotels and accommodations, directions, and distances to help you plan the best Germany travel route for you!

We’ve got other great posts to help you plan a visit to Germany:

• Must-Knows + Tips for Travelling to Germany for the First Time
• Helpful German Phrases to Get You By
• Discover 30 Beautiful Places in Germany
• Our Top Hostels in Germany (Stayed at all of them)

Table of Contents

Things to Consider When Travelling in Germany

Before you plan your trip to Germany, there are some things that you should know and keep in mind to make planning easier and to have a successful trip. While you probably know that the currency used in Germany is the Euro, here are some other topics that you should consider as well.

Best Time of Year to Visit Germany

Germany is actually a destination that you can visit year round – but it is important to plan accordingly and go in with the right expectations. If you’re planning a trip during the spring – let’s say from March to May – you could absolutely have beautiful weather… but it may also just rain a lot.

Unfortunately, the weather can be quite difficult to predict. However, as long as you prepare for different possibilities, you can have a great time no matter the weather! Generally you can say that Germany has a moderate climate with cool and rainy winters (more snowy the farther south you get) and warm – but not overly hot – summers.

July and August are usually the warmest months with an average temperature around 20°C. However, there can be days where you have 30°C. Of course, this can vary depending on the exact location you’re travelling to. Often, it is colder by the north coast than it is farther south. 

We would honestly recommend that you avoid visiting the country in July if you dislike crowds since this is when the majority of kids are on their summer break from school. As a result, some cities can get quite busy.

Typically, we would recommend travelling in May or June and then from the end of August until the end of September (or even the middle of October). However, there is also a great reason to plan a Germany trip during the winter because of the many beautiful Christmas markets that you could visit at that time of year!

Public Transportation in Germany

Public transportation in Germany is quite good, especially when compared to North America. Yes, sometimes us Germans like to complain about the “Deutsche Bahn” – the German train company – but at the same time we are also super glad that it exists and works well. 

If you’re wondering: Yes, all the itineraries mentioned below can absolutely be done if you want to take the train (minus the odd day trip to a castle here and there). If you want to check a train connection and/or buy tickets in advance you can do so on the DB Website . Alternatively, you can also download the DB app to your phone. We both have it and use it regularly. 

As an alternative to the train, you can sometimes also use the bus to get from one city/town to another. Since 2013 (before this date it wasn’t allowed), long distance buses have established their presence in more and more cities and are now a popular way to get around for people who are more conscious of their money.

Unfortunately long distance train tickets can sometimes get quite expensive if you don’t book in advance – so the bus can be a good alternative in some cases.

The most popular long distance bus company in Germany is probably Flixbus. We have also used them multiple times to get between cities. If you want to look at the schedule and/or book a ticket, you can do so on their website .

In addition to the trains and long distance buses, the public transport within the cities is also usually pretty good – especially in bigger centres. Many of the cities – or transport associations – have their own transport apps. So, if you know where you are going and plan on using the local buses, trams, metros, etc. then downloading the local transport app would be a great idea!

Car Rental in Germany

If you want to rent a car and plan a Germany road trip, then that is certainly an option as well. Driving in Germany is generally pretty safe and people are not usually as reckless as in some countries in the south of Europe. However, it can get a little crazy in bigger cities like Berlin or Munich – especially if you are not used to driving in bigger centres. 

In Germany, you drive on the right side as it is done in the United States, Canada, and many other countries as well. You have probably heard of the “Autobahn” – that’s simply the German name for our highway system. If you follow any of these itineraries, you’ll drive on many different highways. 

While it is true that there is no speed limit in some parts of the Autobahn, there are lots of sections where there are actually speed limits in place. You can usually find limits imposed at/around construction zones along the way – so don’t think you can just speed all the time.

And PLEASE don’t drive on the Autobahn like you would on a highway in the United States or Canada – pass on the left and then get back over . If you’re going slower than other cars, there’s no need for you to be in the left (or even in the middle) lane. You can probably tell that this is something that Lisa complains about in Canada frequently, haha. 

Since Germany is such a popular destination, there are lots of different rental car agencies to choose from. You can compare prices from different agencies for the duration of your trip with this handy rental car comparison tool . Please make sure to read the fine print so you know whether you need extra insurance, etc.

Also please be aware that many people in Germany drive cars with a stick shift. Rental cars with automatic transmissions exist, but the numbers available are usually lower and these cars might be slightly more expensive.

We’d also recommend that you reserve an automatic car well in advance if you need one – just so you can make sure that one is available for you. It probably wouldn’t be fun learning how to drive a stick shift while on a road trip in a foreign country. 

Travel Insurance for Germany

If you’re planning a trip to Germany and you’re not from another EU country, then you should make sure to get travel insurance for the duration of your trip!

While you’ll probably be fine, accidents do happen and it could get really expensive if you’re not covered. That’s why we always travel with insurance.

If you live in another EU country and have health insurance there, you can get the blue health insurance card with which you are covered in other EU countries in emergency cases, as well.

If you don’t have that option – or are from outside of Europe – we recommend that you get private travel insurance.

Germany Itinerary 5 Days

If you only have a few days to travel through Germany, then have a look below at the two 5-day itineraries we have created. For these itineraries, we have assumed that you are not already in the country so they all start and end in bigger cities.

This should help make it easier for you to fly in/out of an airport with good connections if you are coming from overseas.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a trip through the northern part of Germany or a trip through the south of the country (mainly Bavaria). If you are interested in bigger cities and/or harbours, then we’d recommend the northern route.

In case you prefer half-timbered houses and beautiful old towns, then you should have a look at the southern route instead. Of course, you can always modify any itinerary to better suit your interests!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – North

This 5-day Germany itinerary through the northern part of the country can certainly be considered a “sampler-type” of itinerary since you get to see the two biggest cities in the country – but not much more than that.

That’s completely fine though – you can only see so much in five days anyway. If you are interested in bigger cities and don’t have more than a few days, then this itinerary would be great for you!

The total driving time for this itinerary would be about 5 hours 30 minutes with a total distance of approx. 520 km. Of course, this can change depending on the route you are taking and the time of day you are travelling. Commuter traffic could add quite a bit of travel time to your journey.

Day 1+2: Berlin Day 3: Bremen Day 4+5: Hamburg

Day 1+2: Berlin

Berlin is a great place to start your adventure since it is the German capital, has multiple airports close by, and has really good train connections.

Since Berlin is such a popular tourist and business city, the car rental industry is well established and there are many different rental agencies to choose from.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Berlin here

However, since you are only visiting bigger cities on this relatively short itinerary, we believe that a rental car is probably not necessary. Instead, for this trip, it might make more sense to take the train.

Since Berlin is such a big city with lots of things to do, it is worth it to spend (at least) two days in the city. So, remember to book your accommodation in Berlin for two nights .

Accommodation in Berlin : Berlin is a massive sprawling city with loads of different areas to stay and different accommodation options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you are travelling to Berlin with a car, you’ll need a place to park. Check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a stay right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island and other top attractions. It also has a tasty breakfast. Park Plaza has free parking on the street near the hotel (if available) or else it’s for a fee (but a reasonable price considering you’re in the middle).

If you are arriving into Berlin by train, you can check out NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . Located in the city centre right near the top sight “Checkpoint Charlie”, this popular hotel is in the heart of the action/attractions and is easy to get to via modes of public transit (metro – called the “U” for U-bahn).

If you are searching for a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . Located over near the East Side Gallery (the piece of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it), Eric stayed here and really liked it! It’s also very easy to get to using public transit and is close to other areas to go out, etc.

Must-see Attractions in Berlin:

• Brandenburg Gate
• East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)

We have also written a whole article about classic tourist attractions in Berlin in case you’d like some more inspiration. If you’re looking for some tips on how you could spend a day in Berlin, have a look at our One Day in Berlin Guide .

Day 3: Bremen

On the third day of your 5 days in Germany, you’ll head for Bremen. We’d recommend that you do the drive/train ride in the morning so you have enough time to explore the city once you get there.

Bremen is a hanseatic city with a nice old town – the market square with the town hall and the cathedral is especially popular. In German-speaking countries, the city is also known for a tale called the “Town Musicians of Bremen” by the Brothers Grimm. You’ll come across the animals of the tale (donkey, dog, cat, and rooster) many times as you stroll through the city.

The drive from Berlin to Bremen will take you approximately 4 hrs 10 min by car , but only around 3 hrs by train . If you take the train, try to book in advance if you can as this will usually save you some money.

Accommodation in Bremen: Bremen is a popular city to explore and it’s also on the larger side so you’ll find plenty of accommodations to suit your needs. There are hotels in the city centre/old town which put you within walking distance of the river and top attractions. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bremen .

For a popular choice in the historic middle, you should check out the very popular Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen . Funny story – we know there’s underground parking because we parked there when we visited Bremen by car.

If you want to stay closer to the train station just outside the historic centre (but still very central), check out the Dorint City-Hotel Bremen . This lovely and also very popular hotel is close to the pretty Windmill and flower gardens and has water views just outside the old city walls.

Must-see Attractions in Bremen:

• Marktplatz with Town Hall and Cathedral
• Böttcherstraße
• Schnoorviertel

If you want some more tips for Bremen, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Bremen Guide .

Day 4+5: Hamburg

Hamburg is the second-biggest German city and the last stop on this short itinerary. We have been to Hamburg numerous times now and it is actually one of our favourite bigger German cities. You’ll find that the atmosphere of the city is very different than in Berlin. Not necessarily better or worse – just different.

Interesting (and slightly irrelevant) fact: The cities you visit on this itinerary are the three city states that exist in Germany in addition to the 13 area states such as Bavaria, Nordrhine-Westphalia etc.

The drive from Bremen to Hamburg is actually pretty simple and should only take around 1 hour 30 minutes by car and just around 1 hour if you take an ICE (fast train) . The train connection between these two cities is great with trains running pretty frequently. That should make it quite easy to find a train connection that works for your schedule.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg is popular city with loads of different accommodations and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

If you are travelling to Hamburg with a car, you might want to check out the Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg . Located in an old water tower, this unique hotel has a number of cool features with stunning views and parking onsite. It’s very popular – and also close to public transit for getting around!

If you are travelling to Hamburg by train, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg is a great hotel option for you to check out. Located in the cool area of St. Georg, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station. It’s also walkable to other parts of the city centre and other attractions.

If you are looking for a hostel in Hamburg, you might want to check out Generator Hamburg as a reliable and popular hostel stay close to central station and the heart of the city.

If you want more details about accommodations in the city, we have a more detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Must-see Attractions in Hamburg:

• Speicherstadt
• Elbphilharmonie
• St. Pauli Piers

As one of our first ever articles on Penguin and Pia, we actually wrote a short Hamburg Guide . Have a look if you want some more Hamburg inspiration. Unfortunately it’s not nearly as detailed as our newer article – looks like it’s time for an update!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – South

If you would like to explore the southern part of Germany instead of the north, then we would recommend the following 5 days Southern Germany itinerary. Compared to the northern itinerary, this trip includes stops in some smaller towns and cities. So, if you are interested in seeing some places of various sizes, beautiful old towns, and maybe a castle, then this might be a good itinerary for you.

The driving distance of this trip is just around 680 kilometres with a total driving time of approx. 7 hours . Depending on your mode of transportation, this can – of course – vary slightly.

Day 1: Munich Day 2: Regensburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Stuttgart Day 5: Munich

Day 1: Munich

We are starting (and ending) this itinerary in Munich since it is an easy airport to fly in and out of from other parts of the world. If you are coming from another part of Europe by train, the connections to Munich are also usually pretty good.

Munich is the third-biggest German city and a very popular tourist destination. International travellers often mainly know the city because of the Oktoberfest which happens every year from the middle of September until October.

However, there is so much more to do and see in Munich than just the “Wiesn” (as the Oktoberfest is sometimes called as well). We are always happy to return to Munich because there is just so much to explore.

If you are thinking about renting a car for this itinerary, then you’ll be happy to know that it is quite easy to get a rental car in Munich. You can either pick it up directly at the airport after you land (if you arrive by plane) or in the city centre before you head to the next stop on this journey.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Munich here

Accommodation in Munich: Munich is very large and popular city so finding a place to stay is no problem. The issue becomes that there are too many places to choose from! That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

Specifically, we stayed at the very popular H2 Hotel München Olympiapark and we would highly recommend it for the value for money. The hotel has nice, cozy rooms, a super great breakfast buffet, and has a metro station steps from the front entrance to take you to the city centre.

There’s also onsite parking which makes this hotel perfect if you are travelling to Munich by car. The famous Olympic Park and BMW Museum are close by, too!

If you want to stay a little more in the city centre, then check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This trendy hotel is in the heart of the Old Town just steps from top attractions like Marienplatz and the famous Hofbräuhaus. It’s also easy to get to the central train station either walking or on the metro.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this massive city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

Must-see Attractions in Munich:

• Marienplatz with New Town Hall
• Olympic Park
• Victuals Market
• English Garden

We also have a great little guide on how to spend one day in Munich if you want more details.

Day 2: Regensburg

On day two of your trip you’ll be on your way to Regensburg, a small city in Bavaria on the Danube river. Due to its location by the river, Regensburg is a popular stop for people on a river cruise. So don’t be surprised if you see many different tour groups in the Old Town.

We recently spent a couple of days in Regensburg to get to know the city better and enjoyed our time there. One of the highlights is the Old Stone Bridge in the city centre which was built in the 12th century. We actually filmed a small YouTube video in Regensburg – which you can watch here if you are curious about what the city looks like.

The journey from Munich to Regensburg takes approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and around 1 hr 30 minutes by train . If you decide to travel by train – and especially if you are travelling with other people – we would recommend that travel with a “Bayernticket” (Bavaria Ticket). This ticket for train travel within the state of Bavaria usually allows you to save some money compared to regular prices.

Accommodation in Regensburg:  If you are staying a night in Regensburg, you’ll have a number of great accommodations to choose from. To get started, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Regensburg .

When we visited the city, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express – Regensburg and really liked it. It’s a newer hotel and it really shows. The breakfast was excellent and there is even an onsite parking garage if you are travelling with a car. It’s not in the Old Town or near the river – but we did walk there one day and it only took about 15 minutes.

If you are travelling by train and you are on-foot, then check out the Altstadthotel Am Pach . This simple hotel is located right in the heart of the old town so you’re close to everything there is to see and do in Regensburg – including the beautiful Danube River. They also have breakfast included.

Must-see Attractions in Regensburg:

• Old Stone Bridge
• St Peter Cathedral

We are currently still working on our Regensburg Guide – but we’ll link it here once it is published.

Day 3: Nuremberg

On the third day of this 5 day Southern Germany itinerary you’ll drive – or take the train – from Regensburg to Nuremberg. Nuremberg is a medium sized city in a part of Bavaria called Franconia. If you pay attention, you might notice that the dialect spoken here is quite different from that spoken in Munich and other places farther south.

Lisa actually grew up in this part of Germany so she has been to Nuremberg many, many times. Last year we also went to explore the city together and had a great time. Travellers from abroad mainly know the city for the Nuremberg Trials which took place there after World War II. You can certainly learn alot of history in this German city!

Since Nuremberg is quite close to Regensburg the drive won’t be long – giving you slightly more time to explore the city.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car and between 1-2 hours by train depending on which train you take (some stop more often than others). Once again, a regional ticket – such as the Bavaria Ticket – will probably save you some money if you travel with more people.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Since Nuremberg is a very popular city to visit in Germany, there are many, many places to stay scattered throughout the city centre and around it. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

When we visited, we stayed at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we really liked it. Located just inside the medieval city walls, we were really close to the train station and yet also steps from top attractions like the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. The place was bright and great value for the price which we liked a lot.

Close to Five Reasons, we had friends stay at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg and they loved it. We actually saw it with our own eyes – it had a pool with views of the city among other perks. There’s also a parking lot right across from the hotel if you’re coming to Nuremberg by car. It’s walking distance to the old centre and the central train station so best of all worlds!

Must-see Attractions in Nuremberg:

• Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg)
• Documentation Center + Nazi Party Rally Grounds
• Albrecht Dürer’s House

As is the case with Regensburg, we are also still working on our article for Nuremberg. Once it’s live, we’ll link it here.

Day 4: Stuttgart

Stuttgart is the capital of the German state called Baden-Württemberg and the only place on this itinerary that is not located in Bavaria. The city is mainly known for being a “car hub” since both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have their headquarters there. There are also museums dedicated to both car brands.

Stuttgart is a bit smaller than Munich but there is still a lot to see. In fact, one day won’t be enough to see the whole city – but it’ll allow you to get a good first impression. Next to the car museums, you could visit some of the many green spaces and/or old buildings that the city has to offer.

Driving from Nuremberg to Stuttgart by car will take you approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. If you have the time, you could even take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its picturesque Old Town.

By train , the journey from Nuremberg to Stuttgart will take between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes – depending on the type of train you are taking. Try to book your ticket in advance if possible as this can save you some money.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: There are many places to stay in Stuttgart – especially in the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart with a car, check out the Abalon Hotel ideal . Located very much in the city centre, this popular hotel has an underground parking garage and offers a good breakfast selection.

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart by train, you can check out the Pension am Heusteig . This guesthouse-style accommodation doesn’t have parking but offers a great breakfast and is a doable walk or metro ride from the train station. Funny enough, these two accommodations are very close to one another!

Must-see Attractions in Stuttgart:

• Schlossplatz
• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Day 5: Munich

On the last day of your trip you’ll make your way back to Munich since it is usually easier to leave Germany through the Munich airport than smaller airports in the surrounding area.

However, if you don’t have to get to an airport – and/or are taking the train home – you could also stay an extra night in Stuttgart if you wanted. Both cities are worth spending an extra few hours in – so you really just have to see what works best for you.

If you decide to get back to Munich, then the journey from Stuttgart to Munich will take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes by car and just slightly less (2 hrs 15 minutes) by train .

Accommodation in Munich : We already went over accommodations in Munich in Day 1 of this itinerary. So, you can head back up for the full details – but we would highly, highly recommend the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark as great value for money with great breakfast, parking, and a metro stop outside the front door.

Don’t forget we also have our detailed guide on where to stay in Munich if you want to have a deeper look at accommodations in the city.

We also have a post on spending one day in Munich if you want more details about the city!

Germany Itinerary 7 Days

If you have slightly more time to explore Germany, we have also created two 7 day Germany itineraries for you. Similar to the 5 day itineraries, we made two different itineraries since it’s pretty much impossible to see the whole country in just a week.

Instead of a northern and southern itinerary, this time we have focused on the western and eastern parts of the country. But please don’t read too much into that description – we use the terms quite loosely. As always, you’re welcome to modify any part of the itinerary to make it better fit your schedule/interests.

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – West

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be around 14 – 15 hours and the distance would be slightly over 1100 km . For these calculations, we included the day trip to Monschau (and back to Cologne) as well as the day trip to Freiburg im Breisgau (and back to Stuttgart), which would be a longer day trip anyway.

So, depending on which day trips you decide to add on to (or remove from) this itinerary, your driving time and distance could be noticeably different than the estimates given above!

Day 1: Cologne Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen Day 3: Koblenz Day 4: Frankfurt Day 5: Heidelberg Day 6: Stuttgart Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

Day 1: Cologne

As we have already explained above, we like to start these itineraries in bigger cities to make it easier for people from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure without hassle. Cologne is Germany’s fourth-biggest city (by population) and has two pretty good airports (Airport “Köln Bonn” and Airport “Düsseldorf”) close by for those coming from far away.

If you want to rent a car for this itinerary, it should be pretty easy to get one in Cologne since it’s quite an international city with lots of visitors.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Cologne here

Cologne is a pretty spread-out city so you won’t be able to see the whole city in a day or two. However, the highlight of the city is certainly the Cologne Cathedral which is located right next to the central station and the Rhine River.

Make sure to plan some time to visit this impressive building – we always spend much longer in there than we originally plan. It’s free to enter so it can get very crowded depending on the day and time you’re visiting.

Accommodation in Cologne : Cologne is a very big city with multiple areas to stay in. As such, there are lots of accommodation options across the city. Wherever you book, remember to book your accommodation for two nights since you will go on a day trip and then return to Cologne on the second day. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We have stayed in the Lindner Hotel City Plaza and loved it. The floors all have themes (we got Cologne Zoo with animals), the breakfast buffet is absolutely fantastic, and it’s a short walk to the Cathedral along one main street. There’s also parking available at/near the hotel for those with a car.

If you want to stay more in the heart of the city centre, check out something like the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . It’s popular, centrally located with shops and restaurants around, and only a short walk to the train station.

If you are looking for a hostel in Cologne, Eric once stayed at Cologne Downtown Hostel and it was honestly excellent. There’s a grocery store right below it and it’s located in the city centre. It also has a large balcony to enjoy the sunshine from!

Must-see Attractions in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne Chocolate Museum

Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen

On the second day of this Germany itinerary, you have a few different option: you can either spend another day in Cologne if you feel like you haven’t seen enough of the city yet or take a day trip to Monschau or Aachen. Both of these are two places not too far from Cologne.

Monschau is a popular day trip in the area mainly because of its picturesque buildings in the old town. In fact, you probably have already seen photos of it on social media. To get to Monschau from Cologne, you can either drive or take a combination of trains and buses.

Getting to Monschau takes around 1 hr 40 minutes by car and approx. 2 hours by public transport . To visit Monschau by public transport, you can take the regional train from Cologne to Aachen-Rothe Erde and then take Bus #66 from there to Monschau.

Must-see Attractions in Monschau:

• Monschau Castle

If you want to go on a day trip but don’t want to venture that far, then Aachen would be another great option. This city is actually Germany’s most western city very close to the borders of The Netherlands and Belgium.

We’ve lived close to Aachen for a while and have written a whole guide full of things to do in Aachen that you should read if you want more information. In our opinion, one day is the perfect amount of time to explore the city since it doesn’t have that many attractions and the old town in the city centre is quite compact (but still very pretty).

Getting from Cologne to Aachen is also very easy. It takes approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and just around 50 minutes by regional train . You should look into getting a “Schönes Tag Ticket NRW” for the day if you’re travelling with more people as this can save you some money.

Must-see Attractions in Aachen:

• Aachen Cathedral
• Elisenbrunnen

Day 3: Koblenz

From Cologne, your journey continues to Koblenz – another city on the Rhine River. Koblenz is a smaller German city with a population of slightly over 110,000 inhabitants.

There are quite a few castles and nice hikes in the area which are easy to reach from Koblenz – just in case you decide that you don’t want to spend the day in the city. Depending on the time of year, you could also look into booking a boat tour on the Rhine river. This way, you get a unique perspective of the beautiful region.

Getting from Cologne to Koblenz is pretty easy and will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 10 minutes by train . We really like this train journey since the tracks follow the river for a majority of the trip. As a result, you get some really nice views – and might even spot some of the beautiful castles in the area!

Accommodation in Koblenz: Koblenz is certainly not a huge city – but you’ll still find a good number of places to stay for a night or two. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

For a hotel right in the city centre, check out the Sander Hotel . This lovely hotel is super popular and close to shops and the rivers. If you are arriving to Koblenz by car, there is onsite parking at the hotel. However, since the city is smaller you can also easily reach the hotel by walking from the central train station.

Must-see Attractions in Koblenz:

• Deutsches Eck
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• Koblenz Cable Car

Day 4: Frankfurt

The next stop on your itinerary is Frankfurt, arguably one of the country’s most popular transport hubs due to the busy Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt is an interesting city that divided people: some people really enjoy it while other people don’t like it at all. To be fair, we haven’t spent enough time in the city to really solidify our opinion.

Either way, we do believe that Frankfurt is a stop that you shouldn’t miss if you are trying to get to know different areas of Germany. Known as the financial hub of Germany, this city with its many skyscrapers can feel quite a bit more modern than other German cities. However, the city also has a beautiful, historical market square that you should visit.

The journey from Koblenz to Frankfurt is another easy one – and if you are taking the train (we would recommend that!), you’ll once again follow the Rhine River for big parts of the journey and be rewarded with some great views.

The train ride will probably be between 1 hr 25 minutes and 2 hrs 12 minutes long – depending on the connection you choose. By car , the trip will take around 1 hr 30 minutes . Of course, this can vary depending on traffic.

Accommodation in Frankfurt : There are loads of places to stay in Frankfurt given its popularity and size. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

A great option in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Located very much in the heart of the city centre close to the old town and river, this cool hotel has underground parking if you are arriving to Frankfurt by/with a car. It also serves up a great breakfast!

If you are arriving by train to Frankfurt, you should check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . Located literally right beside the central station (which is in the city centre), this upscale hotel is very popular because it’s very affordable and also has a great breakfast.

Must-see Attractions in Frankfurt:

• Palmengarten

Day 5: Heidelberg

After your day in Frankfurt, you’re heading to Heidelberg which is actually one of our favourite German cities. The highlight of the city is certainly the castle on top of the hill which is visible from many different parts of the city.

Heidelberg is smaller than Frankfurt so you can see quite a bit in just 24 hours. The Old Town is beautiful and lots of attractions are located there. Our highlight was probably the tower climb of the Church of the Holy Spirit. From up there, you get a beautiful view of the Old Town. A very close second was the cable car ride up to the Königstuhl which was lots of fun – even in the rain.

Getting from Frankfurt to Heidelberg won’t take too long. The journey will be approximately one hour by car and between 45 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train – depending on which type of train you are taking.

Accommodation in Heidelberg: If you’re heading for Heidelberg (good choice), there are lots of great places to stay. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Heidelberg .

We stayed a little outside the old town – but close to the train station – at NinetyNine Heidelberg City . This hotel was really, really great. The beds were comfy and the decor has animals everywhere – you have to see it to understand!

There’s onsite parking (paid) and street parking (free, but not guaranteed) if you are travelling with a car. There’s also a tram stop right outside the hotel to get directly into the city centre in minutes.

If you are looking to stay in the historic old town, then check out colourful hotels like  Hotel Holländer Hof  which overlooks the river or Hotel Zum Ritter St.Georg which is literally overlooking the main Marktplatz.

Must-see Attractions in Heidelberg:

• Heidelberg Palace
• Church of the Holy Spirit (mainly tower climb)

If you want to learn some more about Heidelberg and what there is to do, you can read our detailed Heidelberg Guide here .

Day 6: Stuttgart

The next day you will drive to Stuttgart, a city that we’ve already mentioned in one of our Germany itineraries for 5 days. As we have already mentioned, you’ll probably really enjoy Stuttgart if you are interested in cars.

Even if you aren’t, there is still lots for you to explore. Did you know that wine also plays a huge role in Stuttgart and the surrounding region? If this is something that interests you and you’re there in the summer (specifically around the end of August), then you should stop by the “Stuttgarter Weindorf” (“wine village”) – but obviously, please don’t drink and drive.

As for getting from Heidelberg to Stuttgart, the journey will take you approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 40 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, the time differs depending on the type of train you are choosing.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Stuttgart has many places to stay so you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Be sure to see the Abalon Hotel ideal if you have a car. This hotel has underground parking available and a tasty breakfast. It’s also in the city centre which makes sightseeing easy.

Those coming to Stuttgart by train should look at the Pension am Heusteig . It’s a guesthouse that is located not too far from the first hotel here and it’s a doable walk or metro ride from the central station.

Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

For this itinerary, you can decide how you would like to spend your last day. You could either spend another day to explore more of Stuttgart (and maybe relax for a bit) or you could head farther south and spend a day in Freiburg im Breisgau. We really enjoyed spending time in this small city in the south of Germany during our visit.

We are currently still in the process of writing our Freiburg guide, but we’ll link it here once it’s done. However, a good way to start your exploration of the city is by wandering the old town.

In Freiburg, you’ll find that many of the cobblestoney streets have small water-filled runnels – called Bächle – running alongside it. Sometimes they even have small yellow ducks in them!

The journey from Stuttgart to Freiburg im Breisgau is slightly longer than most other parts of this itinerary. It takes approximately 2 hrs 30 minutes by car and around 2 hours by train . Since this train journey will probably include at least one ICE (the fast train), we’d recommend that you book your train tickets early if you can to save some money.

Must-see Attractions in Freiburg:

• Freiburger Münster (Cathedral)
• Schlossberg + Tower
• New + Old Town Hall

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – East

If the other week-long Germany itinerary doesn’t interest you and/or you really want to visit the German capital Berlin, then you might prefer this eastern route instead.

The driving time would be just slightly over 10 hours and would be approximately 900 km driving distance – including the day trip to Potsdam (which would honestly be easier with public transport, though)!

Day 1: Berlin Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam Day 3: Dresden Day 4: Erfurt Day 5: Bamberg Day 6+7: Munich

Day 1: Berlin

Once again, this itinerary begins in Berlin since it is one of the big cities that is easier to get to for people coming from overseas. Similar to the five day itinerary that started in Berlin, you’ll stay two nights in the German capital. There is just too much to see to spend only one day – and even in two days you wouldn’t be able to explore everything.

In case you’ve already been to Berlin on a different trip and/or aren’t a huge fan of big cities, we also give you the option of a day trip to Potsdam (a city close by) on the second day. More on that below.

Accommodation in Berlin : Finding a place to stay in Berlin can be tough because there are just so many options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you have a car, check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte . Located right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island, this hotel has a great breakfast and free parking on the street behind the hotel. Otherwise, parking is paid but for a decent price for the city centre.

Those without a car travelling by train should see the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . If you want a hotel close to a top attraction that is easy to get to with public transport, this is definitely one of them!

Across the city, PLUS Berlin is a really good hostel/hotel that Eric stayed at a few years ago. It’s a big place but it was a great stay over by the East Side Gallery (part of the Berlin Wall with the graffiti on it).

As already mentioned above, if you want to read some more about Berlin, check out our articles on Things to do in Berlin and How to spend one day in Berlin .

Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam

On your second day, you can choose between spending another day in Berlin to see more of the German capital or going on a day trip to Potsdam – which is a smaller city not far from Berlin.

Potsdam is actually the capital city of the German state called Brandenburg. It’s most popular attraction is probably Sanssouci Palace with the beautiful Sanssouci Park surrounding it.

During our visit, we also enjoyed walking through the Dutch Quarter with its small shops and cafes. Since the city isn’t too big, one day gives you a chance to get a good impression and check out some of the more popular sights.

It is also very easy to get to Potsdam from Berlin. If you decide to drive , it’ll take you approx. 40 minutes , but it could be longer – traffic depending. We would honestly recommend that you do this day trip by taking public transport. This way, you don’t have to worry about traffic and/or finding a parking spot.

For trains, you can take the S-Train #7 (S7) from Berlin Central Station (as well as other train stations) straight to Potsdam Central Station. The journey will take around 35 minutes with trains running very frequently throughout the day.

Must-see Attractions in Potsdam:

• Sanssouci Palace
• Dutch Quarter
• Cecilienhof

Day 3: Dresden

The third day of this Germany itinerary will take you from Berlin to Dresden which is a German city close to the Czech border. To be honest, we haven’t spend that much time in Dresden yet – and it’s certainly on our list of places to visit this year.

One of the city’s main attractions – the Zwinger – is known across the country and a sight that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. It’s a beautiful palace built in a baroque style.

Fun fact: When Lisa was a kid, she didn’t actually know that the “Zwinger” was a palace. Since that word can also mean “dog kennel” in German, she was always confused as to why people would want to visit it during their time in Dresden!

As for getting from Berlin to Dresden, the drive will take you around 2 hrs 10 minutes by car  and  around 2 – 3 hours by train.  Once again, this depends on which connection you choose.

Accommodation in Dresden:  There are a number of accommodations in the compact “Innere Altstadt” close to the River Elbe for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Dresden .

For a great hotel option right in the old town, look no further than the Star Inn Hotel Premium Dresden im Haus Altmarkt . You’re a short walk to the train station, the river, and all the best old sights in Dresden if you stay here and arrive by train. If you come to Dresden by car, the hotel has discounted underground parking available.

Another option right in the old town (and even closer to the river) is Aparthotel am Schloss . Since this is an apartment-style hotel, it’s a great option if you are looking for more of a base to relax in a “home away from home”. It’s a very popular choice, too – and also has onsite parking.

Must-see Attractions in Dresden:

• Frauenkirche

Day 4: Erfurt

Erfurt is a popular city to visit in the middle of Germany – and it’s also the capital city of the German state Thuringia. We’ve spent some time in Erfurt a few months ago and instantly fell in love with the city. Its size is perfect (in our opinion) – giving you enough things to do without feeling overwhelming.

Maybe you’ve seen photos of one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Krämerbrücke. This bridge is not only pretty to look at and photograph, it’s also unique in the sense that there are buildings on the bridge and when you’re walking on it, you can’t actually see the water running below.

Visiting the bridge and climbing the tower of the Ägidienkirche, a church at one end of the bridge, is something we’d certainly recommend during your time in the city. We actually filmed a short video of our time exploring Erfurt. If you are interested in seeing what parts of the city look like, then you can find our video here .

Getting to Erfurt from Dresden won’t take you too long. It will take approx. 2 hours 20 minutes by car  and between 2 and slightly over 3 hours by train .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  Since Erfurt isn’t a huge city, there aren’t a ton of accommodations – but certainly more than enough to find one that works for your style and budget. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

We stayed at  Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße  and really liked our stay. It’s located in a quiet neighbourhood just north of the city centre – a short walk to the Krämerbrücke. The host was lovely, the room was cozy, and there was secure onsite parking for those driving to Erfurt.

If you want to stay RIGHT in the city centre then you should check out  Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt which is right beside the famous bridge. This might be a good place to stay if you are travelling to Erfurt by train and you’re on-foot.

Must-see Attractions in Erfurt:

• Krämerbrücke
• Erfurt Cathedral
• Citadel Petersberg

For more details, have a look at our Things to do in Erfurt article .

Day 5: Bamberg

Bamberg is a small city – or larger town – in the German state called Bavaria. It’s actually located in a region called Franconia, which is noticeably different from the Bavaria that you might know in the area surrounding Munich, etc.

We’ve been to Bamberg multiple times over the years (it’s also close to the part of Germany where Lisa grew up) and are always happy to come back. Bamberg is known for its cute, historic old town which is actually a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most popular buildings the city has to offer is the Old Town Hall (shown above) which is built on an artificial island. The story behind it is quite interesting.

The drive from Erfurt to Bamberg is doable and will take approx. 2 hrs by car and around 3 hrs by train . On the way, you’ll drive through quite a few tunnels since you’ll drive through an area known as “Thuringian Forest”.

Accommodation in Bamberg: Bamberg is a small place to visit so there aren’t a ton of options but still enough to find what you’re looking for. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bamberg .

Anywhere you stay is basically in or close to the old town/city centre. For a place to stay with parking (for those arriving by car), check out Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg . It’s located right on the river.

You might also want to see Palais Schrottenberg  to stay right in the middle of the Old Town! For reference, the train station is a short walk to the north of the river – not far from these places in the centre.

Must-see Attractions in Bamberg:

• Bamberg Cathedral
• Old Town Hall
• Alte Hofhaltung

If you want some more information about Bamberg, please read our detailed Bamberg, Germany Guide .

Day 6+7: Munich

From Bamberg, your journey will continue to Munich which will be the last stop on this 7 day eastern itinerary. Not only is this the third biggest city of the country, it is also one of the most internationally known destinations in Germany.

Whenever we come back to Munich, we always enjoy our time there. For some reason, the atmosphere always feels more laid back than in other big German cities and the people are usually quite friendly. We might also be a little bit biased, though, since Lisa grew up in this part of the country and is more used to the mentality, dialect etc. than in other parts of Germany.

For this itinerary, you’ll spend two days in Munich since there is quite a lot to see. Next to the obvious attractions like the Marienplatz with the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche close by, there are also lots of museums and other things that you can explore.

If you’ve already been to Munich before and/or decide that one day in the city is enough for you, you could also opt for a day trip on one of these days. We’ve just recently written a whole Day Trips from Munich Guide , which you can browse through to get some inspiration!

Driving from Bamberg to Munich will take about 2 hrs 20 minutes by car and between 2 and 3 hrs by train . If you decide to only take regional trains instead of the ICE (fast train), you should look into getting the Bayernticket. This can save you some money, especially when you’re travelling with more people.

Accommodation in Munich:  Since Munich is so large and popular to visit, there is definitely no shortage of places to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

That said, we loved our stay at H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . Located up by the famous Olympic Park, we’d highly recommend it since it was amazing value for money. The breakfast was huge and delicious and there’s a metro station outside the lobby door that takes you into the heart of the old town in minutes. There’s also parking if you are arriving by car.

For a hotel that is a little more central, you should see the Platzl Hotel Superior this hotel is really popular – and for good reason. It’s located around the corner from attractions like Marienplatz and the famous beer hall, Hofbräuhaus.

For more help looking into accommodations and neighbourhoods in Munich, check out our where to stay in Munich guide .

(Check out our guide to one day in Munich if you want more details on things to do and see.)

Germany Itinerary 10 Days

Although we have tried to create short itineraries that allow you to see more than just the standard cities, it is no doubt easier to see more of Germany if you are able to travel for longer than one week. To give you a couple different options that you could look at (and then potentially modify), we have created two 10-day Germany itineraries.

Once again, we believe that ten days would not be enough time to see the whole country – and even if you managed to do that it would be too stressful (in our opinion). Both of the following itineraries give you a good mix of bigger and smaller cities as well as a few interesting day trips. So, have a look and see which one you like better!

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – North

If you’re interested in seeing more of the northern part of Germany and experiencing the mentality and way of life of people in the flatter part of the country, closer to the sea, then have a look at the following 10-day itinerary!

The total driving time would be slightly less than 17 hours with a distance of approx. 1470 kilometres. For these calculations, we have included the day trips to Schloss Drachenburg, Lübeck, and Flensburg. So, if you decide to skip any of these, your driving time and distance would obviously be slightly lower.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Bonn Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne Day 4: Münster Day 5: Hanover Day 6: Hamburg Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg Day 9+10: Berlin

Day 1: Frankfurt

Similar to some of the other itineraries mentioned in this article, we start this 10-day itinerary in Frankfurt. By now you should probably already know why – Frankfurt has the biggest airport of the country which should make it easier for people coming from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure.

Furthermore, Frankfurt is quite centrally located so it is easy to get to many different cities from here. So even if you decide against following our itineraries step-by-step, Frankfurt would be a good starting point!

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Frankfurt here

Accommodation in Frankfurt : You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Frankfurt. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

One really popular hotel in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . This Motel One is near the river and walking distance to lots of things in the city centre. If you are coming to Frankfurt with a car, Motel One has underground parking which can make life easy! They also have a nice breakfast.

A hotel option closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is just to the north of the main station which makes it a great option if you are arriving by train and have no car. It’s popular because it has a great breakfast and is good value for money.

Day 2: Bonn

On the second day, you’ll head from Frankfurt to Bonn. As you might know, Bonn used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany during the time that Germany was split into two countries. Later, the capital was relocated from Bonn to Berlin.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Germany during your time in the country, then Bonn would be a good city to do that in. For example, you could visit the so-called “Haus der Geschichte” which is a museum about the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.

It won’t be difficult to get from Frankfurt to Bonn since the two cities are not too far apart. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 50 minutes by car and between 1 hr 20 minutes and 2 hrs if you take the train . Once again, we’d recommend that you book your train ticket in advance if possible.

Accommodation in Bonn: There are a number of accommodation options in Bonn which you can choose from – many are right in the city centre/old town. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bonn .

Keep in mind to book your accommodation for two nights for this itinerary. (You could also spend the following night in Cologne if you day tripped to there, though).

For a great hotel in the heart of the old town, check out BrauHotel Bonn . You can easily walk here from the central train station but they also have a and parking garage close by if you arrive by car. There’s also a craft beer bar on the ground floor!

Another option is the Hilton Bonn . This hotel offers you amazing views of the Rhine River. It’s a bit north of the city centre but still very much close to it. There is parking but it can be expensive so keep that in mind when you book.

Must-see Attractions in Bonn:

• Bonn Minster
• House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany (Haus der Geschichte)

Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne

On day three of this itinerary, you can choose to stay in Bonn, or go on one of two day trips: to Schloss Drachenburg (a castle not far from Bonn) or to Cologne which is also close by.

Schloss Drachenburg is actually a private villa/mansion that was built to look like a castle in the 19th century. Today, it is a popular attraction in the area.

From Bonn, you can either drive to Königswinter by car (and then leave your car at the car park) or take public transport to the Königswinter/Clemens-August-Straße station. You can find more information about that and opening hours etc. on the offical website .

If you are not a huge fan of castles, then you might opt for a day trip to Cologne instead. In this case, you might even decide to change your base and spend the night in Cologne instead of returning to Bonn at the end of the day. That is definitely an option that you can choose since there are lots of accommodation options in Cologne as well.

Getting to Cologne from Bonn will take you around 40 minutes by car (this can obviously depend on traffic) and only approx. 25 minutes by train . Just a quick warning: Trains can get very full if you are travelling during rush hour traffic – so try to avoid that if you don’t like being surrounded by lots of people in a small space.

Day 4: Münster

The next day you’ll head from Bonn – or Cologne – to Münster. Since Bonn and Cologne are so close, the journey wouldn’t really differ much from either city.

Münster is a smaller German city that we really enjoy. To be honest, it sometimes reminds Lisa of Copenhagen – mainly because of the many bikes that you can see all around the city. The University of Münster plays a big role in the city and the vibe – depending on which part of the city you are in – is noticeably younger.

One of the highlights of the city – for locals and visitors alike – is the lake Aasee which is located quite centrally. When the weather is nice, there are always people sitting on the grass enjoying the sun and maybe even out on the water (depending on the time of year). You can rent a small paddle boat to explore the lake from a unique perspective.

The journey from Bonn to Münster should take you slightly less than 2 hrs by car and between 2 hrs and slightly more than 3 hrs by train . If you want to save some money and are travelling with other people, then you should look into getting an “NRW Schönes Tag Ticket”. With this ticket, you wouldn’t be allowed to travel on ICE’s (the fast train), but the connections using only regional trains wouldn’t be much longer.

Accommodation in Münster: Münster might feel small but it’s actually pretty spread out and offers accommodations for all styles and budgets. You can  check here for accommodations and hotels in Münster .

If you want a popular hotel option right in the centre, the  H4 Hotel Münster  is a short walk to the heart of the historic centre. It also has onsite parking for those travelling to Münster by car – but you can easily walk there from the train station in the south of the city centre.

Must-see Attractions in Münster:

• Münster Prinzipalmarkt
• Historic Town Hall
• Münster Cathedral

For a more detailed guide, have a look at our Things to do in Münster, Germany article .

Day 5: Hanover

The following day you are travelling from Münster to Hanover. In German “Hannover” is actually written with two “n”, so don’t be surprised if you see it being written slightly differently.

Hanover is the biggest city and the capital of the German state called Lower Saxony. Compared to some other cities on this itinerary it is a less popular tourist destination. To be fair, even we haven’t spent that much time in Hanover yet. Hopefully we’ll be able to change that soon. However, that’s not to say that Hanover is not worth a visit.

Not only can you explore some beautiful gardens and interesting museums in the city, but it is also located pretty much halfway between Münster and Hamburg. That makes it a great stop to break up the journey and spent another day in a city that allows you to explore without too many other (international) tourists around.

By car , the journey from Münster to Hanover will take you around 2 hrs . If you choose to travel by train instead, it will take you approximately the same amount of time .

Accommodation in Hanover: Hanover is a larger city but the accommodation are still relatively packed together in and around the historic city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

For a stay right in the city centre, check out the Hotel Loccumer Hof . This popular hotel is a very short walk from the central station which is perfect if you are arriving to Hanover by train. That said, they also have parking onsite so this hotel works well if you arrive by car!

For another hotel option, check out the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus . This boutique hotel is directly across from the beautiful New Town Hall in the south end of the city centre by the greenspace and water! They also have a really nice breakfast and parking available.

Must-see Attractions in Hanover:

• New Town Hall
• Marktkirche
• Herrenhausen Gardens

Day 6: Hamburg

On day six of this 10-day itinerary you’re on your way to Hamburg. If you’ve read the details of any of the shorter itineraries in this article, you’ll know that we really like Hamburg.

The city offers modern areas, such as “HafenCity”, mixed with historic (e.g. “Speicherstadt”) and alternative areas (“Sternschanze”) . This makes exploring the city all the more interesting – there is truly something for everyone. During your time in the city, we’d also recommend that you climb the tower of the St. Michael’s Church. From up there, you get a beautiful view of most parts of the city.

The journey from Hanover to Hamburg won’t be long. Depending on the route you are taking (Highway A7 or A1), it’ll take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs by car . If you opt for the train , you can expect the journey to take between 1 hr 15 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes . This depends on the connection you choose.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg has many, many places to stay. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might be a good option if you have a car while you travel around Germany. This cool hotel is inside an old water tower which gives guests stunning views of the city around. There’s also parking onsite and it’s close to a transit stop for getting around the city.

Located not too far from the central train station, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg makes for a good hotel option if you don’t have a car. It’s located in St. Georg which is a lively area within walking distance of the city centre.

Those that need hostel for their stay in Hamburg might be happy with Generator Hamburg . It’s a popular hostel in the city and is close to the train station for easy getting around. If you’re unsure about where to stay, you can always check out our detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Once again, if you’d like to read our (very) short Hamburg guide, you can find our Things to do in Hamburg article here .

Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck

For the next couple of days, we decided to include some day trips from Hamburg. This allows you to stay in one accommodation for longer than just one night and gives you the option to see some more of Hamburg as well. If you don’t want to visit any other cities and want to spend more time in Hamburg instead, then feel free to skip one or both of the day trips mentioned.

Lübeck is the closer one of the two day trips mentioned from Hamburg. Within Germany the city is mainly known for its delicious “Lübecker Marzipan” (Lübeck Marzipan) – but of course there is much more to the city than just that. One of the highlights is the Holsentor, a red-brick city gate dating back to the 15th century.

The journey from Hamburg to Lübeck will take you slightly over 1 hr by car and just around 45 minutes by train . In our opinion, that’s great for a day trip since it gives you lots of time to actually see the city instead of spending a lot of time in the car/on the train.

Must-see Attractions in Lübeck:

• Marienkirche
• Heilig-Geist-Hospital

Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg

For the following day, we have another day trip option for you. The journey to Flensburg is slightly longer than to Lübeck – but it would be worth it. Flensburg is a smaller German city in the north of Germany, very close to the Danish border.

Since it is located close to the water, shipping plays an important role in the city to this day. If you’re interested in learning more about that, then the Maritime Museum would be a good place for you to visit.

Another thing we would recommend is a walk along the Rote Straße. Here you’ll find different “Hinterhöfe” (similar to backyards) with cute cafes and small shops.

Getting to Flensburg from Hamburg should take slightly less than 2 hrs by car and the same amount of time by train . As already mentioned, it would be a longer journey than to Lübeck, but if you want to experience a smaller, maritime city, the trip would be worth it!

Must-see Attractions in Flensburg:

• Historischer Hafen (Historic Harbour)
• Flensburger Schifffahrtmuseum (Maritime museum)
• Museumsberg Flensburg

Day 9+10: Berlin

On the second to last day of this itinerary, you’ll head from Hamburg to Berlin where your journey ends. This allows you to spend two days in the German capital. Since there is so much to do in Berlin, we’d recommend that you do some research beforehand to narrow down which attractions you’d like to visit.

If you’ve never been to Berlin before classics like the Brandeburg Gate and the Reichstag would be a good place to start. We’ve written a few different articles about Berlin – one about classic attractions (link below). Maybe these will be a good starting point to gather some more information!

The drive from Hamburg to Berlin will be one of the longest mentioned as part of this itinerary – so you should keep that in mind. It’ll take approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (with traffic it could be longer), but just 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

It’s a popular train route since it connects the two biggest German cities so trains run frequently throughout the day. Once again, we’d recommend to book your train ticket in advance to get one of the discount tickets and save some money.

Accommodation in Berlin : As the capital city, there are lots of accommodation options for Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

Those travelling to Berlin with a car should look into the Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a hotel in the city centre with free street parking available. There’s always paid parking for a reasonable fee if those are full and you’ll be close to top attractions.

The NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is a popular hotel option for those coming to Berlin by train since it’s close to attractions in the city centre and you can get there very easily with the metro.

Finally, if you need a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . This is where Eric stayed a few years back and really enjoyed it. You’ll be close to the East Side Gallery – the part of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it. It’s also easy to get in and out of the city centre from here.

Also feel free to have a look at our guide on Berlin Attractions and tips for a day in Berlin .

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – South

This 10 day Germany itinerary begins and ends in Frankfurt – so it’s pretty much a small loop through the southern part of the country. If you want to be closer to the mountains (for part of the trip at least) instead of the sea, then this itinerary might be better suited for you than the other 10 day version.

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be slightly over 17 hours with a total distance of approx. 1330 kilometres. This includes the day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Tübingen. So depending on if/how you modify the itinerary, these estimates could differ.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Würzburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Munich Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Day 7: Ulm Day 8: Stuttgart Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen Day 10: Frankfurt

Similar to the northern version of this itinerary for 10 days, you begin your adventure in Frankfurt. During your day in the city, you shouldn’t forget to visit the Römerberg with the beautiful half-timbered houses. If you want to get a nice few of the city from above, then you should look into visiting the Main Tower as well.

Frankfurt is also a great place to pick up your rental car – if you decide to complete this itinerary by car instead of using public transport. You can either pick up a car at the airport or at different spots in the city centre. This obviously also depends on the rental company you choose.

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Frankfurt is full of accommodation options – from the city centre to the airport. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

For a hotel in the heart of the city, check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Complete with underground parking, good breakfast, and a top location in the centre and close to the river, this hotel is a decent option if you are travelling around with a car.

For those not travelling with a car (and taking the trains around Germany), check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This nice looking hotel is really popular for its breakfast, price, and the fact that it’s steps from the central train station.

Day 2: Würzburg

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Würzburg, a small German city that we’re always happy to return to. Similar to Stuttgart, Würzburg is located in a region that is known for its wine.

As such, it comes as no surprise that a highlight in Würzburg is to drink a glass of (white) wine on the Old Bridge across the Main river. We’ve done that multiple times and would especially recommend it during the evening when it gets dark.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss in Würzburg is the short walk up the hill to Marienberg Fortress. Up there you can not only explore the old fortress, but you also get a beautiful view of the old town and other parts of the city.

We actually wrote a whole guide about Würzburg (link below) where we not only talk about things to do but also mention some great cafes and restaurants!

The drive from Frankfurt to Würzburg will be a short one. It should only take you around 1 h 20 minutes by car and between 1 h 07 minutes and 1 hr 50 minutes by train depending on the type of train you’re taking (ICE vs. regional train).

Accommodation in Würzburg: Würzburg isn’t a huge city so you’ll find a number of places to stay packed together in the city centre and a number of other hotels and guesthouses around. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Würzburg .

On a recent trip, we stayed at the  Best Western Hotel Würzburg-Süd . It’s a little south of the city centre but the tram stop is right outside the hotel so you’re into the historic city centre in minutes. There is also an onsite parking lot if you’re arriving to Würzburg by car. We booked this one last minute but we would stay again.

If you want to stay a little more central, then you can check out Hotel Strauss . With a location close to the river, the train station, and the city centre – it’s a great option fo those arriving by train.

We also once stayed at  Hostel Babelfish for a budget accommodation and it was honestly not too bad, either. It’s right across from the train station for easy access in and out of the city.

Must-see Attractions in Würzburg:

• Marienberg Fortress
• Würzburg Residence

If you want more tips for visiting Würzburg, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Würzburg Guide (+ insider tips) .

The next day you’ll be on your way to Nuremberg, which is another city in Bavaria that we really like. In German, Nuremberg is actually written/called “Nürnberg” – just an FYI, so you’re not confused when you see this written somewhere.

As we have already mentioned in the description of one of the shorter itineraries, there is a lot of history to be found in the city. Not only can you explore an old castle in the middle of the city, you can also learn a lot about Germany’s dark history if you’re interested.

Getting from Würzburg to Nuremberg will take approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 53 minutes (ICE) and 1 hr 13 minutes (regional) by train . If you’re travelling with more people and decide to just take a regional train, look into getting a “Bayernticket” as that could save you some money.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a larger and well-travelled city in Germany so you will have no problem finding a place to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We ended up staying in the very popular Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we enjoyed our stay. The room was bright with new furnishings. It’s also located just inside the old city walls so we were close to the metro, a short walk to central train station, and also close to the heart of the old town!

Very nearby was the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg – we had friends stay there. They really liked this hotel which had a swimming pool with city views and other great perks. If you are arriving to Nuremberg by car, there’s a parking lot across the street from the hotel as well as street parking around. The train station is very close as well so it’s a great location overall.

• Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Day 4: Munich

On day four of this Germany trip, you’ll be on your way to Munich. As you might know Munich is the capital of the German state called Bavaria and there are lots of things to do in this city.

That’s why you’ll spend three nights in Munich. This way you can explore the city in more detail if you want or go on a couple of day trips from Munich to see other popular attractions as well. It’s really up to you.

The journey from Nuremberg to Munich won’t be overly long and it’s a route Lisa has driven many times. It’ll take you around 2 hrs by car (of course traffic depending) and between 1-3 hrs by train.

Since this is a popular train route, there are lots of different connections of varying length – some are quick and others are slower trains with more stops. Since that’s the case, we’d recommend that you plan in advance and try to catch a better connection to avoid an unnecessarily long train ride!

Accommodation in Munich: Since Munich is such a popular and large city, there are plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . Just remember to book your accommodation for three nights if you are following this itinerary!

We stayed at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark which is a very popular hotel because of the price and the value. It was a prefect stay. The breakfast was amazing, they had parking, and the location was great – only a quick metro to the heart of the city centre. You also have the Olympic Park and BMW Museum as top attractions nearby!

If you’re itching to stay right in the heart of the action in Munich, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a hotel around the corner from Marienplatz in the old town with the famous beer hall Hofbräuhaus just steps away. The central train station is also walkable from here.

Of course, you can learn all about the best areas to stay in more detail with our Munich accommodation and neighbourhood guide .

Learn more about Munich with our one day in Munich post!

Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle probably doesn’t need a lot of introduction – it is arguably one of the most popular day trips from Munich. If you want to see this fairy-tale castle with your own eyes, then this day trip might be for you.

However, it is such a popular attraction that depending on the time of year it can get incredibly crowded. So if you are planning this itinerary for the middle of summer, we’d honestly recommend that you think twice about whether you really want to do this day trip. A second day in Munich wouldn’t be so bad either, would it?

If you are set on visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, then have a look at our Day Trips from Munich Guide . In that article – under the Neuschwanstein Castle section – we talk about all the different ways you can get to the castle.

In case you don’t want to stress too much about logistics and are not travelling with a rental car, you could always look into a day tour that brings you to Neuschwanstein Castle and then back to Munich. Here are some examples:

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace  – A very popular tour to check out two castles in one day!
• Just Neuschwanstein Castle  – Grab your live guide and check out the classic castle you came to see!
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen   – Explore the surrounding area on this day trip + see that great castle!

Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Another popular day trip from Munich – and the one we would recommend for Day 6 of this itinerary – is a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the south of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border.

We have been to Garmisch-Partenkirchen recently and really enjoyed our day there. However, that was during the shoulder season, so we can’t really say much about how busy it gets in the summer or during the ski-season.

There are a few good reasons for visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The obvious one is that the town is super close to the mountains and it is very easy to reach the “Zugspitze” (Germany’s highest mountain) from here.

Of course, you don’t have to go that high up – there are also lots of other mountains and great hiking trails in the area if you’re looking for a day in nature.

Other reasons why people come to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to visit the Partnach Gorge which is quite beautiful and/or the old town where you can admire the decorative paintings found on many houses.

It’s actually quite easy to get from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. By car , it should take you around 1 hr 10 minutes and by train the journey would be approx. 1 hr 22 minutes . It’s actually a nice drive/train ride since you’ll get some great views of the mountains as you get closer to your destination.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

• Partnach Gorge

The following day you’ll travel from Munich to Ulm, a small city in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is actually located right by the border with Bavaria – “Neu Ulm” in fact is a city on the Bavarian side. When you’re there, it sometimes feels like it is just one bigger city. For you as a visitor, this doesn’t really matter – just an interesting side note.

Ulm is mainly known for having the church with the tallest steeple in the world – so that is something you shouldn’t miss during your visit. Other than that, we’d also recommend that you check out the Fishermen’s Quarter where you can find some beautiful, half-timbered houses.

Getting from Munich to Ulm won’t take you long. The journey will take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes by car and between 1 hr 19 minutes and 2 hrs by train. Once again, this depends on which type of train connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Ulm: It’s best to stay in the centre of Ulm since it’s not huge and the attractions can mostly be found there. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Ulm .

For a boutique hotel option right in the city centre, check out Boutique 005 Ulm City . This hotel is super walkable to the train station if you are arriving by train but also offers an option for parking. It’s location makes it really close to all the top attractions in the city.

For a stay closer to the river, you can check out the Hotel am Rathaus – Hotel Reblaus . With onsite parking available and a really good breakfast, this more “authentic” hotel is an experience not to be missed in Ulm.

Must-see Attractions in Ulm:

• Ulmer Münster
• Fishermen’s Quarter

Day 8: Stuttgart

From Ulm, you’ll head to Stuttgart on the next day. Stuttgart is a city that we have mentioned a few times in this article already. If you’ve read some of the other itineraries, you’ll know that Stuttgart is known for both cars and wine.

Of course, there’s more to see in the city than that. If you’re interested in architecture, you might enjoy visiting the New Palace at the “Schlossplatz” and if you’re into art, the Staatsgalerie (an art museum) might be for you.

Getting to Stuttgart from Ulm will only take slightly over 1 hr by car and approx. the same amount of time by train . There are slower trains – called RB instead of RE which stands for “Regional Express” – that take longer than that. However, if you plan ahead, you shouldn’t have a problem catching an RE or ICE Train since they run frequently throughout the day.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Since there are a number of places to stay in, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Those with a car can check out the Abalon Hotel ideal because it has an underground parking garage while those travelling to Stuttgart by train can check out the Pension am Heusteig since it’s easy to get to walking or with the metro.

Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen

On day 9 of this itinerary, you have the choice between either spending a second day in Stuttgart or taking a day trip to Tübingen, a university town not far away.

Tübingen is a popular day trip from Stuttgart and is mainly known across the country for its old university. In fact, some of Lisa’s friends have studied there. When in town, you shouldn’t forget to visit the market square with its 15th century town hall. Another popular attractions is the Hohentübingen Castle on the hill which nowadays is home to a museum.

It won’t take you long at all to get to Tübingen from Stuttgart. That makes it great for a (half-)day trip. The journey should only take around 42 minutes by car and between 43 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by public transport – depending on the connection you choose.

Must-see Attractions in Tübingen:

• Hohentübingen Castle
• Market Square with Town Hall
• Hölderlinturm

Day 10: Frankfurt

On the last day, you’ll make your way back to Frankfurt. This is where your itinerary ends since it will hopefully be easy for you to get back home from here.

The journey from Stuttgart back to Frankfurt will probably be the longest one for this trip – but it’s still easily doable. It should take you approx. 2 hrs 25 minutes by car and between 1 hr 17 minutes and 3 hrs 30 minutes by train. Once again, this is dependent on the connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Since you’re back in Frankfurt, we already went over accommodations in Day 1 of this same itinerary. That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt and specifically check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer for a central hotel with parking.

Germany Itinerary 14 Days

This Germany itinerary is the longest one that we have for you – for now. If anyone is interested in a 21 day version, please let us know!

The distance you’d cover with this 14 day itinerary would be around 1960 kilometres . The driving time would be approx. 22.5 hours – but of course, this varies depending on traffic and the exact route you decide to take.

As you’ll see below, sometimes the driving time between two cities is longer than 3 hours. So, while this itinerary is totally doable in two weeks – if you wanted to slow down the pace a bit, you could just as easily spend more time in some of the cities and complete the itinerary in more days.

Since you have probably already read about most of these places in some of the itineraries above, we’ll try to keep the descriptions short and not get too repetitive.

Our version here is written as an “incomplete route” from Frankfurt to Munich. However, as with most of our itineraries, you are welcome to reverse the direction if that works better for you and/or start and end in the same city. So, to see a big part of the country, your 14 day Germany itinerary could look something like this:

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle Day 3: Cologne Day 4: Hanover or Celle Day 5+6: Hamburg Day 7+8: Berlin Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar Day 10: Nuremberg Day 11: Stuttgart Day 12: Augsburg Day 13+14: Munich

Once again we begin this itinerary in Frankfurt since it is an easy city to get to. As we have mentioned before, there are a few things to see in the city so you can start exploring on day one!

Frankfurt is also a great city to pick up a rental car. Since many international (business) travellers fly into Frankfurt, there should be many cars available with automatic transmissions. In smaller German towns you’ll find that this is not always the case.

Accommodation in Frankfurt:  If you are making a stop in Frankfurt, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

As for accommodation options, the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer has parking available and is located in the city centre close to the Main River. That’s important if you have a car with you but it’s also walkable to the train station, so you know.

Another great hotel option that is even closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is known for its prime location to the north of the station, its tasty breakfast, nice decor, and fair price. This is definitely a popular place you should at least look into if you are travelling by train around Germany.

Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Koblenz, a small German city on the Rhine river. You can either explore the city or use it as a base to visit one of the many castles close by.

Our suggestion would be a visit to Eltz Castle which is a beautiful medieval castle surrounded by a forest. Please keep in mind that the castle is not open year round. You can check opening hours here .

You could also visit Eltz Castle as a day trip from Frankfurt but then you’d have to return to Frankfurt at the end of the day. This wouldn’t make much sense unless you want to spend some more time in Frankfurt anyway, as Cologne (your next destination) is closer to Koblenz and Eltz Castle than Frankfurt.

The drive from Frankfurt to Koblenz should take around 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you want to take the train , the journey would take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs 15 minutes . From Koblenz, it is only about a 30 minute drive to Eltz Castle.

Accommodation in Koblenz: Since Koblenz isn’t that large, you should have no problem finding and choosing an accommodation that works for you. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

If you want a popular option right in the heart of the city centre, you should see the Sander Hotel . This hotel is located within walking distance to the rivers as well as restaurants and shops in the centre. If you travel by car to Koblenz, they have onsite parking which is handy. That said, you can also easily walk from the hotel to the train station in minutes.

Day 3: Cologne

The next stop on your 14 day Germany itinerary is Cologne, a city we have mentioned already in some of the previous itineraries. As you might know, the highlight of the city is the Cologne cathedral which is quite an impressive sight. As the city is located on the Rhine river, a boat tour might also be a great activity depending on the time of year you are visiting.

Getting to Cologne from Koblenz takes around 1 hr 15 minutes by car  and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 15 minutes by train . The train tracks follow the Rhine river for part of the journey which allows for some beautiful views!

Accommodation in Cologne : There are lots of great places to stay in Cologne. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We recently stayed at the Lindner Hotel City Plaza which was great value for money. The breakfast buffet is incredible and it’s an easy, short walk into the city centre near the Cathedral. It also has parking available for those with a car.

If you want to stay a little closer to the river and the Old Town, check out the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . With many things around to keep you busy – like attractions, food, and/or drinks – you’re just a short walk to the central train station if you stay here.

For those looking for a hostel, Cologne Downtown Hostel was a great stay for Eric a number of years ago. It’s really popular, in a great location, and has a nice rooftop balcony to enjoy.

Day 4: Hanover or Celle

Day 4 of this itinerary will take you to either Hanover or Celle depending on your preference. Celle is a noticeably smaller city/town than Hanover and the two places are only a few minutes apart.

Getting from Cologne to Hanover will take approximately  3 hrs 10 minutes by car  and between  2 hrs 40 minutes and 3 hrs 5 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Hanover: Since Hanover is a well-travelled city for people moving around Germany, there are a number of accommodation options in and around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

To stay very close to the central train station in the city centre, you should see the Hotel Loccumer Hof . The location makes it great if you are travelling by train and on foot. They also have onsite parking if you are arriving to Hanover with a car!

To the south of this hotel, the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus is an option right across from the New Town Hall. This hotel has a beautiful, light style and is also close to the water/parks. Complete with breakfast and onsite parking, you can’t go wrong here!

If you want to spend a night in a smaller German city instead, then Celle is a good option as it is not far from Hanover. That will make it easy to reach the next stop on your itinerary without too much of a detour. The journey from Cologne to Celle would be slightly longer and take around 3 hrs 30 minutes by car and 3 hrs 19 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Celle: Celle isn’t that big at all – so there are only a handful of places to stay. That said, there are still some great options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Celle .

Of note, check out Hotel Borchers . This hotel – one of only a handful located in the heart of “city centre” is a top pick with a tasty breakfast and an underground car park. You can also walk there from the Celle train station which is located not too far across town.

Must-see Attractions in Celle:

• Celle Castle
• Bomann Museum
• French Garden

Day 5+6: Hamburg

An itinerary across a large part of the country wouldn’t really feel complete without including Hamburg. Since there is quite a bit to see in this hanseatic city, you’ll spend two nights in the city to give you more time to explore.

Getting from Hanover to Hamburg will take you approx. 1 hr 45 minutes by car and between 1 hr 15 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, this varies depending on the type of train connection you choose.

The journey from Celle to Hamburg will be approximately 15 minutes shorter at 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you opt for the train, you can expect travel times between 1 hr 10 minutes and 2 hrs .

Accommodation in Hamburg : Since Hamburg is a well-travelled city, it makes sense that there are loads of places and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might work for those with a car since they have onsite parking. This old water tower is a different hotel than you might be used to but it’s a great experience overall.

Something closer to the central station to get to on foot would be the ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg which is located in St. Georg. This is an area with shops and restaurants and is very much part of the city centre.

Those looking for a budget accommodation can check out Generator Hamburg which is a popular hostel close to the train station. If you’re ever unsure or want more advice, we have a detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Day 7+8: Berlin

Of course, we couldn’t forget to include a stop in the capital of the country when planning a longer trip through Germany. Since there is so much to do and see in Berlin you will spend two nights there.

This will also give you some more time to recover from all the driving you have done so far on this journey. Getting from Hamburg to Berlin takes approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (obviously traffic depending) and just about 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Berlin : There are lots of hotel options in Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

The Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte is a good option in the city centre for those coming to Berlin with a car while the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is located right at the attraction “Checkpoint Charlie” in the city centre.

A great option for a hostel/hotel where Eric stayed a few years back is PLUS Berlin . You can find it near the famous East Side Gallery which is a very popular attraction to check out.

As mentioned a few times now, we also have more articles on t hings to see in Berlin and a one day Berlin itinerary .

Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar

For the following day you have the choice between Erfurt or Weimar as your next destination. Both are small cities in the state of Thuringia with Weimar being smaller than Erfurt. If you know anything about Martin Luther, an important figure in the Protestant reformation, then you might have heard of one or both of these places before.

If you’re looking for a place with a beautiful old town and some nice churches as well as buildings for you to explore, then we’d really recommend Erfurt. We had a great time during the days we spent there. The city also has some really nice, cozy cafes if that is something that you care about.

Getting to Erfurt from Berlin will take a while – but it is a great stop on the way to the south of Germany. You can expect the journey to take approx. 3 hrs 40 minutes by car and just around 1 hr 50 minutes by ICE (fast train) .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  With Erfurt being a smaller city with a smaller central area to explore, finding a place to stay isn’t too difficult. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

When we visited Erfurt, we booked the Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße . This was a simple guesthouse with a nice host and cozy rooms located just a short walk north of the Krämerbrücke. There’s also a small parking lot onsite if you’re coming to Erfurt with a car.

For a stay that is more central, check out Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt . It’s located basically right beside the Krämerbrücke making it a great option if you are travelling by train and you’re on foot.

Once again, if you want to learn some more about Erfurt before you visit the city, check out our detailed Erfurt Guide here .

If you instead preferred to learn some more about the well-known German writers Goethe and Schiller – or about Germany’s dark past – then you should plan to visit Weimar instead.

Two of the highlights there are Goethe’s and Schiller’s House – now turned into museums. Close to Weimar there’s also the Buchenwald Memorial which was a former Nazi concentration camp. This was the first KZ-Memorial Lisa ever visited. It was a somber experience, but also an important one in regards to understanding more about Germany’s past.

The journey from Berlin to Weimar will be slightly shorter than to Erfurt – at least by car. It’ll take approx. 3 hrs 15 minutes by car and around 2 hrs 20 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Weimar : There are a handful of places to stay in Weimar since it’s a smaller city – but you still have good options. You can check here for accommodations in Weimar .

In particular, check out Amalienhof Hotel und Apartment . This classic and very popular hotel is just south of the heart of the city centre. It features parking onsite and an excellent breakfast. It’s also not too far to walk to the train station if you are arriving on foot.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Weimar:

• Buchenwald Memorial
• Goethe’s House
• Schiller’s House

Day 10: Nuremberg

On day 10 of your itinerary, you’ll drive – or take the train – from Erfurt/Weimar to Nuremberg. This Franconian city has also been mentioned in some of the shorter itineraries.

The journey from Erfurt to Nuremberg will take approx. 2 hrs 40 minutes by car in a southern direction. The drive from Weimar to Nuremberg will just be a couple minutes longer.

If you decide to take the train, the journey would take between 1.5 hrs and 2 hrs from Weimar and between 1 hr 10 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes from Erfurt .

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a city with loads of history and attractions so it’s very popular. As such, you will find hotels and accommodations all over the city – from the old town to the surrounding areas. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We booked a stay at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we would recommend it. You can find the place inside the massive old city walls so the location was great – walkable to the central train station and also to go find top attractions.

On the same trip, friends of our stayed at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg . It was close to where we stayed and they really enjoyed it. There’s this great pool on an upper floor with city views as well as a parking lot across the street if you travel to Nuremberg by car. The train station is close as is the old town by walking so it’s great option overall, too.

Day 11: Stuttgart

The following day you will be on your way from Nuremberg to Stuttgart – once again, a city we have mentioned multiple times now during this article. From Nuremberg, it’ll take you around 2 hrs 15 minutes by car  and  between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train to get to Stuttgart.

As we’ve mentioned before, if you are driving and have the time, you could take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a stroll through its beautiful old town. We’ll leave that up to you!

Accommodation in Stuttgart: You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

The Abalon Hotel ideal has parking for those with a car while the Pension am Heusteig is a guesthouse close by but is easy to get to by the metro system if you arrive by train to central station and you are walking.

Day 12: Augsburg

On day 12 you’ll be on your way from Stuttgart to Augsburg, a small city in Bavaria and one of Germany’s oldest cities. Around Germany, most people have heard of Augsburg because of its “Fuggerei” – a historic social housing complex where rent has increased very slowly over the centuries. It’s certainly worth a visit!

It’ll take you around  2 hrs by car to get from Stuttgart to Augsburg. If you opt for the train , then you can expect the journey to take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes .

Accommodation in Augsburg: In Augsburg, you will find a number of places to stay around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Augsburg .

For a reliable stay, check out Hotel Augusta . This popular hotel – located right in the city centre – features breakfast and has parking available if you are travelling to Augsburg by car.

The nice thing about Augsburg is that because it’s a smaller city, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station if you are arriving by train.

You might also check out City Hotel Ost am Kö which is another hotel in the heart of the centre walkable to the station. It also has breakfast and parking garage right nearby.

Must-see Attractions in Augsburg:

• Augsburg Cathedral
• Perlach Tower

Day 13+14: Munich

On your second to last day of this itinerary you will drive from Augsburg to Munich. That’s the last stop on your two week Germany adventure. In Munich, there is more than enough to see to spend two days in the city.

Munich also has an airport with good international connections in case you’re coming from overseas and need to take a plane to get back home. If that’s not the case, we’d encourage you to see whether the train would be an alternative to get you back home as well.

The journey from Augsburg to Munich should take just less than  1 hr by car  and  between 30 and 48 minutes by train.  So it’s certainly one of the shortest transitions mentioned in this article.

Accommodation in Munich:  If you’re exploring Munich while in Germany, there is no shortage of places to stay and areas to check out. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . For this itinerary, remember to book your Munich accommodation for two nights.

We really liked our stay at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . From the really good breakfast, nice rooms, and excellent location with metro access nearby – you cannot beat the price for Munich. There’s also parking available if you’re travelling with a car to Munich.

For a spot right in the heart of Munich’s charming old town, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a trendy hotel that puts you super close to all the action at busy Marienplatz and is steps from Hofbräuhaus, the beer hall made famous decades ago. You can also catch the metro or walk to the central train station from here.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

To learn more about the city – as we have mentioned before – check out our post on Munich in a day if you want more details about the city!

And there you have it – one massive Germany guide with more than one Germany itinerary to suit your travel needs! Whether you’re looking for a short 5 day or a wild 14 day itinerary – we’re sure you’ll have a great time exploring Germany. We’re actually really happy to have created this post – Lisa especially. It’s always fun to help others explore your home country!

As always, Happy Germany Itinerary Waddlin’, – L&E

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Germany Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Europe’s Heartland

Welcome to your ultimate Germany Travel Guide! If you’re yearning to explore a nation where history and modernity coalesce, Germany is your go-to destination. This guide aims to be your compass, pointing you to Germany’s must-see sights, hidden gems, and unique experiences. From culinary delights to architectural wonders, we’ve got you covered.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through Germany’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unique experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures, there’s something in Germany for you. We’ll also provide practical tips on accommodations, budgeting, and safety to ensure you have a smooth and memorable trip.

So, pack your bags (virtually, for now) and get ready to explore Europe’s heartland like never before!

Dive into Deutschland: Why Vacation in Germany

Germany is a land of contrasts, where history and modernity coexist in a fascinating tapestry. From the ancient Roman ruins in Trier to the cutting-edge technology showcased in Berlin’s startup scene, Germany offers a rich blend of the past and the present . This duality makes it a unique destination, appealing to history buffs and tech enthusiasts alike.

Germany’s Rich Tapestry of Past and Present

The country’s history is a compelling narrative that stretches back millennia. Germany has been the birthplace of great philosophers like Immanuel Kant, groundbreaking scientists like Albert Einstein, and iconic composers like Ludwig van Beethoven. This rich heritage is evident in its museums, art galleries, and historical sites, making it a haven for those who appreciate culture and history.

But Germany is not just about the past. The country is a leader in innovation , boasting some of the world’s most renowned companies like BMW, Siemens, and SAP. Whether you’re interested in automotive engineering or renewable energy, Germany’s modern industries offer a glimpse into the future.

The Influence of Germany in the Modern World

Germany’s role on the world stage is far-reaching and influential. As Europe’s economic powerhouse and one of the top global economies, it holds a significant sway in matters of international governance and finance. The nation’s contributions to the fields of arts, science, and technology further solidify its standing as a multifaceted leader.

Moreover, Germany is at the forefront of eco-friendly initiatives . Through programs like Energiewende , the country is setting benchmarks in the use of renewable energy sources and efforts to combat climate change. This dedication to green practices makes Germany an appealing destination for travelers who prioritize sustainability.

Must-See Attractions: From Urban Jungles to Fairy Tale Castles

Germany is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks that capture the essence of its rich history and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the tranquil landscapes of Bavaria, each region offers its own set of must-see attractions.

Iconic Landmarks of Germany

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin: A Neoclassical Symbol of Unity and Peace

The Brandenburg Gate is more than just an architectural marvel; it’s a symbol of Germany’s tumultuous history and its unification. Built in the 18th century, this neoclassical gate has witnessed everything from the rise and fall of empires to the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. Today, it stands as a beacon of peace and unity, drawing millions of visitors each year. The Gate is often the focal point for public gatherings and celebrations, especially New Year’s Eve, making it a living, breathing emblem of Berlin’s spirit.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria: The Enchanting Fairy-Tale Castle that Inspired Disney

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle looks like it’s been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, this 19th-century palace served as the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle. With its turrets, frescoes, and stunning alpine backdrop, Neuschwanstein is a dream come true for romantics and history enthusiasts alike. The castle’s interior is equally captivating, featuring intricate wood carvings and magnificent murals that depict scenes from Richard Wagner’s operas.

Hidden Treasures: Exploring the Lesser-Known

Germany is not just about its famous landmarks; it also has a wealth of lesser-known spots that offer unique experiences.

Quedlinburg, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt: A Time Capsule of Medieval Architecture

Step back in time as you wander through Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage town renowned for its well-preserved, timber-framed buildings, some of which have been standing since the 16th century. This charming town offers a different perspective on Germany, one that’s far removed from the usual tourist trails. Interestingly, Quedlinburg has a long history of being governed by women, spanning over eight centuries, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in both history and gender studies.

Spreewald, Brandenburg: A Serene Biosphere Reserve with Meandering Waterways and Traditional Villages

Spreewald offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This biosphere reserve is a labyrinth of waterways, forests, and traditional villages. Visitors can explore the area by paddleboat or canoe, and even sample the region’s famous pickles, made from cucumbers grown in the Spreewald’s fertile soil. The reserve is also home to a unique Slavic minority, the Sorbs , who maintain their own language and traditions, adding a unique cultural layer to your visit.

Germany offers an array of must-see attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Germany has something for you. And the best way to explore these iconic landmarks and hidden gems is with a travel partner who knows Germany inside and out. That’s where Allied Travel comes in. With years of experience and a deep understanding of what Germany has to offer, Allied Travel can customize your trip to include these must-see attractions and much more. Don’t just visit Germany—experience it to the fullest with Allied Travel.

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Unique German Experiences: Beyond Beer and Bratwurst

Germany is a land of contrasts, where centuries-old traditions coexist with modern innovation. But what truly sets it apart are the unique experiences that go beyond the stereotypical beer and bratwurst. In this section, we’ll delve into the cultural festivals and culinary delights that make Germany a one-of-a-kind destination.

Cultural Festivals and Traditions

Oktoberfest, Carnival, and Christmas Markets

Germany is a country that loves to celebrate, and its festivals are the epitome of cultural immersion. Oktoberfest is perhaps the most famous, drawing millions to Munich for a 16-day extravaganza of beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian music. But it’s not just about the beer; it’s a celebration of Bavarian culture and a testament to German craftsmanship, from the meticulously crafted beer steins to the intricate designs of the festival tents.

Lesser-Known Festivals Worth Experiencing

Beyond the well-known festivals, Germany offers a plethora of lesser-known but equally enriching experiences. Take the “Walpurgisnacht,” a traditional spring festival that celebrates the end of winter with bonfires and dances. Or the “Weinlesefest,” a wine harvest festival where you can partake in grape picking and wine tasting, offering a unique insight into Germany’s renowned wine culture.

Local Cuisine

Must-Try Foods and Drinks in Germany

Germany’s culinary landscape extends well beyond its iconic bratwurst and brews. Be sure to sample “Kartoffelsalat,” a distinct take on potato salad, and “Sauerbraten,” a pot roast that holds a special place in German cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, the “Black Forest Cake,” featuring layers of chocolate, whipped cream, and cherries, is an absolute delight. On the beverage front, Germany offers more than just its renowned beers. Don’t miss “Eiskaffee,” a delicious fusion of coffee and ice cream, and “Apfelschorle,” a fizzy apple juice concoction that’s incredibly refreshing.

Regional Specialties and Where to Find Them

Each region in Germany has its own culinary specialties. In Bavaria, you’ll find “Weisswurst,” a traditional white sausage usually eaten as a snack. In the northern regions, “Fischbrötchen,” or fish sandwiches, are a popular local treat. And if you find yourself in the Rhineland, don’t miss the “Reibekuchen,” a type of potato pancake often served with apple sauce. These regional dishes offer a deeper understanding of Germany’s diverse culinary landscape and are often best enjoyed in local eateries, away from the tourist crowds.

So, if you’re looking to experience Germany beyond the beer halls and sausage stands, you’re in for a treat. From the vibrant festivals that celebrate the seasons to the regional dishes that tantalize your taste buds, Germany offers a rich tapestry of experiences that are as diverse as they are unforgettable. Don’t just visit Germany; immerse yourself in it.

Best Places to Stay: Top Accommodations for Every Budget

Whether you’re a luxury traveler or a budget-conscious explorer, Germany has a wide range of accommodations to suit every need and preference. From opulent hotels in bustling cities to cozy bed and breakfasts in quaint towns, here’s your guide to the best places to stay in Germany.

Luxury Hotels and Cozy B&Bs

Recommendations for Comfort and Convenience

For those who prefer the finer things in life, Germany’s luxury hotels offer unparalleled comfort and convenience. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are home to world-renowned hotels like the Adlon Kempinski, the Mandarin Oriental , and the Ritz-Carlton . These establishments offer top-notch amenities, including spa services, gourmet dining, and concierge services that will make your stay truly memorable.

Unique Luxury Stays in Germany

If you’re looking for something a little different, Germany also offers unique luxury stays. Consider booking a room at the V8 Hotel in Stuttgart , where each room is car-themed, or the Propeller Island City Lodge in Berlin , an art-inspired hotel where each room offers a different experience. These unique accommodations provide not just comfort but also a story to tell.

Budget Stays: Cheapest Cities in Germany to Visit

Stretching Your Euro Further

Traveling on a budget? No worries! Cities like Leipzig , Dortmund , and Nuremberg offer affordable accommodations without compromising on quality. Hostels and budget hotels in these cities often provide free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and even walking tours, allowing you to stretch your Euro further.

Best Hostels and Budget Hotels

For the budget-conscious traveler, Germany has a plethora of hostels and budget hotels that offer great value for money. The St. Christopher’s Inn Hostel in Berlin , for example, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and central location. Similarly, the Five Elements Hostel in Frankfurt offers a social experience with its communal kitchen and regular events.

Whether you’re splurging on a luxury getaway or pinching pennies on a backpacking trip, Germany’s diverse range of accommodations ensures that you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head. Ready to book your dream accommodation in Germany? Contact Allied Travel to find the best deals and personalized travel packages tailored just for you.

Budgeting Your Germany Trip: Navigating Costs Efficiently

Embarking on a German adventure is thrilling, but figuring out the financial aspects can be a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re an experienced globetrotter or setting foot in Germany for the first time, having a clear grasp of the expenses can enhance your travel experience. This guide aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of how to manage your budget effectively.

Average Costs for Food, Travel, and Accommodations

Tips for Economical Traveling to Germany for the First Time

If Germany is on your travel radar for the first time, having a general idea of potential expenses is crucial. Typically, daily expenditures can range from €50 to €100, encompassing meals, transportation, and lodging. This estimate can fluctuate based on your travel preferences. For those on a tight budget, daily costs could be as low as €30 if you choose economical options like hostels and affordable dining. On the other hand, if you’re inclined toward a more luxurious experience, you might find yourself spending more than €200 per day.

Cost Comparison: Germany vs Other European Destinations

In terms of affordability, Germany often outperforms other European nations such as France or the United Kingdom. For example, dining at a moderately priced restaurant in Germany is likely to set you back about €20, while a similar experience in Paris could cost you €30. Additionally, accommodation expenses are usually more economical in Germany, making it a compelling choice for travelers mindful of their budget.

Germany Travel Tips: Saving Money and Time

Utilizing Public Transportation and Local Insider Info

To make the most of your budget in Germany, taking advantage of the public transit system is key. Germany boasts a cost-effective and well-organized network of buses, trams, and trains. Investing in a day ticket or a city-specific travel card can offer you unlimited rides and substantial savings. Additionally, tapping into local wisdom can be invaluable; residents usually have the inside scoop on the most affordable dining, shopping, and sightseeing options.

Money-Saving Apps and Resources

In today’s digital age, there are numerous apps and resources designed to help you save money. Apps like “DB Navigator” for public transportation and “Too Good To Go” for discounted food can be lifesavers. Websites like Skyscanner and Booking.com can also help you find the best deals on flights and accommodations.

Budgeting for your German getaway needn’t be stressful. With some foresight and the proper tools at your disposal, you can relish Germany’s wonders without straining your wallet. Allied Travel takes pride in equipping our clients with savvy budgeting insights, guaranteeing a travel experience that’s both unforgettable and economical. So why delay? Allow Allied Travel to steer you through your inaugural or subsequent journey to Germany!

Safety Tips for Traveling in Germany

Traveling to Germany is generally safe, but like any other destination, it’s essential to be prepared and informed. Whether you’re a solo traveler or visiting with family, knowing the basics of safety can make your trip more enjoyable and secure. Here’s what you need to know:

Important Emergency Numbers and Safety Precautions

General Safety Tips

In Germany, the emergency number for police is 110 , and for medical emergencies, it’s 112 . It’s advisable to have these numbers saved in your phone. Always keep a copy of your identification and travel documents in a separate location from the originals. When using public transport or visiting crowded places, be aware of your surroundings to avoid pickpocketing.

Health and Travel Insurance Recommendations

Before traveling, it’s crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including COVID-19 related issues. Check if your policy includes repatriation in case of severe illness or injury. If you’re an EU citizen, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover you for most medical services, but it’s still advisable to have additional coverage.

Safety Measures for Solo and Female Travelers

Personal Safety Essentials

Germany is widely regarded as a secure location for both solo and female voyagers. That said, vigilance is key. Steer clear of dimly lit or isolated spots when walking unaccompanied after dark. Make it a point to share your daily plans with someone you trust, and carry a backup power source for your mobile phone.

Cultural Norms and Respect

Understanding the cultural norms can also contribute to a safer experience. For example, jaywalking is frowned upon, and you could be fined. Also, it’s considered rude to snap your fingers to get someone’s attention; instead, a simple “Excuse me” will suffice.

Safety in Different Regions

Urban vs Rural Safety

Cities like Berlin and Munich are generally safe, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in touristy areas. Rural areas are typically safer, but it’s always good to be cautious. If you’re hiking or participating in outdoor activities, make sure you have the right gear and are aware of the weather conditions.

Seasonal Safety Tips

During winter, be prepared for icy conditions, especially if you’re driving. In summer, heatwaves can occur, so stay hydrated and take necessary precautions against sunburn.

Allied Travel’s Commitment to Your Safety

Your safety is our top priority at Allied Travel. We provide our clients with up-to-date information on safety measures and local laws. Our travel packages include options for comprehensive travel insurance, and we’re always available for support during your trip.

So, if you’re planning your German adventure, don’t just think about the castles and beer gardens. Consider your safety and well-being to make your trip truly memorable. Allied Travel is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a journey that’s as safe as it is exciting. Ready to embark on a worry-free German escapade? Let Allied Travel be your trusted guide.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Requirements and Entry Conditions

A common query among tourists pertains to the visa protocols for Germany. For those hailing from countries within the Schengen Zone, short-term visits typically don’t necessitate a visa. On the other hand, if you’re coming from a country outside the Schengen Area, visa requirements can vary based on the length and intent of your stay. Always consult up-to-date, authoritative information to understand the visa prerequisites. Allied Travel is here to guide you through the complexities of the visa application, making your entry into Germany as seamless as possible.

Common Language Barriers and How to Overcome Them

Although English is generally understood in Germany’s major cities and tourist hotspots, you might face some language challenges in less urbanized areas. Familiarizing yourself with essential German expressions can significantly enhance your travel experience. Translation apps on your smartphone can also be invaluable when you find yourself in a pinch language-wise. Here are some basic German words to help you out: “Hallo (Hello), “Danke” (Thank You), “Bitte” (Please), and “Entschuldigung” (Excuse Me).

Allied Travel equips its travelers with a useful language guide, so you’re always prepared to communicate effectively throughout your journey in Germany.

Unveil the Wonders of Germany: Your Next Chapter Awaits with Allied Travel!

Germany offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, from its deep-rooted history and vibrant cultural events to its varied gastronomic offerings and cost-effective travel solutions. Whether you’re an individual explorer, a culinary aficionado, or someone keen on venturing into Germany’s hidden gems, this country has something to cater to every taste. While Germany is generally a safe destination, it’s prudent to stay alert and follow essential safety guidelines. Language differences may pose challenges, but they’re surmountable with some initiative and the appropriate tools.

Allied Travel is committed to providing you with a seamless and enriching travel experience. We offer comprehensive guides, insider tips, and personalized services that cater to your unique travel needs. From visa assistance to budgeting advice, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a memorable journey through Germany, where every city is a new chapter and every experience a story worth telling. Let Allied Travel be your guide to this incredible destination, ensuring a trip that’s as cost-effective as it is unforgettable.

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Germany: The perfect destination with beautiful nature and cultural attractions for every taste

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The sun is warming the air, the days are getting longer, everywhere things are budding and blossoming: it's spring in Germany - time for getaways, blossom festivals, asparagus feasting and popular Easter traditions.

Summer At Last: Beer Gardens, Swimming Fun, Strawberry Ice Cream

Golden sunshine, colourful forests: the Indian summer can also be found in Germany. An ideal time for active holidaymakers and wellness fans. And for epicures, since this is harvest time.

Winter is the favourite season for any romantic. Outside, snowed-in forests and frozen lakes beckon. Inside, it feels cosy with baked goods, mulled wine and candlelight.

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Ultimate GERMANY Travel Guide

Germany is a country located in western Europe .  Berlin is the capital and while the Bavarian south tends to be the most popular with travelers, it is well worth spending some time in the North too.

The whole country is gorgeous and we can’t say enough good things about how unique your visit to Germany can be.

Between the landscapes, colors, brew houses, beer and brat culture and history you could easily max out a 90 day EU visa in Germany alone- without even visiting another country in Europe on your trip.

Most travelers spend an average of 1 week in the country. One of the biggest highlights is renting a car upon arrival and heading off on a road trip  along the Romantic Road .

We’ve spent a total of two months in Germany across several visits to varying areas of the country. We like to dig a little deeper in the places we go, so there’s plenty left for us to see here, too.

Destinations

Germany travel: quick tips, don’t visit germany without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

GERMANY BUCKET LIST

Drive the romantic road.

Pick up your car in Munich and head south to Fussen, in the footsteps of the Alps, before turning north on a journey through the very best of Bavaria  along the Romantic Road . Ending in Wurzburg.

TRY GERMAN BEER

Delve into the heart and soul of German culture through an exploration of the many national beers. Find a beer hall, have a pretzel, and enjoy the music too! We personally love German Hefeweizen.

VISIT NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

You cannot miss a stop at the castle that fairytales were made from! The  stunning Neuschwanstein Castle  is located at the foot of the Alps and a must-visit on your Germany travels.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN GERMANY

There is no shortage of great things to do in Germany during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each city has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where your itinerary will take you.

LEARN ABOUT PIRATES IN HAMBURG:   Historically one of the most important seaports in all of Germany, Hamburg is rich in history and lore. At its height, Hamburg was the center of merchant trade in Germany, receiving large ships on a daily basis. This made it a prime target for pirates. Some of the most famous pirate names in history have graced the shores of the city with their presence, and there is no shortage of stories to go with their visits.

FOLLOW THE WWII HISTORY IN BERLIN:  From the remains of the Berlin Wall to Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin will take you on an emotional and enriching tour through the history of WWII in Germany.

GO TO ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER:  Hands down, the most quintessential Bavarian village you can come across in Germany. Located along the Romantic Road, a visit to Rothenberg is a journey back to the medieval period of Germany. Get lost in the streets, take it all in and do not miss the medieval torture museum.

VISIT THE PRUSSIAN PALACES IN POTSDAM:  Doable as a day trip from Berlin, but also worth more time if you have it, a visit to the Prussian Palaces in Potsdam will blow your mind. The architecture is not only opulent but rich in history and stories. This is where it all began for the royals in Germany.

SEE THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL IN NUREMBERG:  Germany plays hosts to the best Christmas markets in all of Europe and Nuremberg is at the epicenter of the tradition. They boast the oldest market and as a result, are the home to the fabled Christmas angel. She appears in the main square market at the beginning of December and makes random appearances until Christmas Day.

TAKE A CYCLE TRIP:  Cycling is a popular activity just about anywhere you go in Europe, but only Germany has the Elbe River Valley route. This cycle route is the most popular in Germany and follows the Elbe River from the German-Czech Republic border up to the North Sea coast. The route passes through the Saxon Switzerland National Park along the way.

GO HIKING IN THE BLACK FOREST:  Having a border along the Alps, Germany has some fantastic hiking options. However, one of the best options is the Westwego Trail. It takes you through woodlands and moor before descending into the River Murg Valley and then leading you directly into the heard of the Black Forest.

GO CASTLE HUNTING:  Germany has hundreds, if not thousands, of  epic castles  to check out across the country. Of course, there are many famous ones you shouldn’t miss, like Neuschwanstein, Burg Eltz and Heidelberg. But have some fun and seek out some of the lesser-known, but equally spectacular ones during your travel to Germany.

VISIT DRESDEN:  We found this city to be fascinating, mainly for the fact that it was completely destroyed during WWII. What was once a literal pile of rubble, the city has been completely restored to its former glory and is chock full of German history and culture.

TAKE A RIVER CRUISE:  Germany is an epi-center of sorts when it comes to river cruising in Europe. The popular Danube visits Bavaria, the Rhine travels through the western part of the country and the  Elbe River cuts through the north  offering some beautiful off the beaten path places along the way.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

BRATWURST:  German’s love their Bratwurst sausages, and it’s a must-try when you are in the country. Bratwurst can be served in buns, or as a main dish with sides such as potatoes.

CURRYWURST:  Another sausage based dish beloved by Germans, is Currywurst. It’s a simple, fast food dish, consisting of sausage, chips and curry-flavored ketchup sauce.

SCHNITZEL:  Take chicken, pork, or veal and deep fry the meat in a battered breadcrumb coating, to give you Schnitzel. It’s meaty and delicious.

GERMAN FESTIVALS

OKTOBERFEST:  By far Germany’s most famous event, Oktoberfest is the iconic beer drinking festival held at the end of September and early October. While you can find events celebrating Oktoberfest across the country, the best place to visit in Munich, and Bavaria in general, where the festival originated. You can expect several weeks of intense beer drinking and festivities, with German culture and food being celebrated. This is one of the busiest times of year to visit Germany, and particularly Munich, and you might find accommodation hard to come by, and prices through the roof, but it will be worth the costs!

CHRISTMAS MARKETS:  The festive period is a fantastic time of the year to visit Germany because every village, town and city across the country holds its own Christmas market. In the major cities, you’ll find entire Christmas villages set up to cater to the festive spirit, and you can enjoy excellent food and drink while you purchase unique souvenirs and presents. Germany hosts some of the biggest and the best  Christmas markets in Europe , and it’s the perfect place to visit in winter.

CARNIVAL:  Another fantastic German festival to attend, is Carnival. Generally held in February, this is a celebration where everyone in attendance lets loose before the onset of Lent and Easter in the proceeding weeks. Many cities hold their own Carnivals, and it’s unique in every different region, but the best places to visit are Cologne or Munich, where celebrations are all out.

PLAN AN EPIC ROAD TRIP THROUGH GERMANY!

Popular regions in germany.

The country’s largest state is found in the south, on the border with Austria, and it’s one of the best places to visit when you travel to Germany. This is where you will find the historic cities of Munich and Nuremberg . In the countryside, you can find fairytale castles, such as the dramatic Neuschwanstein Schloss, as well as dramatic alpine scenery and rural, historic villages. Travel to Germany and to Bavaria in September and October to experience Oktoberfest.

Cologne is found in the northwest and is one of the largest cities to visit when you travel to Germany. The city is known for its striking cathedral and many museums, as well as its beautiful location on the Rhine. Using cologne as a base, you can travel further into the Rhineland, and visit nearby cities such as Bonn – which was formerly the capital of West Germany. It is the birthplace of Beethoven – as well as the modern, contemporary cities of Dusseldorf and Dortmund which are both less than an hour away on public transport.

The capital is easily one of the most fascinating places to visit when you travel to Germany. Divided between East and West for decades after World War II, Berlin has evolved into a unique city since the wall was torn down. Known for its diverse culture and alternative art and music scenes, it’s often referred to as the hipster capital of Europe. As well as modern culture though, you can visit classic sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, or the former royal palaces in the surrounding area.

Frankfurt is a mixture of old and new, and you can find restored medieval townhouses standing in the shadow of modern skyscrapers. It’s a historic place, but it’s also known for its financial services and industry, making this a unique look at contemporary German life. Visit the city’s many museums, take a cruise along the river, and see where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. Close to Frankfurt, you can visit the fascinating and beautiful medieval university town of Heidelberg, one of the best places in the country to explore when you travel to Germany.

When you travel to Germany you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Hamburg , the country’s second-largest city. This former industrial stronghold and port city in the north has long been an integral part of the country. Today, you can find a revitalized, and modern city, which makes use of old and historic buildings and docks to create a sense of both heritage and modernity.

GERMANY TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Germany is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit jut about anywhere in Germany on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxury as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Germany. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Varies by type and rating. Generally, you can expect  camping  to be free to Euro 20 per night,  hostels  to average Euro 20 to 40 per night,  mid-range hotels  to average Euro 50 to 100 per night and  luxury hotels  to be Euro 100 and up per night.

ATTRACTIONS : Costs vary. Many museums and historical attractions will charge entrance fees, which may average to be around Euro 10 per person. Many natural attractions are free though.

TRANSPORTATION:  The most popular method of travel around Germany are by train, bus or rental car. The  Flix Bus Inter City Fare  averages Euro 20 and the  train  averages Euro 5.  Car rental  varies by length of time and generally average around Euro 20 per day for a compact. A  litre of petrol  will cost you around Euro 1.50.

FOOD:  Food will vary widely depending on your tastes and what restaurants you choose to visit on your trip. Generally, though, you can expect to find  street food  for around Euro 5, take a meal in a  mid-range restaurant  for Euro 20 per person and pay around Euro 3 for a  pint of beer .

40 EURO PER DAY

Staying in hostels, eating fast food or cooking own food, and entrance and transport to a few attractions.

100 EURO PER DAY

Private rooms. Restaurant meals. Lots of museums, attractions and a couple of day trips.

200 EURO + PER DAY

Upscale hotels. Private transport. Restaurant meals and bars. No limit on attractions or museums.

WHERE TO STAY IN GERMANY

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in Germany. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more in-depth information, be sure to check out the following articles if you plan to visit Munich or Berlin.

• Where to Stay in Munich: Best Districts & Hotels
• Where to Stay in Berlin: Best Districts & Hotels

HOW TO GET AROUND IN GERMANY

While Germany might be one of the largest countries in Europe, distances between each city are still not enormous, and with an excellent road network and an excellent public transport system, it’s easy to travel around and to get from one destination to the next quickly and efficiently.

FLIGHTS:  Germany has some of the busiest airports in Europe, and it’s easy to fly in and out of the country internationally. Given the short distances between cities though, domestic flights are not that necessary or cost-effective.

BUS:  There is a vast bus network connecting major and minor German cities domestically, while there are excellent connections internationally too, particularly to neighboring countries. The German company, Flixbus, are well known across Europe for their cheap fares, and you can use them to travel around both Germany and much of continental Europe. Booking fares in advance online will give you discounts.

CAR RENTAL:  Germany is home to the famous Autobahns, the highways that connect cities across the country and that have no speed limit. That makes car travel a very appealing option, while a road trip will also allow you to get off the beaten track and to explore the charms and sights of rural Germany easily. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

TRAIN:  Germany also has an extensive and efficient rail network, both intercity and suburban. Fares are good value and generally simple to figure out. Most major cities are connected with regular schedules, while wider Europe can be reached easily too. There are fast, intercity trains, and these can be the quickest way to get around. ‘ICE’ trains are fast and direct, and Munich to Berlin can take as little as 4 hours.

CYCLING:  Increasingly, long-distance cycling is becoming a popular way to see Germany. The country is well set up for cyclists, with cycle paths and lanes in cities and in the countryside.

RIVER CRUISING:  On the major rivers, such as the River Rhine or the River Danube, there are plenty of opportunities to travel by boat. Some companies even offer multi-day river cruises, particularly on the Danube, which can take you through Germany and Central Europe. If you’re considering a river cruise, check out  Viking River Cruises in Europe .

TOP GERMANY TOURS

Highlights of germany.

12 Days from Frankfurt See 13 cities including along the Rhine and Bavaria.

BEST OF GERMANY

9 Days from Cologne to Munich See 5 additional cities including the Black Forest and Bavaria.

GERMAN VISTA

8 Days from Berlin to Munich See 9 additional cities including Dresden & Neuschwanstein.

WHEN TO VISIT GERMANY

Germany experiences a predominantly continental climate, with comparatively hot summers and cold winters. It’s still a relatively mild climate though, with the four traditional seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter being experienced across the country.

That means that the weather is the best in  summer.  Generally between May and August when the sun is out, temperatures are high and there’s little chance of rain.  This is peak season, particularly if you want to enjoy music festivals or go hiking.

Germany can really be visited any time of the year though, as the country is very different depending on the season.

In  Fall , you will find the forests resplendent in shades of red and golden brown, while many famous festivals such as Oktoberfest are in full swing.

Spring  is a lovely time to travel to Germany as well when the cold of winter is being shrugged off and the sun is beginning to shine.

Winter , while cold and dark, can also be a fantastic time to visit. This time of year you’ll find fairytale castles covered in frost and snow. During the holiday period,  Germany plays host to the best Christmas markets  in Europe.

PACK LIKE A PRO FOR YOUR EUROPE TRIP!

Safety in germany.

Germany is an incredibly safe country to visit, and few visitors ever experience much difficulty traveling around.

That being said, like anywhere in the world, the large cities and touristy areas can have their share of pickpockets or petty criminals, so always be aware of your belongings and surroundings.

English is widely spoken, meaning that if you do get into trouble or fall ill while on holiday, it’s relatively easy to sort any issues out in Germany.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

GERMANY TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Germany travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Germany and start planning your dream trip.

How to Experience the Best of Germany’s Moselle Valley

17 amazing german christmas markets (where to go & what to see), insider guide to fairytale rothenburg, germany (things to do & advice), 15 top things to do in dresden, germany, best area to stay in munich – best hotels & districts, best area to stay in berlin – best hotels & travel tips, 12 places to visit in berlin for the best photos, 25 unique things to do in munich (plus 4 day munich itinerary), berlin itinerary: the perfect itinerary for a 3-day adventure, romantic road germany: 10 best places to stop & see, 20 simply unreal castles in germany to visit, 10 best day trips from munich (that are worth doing), 11 awesome things to do in nuremberg, driving in germany this is the ultimate germany road trip guide, visiting neuschwanstein castle from munich: travel guide, 30 germany photos that will spark your wanderlust, how to spend 3 days in hamburg: the perfect 3 day itinerary, elegant elbe river cruise with viking river cruises, camping in berlin with huettenpalast.

The ultimate Germany Travel Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat

If you want your next trip to be to a country that teaches you history, feeds you heartily, and shares its rich cultural roots with you, choose Germany. This nation has a little something for everyone, from hikes along alpine paths worn by years of exploration to ancient cobblestone streets lined with shops and restaurants. We love visiting Germany no matter the time of year, so we put together this ultimate Travel Guide to answer all your questions about this unique Central European country.

The best time to go What to see What to eat and drink What to do Souvenirs to buy What to pack

Germany Travel Guide Basics

Currency: Euro 

Language: While German is the national language, the country has several dialects that originated in different regions with influences from surrounding countries. Most people also speak English, especially in larger cities.

UNESCO-listed sites: Germany is home to an astounding 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but some of the most well-known are Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine Gorge, and the city of Berlin.  

Best way to get around: There’s nothing more reliable than the German train system, or the Deutsche Bahn. Some of their trains travel at a regular pace and others are high-speed, getting you to your destination even faster. Either way, the Deutsche Bahn darts commuters and tourists alike to over 300 stations daily, both within Germany and to other countries like France and the Netherlands. So, whether you’re exploring a city or heading to a different part of Germany entirely, you won’t be disappointed (or late).

Phrases to know:

• “Danke” means “thank you.” “Bitte” means “please.”
• “Wo ist die toilette?” means “Where is the bathroom?”
• “Sprechen sie Englisch?” means “Do you speak English?”

Fun fact: A very common response when being asked if someone would like to do one thing or another is “Ist mir wurst,” which translates to “This is sausage to me.” It’s a colloquial way of saying that you don’t have a preference.

Explore our Germany tours

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More travel inspiration

Germany Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Germany travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Planning your Germany travel itinerary but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

There’s so much to see in this country of 83 million people.

From big cities to little Alpine villages, you’ll find that Germany is rich in culture, history, and natural splendors. In this Germany tourist guide, we’ll be sharing some of the best highlights with you.

If you’re wondering where to go in Germany, the cities are a great place to start. Destinations like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt all offer something different, from modern architecture and 24/7 nightclubs to historic churches and cobblestone streets.

Of course, some of the best places to go in Germany are the smaller cities and towns. Leipzig , for example, is just a short train ride from Berlin. Johann Sebastian Bach’s former home is full of history, classic German architecture, and art galleries.

The small towns in the Bavarian Alps also offer idyllic experiences and enough space to really see the stars at night. Again, if you’re wondering how to travel Germany, there’s no one way to do it!

The country’s modern transportation system and its central location make it easy to travel to Germany from other European destinations . The country is well-connected to its neighbors by rail and inexpensive flights from nearby countries are easy to find.

A Eurail Pass is also a great option for backpackers who want a little flexibility, particularly those who qualify for youth fares (ages 12-27). Keep all your options in mind as you plan a trip to Germany.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Germany in Western and Central Europe.

Note: This guide to Germany travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Germany Map

Use this Germany travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Planning A Trip To Germany Itinerary Resources

If you’re looking for a helpful travel guide for Germany , check out:

Leipzig: A Must-Have Day Trip From Berlin, Germany

Exploring Germany’s Berlin Wall History, 25 Years After The Fall

Best Things To Do In Germany

Wondering what to do in Germany ? The following guides can help! The experiences shared are highlights of any Europe travel itinerary !

10 Amazing Offbeat Things To Do in Germany

How The Berlin Marathon Showed One Traveler That We’re All In This Race Of Life Together

Germany Travel Tips

This Germany travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip!

10 Reasons Why Germany Should Be Your Next Trip

10 Tips for Traveling Berlin On A Budget

17 Essential Germany Transportation Tips For Travelers

Top Guided Tours In Germany

Explore local culture with a Germany tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Bavarian Schnitzel Cooking Class in Oberaudorf Farmhouse (Oberaudorf)
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour (from Munich)
• Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine (Köln)
• Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip (from Dresden)
• Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour (Munich)
• 3-Hour Berlin Highlights Tour (Berlin)

Renting A Car In Germany

Need a rental car for your Germany trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Germany Train Travel

Getting around Germany by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling Europe.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Germany Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Germany!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local apartments and rentals!  

You can also use this map to search for local stays and experiences:

Germany Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Germany tour. When visiting Germany — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Germany itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Germany Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Germany .

Q: What are the best places in Germany for tourists?

Germany offers something for every kind of traveler, so your destination really depends on the kind of trip you want to have.

Looking to party until the wee hours of the morning and visit historic sites from World War II and the Cold War? Head to the capital city of Berlin .

Visiting during Oktoberfest or want to experience the famed German Christmas markets? Munich is the place to be.

Want to take in world-class concerts and wander along canal-side streets? Head to Hamburg.

Not much of a city slicker? Germany has plenty of open space for you to enjoy.

The Black Forest in the Baden-Württemberg region features iconic natural sights and is an excellent spot for hiking. The area is also home to many thermal baths in resort towns like Baden-Baden where you can relax in the natural curative spring waters.

And for those looking for the storybook Bavarian experience, a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is an absolute must!

This 19th-century romantic castle in the Bavarian Alps has inspired many an artist, including Walt Disney, who modeled Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland after the iconic home.

Q: What are the best ways to travel cheaply in Germany?

There are many ways to stretch your budget while visiting Germany. First off, be mindful when choosing your travel dates. Prices tend to be higher and travel destinations are usually busier around the German public school holidays and major trade fairs in certain cities, so check local school schedules and event calendars before booking your trip.

Try to book your trip for the shoulder seasons; for example, if you’re planning a summer getaway, try to book in June or September which are still warm but not quite as busy.

If you’re planning to travel around Germany by train , be sure to book directly with Deutsche Bahn, the German rail service. Third-party retailers tend to tack on extra fees. You can also order a rail pass here for more flexible travel options. The sooner you book, the better — fares tend to go up closer to the date of travel.

As for accommodations, Germany has plenty of hostel and homeshare options. Many hostels offer private rooms for around $50 USD per night and are just as clean and modern as city hotels.

Looking for a little more room? Check out sites like AirBnB and VRBO for apartment and home rentals throughout the country.

Q: What are the do’s and don’ts when traveling to Germany?

As with any other country, Germany has its own customs and cultural standards. Here are some general do’s and don’ts:

– Be on time. Punctuality is seen as a sign of respect in Germany and most things start on schedule. Whether you’re taking a tour or meeting someone for coffee, try to arrive a little bit early.

– Use titles and last names when addressing people. Herr [Last Name] or Frau [Last Name] are generally appropriate unless otherwise noted.

– Learn a little bit of German before your trip.

– Make sure you have proper health insurance before your trip, as medical care can be expensive in Germany. SafetyWing is one excellent travel medical insurance recommendation.

– Tip at least 5-10% at restaurants. Tipping for most services (salons, taxis, hotels, etc.) is not common in Germany but it is still expected in restaurants. Anything over 15% is considered generous. Also, be sure to tip your tour guide if you are taking a free tour.

– Keep cash on hand. Many restaurants throughout the country do not take credit cards.

DON’T

– Get too loud or too intoxicated. Unless you’re in a nightclub or an Oktoberfest tent, this behavior is generally frowned upon.

– Wear shoes in someone’s house. Most Germans take off their shoes upon entering their house and expect visitors to do the same. If you must keep them on, make sure it’s okay with your host first.

– Throw out your bottles. When purchasing drinks in glass or plastic bottles, a small deposit (usually around 10 cents) is added to your price. If you return the empty bottles to a local shop, you’ll get that deposit back, regardless of whether or not you purchased the bottle at that shop.

– Show the Nazi salute or any other Nazi symbol. This should simply go without saying, but it is also illegal to show any Nazi symbol in Germany.

Q: How much money do you need per day in Germany?

Your budget for a trip to Germany will of course depend on your individual travel plans but the average traveler spends about $130 USD per day in the country for accommodations, transportation, food, and other expenses.

Q: Is Germany safe?

Germany is considered quite safe compared to most destinations. Violent crime is rare in the country.

Petty theft and pickpocketing do occur, particularly in train stations and at major tourist attractions, so be sure to keep your valuables close, be aware of your surroundings, and have a plan for avoiding pickpockets .

Racially-motivated assaults against those perceived as “foreigners” have also occurred in recent years. Stay vigilant, particularly if you are traveling alone.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Germany?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need a Germany travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Germany International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Germany.

Q: What is the best time to visit Germany?

While Germany is a year-round destination, for fewer crowds and better deals, spring is a great time to visit. You’ll experience mild weather and can take part in the many events that happen during this time, like Frühlingsfest (aka “Little Oktoberfest”) and Kirschblütenfest.

Additionally, many travelers love visiting in December for Germany’s famous European Christmas markets .

Q: Where is Germany?

Germany is located in West and Central Europe. Its borders are Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria to the southeast, and Switzerland to the south-southwest.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Germany?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Germany, though it’s always wise to carry some cash on you, especially when frequenting smaller mom and pop type establishments and street stalls.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Germany?

Yes, the water is safe to drink in Germany.

Q: Do they speak English in Germany?

In tourist areas and big cities, you’ll typically find people who speak English, though not everyone does, and even fewer people do in more rural areas.

If possible, it’s smart to learn a bit of the language and know some common German phrases before traveling.

Q: What is the local currency in Germany?

The local currency in Germany is the Euro (€).

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Though it remains far less well known or understood by outsiders than some of its neighbours, since reunification Germany has at last gained a higher profile as a place to visit, thanks partly to the remarkable resurgence of Berlin, one of the most fascinating and exciting cities in Europe. But the appeal of the reunified Germany is not limited to the capital. Use our travel guide to Germany to get inspired and plan your travel to Germany. If you prefer to be more hands-on, get a copy of the Rough Guide to Germany .

Travel facts about Germany

Where to go in germany, unesco world heritage sites in germany, food and drink in germany, outdoor activities and sports in germany, german wines: a wine-making renaissance, history and heritage in germany, art, architecture and culture in germany, tailor-made travel itineraries for germany, created by local experts.

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A self drive exploration of UNESCO Sites in Southern Germany

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across different German states. This self drive trip allows you to design your own days with recommendations stated for each day.

7 days  / from 2851 USD

Explore Berlin and Potsdam in depth

The German capital Berlin has plenty to offer: from historical sites to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy this private tour to explore a wide range of activities in Berlin and Potsdam, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Explore Northern Germany on Your Own

From Bremen to Stralsund - Northern Germany offers plenty of gems to explore. With well-developed public transportation links, this itinerary is suited for everyone wanting to explore on their own - getting lost on the cobble-stoned streets of many UNESCO World Heritage Highlights.

Tailor-made trips for   Germany

• Germany occupies 357,112 square kilometres territory in Central Europe. It has land borders with nine countries and a coastline of 2389km on the North and Baltic seas.
• Politically, Germany is a parliamentary democracy, with an upper house – the Bundesrat – and a lower chamber, the Bundestag , both in Berlin. The administrative structure is federal, with the sixteen Länder (states) having a high degree of autonomy.
• Germany is the largest economy in the European Union , and it is the world’s largest exporter . As the economic heart of the euro zone it is also home to the headquarters of the European Central Bank .
• With a population of around 82 million, Germany is the most populous nation in the European Union, and it is also among its most densely populated and highly urbanized . The four largest cities are Berlin (3.46 million inhabitants), Hamburg (1.8 million), Munich (1.35 million) and Cologne (1 million).
• Germans DO have a sense of humour and they DO love to sunbathe naked . DON’T feel you can’t mention the war though. Today Germans are avid consumers of their own history, and the Nazi era is picked over exhaustively in TV documentaries, in books, and at the cinema.

Berlin is at the top of the list for places to visit in Germany / © canadastock/shutterstock

Best cities and towns in Germany

For many visitors, one of Germany’s cities will be where to go first. Berlin is genuinely exciting – a metropolis on fast-forward, growing into its rediscovered role as the nation’s capital yet preserving evidence of its sometimes unhappy role in European history.

Many other cities have proud histories as independent city-states or as capitals in their own right: thus, there’s nothing remotely “provincial” about ancient, liberal Cologne , Dresden’s restored Baroque splendour or the proud Bavarian metropolis of Munich . The financial capital, Frankfurt , impresses with its dynamism and international spirit, while Bonn , the former West German capital, charms with its scenic setting and excellent museums.

Elsewhere, chic Düsseldorf and laidback Stuttgart embody aspects of the German economic miracle, while the eastern city of Leipzig fizzes with fresh energy. Mercantile Hamburg looks askance at the rest of the country, maintaining the worldliness of a great port, while Nuremberg evokes the triumphs and tragedies of Germany’s past.

Cultural attractions of capital city-quality are not limited to the bigger cities, and many of the most rewarding places are quite small : the cathedral cities of Bamberg and Regensburg ; the Hanseatic ports of Lübeck , Stralsund and Wismar ; the “Prussian Versailles” of Potsdam ; and micro-capitals like Weimar , Schwerin and Eichstätt .

Germany has university towns as evocative as any: Heidelberg is the most famous, but Freiburg , Marburg and Tübingen are just as charming. As for the spa towns , at their best – in Baden-Baden, Bad Homburg or Wiesbaden – they combine health benefits with turn-of-the-century elegance and lovely natural settings.

Landscape, nature and road-trips in Germany

For a potted digest of Germany’s cultural riches the Romantic Road is deservedly popular, a road journey linking Rococo churches with medieval cities and eccentric royal castles. Other themed “roads” are devoted to fairy tales, half-timbering or wine. Often, the most magical places – a fortress on a crag, a placid village rising above vineyards, an ancient market square of improbable quaintness – await discovery on such routes.

Nor should Germany’s undeniable natural beauty be overlooked. The Bavarian Alps , the Black Forest and the valleys of the Rhine and Mosel have long been celebrated. Still, the talcum-powder softness of Rügen’s beaches , the smart resorts of Sylt and the lonely splendour of Mecklenburg’s lakes have yet to make it onto the international travel agenda. A shame, but great for travellers who like to explore great outdoor places away from the crowd.

One unsung pleasure of a visit to Germany is the opportunity to meet its people . The officious neighbour who complains if you don’t hang your socks out to dry in alphabetical order may not be entirely fictional, but you’re far more likely to be struck by the warmth and open-mindedness of Germany’s people – and particularly its young people. You can have fun testing how liberal a place is by observing how the locals react to the red Ampelmann when crossing the street: the bigger and more laidback the city, the more likely they are to ignore the no-jaywalking rule. In contrast, the sight of upright citizens waiting patiently for the green light despite an absence of traffic as far as the eye can see is still one of the more comic pleasures of small-town Germany.

Discover more places in Germany

• Hesse Travel Guide
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Travel Guide
• Munich and central Bavaria Travel Guide
• Northern Bavaria: Franconia Travel Guide
• North Rhine-Westphalia Travel Guide
• Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland Travel Guide
• Saxony Travel Guide
• Saxony-Anhalt and the Harz Travel Guide
• The Alps and eastern Bavaria Travel Guide
• The Black Forest Travel Guide
• Thuringia Travel Guide
• World Heritage sites in Germany
• Bremen and Lower Saxony

Germany sport a whopping 46 UNESCO world heritage sites worth your visit. There is a bit for everyone: from places of historical significance and cultural achievements to industrial heritage sites , palaces and castles , the natural beauty of parks and landscapes , whole medieval towns , modern architecture , and even some really obscure listings . If you intend to include some of these sites in your trip to Germany, download a free copy of the Rough Guide to the World Heritage sites in Germany .

The pleasures of travelling to Germany are not only intellectual. The excellence of its beer derives from the sixteenth-century Reinheitsgebot, the world’s oldest food purity law.

Germany’s food culture is traditionally characterized by wholesome but hearty dishes, a vast array of sausages and excellent but calorific cakes. Yet the impact of immigration, travel and increasing culinary ambition has been powerful, and most towns nowadays offer a wide selection of international options, usually including Balkan, Greek, Italian and Turkish. Learn more about food and drink in Germany .

Though the dangers of over-indulgence are ever present, so too is the antidote. The tradition of the Kur or spa visit has endured to a far greater extent in Germany than elsewhere. If you want to unwind in saline or hot springs while travelling in Germany, there are innumerable spa towns up and down the country.

In summer, the nation’s endless forests and mountains play host to hikers and cyclists while the Alps tempt international visitors with an excellent array of downhill ski runs in winter. Find out more about outdoor activities and sports in Germany .

The Black Forest in Germany is popular for hiking, cycling and motorcycle road trips © Funny Solution Studio/Shutterstock

Germany’s wine growers did themselves no favours when, in the 1970s, they responded to growing demand from abroad by exporting the cheapest and worst of what they produced. German wine was saddled for decades with a reputation for poor quality.

All that is now changing. A new generation of wine makers is eschewing high technology, chemicals and the mass market in favour of organic production that reflects the terroir , or soil and climate conditions of the region. It helps that Riesling – Germany’s most popular grape – strongly reflects the conditions in which it has been grown. The result is a resurgence of light, drinkable, dry white wines that range from elegant crispness to the subtly mineral. German wines are increasingly common on wine lists in North America and in parts of Asia, where they match the cuisines well.

Germany’s major wine regions are mostly in an arc that follows the course of the Rhine from the Mosel in the west to Baden in the south. To the east, wine is grown in more challenging climatic conditions in Franconia , Saale-Unstrut and along the Elbe near Dresden.

The 2006 football World Cup was something of a turning point, both with regards to Germany’s image abroad and to its own self-image, rehabilitating the idea of German patriotism for the first time since the war. When football fans descended on cities all over the country, they discovered a friendly, multiethnic and multicultural nation that was, for the most part, at ease with itself, finally happy to fly its own flag in a harmless display of national pride.

Throughout Germany you will find landmarks of its rich history, like the Zwinger in Dresden - © shutterstock

It’s now three decades since the events of 1989 swept away the Berlin Wall and brought to an uplifting end a turbulent and agonizing century for Germany, ill-served at crucial points in its brief history as a united nation-state by erratic and adventurous rulers who twice led it into disaster. In 1918, as Kaiser Wilhelm II’s vainglorious dream of empire ended in defeat, starvation and revolution; and at the end of World War II, as Hitler’s vile race-war rebounded in terrible fashion on the German people who had chosen him as their leader. There followed a period of forty-five years in which not one Germany but two faced each other across a tense international divide – the so-called Iron Curtain – throughout the years of the Cold War.

Political fragmentation is nothing new in Germany. From the tenth century until the early nineteenth, the Holy Roman Empire provided only a loose semblance of sovereignty over a vast collection of states, and it’s this jumbled history, as much as the country’s varied geography, that explains Germany’s sheer diversity. According to an old German expression, city air makes you free, and for centuries many of Germany’s cities governed themselves without feudal overlords.

In stark contrast was the absolutist yoke of the feudal states , which ranged from substantial kingdoms like Prussia, Saxony or Bavaria to tiny landgraviates and prince-bishoprics. Yet each made its contribution to Germany’s heritage, in the architectural and cultural splendour of many a former Residenzstadt. The Lutheran Reformation and its aftermath left their mark too: northern Germany is predominantly Protestant, the south more Catholic, yet the division is not clear cut. Staunchly Protestant towns alternate with devoutly Catholic ones, while in some places the two traditions share a single church.

Germany’s contribution to the world of classical music is undeniable, and provides a powerful pretext for a visit, whether to experience the glories of the Berlin Philharmonic or of Wagner’s Ring at Bayreuth, or to follow in the footsteps of great composers: Bach in Leipzig, Beethoven in Bonn.

Television tower in Berlin - © shutterstock

Germany’s reputation as the cradle of modernism is also well deserved, and a pilgrimage to the Bauhaus in Dessau or the Weissenhofsiedlung in Stuttgart is sure to please design fans. German modernism was preceded by the older traditions of the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo , each of which left a rich legacy of artistic and architectural treasures.

Germany’s prowess in fine art is less well known, yet from the pioneering realism of Albrecht Dürer to the ethereal Romanticism of Caspar David Friedrich , it’s a powerful tradition that is well worth discovering. Most German cities of any size have excellent art galleries , with Berlin and Cologne hubs of the European contemporary art scene.

Modern architecture in Germany - Reinventing the urban scene

Since reunification, Germany has experienced a rush of high-profile building projects, adding style and excitement to the urban landscape.

Berlin led the way, at times seeming like a perpetual building site. Daniel Libeskind’s Jewish Museum , the government quarter including the Reichstag, and David Chipperfield’s resurrection of the long-ruined Neues Museum all grabbed headlines, while Peter Eisenman’s monument for the murdered Jews of Europe ensures the Holocaust is remembered right at the heart of the capital.

But the action isn’t limited to Berlin. In Düsseldorf , star architects including Frank Gehry transformed a redundant dock into the Medienhafen , a funky setting for some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. In Munich , Herzog & de Meuron’s Allianz-Arena created a new symbol for the city, while a handsome new synagogue and museum reinstated a highly visible Jewish presence. In the Ruhr area , redundant industrial sites have been recycled to create some of Europe’s most original cultural spaces.

The stream of projects shows little sign of abating. Herzog & de Meuron’s extension of Duisburg’s Küppersmühle art gallery perches a translucent cube atop dockside silos, while their audacious design for the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg places a concert hall above a portside warehouse.

Top image: Neuschwanstein castle © VOJTa Herout/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Germany

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Germany

• Eating and drinking in Germany
• Travel Tips Germany for planning and on the go
• Culture and Etiquette in Germany
• Getting around Germany: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Germany
• Shopping tips for Germany
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Germany
• Travelling with children in Germany
• Best time to visit Germany

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updated 22.07.2021

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Germany has grown to one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and in todays information era, it’s no wonder that many of these travellers are doing their research before they head to the airport. Travel guides are one of the most valuable pieces of content someone can find when starting their research into their destination. We’ve read through countless travel guides for Germany, and researched into the type of traveler the authors were, to bring you the 10 Top Germany Travel Guides from Experiences Travel bloggers.

These world travellers each have a unique story behind why they started a travel blog, and the reasons they ended up landing in Germany. Whether they were backpacking through Europe, spent their honeymoon in the beautiful  Black Forest , or moved abroad to the city of Berlin, each of them share a unique but informative perspective on travelling Germany.

That Backpacker | Audrey Bergner

Travelling in Germany

Audrey is a full time travel blogger so spends most of her time on the road. She has done extensive travel throughout Germany, including Berlin, Hamburg, Bebenhausen, Tuebingen, and more. Starting her blog in 2010, she never expected this ti turn into her full time job. But through sharing captivating photos and unique travel experiences covering topics from cuisine and local drinks, to museums and traditions, That Backpacker has grown in popularity, and offers some incredibly valuable guides on traveling Germany. 

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Happiness and Things | Silke Elzner

Germany Travel

Silke is based in Sydney, Australia, and has been running her travel blog "Happiness and Things" since early 2013. Silke is originally from Germany, so offers an incredibly in depth perspective of German travel, with a "local" type of insights. The main goal for her blog is to encourage and inspire people to go out and explore themselves, and to help them plan their trips in a way that they will get the most out of the experience. Though she shares travel advice and experiences from all over the world, this write-up captures a very unique essence of what Germany has to offer.

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Travels of Adam | Adam Groffman

Moving to Germany

Based in Berlin, Germany, though as a travel writer, Adam is regularly traveling. In addition to writing and managing his popular travel blog, travelsofadam.com, Adam also works with Eating Europe Tours on their online marketing.  Travels of Adam  started in 2009 in preparation for a gap year he was planning, and wanted to keep himself productive while traveling by sharing about his experiences.

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FlyEatTravel | Miro and Mirko Henzel

The Ultimate Guide to Munich

Miro and Marko are a father and son team that has travelled to 3 continents, dozens of countries and hundreds of cities, these professionals not only know travel but have an obviously unique dynamic to share. These two share a lot of family friendly travel experiences, from visiting beaches to theme parks to historical museums. This guide to Munich, truly is "ultimate" and for anyone planning to touch down in this city, this is a must have resource! 

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Women Travel the World  | Rosemary Neaves

Travelling Alone in Germany

Rosemary is a writer/blogger that focuses on topics related to women and travel. Based out of New Zealand, she shares both stories from her travels and other women explorers as well. The "Women Travel Blog" was a way for her to not only share stories of women travellers, but to compile information about women owned accommodations and tour businesses emerging around the world, particularly ones that cater to female travellers. 

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Nina Travels | Nina Potuje

Nina and Simon are based in Slovenia, near the capital of Ljubljana. They started our blog about 4 years ago because their family and friends always wanted to hear about their travels, every time they returned home. A blog allowed them to not answer the same questions or tell the same stories over and over, plus it helped people follow their travels live and keep more up to date. As the blog became more and more popular, they starting including useful travel tips and information for everyone wanting to go travel, drawing from their experiences on the road.

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Grown-Up Travel Guide  | Andy Higgs 

Germany Travel Guide

Andy is an Englishman that has been living in Trondheim, Norway for the past 17 years. The Grown Up Travel Guide was started in 2012 because he was always being asked for travel advise about his more "grown up" style of travel. What makes Andy's content so unique is he caters to those travellers who don't want to be hauling a massive backpack from hostel to hostel. Andy travel with class, and shares tips and advice for a higher quality of travel. 

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Kevin & Amanda - Food, Travel, Photography

Guide to Munich, Germany

Kevin and Amanda are a bright and energetic couple that share everything they can from their travels on their blog. Covering all sorts of topics from food to photography, they have great content that takes a very bright outlook on travel and the countries they've visited. We found this guide to Munich, Germany, to be very well rounded for all of the foodies out their, as they talk about and share 'delicious' photos of German cuisine favourites, mixed in with some popular must see places to visit. 

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Oh God, My Wife is German | Obi G. Macaroni

Everything Germany

Obi G. Macaroni (or "OGM" as he prefers) started Oh God, My Wife is German  in 2011 after he began compiling lists and notes of all the hilarious things his German wife did or said. When they shared some of these quotes or idioms with their friends, they realized they were not so much inside jokes, but great pieces of humour with widespread appeal. This blog is filled with tons of great insider information about German people and culture. While not necessarily a "travel guide", anyone preparing for a trip to Germany can learn a lot about the people and social memes from OGM's writing! 

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Angloitalian | Dale Davies & Franca Calabretta

Berlin on a Budget

Dale Davies is a forever smiling Brit who chose to leave his retail hell behind him and make full-time travel a reality, and Franca Calabretta moved away from her home town of Alberobello in Puglia, Italy more than ten years ago, so often feels more at home while one the road. This duo is truly unique for a number of reasons; 1. They are budget travellers (though never let it make them crazy, if something costs 'this' much, they pay 'that' much), 2. They are slow  travellers, and 3. They are vegan travellers. This rare combination of travel lead to a special kind of guide focused on Berlin, Germany, and we thought it would resonate with anyone who values these styles of travel. 

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Save These Travel Guides for Your Next Trip to Germany

This roundup of excellent Germany travel guides was carefully put together to cover a diverse style of travel experts. If you find yourself resonating with one or two of these travel pro's, then be sure to bookmark their site or follow them on social media, because like all travel bloggers they are always exploring new destinations and releasing travel guides for countries around the globe. 

If you or someone you know is planning a trip to Germany, these travel tips can help you navigate your journey, hit the must-see locations, and create an absolutely memorable trip. Bon Voyage!

For all of us who can't make the trip to Germany just yet, check our list of the 12  Best Oktoberfest Events in the USA. 

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The Best Berlin Guide Books for Every Traveler [2024 Update]

Although I visited Berlin last summer, I didn’t get to explore the city as much as I’d wanted, and I’m looking forward to re-visiting the German capital this summer.  So, I recently sat on my balcony with a can (or two…) of German radler and a pile (or two!) of Berlin travel guide books for a marathon trip-planning session.

In addition to learning a lot about Berlin and discovering some amazing “must-see” attractions in Berlin, I quickly became an expert on Berlin guide books.  I learned exactly which book had the best walking tours, the best photos, the best budget travel advice and the best background information.

If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, don’t just wing it!  Berlin is too big, too exciting, too diverse and too interesting to be explored and enjoyed without a plan.  Instead, invest in one, two or three of these Berlin guide books, which will help you maximize every minute of your time in Berlin.

I’ve noted exactly which Berlin travel guide books you should buy, borrow (from the library) and skip , so you can find the perfect book for your travel style.  Read on for the complete guide!

( Wondering about radler ? Radler is the German word for cyclist, or the English word for “delicious beverage”.  Okay, that’s a lie.  Radler does mean “cyclist”, but it is actually only one specific kind of delicious beverage – a fifty-fifty blend of beer and lemonade or lemon soda.  If you’ve ever had a shandy, it’s the same thing, but more German.  I’ve been told it goes by the “cyclist” moniker because it’s perfect for hydrating after a long bike ride.)

Lonely Planet Germany – The Best Berlin Guide Book for Trips Across Germany

The Lonely Planet Germany is a massive, countrywide guidebook clocking in at 848 pages.  The guidebook’s Berlin section spans seventy pages at the front of the book.  Coverage begins with two detailed maps of the city, and then segues into comprehensive listings of sights, hotels, dining options, nightlife, shopping and general tourist information.

One-, two-, and three-day itineraries are suggested, and there are two-page spreads dedicated especially to the Berlin Wall and Museum Island.  There is also an additional twenty-page guide to destinations around Berlin, like Potsdam, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Spreewald.

The Lonely Planet Germany would be my top choice of guidebook for anyone visiting Berlin and then going on to explore other parts of Germany, because it is the most thorough Germany travel guide book on the market.  However, it is also thick and heavy, so consider buying the Kindle edition rather than the cumbersome paper copy.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Buy it, but consider the electronic version.  I bought the Kindle edition, which I can read on my phone as I’m out and about in Berlin.

National Geographic Walking Berlin – The Best Berlin Guide Book toCarry Around the City

I didn’t expect much from this little Berlin travel guide book.  However, in the end, National Geographic Walking Berlin – The Best of the City turned out to be my favorite Berlin travel guide!

Unlike the hulking Lonely Planet, this guidebook is five inches wide, seven inches tall and less than two hundred pages.  It slips easily into a small purse or daypack without adding much weight.

I loved this book because it’s organized into thirteen different walking tours, each with an easy-to-follow, full-color map, lots of color photos, and interesting information about the things you can expect to see along the way.

This book completely aligns with my travel style, which is heavy on the wandering around and exploring at a leisurely pace, and light on the rushing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction.  With this book in my purse, I can quickly learn about the things I stumble upon and the lesser-known places nearby that I might otherwise miss.

Buy, borrow or skip?   I bought this book and brought it with me to Europe!

Insight Guides Explore Berlin – Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for People Who Are Too Cheap to Buy the eBook

At first, I had a hard time finding anything that differentiated this book from some of the other Berlin travel guide books.  However, as I was skimming through a second time, I noticed that the Insight Guides Explore Berlin guidebook has one very unique feature: a free eBook !

By downloading the Insight Guides app (available from the App Store and Google Play), scanning a QR code from inside the physical book and registering with Insight guides, you can access a free digital travel guide to Berlin.  The process of downloading the book was a little bit confusing, but once I’d figured it out I was pleased to discover that you literally get the entire book for free!  The electronic version is effectively organized (hyperlinks help you navigate between references to the same things) and contains all the same full-color photos.

Buy, borrow or skip?   Borrow, obviously!  Sign this book out of your local public library, scan the code inside and use the digital version for free!  (I clearly don’t have a future in book sales…)

Interlink Cultural Guides Berlin – The Best Berlin Travel Guide for Readers

I was not expecting this!  The Interlink Cultural Guides Berlin travel guide book reads more like a first-year college textbook than a typical travel guide.

This Berlin guide book contains almost 240 pages of dense text, supplemented with only a handful of photos (in fact, the first photo doesn’t appear until page 26).  The book is divided into chapters including Geography & Topography, Landmarks, Leisure & Pleasure and Spending Power.  Each chapter then includes several sub-chapters focusing on a very specific aspect of Berlin.  For example, the Geography & Topography chapter is further divided into Water: Rivers, Water: Canals, Water: Lakes, Green Spaces: Forest and Hills, and Green Spaces: Parks.

Similar to a textbook, this Berlin travel guide also features a short glossary of common German terms that you’ll read throughout the book (from alt to Westen) and a reference list of books and websites that can provide more information for inquisitive readers.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Voracious readers and academic travelers should definitely buy this one, while others should borrow it and just read the sub-chapters pique their interest.

Eyewitness Travel Berlin – The Best Berlin Guide Book for Visual Travelers

The motto at Eyewitness is “the guides that show you what others will only tell you”, and that’s especially true in the case of their Berlin travel guide book.

Eyewitness Travel Berlin was updated in spring 2023.  The new edition contains almost 300 pages of full-color photographs, annotated diagrams and easy-to-follow maps.  These stunning images are supplemented with text, but it’s clear that visuals are the focus in this book.

This is a fantastic book to rifle through in the days leading up to your trip.  It’s impossible not to be inspired by the images inside, from the double-page photograph of the illuminated Brandenburg Gate to the illustrated cross-section of the Marienkirche church.  However, the book is weighty and wouldn’t be great for carrying around Berlin during a day of sight-seeing.

Buy, borrow or skip?   Borrow this one from the library if you’re considering booking a trip to Berlin.  By page ten you’ll have whipped out your credit card and you’ll be comparing flights online!

The Rough Guide to Berlin – The Best Berlin Guide Book for Budget Travelers

I’ve always had a soft spot for Rough Guides.  Sometimes, they feel like the neglected younger sibling of the Lonely Planet series. However, when you actually crack one open, you realize that Rough Guides have stayed true to their budget travel roots (unlike some “other” travel guide book series…).

The Rough Guide Berlin is an excellent example of a guide book that really caters to budget travelers.  It has more than three hundred pages of affordable travel advice, including a full-color guide to seventeen “can’t miss” spots in Berlin, customized itineraries (including one focused on budget travel, and another on the city’s nightlife) and well-curated directories of affordable accommodation and restaurant options.

Although the full edition was last updated in 2016, a brand new pocket edition was released in March 2020.  Check it out if you want a smaller, more current publication from this great series!

In my opinion, the only downside of The Rough Guide to Berlin is the editors’ choice to put all of the maps at the back of the book.  This makes it harder to visualize which attractions are close together, or what would be the best walking route between different sights.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Budget travelers should buy this one. By following the tips for smart, inexpensive travel in Berlin, you could easily save the equivalent of the price of the book in your first few hours in Berlin.

Rick Steves Germany – The Best Germany Travel Guide Book for Your Grandmother

The latest version of this Germany guidebook was published in December, 2022.  Click here to order the latest edition.

Rick Steves is a pretty cool guy.  He’s dedicated his life to encouraging Americans to explore Europe in a way that embraces and shows respect for the local people and culture.  So, I always feel a bit sad that I can’t personally get behind his guidebooks.

First, the good stuff. The Rick Steves Germany guidebook is updated every year, so you never have to worry about outdated information.  As well, it’s even longer than the Lonely Planet Germany guidebook (it’s more than 1050 pages long!) but, thanks to its tissue-thin paper, is smaller and lighter than its counterpart.  The Berlin section in this book is about 130 pages long.

So, why don’t I love this Germany travel guide book?  Well, there are two huge reasons.

First, Rick Steves books have the worst maps of any guidebook I’ve ever seen.  Each map is hand-drawn in a simple style, and they often leave out smaller streets and lesser-known landmarks.  There have been several occasions where I’ve planned a walking trip based on a Rick Steves map, thinking my destination is only five or ten blocks away, and later discovered that the map didn’t include dozens of smaller streets along the way.  His maps are so confusing!

Second, I find that the travel tips in Rick Steves guidebooks cater more to older, less-able or less-experienced travelers. For an experienced traveler the tone can be a bit patronizing, and for a younger traveler, trendy or up-and-coming attractions are only ever mentioned in passing.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Borrow this Germany travel guide book from the library before your trip, or buy it as a gift for your grandparents if they’re heading to Germany.

Frommer’s Berlin Day by Day – The Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for Short City Breaks

Another pleasantly purse-sized Berlin travel guide book, Frommer’s Berlin Day by Day is a good option for travelers taking a short city break in Berlin.

The book opens with one-, two- and three-day itineraries, each with a full-color map, descriptions of the highlights you can expect to see, recommendations for where to eat and some color photographs.  Next, there are recommendations based on particular interests (including beer, art and East German history) and six easy-to-follow neighborhood walking tours.

The last half of the book is a typical travel directory of hotels, restaurants, nightlife, day trips and travel directories.  There’s also a quick list of useful German expressions at the back of the book.

Overall, Frommers Day by Day Berlin is a solid Berlin travel guide book.  However, I still prefer the National Geographic Walking Berlin, mainly because its maps have more details and it contains significantly more color photographs.

Buy, borrow or skip?   I’d recommend borrowing this Berlin guide book from your local public library.

Eyewitness Top 10 Berlin – The Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for Travelers with a Short Attention Span

TikTokers take note – The Eyewitness Top 10 Berlin is the Berlin guidebook of your dreams, and it was just updated in late 2023!

Unlike Eyewitness’ comprehensive Berlin city guide (discussed above), this unique book has fewer than 200 pages, divided into almost 100 “Best of Berlin” lists.  The book begins with one hundred fascinating facts, divided into the top ten things to know about each of Berlin’s top ten tourist attractions.  The next section is more topical, featuring two-page spreads like the Top 10 Historic Buildings in Berlin and the Top 10 Festivals and Fairs in Berlin. Finally, it closes with the Top 10 highlights in each of Berlin’s ten most interesting districts.

Buy, borrow or skip?   This is a great Berlin travel book to gift to the non-reader in your life who needs to be convinced to join you on a trip to Berlin.  It’s as breezy and skimmable as a gossip magazine, so buy it as a gift for them!  If you’re already sold on a trip to Berlin, borrow this from the library and flip through it on your coffee break at work.

Fodor’s Berlin – The Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for People Who Hate Trip Planning

Where some other Berlin travel guides have attempted to include everything under the sun (or should I say, everything under the Reichstag dome?), Fodor’s Berlin offers a much more curated look at Germany’s capital city.

This short Berlin travel book opens with a “Best of Berlin” section before transitioning into a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the city.  This content makes up the first third of the book, and the latter two thirds are a typical travel directory. Fodors’ correspondents often give their highest ratings to expensive service providers.  For example, one of their recommended restaurants has prices starting at € 115 for dinner (!) and the ultra-expensive Hotel Adlon is one of their top picks for accommodation in the city.

Buy, borrow or skip?   I think that most readers of my blog can skip this Berlin guide book.  It doesn’t offer anything unique compared to the other Berlin travel guide books I’ve recommended, and constantly reading about experiences that are out of your price range isn’t very much fun!

Heading to Berlin? Check out my list of the 25 Best Things to Do in Berlin (no Berlin guide book required!).

There are lots of cool hotels in Berlin, but there’s one in particular that strikes the perfect balance of design, affordability, comfort and luxury.  Read about my stay at Casa Camper Berlin .

Traveling on a tighter budget?  I know a central Berlin hotel with comfortable private rooms at hostel prices!  Read about my six-night stay at Hotel 38 Berlin . 

There is an alternative to expensive hop-on, hop-off bus tours of Berlin that still lets you see the city from the second floor of a double-decker bus.  Read about the secret €3 Berlin sightseeing bus tour .

Then, check out my guide to finding the best vegetarian food in Berlin (and the rest of Germany too!).

Browsing for Berlin guidebooks later?  Pin this post to your trip-planning board!

20 Solo Female Travel Quotes to Inspire Your Next Journey

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5+ best Germany travel guides

• Post author: Avoid Crowds
• Post published: October 31, 2020
• Post category: General
• Post comments: 1 Comment

In 2024, the allure of Germany continues to captivate travelers seeking the rich cultural tapestry and dynamic urban life of cities like Berlin , Munich , and Hamburg . Whether you’re in the early stages of planning your journey or already counting down the days, we’ve curated a list of essential travel guides to enhance your experience.

Our selection at Avoid-Crowds.com, updated for 2024, is tailored to cater to a variety of travel preferences. We meticulously evaluate each guide based on three key aspects: comprehensive coverage for general travelers, budget-friendly options for the cost-conscious, and family-oriented guides for those adventuring with children. Additionally, we include a distinguished history book to deepen your appreciation of Germany’s heritage and cultural nuances.

At Avoid-Crowds.com, our goal is to streamline your travel experience. That’s why we provide daily crowd forecasts for various destinations across Germany, ensuring you can sidestep the hustle and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of your chosen locales. Our extensive blog also provides up-to-date advice on the best times to visit Germany, ensuring your trip is as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. Explore our resources today and prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Germany.

For the latest crowd forecasts, visit our dedicated page here . And for insights on the best time to travel to Germany, check out our blog here .

• Each book is hand-picked after extensive research
• Books with little or bad reviews are left out
• This post includes affiliate links on which we might earn a commission

Lonely Planet Germany

Lonely Planet’s Germany Travel Guide for 2024 is your quintessential companion for exploring Germany’s rich landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant culture. From the enchanting castles of Bavaria to the spirited festivities of Oktoberfest and the profound history of Berlin, this guide offers an in-depth look into Germany’s most cherished experiences. With visually inspiring top picks, tailored itineraries, and local insights, you’re equipped to create a journey that’s uniquely yours, while diving deep into the essence of German life.

Why this guide is a must-have for your German adventure:

• 🏰 Comprehensive Coverage: From popular attractions to hidden gems, explore every corner of Germany with confidence.
• 📅 Tailored Itineraries: Customize your trip with itineraries that match your interests and time.
• 🍽 Local Gastronomy: Savor Germany’s culinary delights with expert recommendations on what to eat and drink.
• 🌍 Inclusive Planning: Includes tools for solo travelers, LGBTQIA+ travelers, families, and those requiring accessible travel.
• 🗺 Practical Tips: Navigate like a local with insider tips, avoiding crowds and maximizing your time and budget.

Lonely Planet has been the go-to source for travel wisdom since 1973, reaching millions of travelers each year and turning travel dreams into reality. This guide not only promises to enrich your German journey with unparalleled experiences but also provides practical advice to ensure a smooth adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the historical allure of Berlin, the scenic beauty of Bavaria, or the culinary delights scattered across the country, Lonely Planet’s Germany Travel Guide is an indispensable tool for unlocking the best of Germany. Make this guide your travel companion and discover the soul of Germany with every page turn. To be released in May 2024.

Rick Steves Best of Germany: With Salzburg

“Rick Steves Best of Germany: With Salzburg” is an expertly crafted travel guide that distills Germany’s and Salzburg’s must-see art, sights, and experiences into potential two-week itineraries. Designed for those looking to immerse themselves in the essence of these locations, this guide offers strategic advice on how to maximize both your time and budget. From exploring Munich and Bavaria to venturing along the Romantic Road and the Rhine Valley, not to mention the vibrant streets of Berlin and the historic charm of Salzburg, Austria, this book has you covered.

Here’s why “Rick Steves Best of Germany: With Salzburg” is a must-have for your travel collection:

• 🕰️ Strategic Advice : Get expert tips on what’s truly worth your time and money.
• 🗺️ Efficient Itineraries : Explore the best of Germany and Salzburg with tailored itineraries.
• 🚫 Avoid Tourist Traps : Rick’s tips help you bypass crowds and tourist traps for a more authentic experience.
• 🍽️ Local Flavors : Dive into the best of local culture, flavors, and neighborhoods.
• 🎒 Travel Smart : Comprehensive planning strategies make navigating your trip a breeze.

This guide is perfect for travelers eager to experience the unique blend of old-world charm and modern excitement that Germany and Salzburg have to offer. With over 400 full-color pages, vibrant photos, and maps, this book doesn’t just plan your trip; it enriches your journey. Whether you’re plotting a concise adventure or looking to complement a more extended exploration, Rick Steves’ insights ensure a memorable and deeply personal travel experience. Embrace the opportunity to discover Germany and Salzburg through the eyes of a seasoned traveler. Let “Rick Steves Best of Germany: With Salzburg” transform your travel dreams into reality.

Delve into Germany’s Heart: The Dom of Cologne – A Gothic Marvel

Germany, a land of fairytales and innovations, hides one of its most splendid treasures in the heart of Cologne—the magnificent Dom. As your steps guide you towards this majestic cathedral, prepare to be enraptured by centuries of artistry, faith, and resilience. Cologne’s Best Things to Do Cologne City Tour Experience

Best Time to Visit Germany: Escape Crowds & Uncover Hidden Gems

Guten Tag, fellow travelers! 🌍 Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the land of enchanting castles, picturesque landscapes, and lively beer gardens? Germany awaits you, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. But when is the best time to visit Germany while avoiding

Delight in the captivating charm of Germany, a diverse European powerhouse known for its historic cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Wander through the bustling streets of Berlin, marvel at the fairy tale castles of Bavaria, or delve into the vibrant arts scene of Hamburg, all while evading the

Fodor's Essential Germany

“Fodor’s Essential Germany” offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Germany, tailored for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in everything from serene boat rides down the Rhine to the lively festivities of Oktoberfest in Munich, or the enchanting depths of the Black Forest. Authored by local experts, this guide equips you with all the necessary tools to simplify your trip planning, featuring detailed maps, curated recommendations, and the latest information, all presented in a freshly redesigned, easy-to-read format adorned with stunning color photographs. Awarded as part of the Best Travel Guide Series of 2020 by Booklist, this guide stands out for its quality and utility.

Here’s why “Fodor’s Essential Germany” is invaluable for your German adventure:

• 🗺️ Detailed Maps : Over 55 maps guide you confidently through Germany’s landscapes.
• 📸 Vibrant Photos : Full-color images throughout the book inspire and inform your journey.
• 🏰 Expert Recommendations : Honest insights on the best sights, dining, lodging, and more.
• 📚 Cultural Insights : Gain a deeper understanding of Germany’s history, culture, and people.
• 💡 Practical Tips : From travel logistics to cultural norms, get all the advice you need to travel smart.

“Fodor’s Essential Germany” is much more than a travel guide; it’s a companion that brings you the best of Germany through the eyes of those who know it best. Whether you’re drawn to historic sights, charming small towns, or the country’s renowned beer and wine culture, this guide has something for everyone. Special features on Oktoberfest, King Ludwig’s fairy-tale castles, and wine tasting in the Mosel Valley offer unique insights into Germany’s signature experiences.

Don’t just visit Germany; dive deep into its heart and soul with “Fodor’s Essential Germany.” Let this guide be the key to unlocking unforgettable experiences, hidden gems, and lifelong memories in one of Europe’s most diverse and fascinating countries. Get your copy today and start planning the journey of a lifetime!

Kids' Travel Guide - Germany: The fun way to discover Germany - especially for kids

The “Kids’ Travel Guide – Germany” by Shiela H. Leon, Salome G., and FlyingKids is a vibrant and engaging guide that transforms a trip to Germany into an exciting adventure for children. Leonardo, the friendly tour guide, leads young readers on a journey through Germany, making stops in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. This book is not just about visiting places; it’s about immersing kids in German culture, geography, history, and even language, all while making it fun with quizzes, tasks, coloring pages, and a travel diary.

Why “Kids’ Travel Guide – Germany” is a must-have for young explorers:

• 🌍 Educational Adventure : Makes learning about Germany’s culture, geography, and history exciting and engaging.
• ✏️ Interactive Fun : Packed with activities, quizzes, and coloring pages that keep kids entertained and engaged.
• 📚 Cultural Immersion : Teaches about German cuisine, popular words, and national symbols in a child-friendly manner.
• 🏰 Explore Major Cities : Guides children through Germany’s most famous cities and attractions, enriching their travel experience.
• 📖 Travel Diary : Encourages kids to keep track of their adventures and what they’ve learned, making it a personal and memorable journey.

This guidebook is an excellent tool for parents and educators to introduce children to the wonders of Germany in a manner that is both educational and fun. It’s designed to spark curiosity and encourage young minds to explore the rich tapestry of cultures and histories around the world. Whether your family is planning a trip to Germany, has already visited, or your child is just curious about different cultures, this book is a fantastic way to travel through the pages and learn.

Encourage your child’s love for exploration and learning with the “Kids’ Travel Guide – Germany.” It’s more than just a travel guide; it’s an adventure that expands horizons, introduces new cultures, and fosters a lifelong love for travel. Don’t miss out on the chance to give your child the world. Grab a copy of this guide, and maybe even explore the entire Kids’ Travel Guide series for more global adventures from the comfort of your home. This is your ticket to a new and exciting family adventure, opening doors to understanding and appreciating the diverse world we live in.

German Men Sit Down To Pee And Other Insights Into German Culture

“German Men Sit Down to Pee and Other Insights into German Culture” offers a light-hearted yet insightful exploration into the quirks and idiosyncrasies of German culture. This book navigates the maze of social norms, traditions, and behaviors unique to Germany, covering everything from the importance of punctuality and the etiquette of public spaces to the peculiarities of social interactions. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to understand the cultural nuances that make Germany distinct, providing valuable context for both visitors and those newly relocated.

Why this book is a must-have:

• 🤣 Humor and Insight : Enjoy a humorous take on German cultural norms while gaining genuine insights.
• 🕒 Punctuality Praised : Learn why being on time in Germany is not just appreciated but expected.
• 🚫 Cultural Faux-Pas : Avoid common misunderstandings and blend in with local customs.
• 🌳 Public Spaces : Understand the do’s and don’ts in German parks and other communal areas.
• 🍩 Social Etiquette : Decode social signals, from accepting a doughnut to lawn mowing on Sundays.

“German Men Sit Down to Pee” is not just an entertaining read; it’s a practical guide to navigating daily life in Germany without stepping on cultural toes. Beyond its humor, the book serves as a bridge to understanding the deeper values and principles that guide German society. Whether you’re planning a short visit, a longer stay, or just curious about what makes Germany tick, this book will enrich your experience and provide laughs along the way. Dive into this exploration of German culture and ensure your journey or transition is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

The Shortest History of Germany: From Julius Caesar to Angela Merkel—A Retelling for Our Times

“German Men Sit Down to Pee and Other Insights into German Culture” offers an amusing yet insightful exploration into the everyday quirks and cultural norms of Germany, from strict adherence to traffic lights to the unique etiquette surrounding public nudity and lawn mowing. Authors Niklas Frank and James Cave delve into the societal rules that both perplex and define German culture, providing valuable context for anyone looking to navigate this fascinating country without committing a faux pas.

Why this book is a must-read for understanding German culture:

• 🇩🇪 Cultural Insights : Unpack the mysteries of German behavior and traditions.
• 😂 Humorous Take : Enjoy a lighthearted look at what makes Germany unique.
• 🚫 Avoid Faux Pas : Learn the dos and don’ts to blend in seamlessly.
• 📚 Entertaining Stories : Engaging anecdotes make cultural norms easy to remember.
• ✈️ Travel Companion : Perfect for visitors or new residents seeking to understand the local way of life.

“German Men Sit Down to Pee” is more than just a guide; it’s your insider pass to understanding the subtleties that make German culture both intriguing and endearing. Whether you’re planning a visit, have recently moved to Germany, or simply have an interest in cultural studies, this book promises not only to enlighten but also entertain with its witty observations and invaluable insights.

Dive into this book to navigate German culture with confidence and a smile. It’s the perfect companion for anyone eager to embrace Germany’s unique way of life, ensuring your journey or transition is as smooth as it is enjoyable. Let “German Men Sit Down to Pee” be your guide to the charming complexities of German life.

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Berlin all the way, no offence all the rest of Germany! Berlin is a fascinating city- for tourists, expats, and residents alike. Co-living Berlin, LINK DELETED, is a great way to bridge the gap between being a tourist and being a resident.

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13 Best Germany Travel Guide Books

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best Germany Travel Guide…

Planning on traveling to Germany? Whether it’s solo traveling, backpacking, or traveling with family, exploring Germany is going to be a wonderful travel experience. Germany is a huge, diverse, and amazing country. That’s also why you need travel guides to Germany. The country is also famous for its beer, sausages, majestic castles, and incredible hiking trails. It’s recommended to take your time and don’t rush while you’re visiting the country. Hence, you may want to have a basic plan or itinerary to make the best of your trip. To start your planning process, you can always refer to Germany travel guide books.

These travel guide books will help you figure out what to do, what to see, ways to get around, and show you everything you need to have the experience of a lifetime. Germany tour guide books also give you a little of the history of the places you visit. So, you can understand the culture better.

How To Choose The Best Germany Travel Guide Books?

Choosing the best Germany travel guide books helps you travel through Germany as seamlessly as possible. But, when you look at the shelves in the bookstore or online, it can be overwhelming. There are different aspects you should consider when selecting travel guides to Germany. Here are some of them!

Publisher/author

There’s a full range of guide book publishers. Choosing one of the known publishers or authors gives you up to date, inspiring, and trustworthy information. World-class guide books are written by expert writers that really know and familiar with the city, places, and others. Some well-known authors also write the guidebook based on their own experiences.

Paperback, hardcover, or digital version? Some travelers who look for the best Germany travel guide books may prefer physical books (either it’s paperback or hardcover). Though it may not be handy, these books are useful when you need to take notes, use the maps, or look at the photos for preferences. Most publishers also provide a digital version for travelers who prefer practicality more.

There are different kinds of Germany tour guide books you can choose from. Some books focus on relaxation, adventure travel, and traveling with children. Other books aim at travelers with different budgets. For example, if you want to visit Munich for its famous Oktoberfest, you can choose a guidebook that focuses on the festival and places you can stay near Oktoberfest itself. Are you planning to hike in the Alps? Then, choose a guidebook about Bavarian Alps with information about the mountain treks and detailed information, such as elevation, the trail, and more.

Whichever traveling style you have, the best Germany tour guide books should give you all the information you need. Some travelers may like guidebooks with stunning photos, others may like those with the history or background about the region or the places they’re visiting. If you plan to have road trips or walking tours, getting a guidebook with maps and noted sights along the way is the best choice. What’s more, good guidebooks provide you handy tips and tricks from the insiders.

What should a travel guide include?

A good guidebook should include information about everything that useful for travelers, including places (regions), sights, and activities. Other information, like restaurants and accommodation, may be outdated, but still, it helps travelers to get a recommendation. Plus, the travel guide book that contains historical and cultural information and maps of varying details will be very useful.

German Survival Guide

Traveling in Germany without speaking a word of German is possible. But, having German Survival Guide is not only giving you language and cultural information about the country but also provides a lot of vocabulary and basic instruction that all focused on travelers’ needs. This why this book is on our list of Germany travel guide books.

Knowing a few phrases helps you making friends and ensuring a rich and rewarding travel experience. You can buy last-minute tickets to the opera, how to get help in an emergency or to find things to do in Berlin including discovering a hidden bar. For every purchase, you’ll get two cassettes and a small glossary/dictionary. All these make it one of your best travel guides to Germany.

The book has three parts, including phrases and grammar. It also includes full of cultural notes, like how not to look like a tourist, why not use first names, how to tip, and how to have good table manners. So, you understand daily social expectations, know what to expect and how to deal with them. You will find German pronunciations written throughout the book. With this, you’ll always have guidance on how to pronounce new words and phrases. Besides, the book provides an extensive index to help readers find the topics they want.

Long-term travelers, backpackers, business, and student travelers

101 Amazing Things to Do in Germany

If this is your first time traveling to Germany, 101 Amazing Things to Do in Germany is one of the best Germany tour guide books to get. It offers you clear explanations about Germany and it’s compact enough to take everywhere.

This book provides the insight track on the most amazing and coolest things to see and do around the country. Whether you’re visiting popular attractions in Cologne , Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, and Bonn, or visiting incredible festivals, from electronic festivals with world-famous headliners to the Berlin International Film Festival.

It also includes good information and travel tips, like where you want to dine, the places where you can party like a local and make new friends, and where to shop for authentic souvenirs. Visiting the fairytale castles that inspired Disney movies? You can find information about the coolest historical and cultural sights that you can’t miss. What’s more, there are some recommendations for outdoor activities and destinations for nature and outdoor lovers.

Adventurers, backpackers, photographers, party-goers, art, and cultural lovers

The Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest

You can find Oktoberfest around the world, but Munich is the place where you can get an authentic experience in its original place. The book is written based on the author’s knowledge and experiences from countless visits to the festival for years, making it one of your best travel guides to Germany. It gives visitors of Oktoberfest extensive practical advice and a clear idea of things to do and see during the festival, no matter if you come as single travelers, couples, groups, or family.

You will find everything about the event in 39 pages of The Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest . There is a section about Oktoberfest’s background to give you some insight into the world’s biggest folks and beer festival. The table of contents guides you on the essential information, like How to get there, What to Wear, What to do if you don’t have a reservation, and What to eat and drink.

Some sections give you a description of each tent (14 big beer tents and more than 20 small and medium-sized tents). Get the details about The Parades, such as the Traditional Costume Parade and Opening Parade. You will also find the lyrics to few German songs. So, you can join in the singing in the beer tents.

Food travelers, photographers, party-goer travelers, groups, and family travelers

The Rough Guide to Germany

If you’re looking for Germany travel guide books in the Kindle version, The Rough Guide to Germany is your best choice. Whether you’re planning to cruise down the Rhine Valley, go wine-tasting along the Mosel Weinstrasse, or enjoy the Schauinsland cable car, it helps you discover Germany and get the most of your visit that suits every traveler’ budget.

It provides detailed regional coverage, including off the beaten track or more tourist destinations like Berlin and Brandenburg. The book also includes ideal places and attractions to visit, such as Schloss Neuschwanstein, Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and Berlin Wall Memorial along the way to help you organize your trip itineraries. Plus, recommendations to sleep, eat, drink, and shop.

Rough Guide books are written by expert authors who are passionate about both writing and travel to deliver insight and priceless information. The Rough Guide to Germany is full of a stunning and rich collection of inspiring color photography. Plus, there are full-color maps that you can use without needing to get online. There’s even essential basic pre-departure information, including getting there, local transports, and background information about history, books, film, and music. So, if you need Germany tour guide books for your traveling, this is the one.

Family or group travelers, solo travelers, backpackers, photographers

DK Eyewitness Travel: Back Roads Germany

DK Eyewitness Travel: Back Roads Germany is one of the best Germany travel guide books for travelers who want to discover the real soul and charm through the back roads of Germany. The book provides you twenty-four researched routes, each lasting one to five days. The book reveals hidden gems, breathtaking views, and authentic local experiences that you can only discover on road.

Get the unexpected experience on each tour that is burst with information and loaded with ideas for varied activities. These include cycling trips, short walks, and longer hikes to days on the beach, watersports, to wine tours. This book includes glossy color photos and a pull-out map of the entire region for easy navigation between tours and zip code information for use with a GPS device.

Plus, it has practical information you would need, including road conditions, length of the drive, parking information, and opening hours. On top of that, the authors also put the best-value hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants specializing in regional produce. All this information making it your best travel guides to Germany.

Adventurers, backpackers, family/group travelers, and photographers who want to experience Germany on a road trip

Journey Through Germany

Journey Through Germany offers you a guide from north to south Germany that offers many different natural and cultural landscapes. These include the plains of northern Germany, the midlands hills to the highest point in the land, the Zugspitze, the coastal mudflats, and the popular islands of Sylt and Rügen. Besides, there is also additional essence about Germany, like Goethe and Schiller, Ludwig II of Bavaria and his palaces, plus the castles on the Rhine and Saale.

This travel guides to Germany book has the cover picture of Neuschwanstein Castle and more famous sights presented in the book. It gives a good overview of rich and turbulent past places in Germany, from the fairytale castles of Ludwig II of Bavaria to the Romanesque cathedrals of the German emperors. You will find that the book contains 75% photos and 25% text. Plus, there is short (yet informative) information for each image.

It provides a wide variety of photos, including churches, castles, small towns, big cities, people in local costumes, landscapes, and food that can be your photos’ inspirations. The book also includes Medieval cities and modern architectural constructions that harbor many highlights of Germany’s artistic and cultural history.

Photographers and the tech-savvy travelers

Walking in the Bavarian Alps

Planning to hike the Bavarian Alps on the border of Germany and Austria? You should get Walking in the Bavarian Alps before going. This guidebook provides information on mountain walks and treks in Bavarian Alps, (southern Germany) between Lake Constance and Berchtesgaden. There are 70 routes range from half-day walks to 3-day hut-to-hut treks you can choose from, making it one of the best Germany travel guide books that all hikers and adventures need.

Some treks, including Partnach, Königssee and Breitach, and Höllental gorges are accessible from Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck. This Bavarian hiking guide in the English book helps you narrow down your hike routes. Also, it gives you detailed information, including elevation gain, what there is to see along the way, a nice description of the trail terrain, and difficulty level. Along the way, you’ll find its detailed hiking map very useful. It also includes color photos, transport advice, and good tips for accommodation and refreshment stops.

Adventurers, hikers, outdoor lovers, and photographers

National Geographic Traveler Germany (4th Edition)

If you’re looking for Germany travel guide books that mention smaller towns in Germany outside the cities, National Geographic Traveler Germany (4th Edition) is a great choice. For example, the book gives a short page of information about the city of Münster, but with quite detailed facts and interesting things to do in Münsterland and the area around Münster. It also the perfect Germany Travel Guide book for getting to know the countryside, complete with detailed background descriptions and self-guided walking and driving tours. This guidebook will satisfy your eyes with lots of fabulous photos from National Geographic.

If you want to take a walk up to the Summit of the Brocken, you will get everything you need to know about the information on walking or taking a train. Also, there are details on how hard the walk is, what is not to be missed, and how long it will take you. Besides, the book covers the entire country region by region, from the capital city of Berlin, Rheinland-Pfalz, Thuringe, Sachsen, northern Bavaria, Munich, and the Alps, and finally Baden-Wurtemberg.

What’s more, it provides you the insider tips on favorite or little-known sites and events. These include attending the medieval festivals celebrated at many castles in the Rhine Valley, surfing and windsurfing off the northern Baltic coast, touring underground Berlin, and learning how to brew beer in Bavaria.

Backpackers, adventurers, hikers, and photographers who look for enriching and authentic experience

Kids’ Travel Guide Germany

Traveling with kids can be challenging. If you plan a family trip to Germany for the first time, Kids’ Travel Guide Germany is one of the best Germany travel guide books to give your kids. It’s a smart and fun way to keep your children interested in traveling from an early age. It focuses on four main destinations in Germany: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt/Main, and Hamburg. The book helps them (and also you or other adults) to get more familiar with the country and ready for the journey.

It includes activities before leaving, even suggestions for what to pack. Children can learn a little about the country, from flags and symbols, geography, food, history, and even some useful word in Germany.

With the help of a fun, educational, and engaging tour guide, Leonardo, kids can read relevant facts about Germany. The texts are well written and simply accompanied by big drawings and pictures. This unique travel guide and activity book in one also includes puzzles, useful tips, quizzes, coloring pages, and special tasks to keep them interested during the trip. What’s more, they can document and write about their experience in the several journey pages in the book. Not only available in paperback, but it’s also available for e-book readers.

Kids and family travelers

Fodor’s Travel Essential Germany

Whether you’re planning to visit Munich, Berlin, and the Bavarian Alps for the first time or third, Fodor’s Travel Essential Germany is a great guidebook to make the best travel experience. Fodor’s travel guides are written by local writers who know the destination better than anyone else.

It’s divided into regions to help planning your trip. From the capital city Munich, the art scene of Berlin, to the more traditional region of Bavaria. Whether you’re interested in Germany’s beautiful scenery, vibrant nightlife, and hearty food and drink, the book gives recommendations, up-to-date references, and important facts.

It also includes useful details, such as where to eat and stay, climate throughout the year, and when attractions are closed. Plus, there are full-size street maps that will help you get around confidently. Spectacular color photos give you some guides and inspirations of the ultimate places and attractions throughout Germany. What’s more, there are some sample itineraries to help you plan. These include a map with travel times by train and recommended scenic bike rides and drives. Get this full-color travel guide book on paperback and digital version, where you can get it on Kindle.

Backpacker and adventure travelers, family or group travelers, business travelers, food travelers, and party-goers who are looking for insider tips from local experts

Rick Steves Germany 2020

Rick Steves Germany 2020 is one of the most useful Germany travel guide books you can have. It helps you in preparation if you plan on visiting Germany for the first time and don’t know where to start. The book is easy to navigate, full of advice, and also focuses on details like money and transportations. So, you can create unique itineraries aligned with your interests for a multi-week trip through Germany on budget. Whether you’re visiting modern cities, alpine forests, remarkable villages, or fairytale castles, it has it!

Even before you leave, the book already helps by providing a packing checklist. It also gives historical information and how to get the most out of your time visiting top sights and hidden gems. The book is divided into some cities to help you find the destination easily. Plus, there are sections with helpful tips on finding places to sleep, eat, and see. You will also find information about transportation and travel tips to connect with local culture or self-guided walking tours. On top of that, this comprehensive travel book includes a German phrasebook and a fold-out map.

Backpackers and adventurers

Lonely Planet Best of Germany

Lonely Planet is here with one of the best Germany travel guide books. It always comes with loads of information in a short amount of time. As one of the world’s best travel guidebook brands, Lonely Planet Best of Germany provides trustworthy information for every kind of traveler. You’ll find info on several top major cities, like Berlin, Cologne, Neuschwanstein, Potsdam, and Dresden, as well as Germany’s most popular attractions. So, you can get the best cultural insights about history, art, food, and more!

The book is available on both digital (Kindle) and paperback versions. The paperback version is small and sleek, making it easy to carry around during your traveling. It also includes several suggested itineraries with some information about various aspects of the trips. You’ll find recommendations about things to see and do, places to eat, places to avoid, and how to get to and from. Though it doesn’t provide lodging recommendations, the book provides some brief information on the different areas to stay in town. Besides, our website has covered that section for you!

At the end of the book, there are two short sections about German history, food, beer, and wine. Also, the arts and architecture of Germany, the German outdoors, and Germans as a people. It has full-color pictures of Germany’s interesting places. What we love the most is that the book has several detailed maps.

Backpackers, group travelers, photographers, family travelers, and tourists who prefer short stays in different places

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Germany

Filled with information, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Germany is a book that any traveler would need. Like others DK Eyewitness Travel Guide, this book is written by their expert travel writers and researchers. This guidebook is divided into states and major cities by a color-coding on the page edge. So, you will find the best attractions easily, from its Christmas markets, festivals, popular beer halls, to beautiful castles. Also, the book provides detailed itineraries and “don’t-miss” destination highlights with insights into history and culture. This makes it great for planning your visit.

There’s a breakdown of each state into smaller cities that are filled with a Visitor Checklist, several walking tours, and a map. It includes practical information about each location, like hours of operation and a phone number. Plus, the book provides about federal holidays. What’s more, there are hotel and restaurant listings for your recommendation.

The book also includes hand-drawn illustrations and hundreds of beautiful photographs. Our favorite is the 3D image of the Castle in Heidelberg with complete tags. All show what each part is and when it was completed. Sits at the top of our list of the best Germany travel guide books, it’s the next best thing to have a personal guide at your side. It’s also available in Kindle if you prefer the digital version.

Any type of traveler, from business travelers, family or group travelers, long-term travelers, backpackers, to solo travelers, and more

Author:  Adam G

As a travel enthusiast and experienced adventurer, I have spent years exploring the world and discovering hidden gems in every corner of the globe. From backpacking through Europe to trekking in the Himalayas, I have chased my passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Now, as a travel writer, I channel my love of exploration into creating informative and inspiring content for fellow travelers. Whether you're planning a solo trip to a remote destination or seeking family-friendly activities in a bustling city, I am dedicated to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to make the most of your journey. With a keen eye for detail and a love of storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, highlighting the unique experiences and attractions that make each place so special. So join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore the world together!

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Berlin City Break: Ultimate Guide Travel Guide To Berlin, Germany

A re you looking for a fun and affordable destination for your next city break? If so, you might want to consider Berlin, the capital of Germany and one of the most exciting and diverse cities in Europe. Berlin has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, nightlife, or food. Here are some reasons why you should book a Berlin city break and some tips on how to make the most of your time there.

*Disclaimer: This Post May Contain Sponsored Content And Or/ Affiliate Links. This Is A Way I Make An Income From My Blog .  I Am A Participant In The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program .  An Affiliate Advertising Program Designed To Provide A Means For Sites To Earn Advertising Fees By Advertising And Linking To  Amazon.Com .

Brief History of Berlin 

Berlin’s history is fascinating and complex, and you can see traces of it everywhere you go. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall to the former Nazi headquarters and Checkpoint Charlie, you can learn about the city’s turbulent past and how it shaped its present. You can also visit some of the world’s best museums, such as the Pergamon Museum, which houses ancient treasures from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, or the Jewish Museum, which tells the story of Jewish life and culture in Germany.

Berlin Culture- Perfect for a Berlin city break?

Berlin is also a cultural hotspot, with a vibrant art scene, a rich musical heritage, and a diverse population. You can admire street art and graffiti in areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, or visit some of the many galleries and museums that showcase contemporary art. You can also enjoy classical music at the Berlin Philharmonic, or catch a show at one of the many theatres and opera houses. And don’t forget to explore the different neighborhoods of Berlin, each with its character and charm.

Berlin City Break Nightlife 

If you are looking for a good time, Berlin has plenty to offer. The city is famous for its nightlife, with some of the best clubs, bars, and pubs in Europe. You can dance until dawn at legendary venues like Berghain, Tresor, or Watergate, or chill out at a cozy beer garden or a trendy cocktail bar. You can also sample some of the delicious food that Berlin has to offer, from traditional German dishes like currywurst and schnitzel to international cuisine from Turkish, Vietnamese, or Indian restaurants.

Berlin is a city that never sleeps, but if you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you can also find some green spaces and relaxing spots. You can take a stroll along the Spree River, or visit one of the many parks and gardens that dot the city. 

How many days is ideal in Berlin?

If it is your first time in Berlin I suggest coming for a minimum of 3 days if you want to see some of the main attractions, but 4- 5 days in Berlin if you want to get a sense of the culture, history, and get the full Berlin city break experience. 

Is Berlin a walkable city?

Berlin is extremely walkable and easy to get around. If you are not going to take public transit there are also a lot of escooters, and bikes around the city. Making it easy to get around to most of the things to do in Berlin without having to have a car or taxi.

Public transport

Berlin has an extensive and efficient public transport system that includes buses, trams, subways (U-Bahn), and trains (S-Bahn). You can buy tickets at stations, machines, or online, and use them for any mode of transport within the same zone. A single ticket costs 2.90 euros for zones AB, which covers most of the city center. You can also buy day tickets, weekly tickets, or monthly passes for more savings. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding or you might face a fine.

Berlin is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes, paths, and rental services. You can rent a bike from one of the many shops or stations around the city, or use an app like Nextbike or Donkey Republic to find and unlock a bike nearby. The average price for renting a bike is 1 euro per 30 minutes or 12 euros per day. Biking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient way to travel, you can always hail a taxi or use an app like Free Now or Uber to book one. Taxis are easy to find in most areas of the city, especially near tourist attractions, hotels, and train stations. The base fare is 3.90 euros and then 2 euros per kilometer. You can pay by cash or card, and tip around 10% if you are satisfied with the service. I preferred using Uber, especially after going out at night. 

What part of Berlin is the best to stay in?

This is the historical and cultural center of Berlin, where you can find many famous landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Museum Island, and the Alexanderplatz. Mitte is also home to many government buildings, embassies, and business offices. If you want to be close to the main sights and enjoy a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Mitte is a great choice. However, it can also be crowded, noisy, and expensive.

This is the alternative and multicultural heart of Berlin, where you can find many artists, students, immigrants, and activists. Kreuzberg is known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, ethnic cuisine, and creative scene. If you want to experience the edgy and diverse side of Berlin, Kreuzberg is a good option. However, it can also be chaotic, dirty, and unsafe.

Prenzlauer Berg

This is the trendy and hipster district of Berlin, where you can find many cafes, bars, boutiques, and galleries. Prenzlauer Berg is popular among young professionals, families, and ex-pats. My friend from high school moved here four years ago and loves it. It has a relaxed and friendly vibe, with many green spaces and parks. If you want to enjoy a cozy and stylish neighborhood with a lot of charm, this is the perfect area if you find a Vrbo in the area. 

Charlottenburg

This is the elegant and upscale area of Berlin, where you can find many luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants. Charlottenburg is also rich in history and culture, with attractions such as the Charlottenburg Palace, the Kurfürstendamm Boulevard, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. However, it can also be boring, snobby, and far from the center.

This is the emerging and dynamic part of Berlin, where you can find many young people, immigrants, and artists. Neukölln is known for its cheap rents, diverse culture, and lively nightlife. If you want to discover a new and exciting side of Berlin that is constantly changing and evolving, Neukölln is a good option. However, it can also be noisy, dirty, and dangerous.

What is the best month to visit Berlin?

I would say May through September is the perfect time to visit Berlin. Berlin comes alive in the summer, with its beer gardens, outdoor markets, and ample green spaces to enjoy. Also, there are many events and festivals during this time. The sun also sets after 10 pm in the summer which makes it great for you to have a lot of time to explore Berlin. 

Although, I also think Berlin during the holidays and Christmas markets in Germany are special and well worth a visit in December!

Can I visit Berlin without speaking German?

If a language barrier is holding you up to booking your Berlin city break, don’t let that stop you. I love Berlin and I have been more than 5 times now. Don’t worry if you don’t speak German there are many expats, as well as English speakers. So I recommend just downloading the Google Translate app just in case, but you have nothing to worry about. 

Berlin City Break – Things to do 

Fat tire tours – berlin city bike tour .

One of the first things I would do is take a tour of Berlin. If you want a great overview of Berlin, I recommend taking a Berlin City Bike Tour with Fat Tire Tours. It was an amazing experience to check out the main attractions of the city by bike, but also bike to some places that would be a little off the beaten path for me. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the city from learning about Nazi Germany, as well as the Cold War to incorporating modern cultural elements in the tour it was eye-opening 

They offer a 3-hour city tour and a 6-hour city tour, food tours, Cold War-specific tours, and more. 

Berlin TV Tower and Rotating Dining Experience

After a few visits to Berlin, I finally decided to make it my mission to head to the top of the Berlin TV tower and it was so worth it. The Berlin TV Tower stands 368 meters high above the city. It is the highest building open to the public in Europe. It was inaugurated on October 3 1969 in East Germany, built as a symbol to show the world the Communist party was superior to the rest of the West. 

After you take in the views, dine at the Sphere restaurant which rotates 207 meters above the city! They serve amazing traditional foods with a modern twist, and there is also Bar 203 if you rather just have a drink. At the end or beginning you can also enjoy a VR experience showing the evolution of Berlin since ancient history. 

Finally, enjoy Alexanderplatz located at the base of the Berlin TV Tower. There are many shops, the square also has the World Clock, and the Fountain of Friendship. 

Explore Museum Island 

One of the most famous places to visit museums is Berlin, Germany. They even have a whole island meant for museum lovers called “Museum Island”. It is also recognized by UNESCO. 

World-class museums for travelers looking to experience a range of history, culture, art, architecture, and more. I happened across this, but actually, the first Sunday of the month offers a free museum day throughout Berlin. However, if you know you will be there in advance, book the tickets online (even for free or not) because the most popular museums do sell out! 

Altes Museum

Altes Museum is the first museum on museum island. It was built in 1825 by order of King Frederick 3 of Prussia. The Altes Museum houses the Antikensammlung Collection, one of the most important collections of classical art in the world. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday- Sunday, Closed Monday 

Neues Museum

The Neues Museum is located in a historic building built in 1843 and houses art from ancient Egypt and artifacts from the Stone Age. The building is worth visiting alone, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for its outstanding architecture. It is the second oldest museum on Museum Island. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday 10 am – 6 pm. 

Pergamonmuseum

Pergamonmuseum is the most popular museum in Berlin. So definitely make sure to reserve this in advance. The museum includes artifacts from antiquity in Iran, Egypt, etc. Currently, the north wing will be closed for refurbishment until 2025. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Thursday 10 am – 6 pm. 

Bode Museum

Bode Museum houses one of the largest medieval art collections as well as Byzantine art.

Alte Nationalgalerie

Alte Nationalgalerie is the national art gallery that was originally a contemporary art gallery, and now you can see 19th-century paintings as well as sculptures. Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM CLOSED Mondays 

Berlin Cathedral 

While I did not get to go inside the Berlin Dom or Berlin Cathedral, it costs 10 euros and 6.50 euros with the Berlin Welcome Card. Berlin Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It is a magnificent example of neo-Renaissance architecture, with a dome that rises 98 meters above the ground. The cathedral was built between 1894 and 1905, and it houses a museum, a crypt, and an organ with over 7000 pipes. The cathedral is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, except on Mondays when it closes at 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year.

See Berlin By Boat

Berlin is a city with a rich history and culture, but also a modern and vibrant metropolis. One of the best ways to explore its diverse attractions is by boat. You can enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise along the Spree River, passing by landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, and the East Side Gallery. You can also admire the architecture and urban landscape of Berlin from a different perspective, and learn more about its past and present from the onboard commentary. A boat tour of Berlin is a great option for anyone who wants to see the city in a short time and in a comfortable way. Tours last about an hour, some 2 hours, and range in price from USD 25 and up. 

Charlottenburg Palace 

Charlottenburg Palace is a Baroque palace in Berlin, Germany. It was built at the end of the 17th century by Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick I, the first king of Prussia. The palace was expanded several times in the 18th century and has rich interior decoration in Baroque and Rococo styles. The palace also has a large formal garden with a belvedere, a mausoleum, a theatre, and a pavilion. Charlottenburg Palace is a major tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site.

• Opening hours: 10.00 – 17.00 (all days except Monday).
• The cost of visiting the castle: adult – 19 euros, child (under 18 years) – 15 euros. Please note that when buying tickets online (through the official website), tickets will cost 2 euros less. Entrance to the park is free.

Free things to do for a Berlin City Break

Take a free walking tour .

If you are visiting Berlin and want to explore the city without spending a lot of money, you might want to consider taking a free walking tour. A free walking tour is a guided tour that does not have a fixed price, but instead relies on tips from the participants. You can join a free walking tour by booking online or showing up at the meeting point. Many free walking tours in Berlin cover different topics and areas, such as the history of Berlin, the street art scene, the Third Reich, and more. You can find more information about free walking tours in Berlin on websites like freetour.com or freewalkersberlin.com. Taking a free walking tour is a great way to learn more about the city, meet new people, and have fun!

The Reichstag 

The Reichstag building is a historic government building in Berlin that has been the seat of the German Bundestag since 1999. It was built from 1884 to 1894 by Paul Wallot in a Neo-Renaissance style. The building has a large glass dome that offers a panoramic view of the city. If you want to visit the roof and the dome, you need to register online in advance and go through a security check. The visit is free and includes an audio guide that explains the history and functions of the Reichstag.

The Reichstag building is more than just a tourist attraction. It is also a symbol of German democracy and history. The building witnessed many important events, such as the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, the Reichstag fire in 1933, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the reunification of Germany in 1990. The building was renovated by British architect Norman Foster after reunification, who added the modern glass dome as a contrast to the old structure. The dome also symbolizes transparency and openness, as visitors can look down at the plenary hall where lawmakers debate and vote.

The Reichstag building is open every day from 8:00 am to midnight, with the last admission at 10:00 pm. You can register online up to three months in advance or on the same day at the service center near the building. It is required to bring proof of your identity for security purposes. You can also book a guided tour of the building or a visit to the roof garden restaurant. For more information, visit https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag .

Jewish Museum Berlin 

If you are interested in learning more about the history and memory of the Holocaust, you might want to visit one of the museums dedicated to this topic. One of them is the **Jewish Museum Berlin**, which has a core exhibition that explores the Jewish history and culture in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions that focus on specific aspects of the Holocaust and its aftermath.

The Jewish Museum Berlin is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, except for some Jewish holidays and Christmas Eve. Admission to the core exhibition is free for everyone, while the temporary exhibitions cost 8 € at the regular rate or 3 € at the reduced rate. Children and teenagers under 18 get in free, as do a few other visitor categories. You can find more information on their website or buy a ticket online.

The Berlin Wall Memorial 

Another museum that you can visit is the **Berlin Wall Memorial**, which commemorates the division of Berlin by the wall and its victims. The memorial consists of an outdoor exhibition on Bernauer Strasse, where you can see the remains of the wall and other historical traces, as well as a documentation center and a visitor center that provide information and education about the wall and its impact on the people of Berlin. The outdoor exhibition is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, while the documentation center and the visitor center are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Admission to the memorial is free for everyone.

Don’t miss a chance to walk along the East Side Gallery in Berlin this is the largest section of the Berlin Wall still standing and there is amazing street art here as well. 

Topography of Terror 

One day I was looking for free things to do in Berlin and this popped up. I am so glad it did. The Topography of Terror is a museum in Berlin that documents and commemorates the crimes committed by the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945. It is situated on the former site of the central institutions of Nazi persecution and terror: the headquarters of the Secret State Police (Gestapo), the SS, and the Reich Security Main Office. These buildings were the nerve center of the Nazi terror apparatus, where orders were issued, reports were received and victims were interrogated, tortured, and executed. 

The museum consists of two parts: an indoor exhibition and an outdoor exhibition. The indoor exhibition covers 800 square meters and displays more than 800 photos, documents, and media stations that illustrate the history of Nazi terror and its impact on individuals and society. The Topography of Terror is a place of remembrance and education that aims to inform visitors about the Nazi dictatorship and its crimes, as well as to raise awareness of the dangers of dictatorship and violence in general.

Checkpoint Charlie 

Checkpoint Charlie was named by the Western Allies, who also had Checkpoint Alpha and Bravo along the border. It was located on Friedrichstrasse, a historic street in the American-occupied city center. Checkpoint Charlie was the only place where East Germany allowed foreign diplomats, military personnel, and tourists to enter or leave East Berlin. The Allies stationed their guards there to ensure their access to the Soviet sector. The Allied side of Checkpoint Charlie was very simple, consisting of a small shack and some sandbags. The East German side was more elaborate, with guard towers, barriers, and a shed where vehicles were searched for fugitives.

Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. It attracted many visitors and protesters, who often expressed their solidarity with the people of East Berlin or their opposition to the Wall. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled and removed. Today, there is a replica of the original guardhouse and a museum that displays artifacts and stories related to the checkpoint and the Cold War.

Gendarmenmarkt

Is a picturesque square known for the iconic three buildings that surround it. It is surrounded by three historic buildings: the French Cathedral, the German Cathedral, and the Concert Hall. Gendarmenmarkt is a popular tourist attraction because of its beautiful architecture and cultural events. You can visit Gendarmenmarkt to admire the monuments, enjoy a concert or explore the Christmas market in winter.

Visit Berlin Markets 

Mauerpark Flea Market: This is the most popular and crowded flea market in Berlin and for good reason. You can find everything from antiques and vinyl records to art and jewelry. There’s also live music, karaoke, and street performers to keep you entertained. It’s open every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Markthalle Neun: This is a historic market hall that hosts different themed markets throughout the week. You can find organic produce, artisan cheese, fresh bread, and more. My favorite is Street Food Thursday, where you can sample cuisines from all over the world. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, with varying hours depending on the day.

Nowkoelln Flowmarkt: This is a hip and trendy flea market that attracts young and creative people. You can find clothes, books, accessories, and more. It’s also a great place to chill by the canal and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s open every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 10 am to 5 pm.

Kollwitzplatz Farmers Market is a great farmers market I went to in Prenzlauer Berg. It had over 50 vendors and a lot of great food. Come here and grab a coffee or crepe!

Berlin City Parks 

I was surprised to learn Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe! There are over 25000 parks and over 1 million trees in the city!

The Tiergarten is one of the most famous parks and comes alive in the summer. Take a bike and cycle through the park, see the victory statue, and even go to one of the best beer gardens in Berlin. 

The Tiergarten is like a green oasis in the middle of the urban jungle! The Tiergarten was once a royal hunting ground, but now it’s open to everyone who wants to relax, have fun or learn something new. There are many monuments, museums, and landmarks in and around the park, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column, and the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. You can also find a lovely beer garden by a lake, where you can taste some local specialties.

I had a wonderful time walking around the park, admiring the trees, flowers, and animals. The Tiergarten is a must-see for anyone who visits Berlin!

Treptower Park

If you love nature and history, you should visit Treptower Park in Berlin. It is a beautiful park along the river Spree, where you can enjoy the sun, the water, and the greenery. You can also see the impressive Soviet War Memorial, the Archenhold Observatory, and the former Spreepark amusement park. Treptower Park is a great place to relax and explore. Come and see for yourself!

Hot tub down River Spree for a fun adventure with friends. Berlin Bootsverleih. It looks super fun, especially from the Zenner Biergarten and Weingarten a cool beer garden located along the river Spree. 

Tempelhofer Park

If you’re looking for a unique and fun place to spend your day in Berlin, look no further than Tempelhofer Park! This former airport has been transformed into a huge urban park where you can enjoy nature, culture, and sports. Here are some reasons why you should visit Tempelhofer Park:

– Explore the history of aviation and see the old terminals, hangars, and runways.

– You can join the locals in biking, skating, jogging, or flying kites on the vast open space.

– Relax on the grass, have a picnic or barbecue, or visit the community gardens and urban farms.

– Check out the events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as concerts, markets, and exhibitions.

Tempelhofer Park is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves adventure, creativity, and diversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the most amazing parks in the world!

Eat Traditional German Food

In Berlin, there are two staples Doner Kebab and Currywurst. Of course, there is more to German cuisine, but the birthplace of the doner kebab is in Berlin. The sandwich as most of us know it today was popularized by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s. Today there are more doner kebab shops in Berlin, than there are in Istanbul.  This is a must for any Berlin city break.

Currywurst is another fast food dish in Germany.The curry wurst is a fried sausage, cut. up, and served with fries and curry sauce on the side.   

Don’t forget to spend an afternoon in a beer garden. Don’t worry they have choices too for those not looking to drink. 

Watch Sunset at Klunkerkranich 

If you are looking for an epic view of the skyline of Berlin and a place to go to watch an epic sunset with vibes, Klunkerkranich is the place. It is located in  Neukölln . There are also many vegan options for food, and there was even a DJ. The location is cool, on top of a parking lot that is attached to a mall! Very Berlin and a must on your Berlin City Break.

Day Trips From Berlin

Potsdam is about a 40-minute train ride from the center of Berlin. Here you can find a quaint Old Town, next to the stunning Sanssouci Palace and gardens. This is the Versailles of Berlin. I have been here for the Christmas Market, which was a magical experience and I can only imagine the experience would be amazing with the full bloom of the palace gardens.

The Perfect Berlin City Break Wrapped

As you can see, Berlin has something for everyone, and it’s a great destination for a city break. You can find cheap flights and hotels online, or book a package deal that includes everything you need. You can also get around easily by using public transport or renting a bike. No matter what you choose to do in Berlin, you will have an unforgettable experience that will make you want to come back again.

Cool tip: Take a selfie at the Photoautomat for a souvenir to take home.

Where to stay in Berlin as a solo traveler?

The Circus Berlin Hostel 

If you looking for a cool and cheap place to crash in Berlin? Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve got the perfect spot for you: the Circus Hostel. This hostel is not just a place to sleep, it’s a place to have a blast with other travelers and locals. Let me tell you why you should book your stay at the Circus Hostel.

The Circus Hostel is in the middle of Berlin, near the awesome Rosenthaler Platz. This place is happening, with tons of bars, cafes, and shops to check out. It’s super easy to get around the city from here, because there are many modes of public transport options nearby, like the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus. You can also walk or bike to some of the coolest sights, like Museum Island, where you can see some ancient stuff and art; the Brandenburg Gate, where you can feel the vibe of Berlin; and the Berlin Wall, where you can snap some pics of the colorful graffiti and monuments. The hostel has bikes for hire so you don’t have to worry about returning or picking them up elsewhere. 

The rooms 

The hostel has all kinds of rooms to fit your style and budget. You can pick from dorms, private rooms, or apartments. All rooms are neat and roomy, and have everything you need, like free Wi-Fi, lockers, and linens. Some rooms also have balconies or private bathrooms. I got lucky with a beautiful view, and apartment, and loved having coffee each morning from my balcony overlooking the Berlin TV Tower and Berlin Cathedral. My apartment/suite was amazing with a wrap-around balcony, full kitchen, fridge, and coffee maker. There was also a seating area with a smart TV. It was by far the best hostel suite I have ever had. 

Best Hostel For A Berlin City Break

The hostel also has a 24/7 reception, a laundry room, luggage storage, and a cafe with breakfast all you can eat til 1 pm. This is not your average hostel either. They have a microbrewery in the basement, which makes it easy to meet other travelers. 

But what makes the Circus Hostel different from other hostels is its fun and chill vibe. The hostel has tons of events and activities for guests and locals, like pub crawls, walking tours, yoga classes, karaoke nights, and live music. You can also dig into a yummy breakfast buffet at the hostel’s cafe, which has organic and fair-trade stuff; or grab a drink at the rooftop bar, which has an amazing view of the city and a microbrewery that makes its beer.

The Circus Hostel is not just a place to sleep. It’s a place to meet new people, explore new cultures, and have a blast in Berlin for a Berlin city break. If you’re looking for a hostel that has comfort, convenience, and creativity, you’ll love staying at the Circus Hostel. Also, they have a boutique hotel across the street, but I enjoyed my experience at the Circus Hostel as a solo traveler to Berlin. It was a perfect base to set off to explore on my Berlin city break. 

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The post Berlin City Break: Ultimate Guide Travel Guide To Berlin, Germany appeared first on Travels of Sarah Fay .

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

• Sam Taylor-Johnson
• Matt Greenhalgh
• Marisa Abela
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• Amy Winehouse

• Mitch Winehouse

• Blake Fielder-Civil

• Cynthia Winehouse

• Joey the dealer

• Janis Winehouse

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• Trivia Marisa Abela did all the singing in this film herself. She trained extensively to mimic Amy Winehouse 's vocals.

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• Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

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