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The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

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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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We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

travel inspiration!

Travel Germany: Ultimate guide on traveling to Germany for the first time (2023)

Wonderful Amazing Deutschland! Germany happens to be my #1 favorite place on planet earth! and so my favorite thing to do is to travel Germany!

What’s so great about Germany? and why should you travel to Germany?

• German Food : German food is the very best food!
• German’s: While very different from Americans, once you get used to the nuances of the German people you’ll grow to love them.
• Castles: Germany is home to endless castles and if you love them, you’ll never run short on castles to visit in Germany! There are over 20,000 of them! Get ready to visit Germany’s opulent palaces, atmospheric ruins, and fantastically restored fortresses!
• Natural Beauty: Germany has some to some of the world’s most striking natural beauty. From the towering peaks of the Bavarian Alps, to the dense forests of Germany’s Black Forest , to stunning Alpine lakes, caves, interesting rock formations, and everything in between!

If you have never been to Germany you are in for a treat. On this page is a whole lot of travel Germany inspiration! Plus maps and travel tips to help you plan Epic trips to Germany.

How do I prepare for a trip to Germany? Read this comprehensive guide and you’ll be ready to explore wonderful Deutschland!

about Germany

official name: Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Deutschland!)

time zone: Germany is usually anywhere from 6-9 hours ahead of the US, depending on where you are located. They have one time zone and participate in Daylight Savings Time. They move the clock forward 1 hour on the last Sunday of March, and back on the last Sunday in October. Save yourself a lot of trouble with calculations and just ask Google “what time is it in Germany.”

established: 1871 (After the fall of Rome, the country today known as Germany, was split into 300 different countries. Hence, all of the many castles!) Today the country is comprised of 16 states. After World War II Germany was split into two countries, East and West Germany, from 1945 to 1990.

population: 83.2 million (2021) It’s the European Unions most populous country!

size: 138,000 square miles (1/2 the size of Texas)

3 biggest cities: Berlin (3.65 million) Hamburg (1.8 million) Munich (1.5 million)

Official language : German (Deutsch) of which there are many different dialects. (want to learn a little German before you head over? How to learn a language for travel the easy way )

in case of Emergency: dial 112 for police and medical assistance

German Flag:

Travel Germany Attractions Map

Follow this link to be redirected to an interactive Google Map of Germany’s best attractions .

Germany points of interest by state

Find the best Germany attractions by state to add to your travel itinerary.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, for more information see my terms and conditions page.

These are some of the most popular attraction in each state:

• Konigssee/Obersee
• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber , Germany’s best Medieval town (especially nice at Christmas time !)
• Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain)
• Triberg Germany in the Black Forest (waterfalls, cuckoo clocks, and Black Forest Cake!)
• Lake Constance
• Hohenzollern Castle
• Ulm Cathedral (the worlds tallest)
• Trier (Roman City)
• Medieval Burg Eltz Castle
• The best of the Rhine River
• the Moselle River Valley
• The Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Dresden with it’s Baroque architecture
• Bremen (UNESCO World Heritage)
• Bamberg (UNESCO World Heritage and smoked beer!)
• the famous Cologne Cathedral (UNESCO)
• Aachen Cathedral (UNESCO)
• Berlin, Germany’s largest city
• Dachau Concentration Camp

Must see additions for your Germany Travel Itinerary

• Authentic Medieval Castles in Europe (Germany has some of the best!)
• Must-see Rhine River Castles
• Germany Bucket list worthy attractions and activities!
• The most beautiful Medieval Towns in Germany
• Famous Landmarks in Germany

Hiking and Biking: Check out the Komoot website to plan out your trail activities. (Germany’s answer to All Trails!)

Booking tours and experiences

My favorite place to book is through Get Your Guide .

Free Germany Itineraries

• 2 Week Germany Itinerary including: France, Austria, Switzerland
• 2 Week Austria trip including: Southern Germany and Slovenia
• 10 Day Germany road trip including: Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Roman Trier, Black Forest, Neuschwanstein , Rothenburg
• 3 day Rothenburg ob der Tauber Itinerary
• 10 Day Medieval Christmas Markets in Germany

(struggling to plan your own Germany itinerary? 6 Simple steps for planning your dream trip )

Travel Germany Basics

Getting into germany (legalities).

Do I need I need a Visa to travel to Germany from the US?

US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Germany from the United States. You are permitted to stay in Germany up to 90 days without a visa. For more information check the US Department of State . Non US citizens can check with Germany Visa.org .

ETIAS 

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authorization for visitors to the European Union or Schengen area who are visa-exempt. (non-Schengen countries requiring ETIAS: Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania with the exception of Ireland , which is part of the Common Travel Area.) This is NOT a visa, rather an authorization to enter. They expect the ETIAS system to be in effect in 2024. For more details check the Travel Europe website or their FAQ page .

Passport validity

In order to enter Germany, you must have two valid pages on your passport and the passport must be valid for “three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area including transit (strictly enforced).” – US Department of State.

Germany travel restrictions and safety concerns

Is traveling in Germany safe?

Germany is one of the safest countries in the world. No matter the the country or the situation, COVID or other pandemic, social or political instability, crime against tourists, the US Department of State is your best resource for keeping yourself safe and informed.

enroll in Smart Step Services

Consider enroll in the   Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  travel advisory program to receive security updates on the country you will be traveling to and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

top 10 major German airports (listed in order by size):

• Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
• Airport Berlin Brandenburg Berlin (BER)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Berlin-Tegel Airport Berlin (TXL)
• Hamburg Airport (HAM)
• Stuttgart Airport (STR)
• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
• Hannover Airport (HAJ)
• Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

(source: World Data Info )

surrounding countries

There are 9 countries that border Germany, making it easy to add them into your Germany travel itinerary. All 9 are Schengen countries, meaning you are free to move between them without showing a passport or stopping at border control.

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Czech Republic

staying connected

You’ll want to stay connected while in Germany. Be sure to read my Germany travel tips article for information on the best ways to use your phone to stay connected.

what to buy in Germany

Popular options include cuckoo clocks, beer steins, nutcrackers…get a complete list in my Ultimate Guide to German Souvenirs !

what to eat in Germany

German is know for it’s beer, pretzels, wurst , and schnitzel but that’s just the beginning! Find out all about the best German foods that you simply must try !

One of my favorite German “snacks.”

where to stay in Germany

Accommodations in Germany run the gamut from luxury accommodations to hostels. You can find them all on Booking.com ! For vacation rentals my favorite place to book is VRBO . My favorite option? a castle hotel on the Rhine River !

(if you use these links to book your stay it helps me fund this website. Danke!)

Getting around Germany

I like to drive when traveling in Germany. It’s a joy to drive in Germany except for the infamous autobahn! There are SOME parts of the autobahn without a speed limit but good luck trying to get up speed with all of the construction and traffic! To avoid frustration, I try to avoid the autobahn!

Can I drive in Germany with a US Driver’s License?

You can drive in Germany for up to six months on a US Driver’s License, per the US Embassy in Germany . (see the website on possible extensions)

Rules of the Road:

I was raised as a military dependent and so prefer to use this Germany drivers test manual from the US Military.

International Driving Permit

You MAY need an International Driving Permit. These “permits” have no legal value. An IDP is simply a translation of your license onto a form so that your information can be quickly and easy located by authorities who may not speak English.

If you have a US driver’s license you do not need a IDP. However, if you happen to have contact with a German policeman whose English is not the best it may come in handy. Also, most rental car companies say they require one but I have yet to be asked for one. I travel with one anyway, just to be safe. You can get one at your local AAA office for around $25.

Train travel is easy and efficient in Germany. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the National Railway of Germany. Check their website for transit schedules (including bus schedules) maps, info on rail passes, and to check schedules. And don’t forget to download their VERY helpful app! I also like Rome2Rio for planning public transit routes.

ICE trains are the fastest and most expensive. IC and EC trails are slower but less expensive.

Buses are slower but cheaper! Check the DB or Rome2Rio websites.

The official currency of Germany is the Euro. The Euro is divided into Cents. You can check current exchange rates at Google Finance .

How much money do I need to travel to Germany?

You can get by on as little as $40 per day for meals and accommodations (Hostels and cheap eats.) I expect to spend around $75 per day for accommodations, and around $25 for food for a total of about $100 per day for meals and accommodations. (more for big cities)

tips on affording a trip to Germany

Be sure to check out my ultimate guide on how to travel to Germany on a Budget . It has great tips on how to save on everything from transportation, accommodations, flights, food and drink, discount cards, inexpensive ways to stay connected while your there, free things to do in Germany, the least expensive time to travel there, and more.

MORE Germany travel basics

I have an article that goes into traveling to Germany in even greater depth: Germany travel tips: Ultimate Guide for traveling in Germany for the first time . Things included in the article you wont find here:

• details on getting cash
• wattage and how to use your electronics in Germany
• when is the best time to visit Germany?
• festivals and events
• a few of the most common German travel phrases
• safety tips
• and a whole lot more!

Lonely Planet Germany Video

(Germany blog feed)

The Latest Germany Blog articles:

Germany blog articles to inspire your next adventure:

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

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.8 out of 5 stars

More travel inspiration

Germany Travel Blogs

These are all of my travel blogs about germany. .

From exploring the Black Forest, to buzzy cities including Berlin and Stuttgart, and the natural beauty of Saxon Switzerland, find out the best places to travel to in my Germany travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

19 Best Hidden Gems In Europe

The best hidden gems in Europe include stunning mountain towns in Italy, overlooked islands in Croatia, the ultimate detox spot in Sweden and some surprising places to hit the slopes.

Romantic things to do in nuremberg, germany.

Find out the most romantic things to do in Nuremberg – from delicious dinners and cute date ideas, to cooking classes and horse and carriage rides.

Fun things to do in stuttgart, germany.

From hiking one of Germany’s wine routes and checking out the city’s spectacular library, to enjoying its food and festivals, find out all the fun things to do in Stuttgart – perfect for a city break. 

Top things to do in düsseldorf – a first-timer’s guide.

From catching the best views from the TV Tower and exploring the pretty old town, to day trips to Cologne and beyond, here are the best things to do in Düsseldorf.

We’ve just returned from a busy few weeks working with Visit Germany shooting several videos for their #GermanSummerStories campaign. It’s one of the biggest and busiest campaigns we’ve been part of, visiting 7 destinations in 10 days. We were based in the cities of Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Berlin – two of which were brand new for me. 

I was really happy to pad out my German geography, take in some new sights and get stuck into such an exciting project!

Things To Do In Dresden: 24 Hours In The City

From unique local delicacies, to hipster bars, quirky art and historic architecture, these are the top things to do in Dresden in Germany.

Dresden was our starting point for four days in Saxony, Germany. So far on my travels through Germany I’ve visited Berlin , the Black Forest , Nuremberg, Munich and Hannover. This was a whole new area for me, and I was excited to explore two very different places in the region – the historic city of Dresden and the stunning Saxon Switzerland National Park .

For a flavour of Saxony, check out the video of our time in Dresden and Saxon Switzerland…

It’s impossible to speak about Dresden without mentioning the atrocities that occurred in the 2 nd World War. Much of the city was demolished in one day of air raids. Sadly one of Germany’s most cultural, fairy-tale cities was reduced to rubble.

Complete Germany Travel Guide, What You Need to Know

Germany is well known for the Berlin Wall, Oktoberfest, and Neuschwanstein Castle. The country is full of history and has many fairytale-like villages and castles to explore. Germany is a popular tourist destination and receives over 179 million visitors each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Germany travel guide and the following Germany travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Germany are Berlin , Munich , Dresden , and Hamberg.

Berlin Germany Travel Guide

Berlin Germany is well known for its Wall. Today you will find Art Nouveau mixed with Communist blocks, palaces, outdoor art, museums, currywurst, beach bars, huge parks, memorials, and history EVERYWHERE.

READ 72 hours in Berlin Germany

READ 100 Things to Do in Berlin Germany, a Bucket List City

Munich Germany Travel Guide

Munich is famous for its Oktoberfest celebration and the Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall. The city is full of beer halls, Baroque churches, medieval gates, palaces, old town, subway art, city surfing, Maypoles, an Olympic Park, a BMW factory, and a schnitzel.

READ 72 Hours in Munich Germany

Dresden Germany Travel Guide

Dresden is full of WWII history. The city also has gorgeous Baroque architecture, Gothic churches, Bruhl’s Terrace, the most beautiful dairy store in the world, the largest porcelain mural in the world, and the largest treasure collection in Europe.

READ Day Trip to Dresden Germany

Germany’s Romantic Road

Southern Germany’s Romantic Road is a 220-mile scenic byway between Wurzburg and Fussen. The route travels through Bavaria’s rolling hills of vineyards, past medieval towns, and castles. Top day trips to take on the Romantic Road are Nuremberg , Bamberg , R othenburg , Harburg Castle , Neuschwanstein Castle , and Heidelberg Castle .

What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Germany

Where is germany.

Germany is in West-Central Europe. It is the 7th largest European country. The country is bordered by the Baltic and the North Sea, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Berlin is the capital. It is also the largest city and most populous city with 3.3 million people.

What is the language in Germany?

The national language of Germany is German Deutsch. Over 95% of the population speak it. German is also an official language of Austria and Switzerland and is the language with the most native speakers in Europe. It is the most widely taught third language across the world. Schools begin teaching English to students at age 5. Around 56% of the population speaks English. You will have no problem speaking English at restaurants, and tourist attractions. Most train stations also make announcements in English. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.

Do I need a visa to visit Germany?

According to Project Visa , US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.

What is the currency in Germany?

The currency in Germany is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Germany?

ATMs are widely available in Germany. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Germany and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, American Express and Diners Club may be accepted. You will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euro. Cash is king in Germany. Most grocery stores do not accept credit cards and some businesses may require a minimum purchase.

How much should I budget per day in Germany?

According to Budget Your Trip , the average daily cost of traveling in Germany is $128. Expect to pay $1,781 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.

When is the best time to visit Germany?

The high tourist season is from May through September. Oktoberfest celebrations actually occur in September. April and October are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and some rain. April is the best time to visit wine country. The end of November through December is the Christmas Market season, expect higher prices and crowds. Winter is cold with gray skies and snow.

What transportation does Germany use?

Germany’s public transportation system utilizes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (express trains to outside the city center), tram & bus. Download the DB Navigator app before you go. Unlimited transportation tickets can be purchased for 1-Day, 3-Day, or 1-Month. Be sure to validate tickets and pay attention to transportation zones. The country is well connected by local trains making travel within the country simple. Train doors do not open automatically, you must push the button. Do not put your suitcase in the chair next to you. Uber or Lyft are not available, taxis are expensive. Driving in Germany is easy and the roads are well maintained. 65% of the highways in Germany (Autobahn) have no speed limit and it’s illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn. Be aware that the country uses photo radar.

What kind of adaptor do I need in Germany?

The plugs in Germany are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection . You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.

What should I pack for Germany?

Locals tend to dress conservatively in dark colors. Dark blue or black denim jeans are common. An umbrella is essential in case of rain during the shoulder season. Bring a sweater or light jacket for boat rides and relaxing in street cafes.  A comfortable pair of walking shoes with a good soles for cobbled streets is important.

Is Germany a safe country for solo travelers?

According to Travel Safe Abroad , the risk of traveling in Germany is low. Be aware of pickpockets on public transportation and in tourist areas. Avoid areas where street demonstrations are occurring, they often result in clashes with police. Germany has had several terrorist attacks, but the attacks did not target tourists. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.

What German food do I need to try?

Bratwurst, currywurst, schnitzel (fried breaded cutlet), rouladen (bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles wrapped beef or veal), sauerbraten (pot roast with dark gravy), reibekuchen (fried potato pancakes), kartoffelsalat (potato salad with bacon, chives and vinegar), kartoffelkloesse (potato dumplings), maultaschen (dumplings stuffed with meat, bacon, ham, spinach), sauerkraut, rotkohl (pickled pink cabbage), speckpfannkuchen (crepes with bacon), spätzle (egg noodles), käsespätzle (mac and cheese), brezel (pretzel), spaghetti eis (spagehtti shaped ice cream), apfelkuchen (apple pie with raisins), schwarzwälderkirschtorte (black forest cake), and Ritter Sport (chocolate bars).

Tips for Traveling in Germany

• Tipping is generally 10%.
• The internet is slow.
• Wifi is available in many restaurants, cafes, and train stations.
• Water isn’t free and usually is carbonated, tap water is looked upon as disgusting.
• Drinks do not come with refills.
• Expect to pay .50 to use a restroom.
• Smoking is banned in public places, but drinking in public is legal.
• To get 1 beer in Germany, show your thumb. Show your thumb and first finger for 2 beers.
• Greet Friends by knocking on the table.
• Cheers with water are wishing death on the person.
• Germans like personal space and dislike small talk.
• Germans follow the rules and are direct, they will call you out.
• Do not jaywalk or walk in the bike lane.
• Stoplights flash yellow before the green, never walk against the light.
• Nudity isn’t weird in Germany, expect it at swimming pools.
• Sunday is a day of rest by law, stores are closed.
• Expect to take the stairs, elevators are very small when they are available.
• Pillows are square and blankets do not cover the whole bed in hotels.
• Take your own bag with you to the store and you will have to bag your own things, quickly.
• Recycle, recycle, recycle!

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Germany

• See the Berlin Wall.
• Enjoy a boat ride through the Hamberg Canal.
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
• Attend Oktoberfest in Munich.
• Take a boat ride down the Rhine River and visit as many castles as possible.
• See the white cliffs of Rügen and relax on the white-sand beaches.
• Explore the fairy tale towns on the Romantic Road (Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Regensburg).
• Visit the Aachen Cathedral and the Cologne Cathedral.
• Drive through the Black Forest on the Brothers Grimm Fairytale Route.
• Relax in a thermal bath in Baden-Baden.

Be sure to check the Germany  Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Interesting Facts About Germany

• One-third of Germany is still covered in forests and woodlands.
• College education in Germany is free, including international students.
• There are over 2,100 castles in Germany.
• There are over 1,500 different beers in Germany.
• Berlin has the largest train station in Europe.
• The largest department store in Europe is in Berlin, the KaDeWe.
• There are 2.5 million half-timbered houses in Germany.
• Berlin is 9 times bigger than Paris and has more bridges than Venice.
• There are over 300 bunkers and hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels in Berlin.
• The first printed book was in German.
• The first magazine was launched in 1663 in Germany.
• Germans invented the light bulb, calculator, automobile, insulin, accordion, clarinet, pocket watch, gummy bears, paraffin, the motorcycle, the jet engine, the LCD screen, and the Walkman.
• Germany was the first country in the world to adopt Daylight saving time.
• Germany has the largest population in the EU, 81 million people.
• Germany has a legal say on what babies can be named.
• Germans believe it’s bad luck to celebrate birthdays early (don’t count your chickens before they hatch).
• Germans also believe if you bury your deceased dog under your doorstep, its ghost will guard the house.
• There are over 1,000 kinds of sausages in Germany.
• Germans are the world’s second-biggest beer drinkers.
• Beer is considered a food in Bavaria.
• The Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) tradition came from Germany.
• Most taxis in Germany are Mercedes, and garbage trucks are too.
• Prison escape is not punishable by law in Germany.
• It is illegal to declaw cats in Germany.

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Germany’s Best Attractions and Day Tours

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Germany Travel Blogs

Best of Central Europe Travel Itinerary for First Timers, Day by Day Guide

One Day on Germany’s Romantic Road, the Best Stops

A Beautiful Day Trip to Bamberg Germany, One Day Itinerary

30 Things to Do in Bamberg Germany, Bucket List Experiences

A Perfect Day Trip to Nuremberg Germany, One Day Itinerary

30 Things to Do in Nuremberg Germany, Bucket List Experiences

40 Things To Do in Dresden Germany, Bucket List Experiences

Day Trip to Dresden Germany, 24 Hour Itinerary

40 Things to Do in Munich Germany, Bucket List Experiences

72 Hours in Munich Germany, Three Day Itinerary

100 Things to Do in Berlin, a Bucket List City

72 Hours in Berlin Germany, Three Day Itinerary

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s Fairytale Castle

Visit Heidelberg Castle Germany, a Poet’s Inspiration

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• Moselle Valley
• Rhine Valley
• 48 Hour Trips
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• Christmas Markets
• Coffee Guides
• Restaurant Guides
• Shopping Guides

Welcome to Ausländer, a Germany Travel Blog

When I first moved to Germany, it was difficult to find travel resources in the English language. Germans tend not to boast much about themselves or their nation, so finding blogs or itineraries featuring Germany can be a little difficult. I didn’t know much about traveling within Germany prior to moving here, so I spent a lot of time researching domestic travel destinations. I really wanted to discover this country and get to know it through travel.

There are so many great places and hidden gems in Germany. The travel opportunities here are awesome, but they remain largely unknown to foreigners.

I have discovered so many things while traveling here, which is why I decided to start a Germany travel blog with all my suggestions. There is wealth of discovery awaiting any foreigner who wants to explore Germany, and I am here to share all my tips with you! This blog is meant to be a foreigner’s guide to the best of Germany.

Nice to Meet You!

I’m Megan, the author behind this travel blog about Germany. I moved to Germany in August 2019 to pursue a masters degree in sustainable tourism management. I didn’t know the language, I didn’t know any people here, and I was (naively) ready for the adventure ahead. This blog is a journey through my time and travels in Germany.

Where to Begin with Ausländer

Best cities, restaurants, a foreigner’s guide to the best of germany.

Ausländer means foreigner in German. This word can be used in a negative way, a derogatory way, an othering way. I choose to use it differently — a badge of honor, a word reclaimed by those who live with it. It isn’t always easy to reside in Germany as a foreigner (most of the time it is pretty difficult actually); but I have found so much to love about this country.

I am proud to be foreigner in Germany, trying my best to fit in here and build a life I love in a country I have come to love.

My decision to move to Germany was about pursuing the lifelong dream of living abroad. Traveling is one type of experience, full of excitement, adventure and discovery. Living abroad is a totally different experience. It was something that I knew I wanted to try for myself. Being challenged every day, growing from simple interactions, and learning a new language were all parts of the expat experience I wanted to have.

Discover Some of My Favorite Places in Germany

Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary in the Moselle Wine Valley

How to spend a perfect long weekend in Germany’s Moselle Valley wine region. Visit…

12 Surprisingly Beautiful Small Towns in Germany

There is something a little magical about German small towns. I can never quite…

The Most Beautiful Castles and Palaces in Germany

Germany has the largest network of castles in the world, making seeing a castle…

Get to Know My Home City of Cologne

Ultimate Guide to Germany’s Best Festival: Carnival in Cologne 

Carnival in Cologne is the most under-rated German festival that you’re missing. Written by…

Where to Find the Best Brauhaus Beer Halls in Cologne 

11 Best Kölsch Beer Halls, Breweries and Brauhaus in Cologne | There are so…

All the Best Asian Restaurants in Cologne

From Korean and Thai to sushi and ramen, discover Cologne’s best Asian restaurants. Curated…

How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Cologne, Germany

Written by a local, this is your perfect 48 hour Cologne itinerary. Featuring hidden…

Read My Latests Posts

Where to Find the Best Asian Food in Düsseldorf

From Korean and Japanese to Vietnamese and Chinese, amazing Asian cuisine lies around every…

Ultimate 1 Week Road Trip Through the Best of Bavaria

With 1 week in Bavaria, you can explore a few gorgeous cities, including Munich,…

A Foodie’s Guide To Berlin’s Best Bakeries And Brunch Spots

Discover the best places for brunch and baked goods in this curated breakfast guide…

meganarz.travels

Germany is a destination that should be on everyone’s European bucket list (Find all our favorite countries on our Europe Travel Blog here).  Germany is great for either couples, friends or for families.  You can read all our best posts in this Germany travel blog section.

Planning on traveling long-term to different countries in Europe? Check out this post on the  10 best countries in Europe for long-term travel !

Germany Travel Guides

You can read our guides to help you plan your trip to Germany:

• Munich Travel Blog Post

Find all of our Germany Travel Blog Posts Below

Best Places to Visit in Germany in Winter – Family-Friendly Activities

Germany is the greatest Christmas trip because of the markets, the handcrafted ornaments, and the overall mood, which are all amazing. And there is a significant probability that it will … CONTINUE READING

Berlin Hidden Gems: Off The Beaten Path Tourist Attractions

Looking for a unique weekend getaway? Have you considered the city of Berlin? Exploring a city like Berlin often involves delving into its rich history, admiring iconic landmarks, and indulging … CONTINUE READING

Top 3 Cities To Visit In Germany For First-Timers

Germany is an amazing destination for a vacation. From the charming towns of Bavaria to the majestic castles in the Rhineland, the country offers something for everyone. With so many … CONTINUE READING

Top Tips to Enjoy Eating Out in Germany When You Don’t Speak the Language

Dining in any foreign country can be tricky, even if the locals are English-friendly. Germany is one of those places that has many English-speaking residents, but you can’t always rely … CONTINUE READING

7 Fun And Quirky Things To Do In Berlin With Kids

With a penchant for the quirky and difficult and fascinating history, believe it or not, Berlin really is the place to be and arguably the most fascinating and diverse capital … CONTINUE READING

A Day Trip to Germany’s Most Beautiful Lake: Königssee Lake

Nestled in the Alps, Königssee is a prime example of Germany’s natural beauty. Located near the town of Berchtesgaden, it is Germany’s deepest and cleanest lake. If you happen to … CONTINUE READING

Rent a Bike and Enjoy This Self-Guided Munich Bike Tour

If you are wondering what to do in Munich, Germany? We highly recommend you explore this city by bike. Munich is the home of centuries-old buildings, various landmarks, polished European … CONTINUE READING

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Germany Travel Blog

History, culture, and natural beauty, best describe Germany.

With its half-timbered medieval towns and small towns to Cosmopolitan cities, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a unique place to visit.

The country is the founder member of the European Community and lies in northern Central Europe .

Due to its central location within Europe , it has more common frontiers with other countries than any other European state.

On the north, it is bound by Denmark, on the west by Luxembourg and Belgium , on the north-west by the Netherlands , on the south by Austria and Switzerland, on the south-west by France, on the east by Poland , and on the south-east by Czechoslovakia.

Germany is blessed with Europe’s most high-powered sights, spectacular sceneries, the jagged Alps, flower-filled meadows, rolling hills of forests and farms, mighty rivers, and dotted with castles and churches of every variety.

Useful Travel Information to Germany

✈ Book cheap  flights to Germany with Skyscanner ✔ Book  tours  in Germany with  Viator ➳ Find the best  hotel  deals   in Germany with Trivago ❖ Rent a  car  with the best discounts at  DiscoverCars ☘ Get the best discounted  outdoor clothes  (outlet) at  REI.com ✎ Never leave without  travel insurance . I got mine at  HeyMondo . It is cheap and easy to set up. $   Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with  Wise (you’ll get a free card on top!)

Important Facts When Traveling To Germany

Capital : Berlin

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English:  German. English is widely spoken

Official religion:  Christianity

Currency:  Euro (EUR)

Climate:  Temperate and Marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers.

Power voltage and socket type(s):  230V, plug type F

Safety rating: As with most of Europe, Germany is a safe country and UL Safety Index has given it a score of 86 on a scale of 0-100.

Female solo traveler: Germany is a great destination for female solo travelers. It is safe and easy to travel around.

Do I need a Visa to Travel to Germany?

Fast-Track:  Get your Germany Visa in advance

Germany is a member of the European Union and a signatory of the Schengen convention. All EU nationals are entitled to unlimited, visa-free travel within Germany.

Nationals of most American countries, Australia, and New Zealand do need a visa to travel to Germany for up to 90 days within the Schengen zone.

However, if you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen visa. If EU nationals wishing to stay longer than 90 days, they do not need a visa but must register with the local Burgeramt within 2 weeks of arrival.

Currently, 62 countries are exempt from German Tourist Visa requirements. If you are a national of any of these countries, you do not need a visa to travel to Germany.

Visa Types and Cost – Short-stay visa or Schengen visa costs around €80 and Long-stay visa or National visa costs €75.

Accommodation in Germany

German lodging standards are very high and you can expect clean and comfortable rooms with breakfast included.

Budget – Germany offers a wide choice of accommodation ranging from half-timbered economical hostels ( Herbergen ) or Zimmer (private rooms for rent, B&Bs) to high-rise designer hotels. This means there would be no problem in finding good accommodation suiting all budgets and tastes. – Check rates here

Lodging rates in Germany are generally lower than in many other European countries, and the cost of accommodation in Berlin is lower than in most other European capitals. – Check hotel rates in Germany

You can book modern doubles at a hostel for around €20, in a mid-range hotel for two expect to pay €80-120.

Many city hotels, especially the ones that target the executive market offer cheaper rates on the weekends. Hostel charges are cheaper than the hotels and you can book a dormitory for under €30.

You can also book private houses or farms in remote regions such as the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps for a much lower price than the city hostels.

Even the most basic campsite has a dedicated reception, mini shop, and full washing facilities. The prices vary according to the facility, however, you can buy an annual camping card for €10 that offers a 25% discount.

Best Time to Visit Germany

Germany is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is in summer from April to November.

During this time the weather is pleasantly warm with temperatures typically in the low to mid-20s. However, several factors could influence when you visit Germany.

The weather and activity in Germany are broken down into three tourist seasons.

Low-Season (Nov-Mar) – Cold and wet weather with snow in most of the areas. This season is great for skiing in the Alps and is best for theater, concerts, and opera.

Mid-Season (April-June, Sep-Oct) – The weather is pleasant and sunny that means it is a perfect season for travel. You can witness one of the biggest festivals known as Oktoberfest in September.

High-Season (July-Aug) – This is the time when most people travel to Germany as the nation offers great weather. This season is full of festivals from music, food, and wine to samba.

Transportation in Germany

Getting There

Flight – The easiest and quickest way to reach Germany from outside continental Europe is by air.

The main international airports within Germany are Frankfurt (FRA) in the heart of the country, Hamburg (HAM), the humid neighbor to the North Sea, Munich (MUC), down south secured amidst the Alps, Berlin-Tegel (TXL) in the east, and Dusseldorf (DUS) in the far west. – Check flights to Germany

Train – Germany is accessible by train from its neighboring countries. Train travel within the EU, to and from Germany is a popular option. The rail routes that link Germany to its neighboring countries include Deutsche Bahn, EuroCity Trains, The Thalys, and the TGV. – Check trains to Germany here

If you have flown into another European country, you can reach Germany by road. Several bus companies like FlixBUS, Eurolines, MeinFernbus , and ADAC Postbus provide viable commutes.

You can also reach Germany by sea. There are various International Ferry services from Scandinavian countries.

Getting Around

Commuting in Germany is easy and inexpensive. Germany boasts of an impeccable public transportation system. In major cities, single tickets offer access to the subway, buses, the S-Bahn, and the U-Bahn.

One can travel by train as well. The main rail line is the Deutsche Bahn comprising of high-speed and regular trains.

Food in Germany

Germany is a land full of culinary delights offering rich, hearty, and diverse food. Gathering with food and drink from the essence of German Gemütlichkeit, comfort and coziness.

The typical meal includes hearty meat portions drenched in rich, creamy sauces along with buttery rolls, baked squash, and a full glass of beer. Some German dishes have ample amounts of garlic and onions baked or fried into them.

Pork is the main ingredient found in German recipes with various variants of sausages . Some common meat recipes are Goulasch, Eisbein Mit Sauerkraut , and Leipziger Allerlei . The side dishes include starchy foods such as thick noodles, dumplings, and rolls.

The menu includes a wide range of fatty food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with classic desserts such as sugar-laden cookies, Stollen, and Krapfen . Dominosteine and Elisen Lebkuchen are chocolate treats.

Germany has more than 1200 breweries, making beer and wine a common beverage to go along with meals. Tea and coffee are also consumed.

Best Things to Do in Germany

Hike the Black Forest – Located near the French border, the Black Forest has hundreds of miles of hiking trails worth exploring.

The Black Forest is named so due to the dark green pine trees in the area. You can also spend some time exploring the towns that are famous for cuckoo clocks and typical German food. This place is best to visit in autumn.

Visit Berlin – This is Germany’s hip capital and has world-class museums, funky neighborhoods, history, and one of the best nightlife in the whole of Europe. From the museums to the art and music scene to the great bars and cheap food, Berlin is not to be missed.

Hang out at Oktoberfest – This is the world’s largest beer festival and is filled with huge steins and giant pretzels. The festival takes place over two weeks from late September to early October and attracts over 6 million visitors each year.

Wander the Romantic Road – The Romantic  Rhine Valley whisks you on a journey of approximately 400 km from Wurzburg to Fussen. You will be greatly rewarded with treasures such as magnificent stately homes, palaces of courtly splendor and romantic medieval timber-framed houses. One of the best ways to explore Rhine Valley Villages is by a Rhine cruise.

See the Neuschwanstein Castle – Neuschwanstein is a world-famous castle nestled in the Alps in Bavaria. It seems to come straight out of a fairytale and is the most photographed building in all of Germany. Latest Blog Posts about Germany

Latest Posts about Germany:

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15 Cool Things To Do in Koblenz, Germany in 1 Day

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33 Best Day Trips from Luxembourg – Ultimate Guide

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Munich Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Munich, the largest city in southern Germany and the capital of Bavaria, is famous for its annual beer festival, Oktoberfest. But there’s a lot more to visiting Munich than drinking steins of beer.

The city is host to a beautiful historic city center, an old castle, large parks and gardens, hearty German food, and beer halls galore. There is also Munich’s famous clock, a detailed history museum, and the famous English Garden. In short, the city has something for everyone.

While settlements in the area date back to the Bronze Age, Munich as we know it today traces its roots back to 1158. Over the centuries, the city grew into an important cultural and economic hub. After World War I, it was here where the Nazi party took root (their first concentration camp was nearby in Dachau). The city was heavily bombed during the war, though it was completely rebuilt in the post-war era following the same grid pattern.

Today, Munich is a place of beauty, art, and history. I love traveling there. The city has a lot to offer travelers and is also an incredible base for visiting other places in Bavaria. It may lack the youthful edge of Berlin but, to me, that’s a benefit!

This travel guide to Munich can help you plan your trip, get off the beaten path, and help you 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 Munich

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Munich

1. See Alte Pinakothek

This important art museum is home to over 800 works from 14th-18th century German masters. It features one of the world’s largest exhibits of Rubens’ paintings as well as works by Titian, Frans Hals, Altdorfer, Albrecht Dürer, and others. Admission is 7 EUR (1 EUR on Sundays).

2. Stroll the English Garden

With nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) of trails, the English Garden is a massive park that offers numerous places to picnic, hike, and relax. Near the entrance is a river where people can “surf” as the water flows out under the bridge. There’s also a great beer garden in the center too with a Chinese tower (a wooden building resembling a pagoda).

3. Experience Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a two-week-long drinking festival that occurs at the end of September. Every year, an estimated 6 million people descend on the city to spend the time dressed in Bavarian clothes, drink huge liter-sized beers called Maß, and eat roasted chicken and massive pretzels. It’s a huge, huge party. Here’s an example .

4. Tour the Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau was the site of Germany’s first Nazi concentration camp, opening in 1933. You can come and bear witness to this tragic episode in human history. There are over 30,000 documented deaths in the camp, though the number is likely much, much higher. It is a very sad place to visit but one that everyone should see. It’s located 16 kilometers (10 miles) outside the city and takes a full day to see. Entry is free.

5. Visit the Nymphenburg Palace

This Baroque palace was the summer residence of Bavaria’s royalty. It features a lavishly decorated interior, a breathtaking banquet hall, and is surrounded by extensive gardens. Two of its most famous features include the “Gallery of Beauties” and the former bedroom of King Ludwig II (1845-1886). It’s a nice place to wander around enormous gardens and the locals often picnic here.

Other Things to See and Do in Munich

1. visit the church of st peter.

Munich’s oldest parish church features art dating back six centuries, including ceiling frescoes and a giant gilded altar. You can also climb the 299 steps for lovely views of the city from the tower. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps. Admission is 5 EUR.

2. Tour the BMW Museum & BMW Welt Munich

The BMW Museum is housed next to BMW’s head office in northern Munich. The company was founded in 1916 and the museum features exhibits about the history of BMW cars and motorcycles, with historic vehicles and prototypes, plus displays on alternative fuel and traffic management. It’s a bit out of the city but if you’re a car lover, I highly recommend a visit. Admission is 10 EUR.

3. Hang out at the Hofbräuhaus

The world’s most famous beer hall is one of Munich’s top attractions and a visit here is a must if you love beer. The Hofbräuhaus was built in 1607 and was originally used as a brewery, with the restaurant portion opening in 1828. Beer was produced here until 1896, at which point, the brewery outgrew its original home and beer production moved to a new, bigger site in the suburbs. While much of the beer hall was damaged or destroyed during World War II, reconstruction in 1958 restored the building in its original style. More than 100 active groups of regulars visit Hofbräuhaus, and the oldest regulars have held their table for 70 years. It’s the most popular beer hall during Octoberfest too and regularly hosts year-round events and live music.

4. Shop at the Viktualienmarkt

This food market in the middle of the city has been operating for over 200 years. With over 100 vendors, this popular local shopping spot is a great choice of fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, and antipasti. It’s not very expensive either so stock up here if you are cooking for yourself. The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8am-8pm, though some stalls close earlier than the official closing time. Some stands are also closed on Mondays.

5. Visit the Deutsches Museum

One of the largest technical museums in the world, this museum is host to a huge array of exhibits focused on science and technology. For anyone interested in construction, engineering, aerospace, and the natural sciences, this is a great attraction. There are sailing ships, windmills, space probes, robots, lifeboats, submarines, interactive exhibits, and more! It’s a great place to visit if you’re traveling with kids. Admission is 15 EUR.

6. Partake in Maibaumaufstellung

The first of May is a public holiday in Germany, and every year, maypoles are erected all over the country amidst many festivities. May Day is especially important in Bavaria, with many traditions particular to the region. Small villages go head-to-head, attempting to steal the maypole of rival villages. If one is stolen, it must be “purchased” back with beer and food. Another Bavarian tradition involves a competition in which climbers try to scramble up a Maypole that’s been slicked down with soap. Whoever reaches the top gets the prize of pretzels and sausages hanging there. As the capital of Bavaria, Munich always has an interesting array of activities on this day, including plenty of music and dancing. A giant maypole depicting Munich’s traditions and culture is erected in Viktualienmarkt each year as well.

7. Shop at Kaufingerstrasse

This pedestrian-exclusive shopping area stretches for several blocks between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz. There is a mix of independent boutiques and large-scale department stores to peruse, as well as a slew of restaurants, bars, cafes, and beer gardens to enjoy. Wander down the side alleys for some interesting specialty shops and great people-watching.

8. Bayerische Staatsoper

This is one of the best opera companies in the world and as such, is considered one of the top attractions not just in Munich but all of Bavaria. The company was formed in the 1650s and performs today in the Neoclassical Munich National Theatre. The pieces put on here are primarily composed by Mozart, Wagner, and Strauss. Prices vary depending on the show, dates, and seats, with tickets ranging from 10-200 EUR.

If you want to save money and you don’t mind being less comfortable, you can purchase standing tickets in the upper levels for a hugely discounted price. There are often breaks so if you’d like to get the opera experience without blowing your budget try this option. Be sure to dress up as you’ll see everyone in Munich has put on their best clothes for the opera house.

9. Attend a “Blade Night”

Since 1999, every Monday from May to September is “Blade Night Munich,” which is basically code for a giant street party on rollerblades/roller skates. While these nights started informally, now they’re highly organized events with thousands of participants at each one. Over the course of 1.5-2 hours, the massive group skates together along various pre-determined routes ranging from 12-24 kilometers (7.5-14 miles). There are even “bladeguards” who help any skaters that need assistance. The routes vary each time to keep things interesting too. You can usually rent skate and protective gear for a few euros.

10. Visit Munich Residenz

From 1508 to 1918, the Munich Residenz was the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings. What started out as a 14th-century castle for the Wittelsbach monarchs has since been converted into a museum. The complex, like much of Munich, was significantly damaged in World War II but was restored in the 1980s. It is the largest city palace in Germany, with ten courtyards and 130 rooms, all offering something different to see. You can visit the opulent royal apartments, serene court chapel and gardens, grand halls, and gilded staterooms, as well as see the art collections from the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassic periods. Make sure you see the Italian Renaissance Grotto Courtyard and the Baroque Ancestral Gallery. Tickets for the Residence Museum and Treasury are 9 EUR each.

11. See the Glockenspiel

Munich’s town hall (the Neues Rathaus) in Marienplatz was completed in 1874 and is now the focal point of the city. Its main attraction is the Glockenspiel (a clock), which chimes each day at 11am, 12pm, and 5pm. 32 life-sized figurines tell 16th-century stories about Munich’s history, twirling around in a fun show each time the clock chimes (like a giant cuckoo clock). Shows last around 12-15 minutes depending on the story. The clock contains 43 bells and is solar-powered.

12. See the Asam Church

The Asam Church, built between 1733-1746, is named for its 18th-century designers, the Asam brothers (one was a sculptor and the other a painter). Its Late Baroque interior is extravagant and considered to be one of the best examples of this period. The stuccowork along the church’s naive as well as the colorful frescoes make for some fantastic photography. The church is quite small but the brothers made use of every inch of the interior, covering the confined space in allegorical statues and paintings. The exterior is magnificent as well, with a huge wooden door, multi-story windows, intricately carved reliefs, and golden, star-shaped ornaments. The brothers originally intended to keep the church for their own personal use, but heavy pushback forced them to open it to the public and it was inaugurated in 1746. Admission is free.

13. Bavarian National Museum

The Bavarian National Museum is one of the largest art museums in Germany and one of the most important decorative arts museums in all of Europe. Inaugurated by King Maximilian II in 1855, much of the collection comes from the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria for centuries. The 40+ rooms showcase items dating from Late Antiquity through the Art Nouveau period, including weapons, armor, porcelain, oil paintings, musical instruments, and more. Their Bollert Collection has an impressive collection of Late Gothic and Renaissance sculpture and the folklore department on the lowest floor hosts a collection of Alpine nativity scenes from the 18th-20th centuries. Admission is 7 EUR and 10 EUR for special exhibitions.

14. Take a Bavarian food tour

Munich Walk Tours offers several specialized tours of the city, with their Bavarian Food and Market Tour being the most delicious. Over the course of 2.5 hours, guides lead you through the historic district, making seven stops to sample and share the history behind Bavarian delicacies. The food you’ll get depends on the season but might include homemade sausages, cheese, pastries, fresh bread with spreads, and pretzels. Tickets are 35 EUR and include the food.

15. Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

This 19th-century Neo-Romantic palace is a must on any Germany travel itinerary. It was the model for the Disney castle and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in 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 “crazy” Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and 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. Interestingly, the majestic rooms were fitted with very modern technology for the time, including central heating, hot and cold running water, automatic flush toilets, and telephones. Admission is 17.50 EUR.

16. Day trip to Zugspitze

Many people don’t realize that just outside of Munich, Bavaria offers stunning mountains and glacial lakes, including Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze. You can reach this incredible 2,962-meter-tall plateau by taking public transport to Garmisch-Parkinkirchen and getting the Zugspitzbahn train. This incredible scenic journey takes you via Grainau to reach Eibsee, a stunning turquoise Alpine lake. From here the cable car takes you up to the summit for a breathtaking 360° panoramic view at the Panorama 2962 restaurant. Tickets are 63 EUR return and are only available in summer.

17. Day trip to Tegernsee

An hour’s train ride outside of Munich lies the beautiful postcard-worthy Bavarian lakeside village of Tegernsee. The traditional Bavarian homes have colorful flowers cascading from the balconies and the lake itself is surrounded by lush mountains. Anywhere you sit you will have beautiful views of the water. If you’re a beer lover, try one of the local Tegernsee beers at the Herzogliches Schloss Tegernsee brewhouse.

18. Experience the Winter or Summer Tollwood Festival

The Tollwood Festival takes place twice a year during the December Christmas market season at Theresienwiese (where Oktoberfest is held) and in the summer at Munich’s Olympiapark. Unlike Oktoberfest and other local festivals that honor Bavarian tradition, this modern festival is a unique artistic mix of food from all over the world, live music, handmade eclectic crafts, and activities. The Christmas Tollwood is a giant Christmas market with both outdoor places to grab a glühwein (mulled wine) and tasty snacks as well as huge tents inside where you can warm yourself and admire the changing art themes and decorations every year. The summer Tollwood (held in June/July) has live bands and activities where you can enjoy the summer sun sitting outside enjoying Bavaria’s best beer.

19. Hang out like a local by the river Isar

Munich is not known for its cheap bars, so if you want to do what the locals do, pick up some food and beers at the Reichenbachbrücke Kiosk and enjoy the view down by the Isar river. There aren’t any tables or chairs, so bring something to sit on and people-watch at one of Munich’s most popular hangouts.

20. Day trip to Regensburg

Located about 1.5 hours away from Munich, Regensburg is a UNESCO-listed medieval town that’s recently become increasingly popular as a tourist destination. Major sites include St. Peter’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral with a treasury featuring relics and reliquaries; the 13th-century stone bridge which was once the only way to cross the Danube in this area; and Porta Praetoria, a Roman gate dating from 179 CE. Train tickets from Munich are 19-26 EUR one way.

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

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

Munich Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 35-43 EUR per night, while a bed in an 8-12-bed dorm costs 18-22 EUR per night. You can usually find cheaper prices during the winter. Private double rooms cost 70-100 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard, and a few hostels also include free breakfast. Self-catering facilities are not too common in the city’s hostels, so if you need a kitchen for your stay be sure to double-check before you book.

Be aware that prices double or triple during Oktoberfest, so book several months ahead if you’re planning on visiting during this time.

The cheapest option during Oktoberfest is The Tent, which is basically one huge communal accommodation with cots but during Oktoberfest cheapest is usually around 50 EUR a person. If you can’t find anything cheap in Munich during that time, consider staying in one of the neighboring cities that are around one hour away, such as Nuremberg, Regensburg, Garmisch, Mittenwald, or Tegernsee. The last trains back to these towns are around 11pm-12am depending on location.

(Be sure to check this before heading into town for Oktoberfest so you don’t end up hanging out at the station until the first trains start around 5am.)

For those traveling with a tent, there are a handful of campgrounds outside the city. They offer basic facilities and prices range from 5-10 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost around 50-75 EUR per night for a double or twin room. Wi-Fi is generally included, and in many cases, free breakfast as well. If you plan on booking a hotel for Oktoberfest, book well in advance (as in several months ahead) as hotels sell out fast.

There are a lot of Airbnb listings in Munich (though they are more expensive than in other parts of Germany), with private rooms starting at 40 EUR per night. Entire homes/apartments begin at around 85 EUR per night. Prices double when not booked in advance, however, so book early no matter when you visit.

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 or Bavaria’s favorite weisswurst and soft pretzels.

Munich is not the cheapest city when it comes to food, but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you’re smart about it. There’s a good variety of street food, from snack bars to food trucks, offering hot dogs, sausages, falafel, and kebab for around 3-6 EUR. A pastry is around 1-2 EUR, which can make a good cheap grab-and-go breakfast.

McDonald’s and other fast-food places cost around 8-10 EUR for a combo meal. Local fast-casual spots offer burgers for around 6-10 EUR and sandwiches for 4-7 EUR.

International eateries, like the many Turkish, Thai, or Vietnamese restaurants, offer affordable fare, with main dishes costing 6-9 EUR.

For German sit-down restaurants, you can generally eat for under 16-18 EUR (the beer halls provide the best value). A homemade sausage dish is around 10-12 while a larger dish such as wiener schnitzel or spätzle (German noodles) is 15-17 EUR. Traditional soups are 5-7 EUR while a huge Bavarian pretzel is 3-5 EUR. I really enjoy eating at the beer hall Augustiner Bräustuben.

For drinks, a pint of beer starts at 4 EUR, a glass of wine is around 4.50 EUR, and a soft drink is 3 EUR. A cappuccino is generally around 3.40 EUR.

Many restaurants also have a “Mittagsmenü” (special prices for lunch on a working day), where you usually pay about 7-12 EUR, choosing from select dishes. This is a great deal and usually quite hearty.

For higher-end dining, a three-course menu starts at 65 EUR per person and goes up from there.

If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries including basic items like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat costs between 50-55 EUR. To save money, go to grocery store chains like Aldi, Lidl, Netto, and Penny.

Munich Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to pay around 65 EUR per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, using public transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to free activities like free walking tours and enjoying the parks.

For a mid-range budget of 130 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most meals at cheap restaurants and food stalls, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities such as museum visits or a day trip.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, drink as much as you want, rent a car for day trips, eat out for all your meals, 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.

Munich Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

There are plenty of ways to save money in Munich, especially if you skip some of the fancier hotels and more luxurious meals the city has to offer. Here are my tips on saving money in Munich:

• Visit museums on cheap and free days – On Sundays, many museums in Munich offer 1 EUR admission, including the Bavarian Museum, Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Museum Brandhorst, and Sammlung Schack, among others. The Haus der Kunst offers free admissions on the first Thursday of the month and the Villa Stuck offers free admission on the first Friday evening of the month. Visit Munich’s tourism website for a full list of museum offers.
• Get a Munich City Card or Pass If you don’t want to worry about visiting museums on specific days, get a Munich City Card or Pass. Both offer free unlimited rides on all forms of public transport, while the Card offers discounts on museums and the Pass offers free admission to all the main attractions. The Card starts at 13.90 for a 1-day pass, while the Pass is 47.90 for a 1-day pass.
• Eat cheap – The quick sausage stands and shawarma places offer a chance to eat for only 3-5 EUR. Food near the central train station is also inexpensive and quick.
• See a cheap movie – On Tuesday, it’s “Cinema-Day” and movie tickets are cheaper (the big cinema at Stachus only is only 7-10 EUR). Munich Opera and ballet tickets for people under 30 years old are only 10 EUR with proof of ID and go on sale at the end of each month for the next month if you can plan ahead.
• Cook your own meals – Eating at restaurants for every meal can really destroy your budget very quickly in Munich. Try and cook some of your meals to save yourself some cash. It’s not fancy, but it’s affordable!
• Avoid bars and beer gardens Beer gardens are fun but expensive. To save money, buy your drinks at the supermarkets and kiosks in Munich and sit outside if the weather is nice. Sit outside like the locals do and have a picnic. Head to English Garden, Isar River by Isartor, Frauenhoferstrasse, and Thalkirchen (by the Zoo).
• Embrace free walking tours – Free walking tours are a great way to explore the city on a budget while learning about its history and culture. Sandeman’s New Europe Munich tour is a good one to start with. Best of all, they are free! Just be sure to tip your guide at the end.
• Stay with a local – The best way to save money on accommodation is to stay with a local via Couchsurfing. Not only will you save a few bucks but you’ll get insider access to the city itself. This is the best way to discover all the hidden gems Munich has to offer!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink as it comes from the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, 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.

Where to Stay in Munich

Munich has plenty of fun and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Euro Youth Hostel
• Jaeger’s Munich
• The 4You Hostel Munich

How to Get Around Munich

Public transportation – Public transportation in Munich is fast, reliable, and safe. One ticket can be used on all the public transportation options: the U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (above ground, also goes outside of the city), tram, and buses.

A one-way fare is 3.70 EUR, while a short-trip ticket (valid for 1 hour) is 1.90 EUR. A one-day unlimited pass is 8.80 EUR, which is by far the best deal. You can also get a week-long pass for 18.60 EUR. If you’re in town for 3-4 days, this deal is cheaper than buying day passes.

If you have to switch from the tram to the subway in one journey, you can do so with a single ticket. Just keep in mind that the fare increases the more zones you travel through.

Bicycle – Munich is incredibly bike-friendly. In fact, it’s considered the cycling capital of Germany. You can rent bicycles starting around 16 EUR per day.

If you want more than just a rental, check out Fat Tire Tours . They offer insightful and fun bike tours all around the city. They’re perfect if you want to see a lot of sights and chat with an expert local guide.

Taxi – Taxis aren’t cheap in Munich, with some of the highest tariffs in Germany. The base rate is 5.50 EUR plus an additional 2.30 EUR per kilometer. I’d skip them if you can!

Ridesharing – Uber is available here, but it’s not any cheaper than taxis. In short, stick to public transportation if you’re on a budget.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 40 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. You won’t need one to get around the city, though it would be helpful to have one if you plan on exploring Bavaria and doing some day trips. Renters need to be at least 21 years of age.

When to Go to Munich

Munich has so much happening year-round that it’s always a good time to visit. Spring is nice because flea markets are opening and there are several festivals that take place during this time (such as Wannda, an arts festival). However, the weather can sometimes be cold and rainy. Pack some layers and rain gear.

Summer tends to be the most popular time to visit. Temperatures are hot and everyone’s outdoors enjoying the sunshine. People flock to beer gardens or to the nearby lakes for some swimming. This is also the peak season when accommodation prices are much higher. During this time, temperatures are usually around 24°C (75°F) or higher.

Thanks to the famous Oktoberfest, autumn is also a very popular time to visit. 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. The weather during this time is usually just as pleasant as in summer. If you’re planning on attending Oktoberfest, book your accommodations in advance. Way, way in advance. If you want to avoid the chaos, come in early September or late October.

Winter in Munich can be cold, with temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F), but Germany is known for its Christmas spirit and the markets in Munich are no exception. The weather is more unpredictable, and you should prepare for snowfall, but there are plenty of places around the city for sledding and skiing. Accommodation prices are a lot cheaper during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Munich

Munich is a safe city and violent attacks against travelers here are incredibly rare. As in any major city, theft and pickpocketing can still occur so always keep your valuables secure and out of sight (especially in busy tourist areas, at markets, and on crowded public transportation).

Solo female travelers here should generally feel safe, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

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.

Munich 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!
• Fat Tire Tours – For bike tours, use this company! They have fun, interactive tours led by expert local guides. You’ll get to see all the main sights without breaking the bank!
• 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!

Munich Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written about travel in Europe to continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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100 German-language travel blogs: My travel blogger list 2024 (updated)

Do you like reading travel blogs as much I do? But you never really find new blogs? I have compiled a list of my favorite German (and a few Austrian) travel blogs in German language! And I have another pro tip for you on how to stay on top of the big world of blogs!

By the way, if you landed here by accident…. The Happy Jetlagger is also a German-language travel blog :)

Find all articles here!

This list was updated in 2024. I have added a few new blogs and removed some because they no longer exist or are no longer really run. I haven’t counted again, maybe there are more or less than exactly 100 now :) If you still miss your favorite blog, please let me know!

Welcome to my travel blog!

Hey, I’m Tatiana, a German-Brazilian living in Berlin & the author behind The Happy Jetlagger. I’ve been writing about my travels since 2014. In addition to my job as a flight attendant, this blog is my passion project!

My top 100 of the best German-language travel blogs in 2024

Here are my 100 favorite travel blogs of 2024! I’ve made a special section for blogs with a special focus. Have fun browsing my blogroll!

By the way: In contrast to a classic travel blogger ranking I didn’t stick to any selection criteria, these are just the blogs I love and read myself – and maybe you will find an inspiring travel blog here too :)

All travel blogs from A-Z

Food travel blogs.

Advertising / *affiliate links

Outdoor travel blogs

Travel blogs about specific destinations, lifestyle blogs that also write about travel, family travel blogs, how to follow travel blogs: what’s the best way.

How do I read so many blogs? With so many blogs, it’s hard to keep track, you think? Wouldn’t be possible without this great app: feedly .

Feedly is an RSS reader. For the older among you, this will sound familiar; a few years the blogosphere wouldn’t exist without the Google Reader, for example. In the age of algorithm-based feeds like on Instagram and TikTok, you’re probably not even used of new articles being presented chronologically – but I love it!

Feedly also gives you the option to sort your favorite blogs by topic. Also, you can use Feedly on desktop, but also mobile as an app. Give it a try!

➜ This is how you follow my blog with feedly : Open Feedly and under “Follow New Sources” simply enter the address of my blog https://thehappyjetlagger.com and click on “Follow”. Done!

Did you like this article? Did you discover many new German blogs? Then I’d love it if you forwarded this article or shared it on social media!

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Top 16 Travel Blogs for Germany

Germany is wunderbar, traveling german, my life in germany, the backpacker, travels of adam, destination germany, oh god, my wife is german, leipzig travel, germany travel, germany travel guide, keith & amanda, berlin on a budget, wanderlust chloe, drifter planet, adventure in you.

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Frankfurt travel blog — the fullest frankfurt travel guide for first-timers.

Romantic, beautiful and tinged with antiquity are what people usually think of Germany, including its quaint but equally modern cities. However, in the current travel world, in addition to familiar names on the German tourist map such as Berlin, Bavaria, Potsdam, Munich, Hamburg… trippers are more choosing to travel to Frankfurt. So, is Frankfurt worth visiting, what to do in Frankfurt and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Frankfurt for the first-time? Let’s check out our Frankfurt travel blog (Frankfurt blog) with the fullest Frankfurt travel guide (Frankfurt city guide, Frankfurt guide, Frankfurt tourist guide, Frankfurt visitor guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Frankfurt to find out the answer!

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When traveling in Germany, you cannot forget to visit Frankfurt – The 5th Germany’s largest city and the economic center of Europe. Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the bustling scene on streets, the vibrant rhythm of daily life and modern architecture with skyscrapers. You will have an opportunity to admire countless massive constructions, luxury headquarters of the world’s leading banks, insurance companies and high-rise buildings that can’t help but make people overwhelmed and captivated.

It can be said that Frankfurt is a combination of the vibrant characteristics of cities in North America, both with deep and slow beauty coming from dozens of museums and splendid classical architectures. In addition, the scenery of the skyline is also an important highlight of Frankfurt. If you are a lover of art, nature or simply want to explore a wonderful German city, never miss Frankfurt! With the places to visit as well as the useful travel tips we suggest below, you will surely have a great trip.

Frankfurt travel blog: Overview of Frankfurt

Frankfurt (full name Frankfurt am Main) is a city in the state of Hessen, western Germany. Frankfurt stretches 30km along the romantic Main River. With this location, the city has transformed itself into one of Germany’s busiest trading hubs.

This city is considered not only the financial capital of Germany but also of Europe with modern skyscrapers located close to the river Main. The headquarters of the European Central Bank and other major banks such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank are all concentrated in Frankfurt. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is also one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. Frankfurt is also an important fairground city around the world. In addition, Frankfurt is also an important intersection of Germany and Europe.

As the 5th largest city in Germany after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt is known as the leading financial center in Europe and recently this city also entered the top 15 most ideal cities in the world. Frankfurt is located on two banks of the romantic Main River, to the southeast of the hilly region of Taunus and in the southwestern region of Germany. Moreover, this is also the venue for many important trade fairs, such as the Frankfurt Auto Show (International Motor Show Germany) or the Frankfurt Book Fair. It is also the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Specifically, Frankfurt has long been an important interchange in all three forms: River, rail, road and air. Accordingly, Frankfurt connects the route from Switzerland and southern Germany to the center. The city’s status became increasingly important when the Main Canal was built in 1880. Currently, Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany and one of the busiest in Europe.

International trade fairs have been held in Frankfurt since 1240 and the city is now Germany’s leading commercial, financial and high-tech center. Every year, there are many book, automobile and computer fairs held, bringing together the top names in the manufacturing industry (including automobiles, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, printing materials and foodstuffs…). This city also has very famous traditional sausages.

Frankfurt travel blog: When to come?

Frankfurt is a city with temperate oceanic climate with four seasons of the year. The summers are extremely hot, but the winters are extremely cold. In particular, the rainfall in Frankfurt is always evenly distributed among the months of the year, but in winter, it usually rains more.

Summer is usually sunny with an average temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. However, in midsummer the temperature can peak up to 35 degrees Celsius, with scorching heat. However, in the summer, there are also sudden rains that make the temperature drop a lot. And winter is extremely cold, often the temperature will fall in the range of -10 degrees Celsius, but rarely snow, but rain often occurs.

The best time to explore Frankfurt is in late spring and early autumn because at this time the weather is very pleasant, cool, fresh air, not too hot nor too cold.

And if you are a lover of fairs, you can choose to visit Frankfurt from August to October. At this time, Frankfurt will be the venue for 2 huge fairs which are:

• August: The time of the fair Frankfurt Motor Show (Automobil-Ausstellung)
• October: The time for the Frankfurt Book Fair Buchmesse (Frankfurter Buchmesse)

Note: If you choose to come Frankfurt from August to October, this is the peak season that most tourists choose to go. Therefore, the number of visitors is very crowded. Therefore, to avoid the situation of running out of tickets, or running out of rooms, you should book flight tickets and hotels early.

Frankfurt travel guide: How to get to Frankfurt?

Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany and one of the largest airports across Europe, the distance from the airport to city center is 13 kilometers and serves as the main hub for Lufthansa which is the flag carrier of Germany. There are many international airlines operating flight routes here such as Vietnam Airlines, Aeroflot Russian, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, China Southern Airlines… To find the best routes as well as good airfares based on your departure point, you can go to Google Flights , Skyscanner , Kayak to hunt.

There are three options for getting from Frankfurt Airport to the city center: Train, bus or taxi. If you choose the train, it will take you about 40 minutes to travel and the cost is around 4.65 EUR. Travel by airport bus is faster 30 minutes with a ticket of about 4.35 EUR.

However, to avoid wasting time looking for a car, getting lost or being “challenging price”, try Klook Airport Transfer service !

Frankfurt guide: Getting around Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of the most modern and principled cities in Germany as well as in the world, when using any public transport in this city you will be amazed by the accuracy and civility as well as the smart and convenient transportation system here. This is also one of the tourist attractions of Frankfurt.

The public transport system in Frankfurt all use a common ticket, to use these vehicles, you can buy a ticket at ticket vending machines at any stop or station. In addition to the one-time-use tickets (single tickets), you can also choose to buy a day ticket, a journey ticket, etc. to save more if you travel a lot.

To getting around Frankfurt, you can choose to visit the city by metro, train, tram and bus.

Metro (U-Bahn): Trains run every 2 to 5 minutes in the city center. Frequency will slow down from 10 to 20 minutes/trip after 8pm.

Train (S-Bahn): Runs every 3 minutes during rush hour and slows down, every 15 to 30 minutes at night or in the suburbs. Trains start at 4am or 6am for some special routes and end at 8pm.

Bus: Bus stops are marked with a circular sign with the letter “H.”, tickets are available at U-Bahn, S-Bahn or purchased directly from the driver. Night buses run from 1am to 4 am.

Bike: And a very relaxing experience that most visitors find interesting is to go by bicycle to explore the city. You can rent a bicycle in Frankfurt for about 12 Euros. There are also many bicycle or e-bike rental shops in the city such as Electric Bike Frankfurt, Frankfurtbiketour.com, Fahrradverleih Bellorange, ListNRide, Nextbike… from 10am to 6.30pm, rental price stating at €12. Frankfurt has a dedicated bicycle lanes, so you can ride your bike here without any worries.

Taxi: Taxis are quite expensive and are plentiful in the city center. Start at €2 and add at least €1.53 per kilometer.

Frankfurt travel blog: Where to go and what to do in Frankfurt?

Romerberg and old town.

The place is considered the heart of the city that you should visit is the Romerberg square. This square is located right in the city center. And if visitors come here, they will be captivated by its quaint and bustling beauty. This is also a regular place for trade fairs and many major city events. It has medieval architecture with the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen fountain (Fountain of Justice), which once sprayed free wine for visitors to enjoy when Holy Roman Emperor Matthias ascended the throne.

The Römerberg is a picturesque public square in the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town (Altstadt). Not only tourists, many people of the city also like to come here to take a walk, enjoy the bustling atmosphere or participate in interesting activities such as the Christmas market…

The square is famous for the cluster of 11 buildings that make up the medieval Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), which has been immaculately preserved since 1954. Coming to Römerberg, we should also visit the elegant Royal Great Hall (Kaisersaal), the venue for splendid banquets. Other notable structures in Römerberg include the 14th-century Gothic church of Saint Leonhard, Church of St. Nicholas, the History museum (Historisches Museum Frankfurt) was founded in 1878 and the six buildings in the traditional Ostzeile style…

Senckenberg Museum (Frankfurt travel blog)

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 9AM–5PM

One of the famous tourist attractions in Frankfurt that you should visit is the Senckenberg museum. This is a museum displaying many unique and valuable collections, including dinosaur skeletons dating back millions of years.

Städel Museum

Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM/Monday: Closed

The Städel Museum (Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie) owns expensive painting collections, dating back to the 14th century. It is also the most important museum in the complex of Frankfurt’s museums. Here, you should take the time to admire the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya and later artists such as Monet, Degas, Beckman and Picasso.

To better understand the works, you can take a tour with an English-speaking guide or, visit workshops, talkshows, and the on-site library.

Römer (Old Town Hall)

Address: Römerberg 23, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The town hall was chosen as the meeting place of the city council, located in the heart of Frankfurt’s old town. The facade of this town hall consists of 3 gables and is designed in a very unique terrace shape.

On the second floor of the town hall, visitors can also visit the Emperor’s Hall, or Kaisersaal. You will learn more historical stories here, and a small fee will be collected when you visit the site. If your trip coincides with December, it will be great to experience the Christmas market before the holidays. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy local dishes and buy many souvenirs for their loved ones.

Römer – The town hall with classical German architecture, experiencing a long history of 6 centuries. This is where the coronation banquets of many Roman emperors in history took place. Römer is located in the heart of Frankfurt’s old town, so you can combine it with other tourist attractions easily.

Location: Neue Mainzer Straße 52-58; Frankfurt; Hesse, Germany

This is the tallest building in Frankfurt, one of the top attractions when traveling here. If you come here at night, you will enjoy the vibrant city scene, the whole city is immersed in shimmering bright lights. In addition, you can enjoy many delicious dishes and sip a glass of fine wine at Main Tower restaurant & bar.

This 56-storey skyscraper located in the Innenstadt district of Frankfurt. The name of this building is named after the main river nearby. As can be seen, this is the only high-rise building in Frankfurt with a public observatory. Take the elevator to the top of the building nearly 200m, you will have a panoramic view of the beautiful shimmering city in front of you. And what’s more, you can enjoy delicious cocktails and meals at  its bar and restaurant.

Palmengarten

Address: Palmengarten der Stadt, Siesmayerstraße 63, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 9AM–7PM

It is one of three botanical gardens in the Westend-Süd district. This botanical garden has an area of ​​​​about 22 hectares where many other plant species grow. And if you are a lover of nature and plants, this garden is a great choice for you.

Located in Bockenheimer Landstrasse, The Palm Garden is the largest botanical garden in Germany with 22 acres in size, opened in 1871. Splendid in design, the natural appeal comes from the garden’s vegetation attracted many leading artists of the time, including Buffalo Bill.

The highlight of The Palm Garden is the lush vegetation distributed in ideal living conditions (perfectly simulated), the greenhouses growing tropical and subtropical plants. In addition, this Frankfurt tourist attraction also impresses with boating activities, children’s playground… and especially Europaturm – a 337m high telecommunications tower nearby.

Not only seeing and enjoying the green space, visitors can also go for a boat tour, enjoy the wines or specialties of the Frankfurt, play a few golf games or even enjoy the musical performances right in the garden.

Eiserner Steg

Address: Eiserner Steg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Coming to Frankfurt, remember to visit the Eiserner Steg bridge. In addition to serving the travel needs of the people here, Eiserner Steg is also an ideal place for couples and put love locks on the bridge with the desire for a lasting love.

St. Paul’s Church

Address: Paulsplatz 11, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 10AM–5PM

St. Paul is a historical and political church of Frankfurt. The church played an important role in the revolution of 1848 as it became the home of liberals to elect the first German Parliament. Every 3 years, the church of St. Paul will host a ceremony to award the Goethe Prize – Germany’s most prestigious literary award. Here, you can learn more about German history, admire works of art and admire the vast main hall.

The large church hall has an oval shape and next to it is a clock tower that is individually designed and made of precious and beautiful dark red sandstone. Stepping inside, visitors will feel the whole atmosphere of meetings and discussions about politics from the past in the hall. And to this day, this venue hosts the event and presents the Goethe literary prize every three years.

Frankfurt Cathedral

Address: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 9AM–12PM, 1:15–8PM/Friday, Sunday: 1:15–8PM

Frankfurt Cathedral or Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew is one of the “gems” of Germany and a symbol of the city of Frankfurt with its unique Gothic beauty.

Apple Cider

This is the place to provide cider, the typical drink of Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, when strolling through the cobbled streets of Sachsenhausen, don’t forget to visit this old and wonderful Apple Cider.

Eschenheimer Tower

Address: Eschenheimer Turm, 60318 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 12PM–1AM/Friday, Saturday: 12PM–3AM

The Eschenheimer Tower, which began construction in the 1400s, remains a relic from the old city walls of Frankfurt. At 47 meters high, the tower is huge in size and dominates the Eschenheimer Gate area. Currently, the tower houses a meeting room used by local historic societies.

Kleinmarkthalle Market

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hours: 8AM–6PM/Sunday: Closed

The next destination is also a shopping place that you can choose when coming to Frankfurt, Kleinmarkthalle, which is known as the two-story market. Like many other cities, the main hall of Kleinmarkthalle was destroyed by bombs in 1944. The main hall you see today was restored and completed in 1954. This is the extremely loved site by locals. Drop by here, where you can buy fresh meats, cheeses, dried fruits, fresh flowers, and sweet treats like chocolates and pies. After walking around the market, you can stop by the Markt-Stubb cafe to enjoy delicious food and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Grüneburgpark

Address: August-Siebert-Straße 22, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

This place is Frankfurt’s largest park and attracts many tourists to visit. Perhaps because the natural space is spacious, airy, and the atmosphere is fresh, people come here to walk and relax. Although Frankfurt has many parks, Grüneburgpark is still the most popular park. Located near two university yards, many young people often come here, as well as civil servants come to relax after working.

Address: Opernpl. 1, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Alte Oper theater was the city’s grand theater in the past, and is now used as a concert hall. Visiting the theater, visitors will be able to see an extremely monumental building and unique work by sculptural details, intricate Renaissance architecture and kept intact according to the original design from 1880.

In addition to visiting the theater space and its interior alike, visitors can also register to book tickets and attend concerts of classic musical and comedy works in the world. The capacity in the hall of the Alte Oper theater is up to 2,500 seats. Enjoy and immerse yourself in this impressive art space.

This is where the legendary first operas such as Carmina Burana, Carl Orff performed. This is not only a historical building, this is also a beautiful architectural work of the era. You should come here once to admire the bare traces of time and create beautiful shapes to every corner of the theater.

Goethe’s House

Address: Frauenplan 1, 99423 Weimar, Germany Hours: 9:30AM–6PM/Monday: Closed

This is an old house located in Zeil, passed through many owners, since 1733. Now it has been restored in memory of the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Inside the house, you will admire an ancient architecture from the early 18th century. It is also a small museum displaying relics, famous and precious works of the poet Goethe.

Goetheturm (Wooden Tower)

The unique wooden tower, built in 1967, is a symbol worth visiting and admiring when coming to Frankfurt. The tower after World War I was restored and replaced by a new tower. Every weekend or fun festival, tourists or people around come here to be extremely bustling and vibrant.

In addition to the above places, there are still many other great places in Frankfurt that a travel lover cannot ignore such as:

• German Architecture Museum (Address: INTERIM ! Das Originalmuseum ist geschlossen: (am Schaumainkai, Henschelstraße 18, 60314 Frankfurt am Main, Germany/Hours: 12–7PM; Monday: Closed) – The museum displays many designs of high-rise buildings and architecture in general. There is also a small coffee shop. Admission fee for adults €6.00, children €3.00.
• German Film Museum (Address: Schaumainkai 41, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany/Hours: 10AM–6PM; Monday: Closed). The German Film Museum exhibits the art and history of filmmaking. Closed on Monday. Admission fee for adults €4.00, children €1.50.
• Messe Frankfurt is one of the largest exhibition centers in the world, hosting many exhibitions big, small and great.
• Holzhausen Castle in Adolph von Holzhause Park.
• Bethmann Park.
• Forest Playground “Carl-von-Weinberg”
• Forest Louisa Playground.
• Fountain of Myth: Called a “fairytale fountain” with the image of a water goddess, the Fountain of Myth in Innenstadt is a perfect place to rest and feel the old charm of the bustling cosmopolitan city of Frankfurt.

Frankfurt travel guide: What and where to eat?

When traveling to Frankfurt, you definitely cannot ignore the excellent cuisine here. And the KaisserStrasse area is the ideal dining place for you. This is a place where you can find a lot of delicious food and savory drinks. Especially the Turkish and Middle Eastern food.

Especially, every day at 3pm, you can join the outdoor buffet here. A variety of street foods such as: Grilled meat, grilled fish, traditional German sausages, smoked meat, cakes, fruits, specialty dishes… You just need to take the plate, choose the food and pay to have a full meal without having to move much. Remember to order more German beer and fermented famous apple juice Ebbelwei to enjoy.

So when coming to this city, what food should we enjoy? Don’t miss the following list!

Grüne Soße: Green sauce with boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. This special condiment is made from seven different herbs: Borage, cherries, watercress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel and chives. If you are more sophisticated, you can eat it with chicken or beef breast. This soup has a unique aroma, a rare cool taste.

Frankfurter Würstchen: This is a famous German sausage dish. It is a long sausage made from pork. You can serve it with white bread, mustard and vegetables.

Handkäs mit Musik: Handkäse mit Musik is the name of a traditional cheese in Frankfurt. Handkäse mit Musik is handcrafted by hand and then shaped into squares, round… topped with cheese topped with onion, salt and pepper sauce. Handkäse mit Musik is often used in appetizers, the cheese is light yellow in color, with a slightly pungent taste. Because it is made from yogurt, the dish is high in protein and low in fat, making it a nutritious dish for dieters.

Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a familiar dish in the daily meal of the people of Frankfurt. The main ingredients of this dish include roasted pork and sautéed sour cabbage. When eating Sauerkraut, you will see a long combination of sweet and fatty flavors mixed with the mild sourness of marinated cabbage, stimulating the palate.

Bockwurst: Talking about German cuisine, it is impossible not to mention sausages. Of the more than 200 different types of German sausages, Frankfurt’s Bockwurst is the most appreciated. This sausage is made from ground veal and pork, seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika… then smoked with oak wood, extremely fragrant. In addition to be grilled, Bockwurst also combines with bread, pasta… to diversify flavors for visitors to choose from.

Frankfurter Kranz: Aka Frankfurt Crown Cake is a dessert loved by the people of Frankfurt. The cake is soft and fluffy, shaped like a ring, consisting of 3 main horizontal layers: sponge cake, butter cream and strawberry jam. The surface of the cake is covered with krokant seeds, crispy caramel… for decoration, it looks very pretty. It’s quite similar to the birthday cake you get to eat but has a very creamy and delicious butter and cream.

Apfelwein: If Germans are famous for beer, in Frankfurt, people love Apfelwein cider. The sweet and sour taste of apple cider captivates anyone who tastes it. The most famous and delicious cider is served in the Sachsenhausen region.

Frankfurter Rippchen is an all-time favorite dish. The dish consists of pork with mashed potatoes and mustard. Best dish when eaten hot, quite suitable for making a nutritious breakfast.

Rindswurst is another sausage based on beef recipe known since 1894. It is a long tradition of Frankfurt. Not too fussy, you can eat this dish with rye bread and mustard and you can feel its great deliciousness.

Frankfurt travel blog: Shopping

Zeil is the main shopping street in Frankfurt, it is also one of the most bustling shopping streets across Europe. There are many shops such as Galeria Kaufhof or Karstadt, shopping complexes such as Zeilgalerie and many other shops, mostly fashion. In addition, visitors can also buy at Goethestrasse, or buy souvenirs at Bockenheim, or Schillerstrasse.

However, you should also note, the shopping stalls here are usually open from morning to 8PM, only a few large malls close at 10pm and most do not open for sale on Sundays. You should consider choosing the right time to buy goods for yourself as well as souvenirs for friends.

Frankfurt blog:Where to stay?

Surely when it comes to Frankfurt, it is impossible not to mention convenient places to stay here. Let’s take a look at a few places.

If you want to stay in an area close to the center without being too hustle and bustle, Zentrum-Altstadt is an ideal place. It has many ancient buildings and is close to beautiful attractions such as Romerberg square or churches with classical architecture such as St. Bartholomew Cathedral, Paulskirche.

If you want to stay close to the entertainment center, then Bahnhofsviertel is a suitable choice. This place focuses on entertainment facilities, red light district. In addition, Bahnhofsviertel is also quite famous for its large, peaceful green grounds.

An area that is quite suitable if you want to explore the ancient history of Frankfurt is Sachsenhausen . It is known for Museumsufer, a series of riverside museums covering topics as diverse as Jewish art, film, architecture and history. In the Old Quarter there are many lively cider pubs, bars and clubs. You can see many people riding bicycles or rollerblading along the romantic Main River.

Gutleutviertel is a bit more modern than Sachsenhausen. This place also has a lot of restaurants, located along the romantic Main River. You can visit the beautiful glass Westhafen tower here. Besides the ancient gardens, the rows of apartment buildings follow each other closely, making visitors feel the blend of classic and modern very clearly.

Bornheim neighborhood is suitable for those who want to find a peaceful space. This area is located outside the city center, east of Frankfurt. It has interesting cobblestone streets, tree-lined boulevards and maze-like alleys that are quite interesting.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Steigenberger Airport Hotel Frankfurt ( Agoda , Booking )
• Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hilton Frankfurt City Centre ( Agoda , Booking )
• Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Hamburger Hof ( Agoda , Booking )
• 25hours Hotel The Goldman ( Agoda , Booking )
• Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center ( Agoda , Booking )
• Roomers ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Frankfurt on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Before you go

However, if you are just a “newcomer” coming to this city for the first time, make a note of a few Frankfurt travel tips below to arrange a suitable itinerary, as well as integrate faster with the its atmosphere!

• Apart from specially planned days, most shops are closed on Sundays in Germany.
• In Germany you don’t need to tip the wait staff much, just pay a small amount to round out the bill. On the other hand, do not leave coins on the table, you can tip the staff when calling to pay.
• The area around the station, including many bars and restaurants, is quite mixed, although security here is much better than in previous years. So, be careful to avoid renting rooms or visiting these places!
• Frankfurt has dedicated bike lanes with a fairly large area, pay attention to them if you are driving on your own beyond tourism.

Considered a global city, Frankfurt is in the top 10 most livable and workable cities. It is also an important center for cultural activities and tourism. The city is a harmonious combination of art, historical sites, magnificent buildings, bustling shopping centers to outdoor entertainment areas. Frankfurt deserves to be the dream tourist city of anyone if coming to Germany.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Frankfurt you can refer to

• Frankfurt Card
• DISCONTINUED Frankfurt Historical Walking Tour
• Frankfurt Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Skyline Tour (Open-Top)
• Rhine Valley Day Tour from Frankfurt
• Frankfurt: River Main Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary
• Frankfurt: Hop-on Hop-off Day Skyline or Express City Tour
• From Frankfurt: Rhine Valley Day Trip
• Frankfurt: Old Town Wonders Exploration Game
• Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt
• Frankfurt: TimeRide VR Time Travel Experience Ticket
• Frankfurt: Shared or Private Walking Tour
• Frankfurt: 3-Hour Bike Tour
• Frankfurt: Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman
• Frankfurt: Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen
• Frankfurt: Green Areas Segway Tour with Guide
• Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: Cathedral, Financial District & More

Read more Germany guide here .

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Germany Travel Blog

Home » Places » Europe Travel Blog » Germany Travel Blog

Germany holds a special place in my heart. It is my second home. After living here for 15 years of my life, and had so many of our life changes take place here, it will always be a huge part of my heart. Jim and I were married here; we had our two daughters here. It’s an integral part of us.

With all the beautiful towns, castles, fortresses, rivers, fun activities for all ages, and great food, you will love it, too. I really hope that if you are considering a trip to Europe you plan to see some of Germany. You won’t regret it.

Germany Travel Guide

From north to south, Germany if full of things to do and see. The country is clean, well-organized, has fantastic public transportation as well as well-maintained roads, and the history is amazing!

You can easily spend a few weeks traveling around this amazing country and still want to come back for more. Germany is more than its big cities, much more, but it’s a good place to start.

Location and Visa

Germany is very centrally located, and is bordered by Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. All of these countries , like Germany, are part of the Schengen region , so it is super easy to rent a car or take a train and see multiple countries in one trip without adding an exorbitant amount of time.

Listen to our podcast about our Top 5 Cities to Visit in Germany

Pin Germany Travel Guide for later planning!

Transportation

Of course everyone has heard of the famous, no speed limit autobahns that traverse the entire country. I think driving in Germany should be on everyone’s bucket list, especially since there are no tolls.

Driving in Germany is pretty easy. People follow the rules, and everything is well-maintained and well-signed.  I highly recommend renting a car and getting out to some of the beautiful towns. Overall, the Germans have transportation within the country down to an art form.

Germany has many international airports. The major airlines usually fly into Frankfurt, Munich, or Dusseldorf. However, if you are flying around Europe you will find many budget airlines flying to smaller airports all over the country.

The Deutsche Bahn is also a very well-run organization, and German trains run notoriously on time. I have only been on one train that had a delay. It was a big deal. We were delayed three minutes in the middle of winter when we were going from Schweinfurt to Frankfurt. Three minutes. You can read much more about using the German train system, and make sure to go to the DB website to see if you can get any deals.

You can also use your Eurail pass anywhere in Germany. Check out our post of using ours to travel through Eastern Europe , starting right where we lived in Weiden, Germany.

There are also a number of bus companies running in Europe that will take you across borders, from city to city. It’s cheap, reliable, and relatively comfortable with bathrooms on board. We’ve seen Flixbus pretty much on every highway we’ve driven.

Getting Around Germany

Not only is it easy to get around the country using trains, cars, and buses. It is very simple using public transportation within cities. All larger cities have a U-Bahn or S-Bahn, but even if they don’t the bus system is amazing.

Power Tip : If you will be doing a lot of sightseeing, especially in some of the larger cities, make sure to check your options for day or multi-trip tickets. In Bavaria, you can travel between cities for a mere fraction of the cost by using the Bavaria ticket. Most train offices have at least one person who speaks English, so always ask.

Germany uses the Euro. For a normal main course at any regular restaurant, you will pay anywhere from 12 – 22 Euros, which is approximately $14-26. I know that is a huge jump, but it all depends on the size of the city. Plan to pay the higher prices in Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, or restaurants very near a major tourist sight.

ATMs and Banks

You can find ATMs everywhere.

Credit Cards vs. Cash

Germans still largely use cash, but in most restaurants and stores you can use a credit card just about everywhere. Of course, you will want to have cash when going to a local market.

Health and Safety Concerns

Vaccinations.

As usual, it is imperative that your normal vaccines are up to date.  Many doctors will suggest you also take your Hepatitis A and B as well.

The water is safe, and you can drink or fill your water bottles from any tap.  Decorative fountains often have signs that say the water is non-potable, so refrain from drinking that water from public fountains.

There are plenty of pharmacies all over Germany, and you should be able to find an open one any day of the week, even on Sundays. Just check with your hotel to ask where the closest one is.

If you are traveling with prescription drugs, keep your latest prescription handy as well as keep the medication in its original bottle.  If you need a refill, you will have to show the doctor or pharmacist your current prescription.

When is the Best Time to Go?

There is something to do and see in Germany all year long. Each season brings a new set of things to do, sports and activities, as well as festivals and foods. Spring can be a little rainy and still chilly, but once that lime green of new growth starts popping and the early spring trees like the cherry trees and magnolia start blooming, there is nothing like it.

Restaurants put a blanket on their outside tables, and everyone takes advantage of the sun when it’s shining. It can be one of the most beautiful parts of the year, and the  temperatures keep you moving whether by walking or biking or even kayaking.

Summers are amazing. The temperature rarely gets much over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the days are long so you can go from early, early morning until after dinner with great light. Every window is adorned with brilliant red geraniums, the flower beds are manicured and stunning, and everyone is happy to be outdoors whether they are sporting or just having a cup of coffee. The Germans take their major vacation weeks in August, so before then it’s still not too over crowded.

Fall is my favorite season in Germany, not only because the air is crisp and clean, but also because it’s harvest season and there are so many festivals to go to and check out the local foods, beer, and wines!

Winters can be bleak and gray, with a lot of rain, but the mountains have snow to ski and sled, and the museums and castles are open all year long, so you can go inside. Of course, the month before Christmas are the famed Christkindlmarkts all over the country, and if you’ve never done one that is a great time to visit.

Travel Tips for Germany

Germany is chock a block full of things to do, outdoors and indoors, cultural and sporty. Check out all the cool things you can find to see and do:

Germany has an amazing array of food choices. It doesn’t shy away from very hearty, fried and fat-filled goodness to the healthy vegan, vegetarian options. There truly is something for everyone. Some iconic dishes that you will want to try are the endless variety of sausages, schnitzels, and breads. Ice cream in Germany is something special as well. Have you ever heard of spaghetti “eis” or ice cream? Well, take it from us, you will want to make sure to try it on your next stop!

Top Germany Destinations You’re Sure To Love

Berlin Rothenburg ob der Tauber Nuremberg Trier Frankfurt Regensburg Berchtesgaden Quedlinburg Moedlareuth

You can’t go wrong planning a trip to Germany. It’s got castles, military history, world heritage sites, beer fests, wine fests, all kinds of fests, and the activities and things they have to do with children is fun and educational.  Pin Germany Travel now!

Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

We are arriving in Munich and want to take the MVV Bus #65 from the airport to Freising and connect with a train to Passau. Where do we find the bus at the airport terminal? We will purchase a Bayern Ticket to do this.

Sunday 4th of December 2022

Hi Mary Beth, when you exit baggage claim/customs turn right and head out the door. The bus stop is outside that door. You're looking for MVV bus 635 to get to Freising. You should ask at the info desk after arriving just in case the bus stop has been moved for construction, etc. Have a great trip!

Corinne Vail

Monday 28th of November 2022

Mary Beth, Yes, taking the Bayern ticket will definitely save you some money! Have fun!

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3 amazing Germany road trip ideas

Fancy a vacation on the road in the home country of the famous Autobahn? How about a Germany road trip? In this article, I share three exciting routes for a great road trip during a German summer or to see the best Christmas markets in December.

Even if you only have a week, there is much to do and see along the way. I am also giving you tried and tested tips to set your road trip budget and for choosing the best rental car.

In this post

The best time for a Germany road trip

Average budget for a germany road trip, how to get to germany from the us, the best rental cars for a road trip in germany, germany road trip itinerary - from the north sea to the baltic sea, round trip germany from munich - mountains, lakes & castles, 7 days to the most beautiful christmas markets in germany, general tips for your road trip in germany.

The most popular time to travel in Germany is from May to July when temperatures soar and the sun is out. However, December is also a favorite as the whole country is in a festive mood and the Christmas markets open their doors.

If you are planning a road trip through Germany, you shouldn't wait too long to book a hotel during these months. The best ones book up quickly, especially during vacation times and on weekends. You also shouldn’t wait too long to book your flight and rental car.

Speaking of vacation: Before you set off, you should take a look at when school vacation starts. German kids get six weeks in the summer and the period varies slightly in the different states. This way you can start your trip a few days earlier or later and avoid traffic jams on the highways. Keep this in mind when driving on the weekends too as roads get very crowded on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

The recommendations provided here are based on travelers’ searches on KAYAK, and on the average temperatures provided by weatherbase.com.

Before you set off, you might want to know how much a road trip in Germany will cost. We have compared hundreds of providers on your behalf and compiled average prices:

• Average price for a double room in Berlin: $152 per night
• Average price of a bed in a hostel in Berlin: $73 per night
• Average price of a rental car in Berlin: $75 per day
• Price for a gallon of gas in Berlin: $7.35*

*As of March 2024

For a seven-day road trip in Germany, during which you will cover approx. 560 miles, you should expect a total budget of approximately $900 per person based on two travelers sharing. This includes your taxes but not your flights. Also, there are no road tolls in Germany for regular cars so you don’t have to worry about these extras.

You can save on accommodation if you look for a hotel that is not directly in the city center (this is also usually better for parking).

Depending on which road trip itinerary you want to follow you may want to pick a flight that takes you to the starting point of the route. Most airports have rental car counters so you can start your Germany road trip as soon as you land.

There are plenty of flights from the US to Germany. Berlin is the capital and you can find roundtrip flights from NYC for an average of $871 and from LAX for $1066. However, you might have better chances for a direct flight to Frankfurt or Munich depending on your departure airport at home.

If you are doing the northern route that starts in Hamburg you will need to book a connecting flight with a layover. There are currently no direct flights from the US to Hamburg.

The type of rental car you choose for a road trip in Germany depends primarily on how much space you need. An economical car is particularly useful for longer trips. You should calculate beforehand whether unlimited mileage will pay off for your route.

Comprehensive insurance is always important and you may want to register a second driver so that you can take turns behind the wheel. If you are planning to visit a few cities, you may not want to take the biggest car available. Roads can be small and driving with a big SUV will make it even harder to find parking.

In Germany, your car needs winter tires if the conditions require it. If you are planning to drive from October to March when the weather can bring snow or ice, you should check with your car rental company if your vehicle is equipped with the correct tires.

Pack your bathing suit, because this route takes you to the most beautiful beaches and places by the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Day 1: Hamburg

Your road trip along the coast begins with a visit to the Hanseatic City of Hamburg. If the weather is nice, you can put your feet in the sand on the beach by the river Elbe and count the containers in the harbor. Visit the Elbphilharmonie for a concert or a tour of its famous plaza.

Where to stay in Hamburg: 25hours Hotel Hafencity , a cool city hotel with Nordic flair

Day 2: Sankt Peter-Ording

Distance from Hamburg: 87 mi - just under 2 hours

Enjoy the ocean breeze during a long walk on the beach in Sankt Peter-Ording. You can also jump on a board as windsurfing is the thing to do here. Alternatively, take a stroll along the pier and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the restaurants that are set up in iconic stilt houses.

Where to stay in Sankt Peter-Ording: Seaside 43 , a beautiful wellness hotel by the sea

Day 3: Sylt

Distance from Sankt Peter-Ording: 80 mi - 2.5 hours including the journey by car train

Sylt is the destination for a seaside vacation and the Wadden Sea National Park awaits. It is best explored on a guided tour. Afterwards, you can admire the dunes and the Red Cliff, and enjoy a fish sandwich at the northernmost fish shack in Germany.

Where to stay on Sylt: Hotel Stadt Hamburg , a chic hotel in the middle of Westerland

Day 4: Fehmarn

Distance from Sylt: 155 mi - just under 4 hours including the journey by car train

Fehmarn is a great island for a family vacation. Beach volleyball, kiting, or splashing around in the waves - there is a beach for every taste on this Baltic island. Children and teenagers can get to know the area with geocaching and if it rains, you can play or relax in the indoor wave pool.

Where to stay on Fehmarn: Strandhotel Bene , beautiful accommodation with a sea view

Day 5: Lübeck

Distance from Fehmarn: 55 mi - just over 1 hour

Start by saying hello to the Holsten Gate and Lübeck's old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nibble on some famous Lübeck marzipan while you stroll around. Literature fans can visit the Buddenbrookhaus , where you can learn all about the life of Germany’s best-known author Thomas Mann.

Where to stay in Lübeck: Fisher's Loft , a cool city hotel in the center

Day 6: Fischland Darß Zingst

Distance from Lübeck: 120 mi - 2.5 hours

Which is the most beautiful beach in Germany? For many, it is without question the western beach in Darß, which resembles a Caribbean beach. There is also the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park, which delights nature lovers thanks to its lagoons, forests, and steep cliffs.

Where to stay in Darß: Domizil am Ostseewald , a spacious vacation rental near the beach

Day 7: Rügen

Distance from Zingst: 45 mi - just over 1 hour

In addition to beautiful beaches and one of the most famous piers in the Baltic Sea, Rügen is particularly famous for the Jasmund National Park. Hike to the Königsstuhl and admire the chalk cliffs. A special highlight is the treetop walk with a slide and a great view over the beech forest, a natural heritage site.

Where to stay on Rügen: Der Wilde Schwan , a pretty hotel with sauna

From Rügen, you will either drive back to Hamburg to catch your flight home or to Berlin if you want to add a trip to the German capital. Both cities are approximately 3 hours away by car.

Fancy feeling like a princess or even a queen? This road trip through Germany will take you to the most beautiful castles in Bavaria.

Day 1: München

Your fairytale road trip begins in Munich, home to Nymphenburg Palace. Admire the former summer residence of the Bavarian electors and stroll through the fantastic park of the palace. They offer special themed tours for families.

Don’t forget to try a Bavarian veal sausage in a traditional beer garden - but hurry, because they are only served until midday!

Where to stay in Munich: Augustin Hotel , a modern family hotel in Schwanthalerhöhe

Day 2: Füssen

Distance from Munich: 80 mi - just under 2 hours

Germany's most famous castle is located very close to Füssen: welcome to Neuschwanstein! King Ludwig II's home is a real fairytale castle and is charming any time of the year. To visit, you must take part in a guided tour with tickets available online.

Where to stay in Schwangau: Hotel Christine , only 15 minutes away from Neuschwanstein

Day 3: Ettal

Distance from Füssen: 32 mi - just under 1 hour

The next castle is very close: Linderhof Castle, which was Ludwig II’s pleasure palace that he visited during hunting trips. You also have to book a guided tour and they offer themed tours for children and adults. The castle park is particularly beautiful with the famous Venus Grotto and other interesting building projects the king started.

Where to stay in Ettal: Mammhofer Suite , a charming guesthouse in the heart of Oberammergau

Day 4: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance from Ettal: 9 mi - 20 minutes

Even without a castle, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a great stopover on your road trip through Bavaria. From here, you can take the cog railroad up to the Zugspitze. At the top, you can enjoy a view over four countries and with a bit of luck and clear skies count a total of 400 mountain peaks.

Where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Hotel Zugspitze , a wellness hotel in the middle of the Alps

Day 5: Prien am Chiemsee

Distance from Garmisch-Partenkirchen: 80 mi - just under 2 hours

Ludwig II's third palace was built on the island of Herrenchiemsee and modeled after Versailles. Even though it was never completed, its hall of mirrors is actually longer than the original’s. You can reach the island by boat from Prien and get tickets for a guided tour at the pier.

Where to stay in Prien: Hotel Zur Sonne , not far from the lake

From Prien, it will take a good hour to get to Munich Airport for your return flight. Make sure to leave enough time to drop your rental car off.

December means Christmas market season in Germany. This one-week road trip takes you from Frankfurt to Berlin to see some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

Day 1: Frankfurt am Main

The first Christmas lights are being lit in Frankfurt by the end of November. There are Christmas markets in many parts of the city, but none are as beautiful as the market in the historic old town. My tip: In addition to traditional mulled wine, many local winemakers have stalls in the area. Perfect if you don't like warm wine but prefer Riesling instead.

Where to stay in Frankfurt: Motel One Frankfurt-Römer , a modern hotel near the old town

Day 2: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Distance from Frankfurt: 112 mi - 2 hours

Admittedly, the Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not the biggest, but the town likes to call itself a Christmas fairytale. It is most beautiful when it snows, but the Christmas lights provide a charming backdrop in any weather. Yummy mulled white wine and the so-called Rothenburg snowballs will warm you up in no time.

Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Burghotel , a medieval hotel on the edge of the old town

Day 3: Nürnberg

Distance from Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 50 mi - just over 1 hour

The Nürnberg Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Nibble on traditional gingerbread and sausages while you shop for handicrafts. A highlight are the adventure trails, which allow you to discover completely new parts of the market.

Where to stay in Nürnberg: Hotel Drei Raben , a central accommodation not far from the market

Day 4: Erfurt

Distance from Nürnberg: 143 mi - 2.5 hours

One of the most beautiful medieval Christmas markets in Germany opens its doors every year in front of the cathedral in Erfurt. In addition to local delicacies and crafts, it is particularly famous for its life-size nativity scene. If it gets too busy you can relax in the enchanted Christmas forest at the edge of the market.

Where to stay in Erfurt: Hotel Domizil , a lovely accommodation close to the cathedral

Day 5: Leipzig

Distance from Erfurt: 93 mi - just under 2 hours

Leipzig is one of my absolute favorite cities in Germany and it shines especially bright in the weeks before Christmas. The Christmas market in front of the old town hall dates back to the 15th century. It gets particularly festive when the famous Thomanerchor opens the market with Christmas carols.

Where to stay in Leipzig: Radisson Blu Hotel , with a great view of the Augustusplatz

Day 6: Dresden

Distance from Leipzig: 137 mi - 2.5 hours

Dresden's Striezelmarkt has the official title of being the oldest recorded Christmas market. During a stroll, you can buy delicious Dresden Christmas Stollen, a famous fruit bread with its very own festival. You can also admire beautiful pyramids and candle arches all over the market. And yes, you can buy some to take home too!

Where to stay overnight in Dresden: Townhouse Dresden , a luxury hotel right next to the Frauenkirche

Day 7: Berlin

Distance from Dresden: 125 mi - just over 2 hours

Berlin is one of the coolest destinations in winter and of course, there is not just one Christmas market in our capital. From traditional to just a little bit different, Berlin's Christmas markets have it all. The historic Christmas market at RAW and the Winterworld at Potsdamer Platz, where you can go sledding too, are particularly beautiful.

Where to stay in Berlin: Wild Aparthotels, cool studios right by Checkpoint Charlie

After your Christmas Market trip, it is best if you catch a connecting flight from Berlin to Frankfurt for your international departure. Alternatively, you might be able to book a multi-city flight with arrival in Frankfurt and departure from Berlin.

If you fancy a truly epic road trip through Germany, you can also combine the three suggested routes and drive across the whole country.

US citizens can use their US driver’s license to drive in Germany for a stay of up to six months. If you plan on staying longer you will need to get a German license as well.

You need to be at least 18 years old to legally drive a car in Germany. Most car rental companies have a minimum and a maximum age requirement for the driver. Sometimes you also have to prove that you have had your license for a certain number of years.

Remember that Germans use the metric system. Distances are shown in kilometers (km) and speed in kilometers per hour (kph). Also, petrol prices are shown per liter, not per gallon.

While the German Autobahn is world-renowned for not having a speed limit, don’t get too excited - there are only very few stretches where you can drive to your heart’s content. And of course, you need to be mindful of the traffic around you as well as your driving skills.

Here are some more tips for driving in Germany.

Flight and hotel rates are averages based on data collected by KAYAK. These prices offer an estimate for organizing your trip, but they may vary according to offers, period, destination or your preferences. The price per liter of gasoline, as of April 1st, 2024, is subject to fluctuations, and comes from numbeo.com.

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How to travel in Germany — a compact guide

P lanning a trip to Germany? Here's what you need to know to have a great vacation.Are you planning a trip to Germany and wondering what you need to know? We've got you covered! In this short guide we answer some of the main questions tourists ask before visiting Germany. Here's what we'll discuss:

Basic facts about Germany, top sights, how to get around, where to stay, safety issues, how to pay and tip, cuisine, drinks and culture

Basic knowledge

When traveling to Germany it's helpful to know a few basic facts about the country.

Where is Germany located?

Germany is in the center of Europe and is divided into 16 federal states, including the city states of Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen. The largest states are Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg.

How big is Germany?

It is approximately 360,000 square kilometers (137,847 sq miles) in size. The population is around 84 million people.

Which cities are the largest?

Berlin is the capital of Germany and the largest city with almost 4 million inhabitants. The next largest is Hamburg in the north, followed by Munich in the south and Cologne in the west.

Which languages are spoken?

German is the national language. Depending on the region, there are different dialects, some of which are not so easy to understand. Danish and Frisian are also spoken in the north, while Sorbian is spoken in parts of Brandenburg and Saxony. Many Germans also speak English well.

What is the weather like?

Generally, Germany has a moderate climate. In summer you can walk around in shorts and a T-shirt -- although some days it can get really hot. In spring and fall be prepared to wear trousers, sweaters and light jackets. In winter, temperatures can dip below freezing and it can snow.

Germany's landscape is very diverse. If you head north, you can take a beach vacation on the Baltic Sea or North Sea. In the center of the country you'll find many forests, lakes, rivers and nature preserves. The Alps are in the south and are perfect for hiking and skiing in the winter.

What must you see in Germany?

Germany has many castles, fortresses and ruins, as well as charming half-timbered houses. The harbor cities of the north are characterized by brick buildings.

Which sights are particularly well-known?

Here is a short list, which is not exhaustive:

Berlin: Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building, television tower, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral Hamburg: Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt district, Town Hall, Harbor Munich: Marienplatz square, Munich Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, English Garden Cologne: Cologne Cathedral Palaces: Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen, Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Heidelberg Castle, Hohenzollern Castle in the Swabian Alb

Which events and festivals should not be missed?

The largest folk festival in the world takes place in Munich each fall: Oktoberfest -- you can immerse yourself in Bavarian tradition here. The Christmas period is a great time to visit -- you can visit the country's charming Christmas markets. And in February, many cities celebrate Carnival, also known regionally as Fasching or Fastnacht. You'll see thousands of people wearing costumes and celebrating on the streets or in clubs and bars. The biggest public festival in the north is Kiel Week, which takes place in summer. It is one of the largest sailing events in the world and dates back to the end of the 19th century. Other well-known festivals include Hamburger Dom (spring, summer and winter), Hafengeburtstag in Hamburg (May), Schützenfest in Hanover (June/July), Rheinkirmes in Düsseldorf (July), Maschseefest in Hanover (July/August), Cranger Kirmes in Herne (August), Cannstatter Volksfest (Wasen) in Stuttgart (September/October) und Bremer Freimarkt (October)

What is the best way to get to all these places?

Germany is so big that it can take the better part of a day to drive from north to south, so you can also take a flight if you're short on time. Train, bus or car rental all work for shorter distances.

What should you consider when driving in Germany?

In Germany people drive on the right side of the road. And as you may have heard, often there's no speed limit on the autobahn -- Germany's highway. But in urban areas speed limits are 50 km/h or 30 km/h. On country roads the speed limit is 100 km/h, and on highways it is often 120 km/h -- unless there's no limit at all.

How does the rail system in Germany work?

There are different types of trains. The ICE and IC high-speed trains connect the major cities and travel at speeds of up to 300 and 200 km/h. There are also local trains such as the Regional-Express, the Interregio-Express, the Regionalbahn and the S-Bahn, which also take you to your destination, albeit at slower speeds. The German ticketing system is based on trust. There are no track access restrictions, although inspectors on trains carry out spot checks and give fines to anyone not holding a ticket.

Which ticket is right for me and how do I book?

You can buy tickets online, via the Deutsche Bahn app, at ticket machines or at ticket counters. If you book early, you can get cheaper tickets, but the tickets cannot be changed. If, however, you cannot catch the train you've booked due to previous train delays or the train is canceled then you can use it on another train. However, if it's your fault you missed the train, the ticket expires. Flextickets, which are quite expensive, allow you to choose any train connection on a given day. There are various railcards that give you discounts, but these are not useful for short visits, since you need to sign up for an annual subscription. However, if you are in the country for longer than a few days, you can buy the Deutschlandticket. This is also a subscription, but can be canceled monthly and costs only E49 ($53) per month. This ticket allows you to use all local public transportation throughout Germany. Larger cities are often divided into zones like A, B and C. When you buy a ticket, check in advance which zone your destination is in, since ticket prices differ accordingly. Most stations have maps which show the different zones in relation to stops so you can easily find what you need.

What alternatives are there to car, train and plane?

Plenty! It is relatively inexpensive to travel with long-distance buses. In cities, you can choose from city buses, streetcars, subway trains or trams. Many places also offer rental bikes or e-scooters that you can book via various apps. You can also choose to book taxis in large cities with apps. This can help you to know the price in advance and not to be overcharged, since the price is preset in the app. Keep in mind that taking a taxi in Germany can be expensive.

Accomodation

What accommodation options are there?

Well-known international hotel chains such as Hilton, Holiday Inn or Maritim can be found in Germany, especially in larger cities. There are also many smaller, privately run hotels and guesthouses. Hostels and vacation apartments are also available, as well as inexpensive accommodation with locals via platforms like Airbnb. Germans love camping! There are many campsites in Germany where you can spend your vacation close to nature for a reasonable price. It's important to know that in smaller hotels, there may not be someone working at reception 24/7. If you're arriving late at night, check the website beforehand or call to let them know when you'll arrive so you're not left standing in front of a locked door.

How safe is Germany?

Germany is generally safe. Nevertheless, storms, floods or even riots can occasionally occur, such as on May 1st, Labor Day. It's a good idea to always keep an eye on your belongings, since theft can happen.

Payment and tipping

How do you pay in Germany?

Germans love to pay with cash! The currency is Euro, and it's best to always keep some cash on you. Many restaurants and bars don't accept credit cards.

How much and when do you tip?

Whether you pay with card or cash, in Germany you usually tip around 10% in restaurants. Servers will tell you the amount and you will then tell them the total price, including tip, that you would like to pay. For example, if you have a bill of E46 ($49), you would tell the waitress to round up to and charge E50 euros ($54).

Food and drink

What is typical German cuisine?

German food varies depending where you are. In the north near the sea, you'll find plenty of fish, while the south has many hearty dishes from Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg, such as roast pork, pork knuckle, dumplings or spaetzle (pasta that is similar to noodles). Bakeries in Germany have a large selection to choose from, including many different types of bread, rolls and small sandwiches.

What do people like to drink in Germany?

Germans are fond of beer and wine -- and they also make it too! There are 13 wine-growing regions in Germany. These areas make great destinations for day trips. When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea are popular, as well as the famous German Apfelschorle -- apple juice mixed with sparkling water. Germans generally love mixed drinks -- beer is sometimes drunk with soft drinks (Radler) and wine is mixed with sparkling water, too (Weinschorle).

When you discover a new country it's an advantage if you know and understand the characteristics of local people in order to avoid misunderstandings.

What is important to Germans?

It's not just a stereotype -- Germans generally like punctuality. They usually let each other know if they will be five minutes late. Germans aren't really fans of small talk and tend to keep quiet on public transport. Don't feel offended by this, they don't mean any harm! Taking care of the environment is very important to Germans -- waste is separated, and bottles and cans are recycled. Don't be surprised if a bottle seems more expensive than you expected -- you're also paying a deposit. Once you return the empty bottle, you'll get the deposit back. Germans are relaxed when it comes to nudism. There are nudist beaches by the sea or lakes, and saunas are also textile-free. This can be quite disconcerting for some visitors to Germany.

So, you are now a Germany pro! Have fun traveling and getting to know the country!

Copyright 2023 DW.COM, Deutsche Welle. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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With the Euro 2024 football tournament just a month and half away, the spotlight is going to be on host nation Germany in the early part of this summer. Whether you’ve enjoyed visiting the big cities with their bierkellers and clubs, the country’s Baltic coast and islands, half-timbered ancient villages, or its famous forests and mountains, we’d love to hear about your favourite experiences.

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• 7 Enchanting Hindu Temples In Germany Filled With Majestic Charm

26 Apr 2024

Germany is an amazing country that holds the dignity of excelling in various fields. Home to some renowned manufacturing companies, the country also embraces its historical charm that beckons travellers from all over the world. However, many Hindu temples in Germany also capture the attention of locals and devotees alike with their glorious charm. These temples deserve a wonderful visit and must to added to your itinerary during your next trip to Germany. So, gear up and set off on this blissful journey where we will explore majestic Hindu temples nestled in the heart of the country.

7 Hindu Temples In Germany

Ornated with intricate interiors and offering serene surroundings, these Hindu Temples in Germany are among the most blissful places to be. Let your eyes and senses indulge in a spiritual retreat by adding these ancient temples to your itinerary.

1. Sri Muthumariamman Temple

Image Source: KWa for wikimedia commons

Sri Muthumariamman Temple is a blissful place managed by the Tamil Hindu Cultural Association. It is the largest temple in North Germany and is nestled in the heart of Hannover. The temple boasts three stories and is dedicated to the goddess of health and rain. Furthermore, Sri Muthumariamman Temple houses the glorious deity of Muthumariamman who is a manifestation of the goddess Parvati. Moreover, you can also pay homage to the deities of Lord Ganesh, Murugan and Navagraha. Inviting devotees from far and wide, Sri Muthumariamman Temple is one of the divine Hindu temples in Germany. Don’t let this tranquil place slide away from your itinerary during your Germany excursion.

Location: Christian-Lassen-Straße 6, 53117 Bonn, Germany Timing: Friday 7.00 to 9.00 PM

Must Read: Summer In Berlin

2. Sri Hindu Mandir

Image Source: Shutterstock

Sri Hindi Mandir is another sacred gem of Germany situated in the centre of Hamburg. The temple is known for its glorious interior and is counted among the most amazing Hindu temples in Hamburg Germany. The serene surroundings of the temple will surely melt your heart away. Sri Hindu Mandir invites visitors and devotees to take part in the auspicious rites and worshipping ceremonies. This nondescript building is maintained gracefully and amuses visitors just after they step inside. The temple is dedicated to several Hindu gods and all the deities are worshipped amidst the enchanting surroundings of the temple. Those who are looking for a peaceful escape are welcome to seek blessings at this divine place.

Location: Eiffestraße 420, 20537 Hamburg, Germany Timing: 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM

3. Afghanische Hindus Gemeinde

Established by Afgan Hindu families, Afghanische Hindu Gemeinde is one of the revered places to visit in Germany. First, the temple was set up in their home, however, The temple is now larger than before, has more members, and welcomes people from many religions and backgrounds. Adorned by vibrant and ornate architecture, the temple is known as one of the must-visit Hindu temples in Germany. In addition to taking part in the prayer service, visitors can plan their visit for Sunday and witness this auspicious worshipping. Afghanische Hindus Gemeinde is not dedicated to any particular Hindu deity and all the lords are worshipped on another day of the week. Offering devotees a blissful place, the temple surely deserves to be on the list of places to visit in Germany.

Location: Hindu Temple und Afghanischer Hindus Gemeinde e.V., Billstraße 77, 20539 Hamburg Timing: NA

Suggested Read: Restaurants In Munich

4. Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple

Renowned as the biggest Hindu temple in Germany, Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple is a blissful place to add to your itinerary. Along with housing a glorious deity of the goddess Kamakshi, the temple boasts a total number of 200 idols. The temple was established by Tamilian refugees from Sri Lanka in a basement and is now listed as the second-largest Hindu temple in Europe. Furthermore, the Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple welcomes visitors to seek blessings, as well as witness the intricate sculptures crafted by Indian artists. The temple’s premises are available to organise Hindu weddings and other religious festivals. Moreover, the temple holds great significance in the hearts of locals and tourists alike and invites devotees from far and wide.

Location: Siegenbeckstraße 4-5, 59071 Hamm, Germany Timing: 8.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 5.00 PM to 7.00 PM

5. Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple

Sri Ganesh Hindu Temple is one of the majestic Hindu temples in Berlin that beckons visitors and devotees from all over the world. This temple houses an enchanting deity of Lord Ganesh and is fortified with a magical but serene environment. At Berlin’s Sri Ganesha Temple, hundreds of devotees assemble to offer prayers to the elephant-headed deity of wealth and success. Furthermore, Known as the destroyer of all evils, Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple holds a significant place in the hearts of locals and devotees.

Location: Hasenheide 106, 10967 Berlin, Germany Timing: 4.00 to 6.00 PM

Suggested Read: Munich In Summer

6. Sri Nagapoosani Ambal Temple

Image Source: Dr.S.Rajivraja for wikimedia commons

Counted among the best Hindu temples in Germany, Ari Nagapoosani Ambal Temple is a glorious place to visit. At this temple in Frankfurt, devotees pay tribute to the Hindu deity Shri Nagapoosani Ambal by wearing a snake (called Naga in Sanskrit) around their necks as a symbol of the serpent’s symbolic meaning. It is said that she may protect her devotees from harm, grant them wealth, and bear children to childless couples. To take part in the yearly festivals and daily rituals, devotees travel from all across the city. Offering a majestic ambience and serene surroundings, Sri Nagapoosani Ambal Temple is a must-visit place during your Germany trip.

Location: Schlitzer Str. 4, 60386 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Timing: 6.30 to 8.00 PM

7. ISKCON Temple

One of the revered ISKCON Temple is also established in Germany by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The establishment is around 20 years old and has delighted visitors since its origin. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and houses a glorious idol of him. ISKCON Temple is hailed as Bhakti-Yoga-Center and offers a peaceful ambience to devotees. Fortified with a serene structure, the temple attracts locals and visitors far and wide to indulge in deep-rooted religious rituals, teachings and festivals. Enticing visitors with its tranquil ambience, this is one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Munich Germany to explore.

Location: Zuzenhäuser Str. 13, 74909 Meckesheim, Germany Timing: Sunday 2.30 PM to 6.00 PM

Further Read: Summer In Germany

Germany is a country known for its historical charm and beckons travellers from far and wide. All these revered places are a must to include in your itinerary to explore Germany beyond its fairytale castles and delicious cuisines. On your next trip to Germany , include these sacred Hindu temples for a blissful travel experience.

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Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Hindu Temples In Germany

How many Hindu temples are in Germany?

There are over 100 Hindu temples in Germany that hold great significance in the hearts of locals and devotees from all over the world. Some of the famous temples in Germany include:

• Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple
• Manawa Bharti Temple
• Sri-Kurinjikumaran Temple
• ISKCON Temple
• Sri Muthumariamman Temple

What are the best places to visit in Germany?

Germany is packed with beauty, culture and history. Many amazing tourist attractions in the country are worth visiting. Here are some of them:

• Brandenburg Gate
• Museum Island
• The Berlin Wall
• Cologne Cathedral
• The Black Forest

What is the must-try food in Germany?

German cuisine is known for its mouth-watering taste that delights the locals and tourists. Some of the must-try foods to have on your plate during your trip are as follows:

• Maultaschen
• Kartoffelsalat
• Kartoffelpuffer

What is the best time to visit Germany?

The best time to visit Germany is during May and September as the weather remains pleasant and allows you to explore the country at its best. The country‘s weather remains hottest in July and August.

What are the best shopping places in Germany?

Some of the best shopping places to visit in Germany are as follows:

• KO Shopping Mall
• Mall of Berlin
• Europa Galerie
• Olympia Shopping Center

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