Spring
A beautiful time when flowers bloom and festivals begin, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Travel guide
Germany
Germany, a country rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, offers a diverse range of experiences from the bustling cities to serene countryside. Explore its iconic landmarks, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in its vibrant traditions.
- Best monthsMay to September
- AirportsFrankfurt, Munich, Berlin
- TransitExtensive train and bus network
- Power230V, 50Hz
- Tipping10% customary
- LanguageGerman (English widely spoken)
01
When to go
The best time to visit Germany is during the spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and festivals abound.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Easiest monthsHot, coast booked outWinter: rain and cold nights
Summer
Warm weather attracts tourists, with numerous events and activities available across the country.
Autumn
A season of harvest and colorful foliage, perfect for wine festivals and scenic drives.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Cultural hub
Mitte
The heart of Berlin, filled with museums, galleries, and historical sites.
Can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
Historic
Altstadt
The old town of Heidelberg, known for its romantic charm and historic university.
Limited parking; consider public transport.
Trendy
Schwabing
A vibrant district in Munich known for its artsy vibe and nightlife.
Can be noisy at night.
Lively
St. Pauli
Famous for its nightlife and the Reeperbahn, a lively entertainment district in Hamburg.
Not family-friendly at night.
Diverse
Kreuzberg
A multicultural neighborhood in Berlin known for its street art and food scene.
Great for food lovers.
Scenic
Rüdesheim
A picturesque town along the Rhine River, famous for its wine and vineyards.
Best visited during wine festivals.
Vibrant
Neustadt
A lively area in Dresden known for its bars, restaurants, and cultural events.
Busy during weekends.
Charming
Nikolai Quarter
A historic district in Leipzig with charming streets and cafes.
Good for a leisurely stroll.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Sauerbraten
A pot roast, usually of beef, marinated before slow-cooking. Look for it in traditional German restaurants.
→ Try it with red cabbage.
Bratwurst
A type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. Street vendors and local markets are great places to find it.
→ Enjoy it with mustard.
Pretzel
A soft, baked bread product, often enjoyed with mustard or cheese. Available at bakeries and beer gardens.
→ Perfect with a beer.
Black Forest Cake
A rich chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream. Look for it in bakeries across the country.
→ A must-try dessert.
Currywurst
A popular fast food dish consisting of steamed, then fried pork sausage, served with curry ketchup. Found at food stalls in cities.
→ Best enjoyed with fries.
Spätzle
A type of egg noodle, often served as a side dish. Look for it in southern German cuisine.
→ Great with cheese.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Brandenburg Gate
An iconic 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, symbolizing unity.
Neuschwanstein Castle
A fairy-tale castle in Bavaria that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Cologne Cathedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage site in Cologne.
Oktoberfest
The world's largest beer festival held annually in Munich.
Berlin Wall Memorial
A preserved section of the Berlin Wall, offering insights into the city's divided past.
Miniatur Wunderland
The world's largest model railway exhibition located in Hamburg.
Heidelberg Castle
A stunning hilltop castle overlooking the city of Heidelberg.
Zugspitze
Germany's highest peak, offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
Sanssouci Palace
A beautiful rococo palace in Potsdam, known for its gardens.
The Rhine Valley
Famous for its picturesque landscapes and vineyards along the Rhine River.
Dresden Frauenkirche
A baroque church in Dresden, rebuilt after WWII and a symbol of reconciliation.
Nuremberg Castle
A medieval castle offering panoramic views of Nuremberg.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Air Travel
Germany is served by several international airports, including Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Berlin (BER).
FRAFrankfurt
MUCMunich
BERBerlin
Train Travel
The Deutsche Bahn operates an extensive and efficient train network connecting major cities and regions.
Public Transport
Cities have reliable public transport options, including trams, buses, and subways.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a great way to explore the scenic countryside and small towns.
Biking
Germany is bike-friendly, with many cities offering bike rentals and dedicated lanes.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
Germany uses type C and F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.
Cash
While credit cards are accepted, many places prefer cash, especially in smaller towns.
Tipping
It is customary to tip around 10% in restaurants and cafes.
Language
The official language is German, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Data
Free Wi-Fi is available in many public places, but consider a local SIM card for data.
Trip Duration
A week is ideal to explore major cities and attractions.