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TRAVEL GUIDE

We love exploring Germany’s heritage, arts scene, and natural beauty—whether by the convenience of Germany’s excellent train system or the freedom of a scenic road trip through its rolling countryside. Germany shines as a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences, from Christmas markets in winter to river cruises and outdoor festivals in summer.

We hope this guide gives you a taste of the very best Germany has to offer and inspires you on your travels!

We love exploring Germany’s heritage, arts scene, and natural beauty—whether by the convenience of Germany’s excellent train system or the freedom of a scenic road trip through its rolling countryside. Germany shines as a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences, from Christmas markets in winter to river cruises and outdoor festivals in summer.

We hope this guide gives you a taste of the very best Germany has to offer and inspires you on your travels!

OVERVIEW

Capital

Language

Main Airport

Weather

Berlin

German

Currency

Travel Apps

Frankfurt am Main Airport

Airport Berlin Brandenburg

Munich Airport

Transport

Euro

City Mapper

Google Maps

DB Navigator / Trainline

Train, Tram, Bus, Taxi

Mild springs, warm summers, cool, colourful autumns and cold winters with snow,

Required for many non-EU visitors, though citizens from select countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days

Visa

Useful Phrases

Hello - Hallo

Thank you - Danke

Goodbye - Tschüss

Good Morning - Guten Morgen

CONTENTS

1. Top Destinations

2. Best Time to Visit

3. How to Get Around

4. Things to Do: Cultural Experiences

5. Costs and Saving Tips

6. General Travel Tips

7. Latest Travel Journals

TOP DESTINATIONS IN GERMANY

1. Berlin
Germany’s capital is a vibrant city with a rich history and a cutting-edge arts scene. Visit iconic sites like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also explore the hip neighbourhoods of Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, or relax at the city’s lakes. Don’t miss the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall turned outdoor art exhibit, and delve into Cold War history at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

2. Munich
Known for its Bavarian charm, Munich is a city of grand palaces, bustling beer gardens, and the world-famous Oktoberfest. Visit Marienplatz, explore Nymphenburg Palace, and enjoy the vast greenery of the English Garden. For car enthusiasts, the BMW Museum is a highlight. You can also take a trip to nearby Neuschwanstein Castle for Bavaria’s scenic countryside.

3. Hamburg
This northern port city is known for its maritime heritage and lively nightlife. The UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt warehouse district is a must-see, as are the Elbphilharmonie concert hall and St. Michael's Church. Hamburg’s harbour offers scenic boat tours, and the lively Reeperbahn is ideal for nightlife. Nearby, explore the natural beauty of the Altes Land, known for its apple orchards.

4. The Rhine Valley
A romantic stretch along the Rhine River, this region is famed for its castles, vineyards, and charming medieval towns. You can visit the Rhine Valley from Frankfurt making your way to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet or to Rüdesheim am Rhein for River cruises offer stunning views, stopping at picturesque villages like Bacharach and Boppard. Hike to the Lorelei Rock for panoramic river views, or visit one of the many family-owned wineries.

5. The Black Forest

Known for its dense forests, charming villages, and spa towns, the Black Forest is ideal for nature lovers. Freiburg, with its sunny climate and medieval charm, is a gateway to this region. Explore scenic hiking and cycling trails, visit Lake Titisee, or unwind in the spa and casino town of Baden-Baden. The area is also known for cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cake, a culinary treat!

How to Spend 4 Hours in Basel: A Stopover Itinerary

Discovering Freiburg: A Guide to the Best Attractions and Eateries

Exploring Baden-Baden: A Perfect Two-Day Itinerary in the Black Forest

BEST TIME TO VISIT GERMANY

Spring (March to May)

A delightful time for exploring Germany’s cities, with blooming parks and milder weather. Ideal for countryside excursions, spring markets, and outdoor cafes before summer crowds arrive.

Summer (June to August)

The peak season, with warm weather and lively festivals across the country. It's a great time to visit Bavaria’s lakes, enjoy beer gardens, and explore the northern coast.

Autumn (September to November)

Cooler temperatures and colourful leaves make it perfect for cultural festivals, Oktoberfest in Munich, and visiting vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

Winter (December to February)

A magical season with Germany’s famous Christmas markets, especially in Munich, Nuremberg, and Dresden. Winter sports lovers can also enjoy skiing in the Bavarian Alps and Harz Mountains. Expect snow in some areas specially the Alps.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN GERMANY

Public Transport

Germany has an efficient and well-connected transport system. In cities, a single ticket for the U-Bahn / Untergrundbahn ('underground railway'), S-Bahn / Stadtschnellbahn ('city rapid railway'), or buses costs between €2.50–€4, and you can buy tickets at stations or stops. Regional and intercity trains are also convenient, with prices depending on the distance and when you book. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers passes for unlimited travel for specific periods, which are great for regional trips. You can also use the DB Navigator app to book tickets online.

Car Rentals

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore areas like Bavaria and the Black Forest at your own pace. Some parts of Germany’s Autobahns have no speed limits, although 130 km/h is the recommended speed. Car hire costs range from €40–€100 per day, depending on the car and season, and fuel costs about €1.70 per litre.

Cycling and Walking

Germany’s cities are very bike-friendly, especially Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, which have dedicated bike lanes. You can rent a bike for around €10–€20 per day. Walking is also pleasant in most cities, with well-maintained pedestrian areas and scenic routes.

THINGS TO DO IN GERMANY

Enjoy German Food

German cuisine varies by region but is hearty and delicious.

Try traditional dishes like Bratwurst, Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), and Spätzle (egg noodles).
Bavaria is known for its Weisswurst sausages, while Berlin offers Currywurst and Döner kebabs.
Sample regional wines in the Rhine Valley and Black Forest
Savour Germany’s world-class beers, especially in Munich’s beer gardens during Oktoberfest

Attend a Festivals

Germany’s festivals celebrate everything from beer to history.

Oktoberfest in Munich is a world-renowned celebration of Bavarian culture.
For music lovers, the Wagner Festival in Bayreuth and Beethovenfest in Bonn are highlights.
In winter, Christmas markets light up cities across the country, with Nuremberg, Dresden, and Berlin among the most atmospheric.

Explore Nature & Outdoor Activities

Germany’s varied landscapes provide plenty of outdoor options.

Hike the trails of the Bavarian Alps
Kayak along the Moselle River
Explore the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea.
In the winter, skiing in the Bavarian Alps and Harz Mountains is popular
Summer brings opportunities for cycling, boating, and swimming in the country’s lakes.

Watch Football

Football is a way of life in Germany! Catch a Bundesliga match at iconic stadiums like Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park or Munich's Allianz Arena. If you can’t make it to a game? Join locals in a pub or beer garden for an unforgettable match-day atmosphere.

COSTS & SAVING TIPS

Germany offers something for every traveler, from historic cities to stunning natural landscapes, catering to all budgets. Here's what to expect and how to save

Accommodation

Accommodation in Germany varies widely by location and season:

Budget stays: €50–€80 per night in hostels or guesthouses.
Mid-range options: €100–€150 for comfortable hotels or Airbnb.
Upscale hotels: €200+ in major cities like Berlin or Munich.

Book early for popular destinations like Berlin or Munich during peak times (e.g., Oktoberfest). Consider smaller towns for more affordable options.

Food and Dining

Meals at casual spots or bakeries: €10–€15 per person
Dining at restaurants: €25–€50 per person
Street food: Try currywurst or bratwurst for €5–€12 per person

Visit local markets or grocery stores like Lidl and Aldi for fresh produce and budget-friendly snacks.

Transportation

Germany’s transportation network is renowned for its affordability, setting it apart from many other developed European nations.

City transport: U-Bahn or buses cost €2–€3 per trip.
Intercity travel: Train tickets range from €20–€100 depending on distance and speed (use regional trains for savings).

If you're planning an extended stay, consider the Deutschland-Ticket (€58/month) for unlimited local and regional travel throughout the country.

Activities

Germany has both free and ticketed attractions:

Museum tickets: €10–€15.
Castles like Neuschwanstein: €15–€20.
Outdoor activities: Many parks, forests, and lakes are free to explore.

Opt for city passes (e.g., Berlin WelcomeCard) for discounted or free access to multiple attractions and public transport.

Car Rental

Renting a car is perfect for exploring Germany’s scenic routes, like the Romantic Road or the Black Forest. Average cost: €40–€70 per day.

Compare providers and book early for the best deals. Check if insurance is included and avoid surcharges by returning the car to the same location.

More Saving Tips

Travel off-peak: Visit in spring or autumn to enjoy fewer crowds and lower rates.
Free walking tours: Many cities, like Berlin and Munich, offer free or tip-based walking tours.
Cash on hand: While cards are accepted in most places, smaller establishments may prefer cash.

MORE TRAVEL TIPS IN GERMANY

Language

German is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases like “Danke” (thank you) or “Guten Tag” (good day) is appreciated by locals.

Currency

Germany uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted widely, though cash is often preferred in smaller towns and some traditional eateries.

Tipping

Tipping is common but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is standard, and rounding up fares for taxi drivers is appreciated.

Safety

We find the countryside of Germany very safe. In crowded places, such as the main cities like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich, remain vigilant about your belongings.

Weather & Clothing

Germany’s climate varies by region. Winters are cold, especially in the north and east, while summers are warm and ideal for outdoor exploration. Pack light clothing for summer and a warm coat for winter. In autumn and spring, layering is recommended as temperatures can fluctuate.