Germany offers something for every traveler: vibrant cities full of history and art, fairytale castles, beer gardens and wine villages, forests and Alpine peaks, and some of Europe's most magical Christmas markets. This Germany travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top cities, the best things to do, practical essentials, and what a trip costs.
Best Time to Visit Germany
- Spring (March to May): Blossoms, mild weather, and fewer crowds. Great for cities and countryside.
- Summer (June to August): Warm weather for beer gardens, lakes, hiking, and festivals. The busiest season.
- Autumn (September to November): Golden forests, wine festivals in the Moselle and Rhine valleys, and Oktoberfest in Munich, which starts in mid to late September and ends on the first Sunday of October or shortly after.
- Winter (December to February): Christmas markets from late November, winter sports in the Bavarian Alps, and cozy cafés.
Top 10 Cities to Visit in Germany
- Berlin: The capital is full of history and creativity. See the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag dome, the East Side Gallery, and Museum Island, then explore neighborhoods such as Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg.
- Munich: Bavaria's capital has Marienplatz, the Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, the English Garden, and the famous Hofbräuhaus.
- Hamburg: A port city with the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt warehouse district, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and canals.
- Frankfurt: Skyscrapers and the reconstructed old town around Römerberg, plus museums along the Main River.
- Cologne: Home to the soaring Gothic cathedral, Kölsch beer, and one of Germany's biggest carnivals.
- Dresden: The "Florence on the Elbe," with baroque palaces, art collections, and the rebuilt Frauenkirche.
- Stuttgart: The home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, with excellent car museums and vineyards around the city.
- Heidelberg: A romantic university town with a hilltop castle ruin and an old town on the Neckar River.
- Nuremberg: A medieval old town, the Imperial Castle, and the Documentation Center on the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
- Leipzig: A lively cultural city with strong ties to Bach and a creative, alternative scene.
Top 10 Things to Do in Germany
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle: King Ludwig II's fairytale castle in Bavaria is said to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Book timed tickets in advance.
- Cruise the Rhine: Sail through the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, past castles, vineyards, and the Lorelei rock.
- Go to Oktoberfest: Munich's huge folk festival offers beer tents, Bavarian music, and fairground rides.
- Explore Berlin's history: See the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
- Hike in the Black Forest: Trails, waterfalls, cuckoo clocks, and Black Forest cake in its home region.
- Visit Sanssouci Palace: Frederick the Great's summer palace and gardens in Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Berlin.
- Discover Hamburg's harbor: Walk the Speicherstadt and take in the views from the Elbphilharmonie's public plaza.
- Shop at the Christmas markets: Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne are among the most famous. See our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe.
- Explore the Bavarian Alps: Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden, and the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak.
- Taste German food: Try bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, Sauerbraten, spätzle, and regional beers and wines.
Essentials Before You Go
- Entry requirements: Germany is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others need a Schengen visa. Check the EU's latest entry rules before you travel, including the Entry/Exit System for non-EU visitors.
- Currency: The euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but some small shops, bakeries, and restaurants still prefer cash.
- Language: German. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas.
- Getting around: Deutsche Bahn's trains connect the whole country, with fast ICE trains between major cities. Book long-distance tickets early for saver fares. The Deutschlandticket monthly pass covers regional trains and local transportation nationwide.
- Plugs: Type C and F plugs, 230 V.
- Sundays: Most shops close on Sundays, so plan your shopping ahead.
How Much Does a Trip to Germany Cost?
Prices vary by city, with Munich and Hamburg among the most expensive. As a rough guide:
- Accommodation: Hostels and simple guesthouses from about €30 to €70 per night, mid-range hotels from about €90 to €160, and luxury hotels from €200.
- Food: Bakery snacks and street food from about €5 to €12, casual restaurant meals from €15 to €30, and more for fine dining.
- Transportation: City tickets cost a few euros per ride, day passes are good value, and long-distance trains are much cheaper when booked in advance.
- Attractions: Many museums cost €10 to €20, while walking tours, parks, and Christmas markets are free to enjoy.
Daily budget: Around €70 to €100 for budget travelers, €150 to €250 for mid-range travel, and €300 or more for luxury trips.
Fun Facts About Germany
- Germany has more than 20,000 castles, palaces, and castle ruins.
- It has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of the highest totals in the world.
- The printing press, the automobile, and aspirin were all invented in Germany.
- Oktoberfest mostly takes place in September.
Discover more in our fun facts about Germany.
Stay Connected in Germany
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FAQs: Germany Travel Guide
Is Germany safe for tourists?
Yes. Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Do I need to speak German?
No. English is widely spoken, especially in cities, though learning a few words such as "danke" (thank you) is appreciated.
What is the best way to travel around Germany?
Trains are the easiest way to travel between cities, and public transportation is excellent in urban areas.
How many days do you need in Germany?
Ten days to two weeks lets you combine Berlin, Munich, and the Bavarian Alps or the Rhine Valley.