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20 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany for Breathtaking Mountains, Medieval Towns, and Moving Historic Sites

From moving landmarks to charming villages, these are 20 of the best places to visit in Germany, according to experts.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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Germany is filled with charming small towns, exhilarating cities, enchanting castles, historic landmarks, and famous festivities — notably Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets . With 16 states, from Bavaria to Bremen, there are a lot of different ways to vacation in Deutschland. That might look like bopping around to hilltop villages on a road trip or plopping down in a vibrant metropolis and going on some interesting day trips. Need some inspiration ahead of your first (or next) trip to the land of bratwurst and beer? We asked Liam S. Dunch, product manager, Europe at Abercrombie & Kent , and Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato , to share their top picks. Scroll on for the best places to visit in Germany.

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in Germany, From Charming Medieval Villages to Idyllic Mountain Escapes

1. East Side Gallery

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Once a symbol of oppression — and an enduring reminder of Germany’s turbulent past — the concrete barrier that used to divide Berlin now serves a vastly different purpose thanks to the creation of the East Side Gallery. Artists transformed the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall into an open-air art gallery with colorful, thought-provoking graffiti murals.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most beautiful small towns in the world , Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an endlessly charming village along Germany’s fabled Romantic Road in the Franconia region of Bavaria. Its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, churches, medieval walls, and towers look like they were plucked from a storybook.

3. Courtroom 600

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Many people who visit Germany want to gain a deeper understanding of the tragic events of the 20th century. “Not only does a trip to Courtroom 600 means the chance to step inside the room where Nazi leaders were tried for their unspeakable crimes, but visitors can also watch real footage of the Nuremberg trials and learn about the legacy of the verdicts,” explains Dunch.

4. Bach-Museum Leipzig

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Dunch urges lovers of classical music to make the pilgrimage to Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach composed most of his major works and spent the last 27 years of his life. The Bach-Museum Leipzig houses a collection of instruments, original manuscripts, and other memorabilia related to the German composer. 

5. Baden-Baden 

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European aristocracy (including Napoleon III and Queen Victoria) have decamped to Baden-Baden, a historic spa town on the edge of southwestern Germany's Black Forest, since the 19th century. This Belle Époque resort town retains its glamorous reputation and wellness credentials, continuing to entice well-heeled travelers with thermal baths and high-class spa hotels such as Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa .   

6. Museum Island

“I always tell first-time visitors to Berlin to check out Museum Island,” says Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato . Situated in the middle of the Spree River, this architecturally stunning cultural complex houses five magnificent museums: Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum. 

7. Schloss Proschwitz

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Schloss Proschwitz is a beautiful 18th-century, neo-baroque castle in the district of Meissen with elegant interiors and gardens. The estate also plays host to Saxony's oldest private winery, which invites visitors for cellar tours and tastings.  

8. Hofbräuhaus

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The most famous of the many beer halls in Munich, Hofbräuhaus takes patrons back in time to an era when tokens were used to pay for steins and shares the tradition of gemütlichkeit (geniality) with visitors from around the world through live music, warm hospitality, and homemade Bavarian food.

9. Meissen's Porcelain Museum

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“The medieval town of Meissen has produced fine figurines and crockery since 1710,” explains Dunch. The Meissen Porcelain Museum tells the story of Meissen porcelain through a collection of more than 2,000 objects — including ornate tables used in the royal courts of Europe in the 18th century, vases, candle holders, and intricate animal figurines. 

10. Neuschwanstein Castle 

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One of Germany’s most famous and frequented attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes a whopping 1.4 million visitors each year. Travelers come from all over to gawk at the fairy-tale medieval palace and far-reaching views from atop a dramatic rocky hilltop in the Bavarian Alps. Quinn recommends booking timed-entry reservations to avoid waiting in lengthy lines.

11. Linderhof Palace

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And you don't have to go far to see another stately residence. Instead of (or after) fighting the crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle, Dunch suggests visiting nearby Linderhof Palace. “It’s easy to see why this idyllic fantasy ‘hunting lodge’ was Ludwig II’s favorite getaway.”

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Set on the shores of Lake Constance in Bavaria, Lindau attracts travelers with its harborfront charm and scenic views. On the itinerary? Catch sight of Switzerland across the water as you stroll the streets, check out the lighthouse, pause along Seepromenade to snap photos of the 12th-century Mangturm watchtower, and embark on a kayak excursion.  

13. Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

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Tucked between Berlin and Dresden, the UNESCO-listed Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a unique inland delta along the Spree with waterways and woodlands. It’s an idyllic setting for kayaking along the channels and soaking in the natural beauty of the area. 

14. Porsche Experience Center Leipzig

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Sports car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Porsche Experience Center Leipzig , a state-of-the-art factory and test circuit. Ready to go full-throttle? After the tour and a brief history lesson, accelerate, brake, and drift on an adrenaline-pumping drive on the circular track.   

15. Zugspitze

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Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, rises 9,718 feet above sea level and stands out as a top spot for high-altitude fun and year-round recreation. The Wankbahn cable car operates from April to October, bringing visitors to Mount Wank for a homemade breakfast at Sonnenalm and far-reaching panoramas. Hiking is also popular during the warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, tobogganing, and glacier tours.

16. Baiersbronn

Baiersbronn, a quaint village in southern Germany between Strasbourg, France and Stuttgart, is the culinary capital of the Black Forest with seven Michelin-starred restaurants and even more that have earned other culinary awards. “It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch on a drive through this scenic region,” says Quinn. 

17. Therme Erding

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The largest thermal bath complex in Europe, Therme Erding , located just 30 minutes northeast of Munich, draws upwards of 5,000 visitors each day. The giant water slides, wave pool, and lazy river are a hit with kids. Prefer relaxation? There’s also a classic spa and sauna area just for adults. 

18. Titisee-Neustadt

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Nestled within the Black Forest in southwest Germany, Titisee-Neustadt is a local’s getaway on the lakeshore that’s beloved for family fun and access to nature. During the summer, active types love to hit the scenic trails and climb Hochfirst Mountain, while winter means skiing and sledding. Bringing the kiddos? Head to Badeparadies Schwarzwald, an indoor water park with slides, mineral pools, and saunas. 

19. Europa-Park

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Travelers of all ages will have a blast at Europa-Park , a theme park in Rust, Germany with over 100 rides — including 13 thrilling roller coasters — plus a water park, live shows, restaurants, bars, hotels, a camping site, and even a wellness spa. Looking for something unique? The resort area is also home to Eatrenalin , an experience that combines fine dining with theme park technology for a totally immersive meal.

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There are plenty of naturally beautiful places to visit in Germany, but few are as stunning as Eibsee. Sitting at the base of the Zugspitze, this pristine lake is filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by alpine peaks that make it a favorite destination for boating and hiking.

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Top 12 Tourist Attractions in Germany

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• ~ mins read

Germany has so much to offer its visitors: sprawling alps, winding rivers, lush valleys, and about 20,000 elegant castles. The country also has an incredibly complicated history, reflected in its many monuments and museums.  With so much to see and do, it’s hard to decide what truly deserves a place on your German bucket list! Here are what we consider to be the top 12 tourist attractions in Germany , in no particular order.

1. Heidelberger Schloss, Heidelberg

Though now in ruins, Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) remains an impressive structure that can be seen from nearly anywhere in Heidelberg. Nestled in the rich green forest of the Königstuhl hillside, some 80 metres from the rest of the city, the castle can be reached by funicular railway or by stairs. Once at the top, take in the views of the city below (including the Neckar River and the Old Bridge), take in the impressive Renaissance architecture, roam the castle’s gardens, and visit the Heidelberg Tun - the World’s Largest Wine Barrel! For these reasons and more, Heidelberg is considered one of the best cities to visit in Germany . 

• Best time to visit: The castle is open year-round, with the heaviest crowds in the summer. Visit in the spring for good weather but less crowds.
• Entrance fee: EUR 7 for adults, EUR 4 reduced (includes use of the Funicular Railway, Great Tun, German Apothecary Museum)

2. Fernsehturm (Television Tower), Berlin

It’s impossible to miss the towering Fernsehturm as you explore Berlin ! Standing 368 metres tall, the Television Tower is the tallest structure in Germany and was originally built by the German Democratic Republic as a symbol of communist power. While the tower is primarily used for broadcasting TV and radio stations, you can also visit its observation deck for incredible panoramic views of the cosmopolitan city of Berlin. Be sure to grab a drink at the bar or, if you’re really feeling fancy, have a bite at the tower’s rotating restaurant.

• Best time to visit: Visit late at night (21:00 - 23:00) for cheaper tickets and sparkling views of the city
• Entrance fee: Adults from EUR 13 and children from EUR 8.50

3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Ansbach of Mittelfranken

With so much to offer its visitors, we’re considering the entire town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber one of Germany’s top tourist attractions. Prepare to step back in time, as this medieval town has been virtually untouched since the early 1600s. We highly recommend climbing the tower of the Town Hall, where you’ll be able to look out over the town’s red roofs (they look like gingerbread houses from up there) and the winding Tauber River beyond the town walls.

• Best time to visit: Rothenburg ob der Tauber can be fairly crowded year-round, and is beautiful in all seasons. Visit in December for some gorgeous Christmas markets.
• Entrance fee: Free 

4. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Though Berlin has many famous monuments, the Brandenburg Gate with its sandstone columns and its horse-drawn chariot is possibly the most recognizable of them all. The monument was built in 1791 in honor of King Frederick William II and is modelled after the Acropolis in Athens. Though it was once a symbol of oppression as part of the infamous Berlin Wall, today it is recognized as a symbol of peace and unity, along with being an ode to Germany’s complicated history. You can walk right up to the gate as it is surrounded by a pedestrian area. Many walking and cycling tours of the city departing in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

• Best time to visit: This attraction is best seen at night, when you can enjoy it shining in its surrounding yellow floodlights while eating some street food.
• Entrance fee: Free

5. Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), Cologne

A gorgeous example of High Gothic architecture, the Cologne Cathedral is the main attraction for this German city. Nestled on the banks of the River Rhine, this cathedral covers nearly 6,200 square meters of space and consists of 56 gorgeous, massive pillars. Pop inside to see the cathedral’s incredible stained-glass windows, dating back to the 12th century, and climb the South Tower for panoramic views of Cologne. 

• Best time to visit: The Cathedral is usually open from 6:00 – 21:00 and 13:00 – 16:30 on Sundays. Do plan a visit on a Sunday if you wish to attend a church service. 
• Entrance fee: EUR 3

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen

Perhaps one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Germany, Neuschwanstein is an impressive fairytale-like castle that inspired Walt Disney to create his most famous park, Magic Kingdom. In fact, it is quite easy to see the resemblance between this 19th-century castle and Cinderella’s castle. Surrounded by sweeping valleys, towering mountains and beautiful lakes, Neuschwanstein is best viewed from Marienbrücke, or Mary’s Bridge — a bridge over the Pöllat Gorge that offers stunning views of the castle and the scenery around it.

• Best time to visit: Visit during the winter months for fewer crowds and spectacular views of the castle and surrounding hills covered in snow
• Entrance fee: EUR 13. Free for children under 18

7. Oktoberfest, Munich

You’ll have to plan wisely if you plan to visit this tourist attraction, as it only happens once a year over the course of 16 to 18 days. Running from the end of September until the first weekend of October, Oktoberfest attracts an incredible 6 million visitors every year. It’s a full-fledged celebration of German heritage, beer, hendl (roast chicken), w ürstl (sausage), knödel (dumplings) and other traditional fare. While celebrations occur all over the country (and, in fact, all over the world), the largest parties can be found in Munich and wider Bavaria. If you would like to know more then, please read our Insider's Guide on Oktoberfest .

• Best time to visit: Runs only from the end of September until the beginning of October. Be sure to research specific dates in advance.
• Entrance fee: Free (varies by location)

8. Berlin Wall, Berlin

No visit to Berlin is complete without seeing one of the world’s most famous walls. The Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer) separated East Germany (including East Berlin) from West Berlin from 1961 until 1990, when it was eventually demolished. You can still visit some of the wall’s remnants, including Checkpoint Charlie (a well-known crossing point along the wall) and the remaining stretch near Ostbahnhof. Sections of the wall, often graffitied with political messages and symbols of peace, can also be found throughout the city — and around the world!

• Best time to visit: Anytime. The memorial site is open from Monday to Sunday 8:00 – 22:00 

9. Dachau Concentration Camp, Upper Bavaria

Though far more sombre than many of the tourist attractions on this list, a visit to Dachau is an incredibly humbling experience that every visitor to Germany should take in. As the first of Germany’s concentration camps, Dachau is a memorial site offering a wealth of information on the more than 200,000 individuals imprisoned in the camp over a 12 year period.  Guided tours and audio tours are available, taking you through various exhibits, the barracks, and the crematorium.

• Best time to visit: Anytime of the year. However, it is best to visit during warmer months as there is a lot to see outside. 
• Entrance fee : Free (EUR 3 for an audio guide)

10. Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg

You don’t have to be a train or transportation aficionado to appreciate this miniature wonder. Located in the centre of Speicherstadt, the city’s historical district, this model railway (the world’s largest) will transport you from the Austrian Alps to Las Vegas and back again, all using more than 15,000 meters of track, 1,300 trains, and about 400,000 human figurines! You’ll want a couple of hours at least to appreciate the sheer scale and amount of fine detail at Miniatur Wunderland.

• Best time to visit: Visit on a weekday as soon as it opens (08:00) to avoid heavy crowds
• Entrance fee: EUR 13 for adults and EUR 6.50 for children under 16

11. Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam

With a steep staircase leading up to this summer palace’s once copper dome and long yellow walls, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Sanssouci summer palace for France’s Versailles. In fact, the two are often compared. Though Sanssouci is  comprised of just ten rooms, much smaller than the Palace of Versailles, it is an impressive sight that shouldn’t be missed during your visit to Germany. After exploring the palace’s interior and taking in the gorgeous architecture, be sure to take a stroll through the surrounding park where you’ll find more than 3,000 fruit trees, countless greenhouses, and a sprawling flower garden in the baroque style.

• Best time to visit: Between May and October (to avoid any closures or limited operating hours) 
• Entrance fee: EUR 12

12. Insel Mainau, Lake Constance

Floating in Lake Constance, near the city of Konstanz, you will find a small garden island named Mainau, another famous tourist attraction in Germany. Covering about 110 acres of land, the island is nicknamed ‘Flower Island’ as it is covered in parks and gardens teeming with vibrant, colorful flowers and about 500 species of trees, along with beautiful sculptures and fountains. Explore the island’s Italian rose garden, home to 500 varieties of roses, and the greenhouse, where you’ll find plenty of tropical and semitropical vegetation and thousands of butterflies.

• Best time to visit: Visit in the spring to enjoy the trees and flowers in full bloom
• Entrance fee: In  summer, EUR 21 for adults, EUR 12 for students and free for children under 12. Half price entry after 5pm. In winter, EUR 10 for adults, EUR 6 for students and free for children under 12. 

Germany is a country full of interesting sites, rich culture, vibrant cities , stunning historical architecture, and lovely European landscapes. There is so much to see and do for the avid traveler. We suggest you take the time and explore all of these 12 sights, guaranteed you won't regret it! 

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• A Aissa Mohamed Sep 24 2023 REPLY I visited some of the places you mentioned, and I love traveling very much, and I appreciate your effort to direct me where I should go, and combined with my travel experience.

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17 of the best things to do in Germany

Jul 27, 2023 • 9 min read

Experience the best of Germany with these top things to do © Wirestock / Getty Images

For grand castles and gritty industrial architecture, half-timbered taverns and edgy techno nightclubs, head to Germany .

Itineraries can center on culture-rich cities, such as Berlin or Hamburg ; focus on the great outdoors thanks to epic mountains and national parks ; or look to modern history and reminders of a divided past. Here are some of the top things to do across the country.

1. Skate down the runway at Berlin’s abandoned airport

Complete with runway markings, grounded planes and old hangars, Tempelhofer Feld in the south of Berlin is a much-loved spot in the city. The airport stopped operating in 2008 and opened as a park two years later. 

Today, it is roller skaters and cyclists who accelerate down the tarmac, while the greenery is used for picnics, community gardens or just to hang out. Look out for the information boards telling the story of the site; not least its vital role during the Berlin Airlift from 1948 to 1949. 

Local tip: In summer, the airport is a good spot for a barbeque – just make sure you stick to the designated areas.

2. Tap into Germany’s industrial side

The Ruhrgebiet in western Germany was once a global hub for coal mining and metal production. Since its decline, the area has undergone a major makeover – with repurposed industrial infrastructure at the forefront.   

Highlights include the Zeche Zollverein , a former coal-mining complex now home to museums, cultural spaces and an outdoor swimming pool; and Landschaftspark Duisburg-North , a decommissioned ironworks with a diving center in the gasometer and climbing walls in the old ore storage bunkers. 

Planning tip: For a full list of locations to visit, check out the Industrial Heritage Trail (Route der Industriekultur).

3. Scale Germany’s highest mountain 

The Bavarian Alps have fantastic hiking and climbing routes, as well as cable cars that help you gain height a bit faster. The most awe-inspiring of these is the modern Zugspitze cable car on Germany’s highest mountain. 

In operation since 2017, this state-of-the-art construction has the world’s longest unsupported rope span and an epic top station perched on the rocky summit. While the journey doesn’t come cheap, the views are spectacular. 

Planning tip: If possible, leave time to walk around the Eibsee lake at the base of the mountain. In warmer weather you can also go for a dip in the strikingly blue water.

4. Drive the German Wine Route

The Deutsche Weinstrasse connects vineyards, villages and a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the attractive Palatinate (Pfalz) region. The 53-mile (85km) route can be done as a road trip and provides a great introduction to the country’s vino.  

Renowned for rieslings, this area also produces several other whites as well as an increasing volume of reds. Thanks to a moderate climate, you’ll even spy figs, kiwis and lemons growing here.

Detour: For a lesser-known wine region, head up to Rheinhessen. Here locally-based company BottleStops offers excellent tours in English.  

5. Cross the mighty Rhine in Cologne 

One of the best ways to approach Cologne Cathedral is to walk across Hohenzollern Bridge. Take in the city skyline and watch large barges glide along the Rhine below as the famous gothic towers loom ever closer.

In 2008, people started attaching “love locks” to the bridge’s railings. Most are engraved with couples’ names or initials, with the key thrown into the water as a sign of eternal love.

6. Reflect on Nazi history in Nuremberg

The former Nazi Party Rally Grounds are located on the edge of Nuremberg . With many of the imposing structures still standing, such as the Zeppelinfeld Grandstand and the unfinished Congress Hall, the large site is a very eerie place to walk around. 

Elsewhere, the Memorium Nuremberg Trials examines the process that saw leading Nazi figures answer to their crimes and shaped the future of international criminal law. If not in use, you can visit the courtroom where the trials were held.

7. Gaze at the castle that inspired Walt Disney 

Set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, this fairy-tale castle has to be seen to be believed. Said to have inspired Disney, Schloss Neuschwanstein was built as a retreat for “mad” King Ludwig II.

Opened to the public just a few weeks after the king’s mysterious death in 1886, it is now one of Germany’s top tourist attractions and one of Europe’s most visited castles; a far cry from the intended purpose as a private refuge.

Planning tip: As with any major tourist attraction, avoid the crowds by arriving early or visiting outside of peak season.

8. Hit the spa in Baden-Baden 

The mineral waters in the Black Forest have long attracted wellness fans to this region, in particular to Baden-Baden . Home to 12 thermal springs, the well-known spa town is perfect for a bit of pampering and luxury. Even celebs love it.

Get started at Friedrichsbad, a grand Renaissance-style building with domed ceilings, elaborate frescoes and a multi-station bathing circuit. Submerge yourself in thermal whirlpools, hot-air baths and cold water before heading to a relaxation room with a handy wake-up service.

9. Try water sports on Sylt, Germany’s glitziest island

Sylt is the biggest of Germany’s North Frisian Islands and a top staycation destination. Sometimes referred to as the "Saint-Tropez of the north" or the "Hamptons of Germany", it has grassy dunes and sandy beaches, as well as upmarket restaurants and hotels that cater to a wealthier crowd.

It is also a water sports hot spot. Thanks to choppy surf off the western coast and calmer waters in the Wadden Sea, the island accommodates both beginners and those with more experience.

Planning tip: Sylt is no secret and can be very busy during the summer months – book ahead if you plan to visit then. 

10. Cycle for cheese in the Allgäu region 

Known for its cheese, the Allgäu region is home to alpine dairies, cow-filled meadows and wooden farmhouses. Best explored by bike, you’ll find several routes that pass different producers.

Staples include Bergkäse (mountain cheese) and Allgäuer Emmentaler . Don’t worry if the shops are closed; it won’t be long before you stumble upon a cheese-filled vending machine. 

Local tip: Be sure to visit the soft-cheese experts at Hoimat in Eschach. The young team behind this small business have created a stylish shop and cafe in a gorgeously restored barn.

11. Sip smoked beer in Bamberg 

It’s not hard to find beer in Germany, but for something a little different, visit the beautiful Franconian town of Bamberg . Here you’ll discover the local tipple Rauchbier (smoked beer), best enjoyed in a cozy half-timbered tavern. 

According to legend, Rauchbier was invented by accident following a fire in a brewery. Today, the beer is served in many places, but only two breweries still stick to tradition and kiln malt over an open wood fire: Schlenkerla and Brauerei Spezial . 

Local tip: Keep an eye out for the beer in dishes such as pork-filled roasted onion served with mashed potato and Rauchbier sauce.

12. Stroll along the murals on the Berlin Wall 

There are several locations in the German capital where you can see remaining parts of the Berlin Wall, but the East Side Gallery stands out. The 0.8-mile (1.3km) stretch running parallel to the river Spree is covered in murals created by international artists following the fall of the wall, including Birgit Kind's iconic image of a Trabant (Trabi) car. 

Surrounded by many new apartment blocks and office complexes – some complete, some still under construction – this part of town demonstrates the vast scale of redevelopment that has shaped the city since reunification.

Local tip: For a more sober look at the impact of the divide, head to Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer at Bernauer Straße. This outdoor memorial includes another original piece of wall.

13. Catch a concert at Hamburg’s impressive venue 

Standing proudly on a peninsula in Hamburg, the Elbphilharmonie or “Elphi” is an architectural masterpiece. Opened in 2017, the concert hall consists of a new shimmering glass structure sitting atop an old red-brick warehouse.

Check out the program of events or simply head up to the Elbphilharmonie Plaza for panoramic views across the city and along the river. The open-air platform is free of charge and wraps around the entire building.

Local tip: Some harbor boat tours go past the outside of the building, allowing you to see it from a different angle. 

14. Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Located on the outskirts of Munich , Dachau was one of the first concentration camps to be built and later became the first memorial of its kind in Germany. Known as KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau , you can wander around the site including the tree-lined camp road and the roll call area – all overlooked by watchtowers.

Permanent exhibitions provide extensive information about the camp and the prisoners, as well as what happened after liberation. Entrance is free and all texts are provided in English and German.

Planning tip: The memorial is easy to reach using public transport from Munich. Take the S-Bahn (S2) to Dachau station and pick up the 726 bus from there – it drops you right outside the entrance.

15. Feel Leipzig’s creative buzz

Fans of Berlin’s edge should also visit Leipzig . The former East German city is constantly evolving and appeals to artists and designers, many making use of empty industrial spaces.

Discover alternative neighborhoods, cool projects and edgy installations, before exploring connections to creative masterminds of the past. Leipzig is where Richard Wagner was born, as well as where Mendelssohn and Bach lived for many years.

16. Go hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park 

Sandstone pinnacles and tabletop mountains create this unusual landscape in the east of the country. Germany’s only non-alpine rock national park, Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz) is a haven for sporty types. The best-known spot is the Basteibrücke, a magnificent stone bridge between two towers of rock. 

Detour: Easy to reach by car or public transport, the nearby city of Dresden is where you’ll find landmarks such as the Zwinger Palace and the reconstructed Frauenkirche .  

17. Spend an afternoon in a Munich beer garden 

Beer gardens are central to Munich life. As soon as the good weather hits, locals head to their favorite one for a cold beer and a chinwag with friends. You’ll also often see groups celebrating birthdays and other events at the long tables.

While all serve lager by the liter, each garden has a USP. Go to Seehaus in Englischer Garten for drinks by a lake, Paulaner am Nockherberg for a modern in-house brewery or laid-back Biergarten Muffatwerk for some organic grub.   

This article was first published September 2021 and updated July 2023

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Germany

25 Best Things to Do in Germany

Forested and hilly, the country of Germany , or Deutschland if you prefer, brings back memories of long walks in beautiful forests and visiting castles. In my younger days I’ve spent a lot of time in the country and really enjoyed all of it. Although when my parents made us do long walks on rainy days I remember being rather cranky.

Germany has a long and rich history and I’m sure you have heard of names like Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven and Karl Marx… but besides the cultural aspect of the country I’m sure many will also be envisioning a beautiful busty blond girl in traditional clothing that serves you half a liter of beer and a plate of bradwurst mit sauerkraut:P

But let’s get on with the top 25 things to do in Germany !

1. Hohenschwangau, southwest Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)

Like a fairytale castle, the Schloss Neuschwanstein rises up above the Bavarian woods. In fact, the Bavarian ‘schloss’ served as a blueprint for the castle in Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty, and you will understand exactly why, given that its Germany’s most photographed building.

The castle is exquisitely designed, both in terms of architecture, and with respect to the regale adornment both on the exterior and within the interior. Ludwig II of Bavaria is responsible for commissioning the castle in the mid-nineteenth century to serve as a retreat, and due to his love for classical music conceived by Richard Wagner, he dedicated the castle to the composer.

Book a day trip from Munich: Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle Full-Day

2. Berlin: Berlin Wall

On August 13, 1961, a dramatic turn of events shaped the cityscape of Berlin for many years to come. The Berlin wall, which was erected to impede the escape of East Berliners from the Soviet-regulated East German state, from that day forward served as a mainstay of disunity, fear, and of universal oppression.

Today, the remaining fragments of the Berliner Mauer are nothing more than graffiti-covered lengths of concrete and dilapidation, but still, the sight is enough to attract visitors by the thousands, irrespective there’s nothing attractive about it.

Recommended tour : Guided Bike Tour of the Berlin Wall and Third Reic

3. Berlin: Erholungspark Marzahn

The German authorities ambitiously undertook the creation of Erholungspark Marzahn, a public park in Marzahn, and it was completed in 1987. The result being a rather unique combination of an oasis of tranquility combined with cosmopolitan beauty, and all within a bustling urban reality.

The Chinese garden, which was completed exclusively by local landscape architects and artisans, represents the largest garden of its kind outside China. A visit to the gardens will allow you to witness ponds, pavilions, watercourses, traditional architecture, as well as ceremonies which are symbolic of countries such as Italy and Korea. Certainly a marvelous work of art that ought to be experienced by every visitor to Berlin.

4. Berchtesgaden : Berchtesgaden National Park

The Berchtesgaden National Park is representative of nature devoid of much disturbance by the human hand. In essence, the national park is a haven of lush forests, crystal clear lakes, steep rock faces, rolling meadows, and sleepy little villages.

Trails that are clearly indicated wind through the gorgeous scenery while they brim with opportunities for cycling, hiking, and Nordic walking. And do be sure to see lake Königssee, which rivals most Norwegian fjords for sheer beauty, the only difference being that the lake is far cleaner.

Book online : From Salzburg: Berchtesgaden and Königssee

5. Aachen: Aachen Cathedral

Finalized in 935, Aachen Cathedral, also referred to as the “Imperial Cathedral”, is the oldest cathedral in all of northern Europe. Between 936 and 1531, the establishment served as the church for the coronation of 30 German kings in addition to 12 German queens.

It was originally inspired by churches which were found in the Eastern Holy Roman Empire, and was developed throughout the Middle Ages while being further adorned by subsequent authorities thereby making it a complex and sophisticated masterpiece of architecture. It has inspired many other German constructions and is perhaps even more impressive in that it was chosen to be the final resting place for the eminent medieval ruler, Charlemagne.

6. Schleswig-Holstein: Sylt

The unusually named Sylt tends to epitomize much about Germany that people frequently feel is lacking – serenity, shifting sand dunes, nail-biting surf, a laid-back atmosphere, picturesque lighthouses, and plenty of sunshine.

Frequently referred to as the “St. Tropez of the North”, Sylt, which lies on an elongated piece of land on Germany’s northern coast overlooking the North Sea, is seen to be a fine combination of exuberant nature and world-class glamor, where high-class boutiques together with bustling restaurants and tranquil coves witness wave upon wave of tourists throughout the summer months. If nothing else, the vistas are enthralling.

7. Rhineland-Palantinate: Burg Eltz

Many who have visited Burg Eltz in Rhineland-Palantinate say that it’s Germany’s most beautiful castle and it typifies what historical courtyard romanticism should be about. It’s certainly true to say that the castle makes for a dazzling impression, and it is among the very few medieval fortresses in Europe to have remained completely intact.

The conical towers rise up gratifyingly from the lushness of the Elzbach valley, and the elaborate Gothic ornamentation is more than worthy of an arduous walk up the hill. Interestingly enough, the castle comes with a good number of 15th century lavatories that are fully flushable, which is in stark contrast to the sophisticated and enchanting Versailles which has none.

8. Herreninsel: Schloss Herrenchiemsee

King Ludwig II of Bavaria had the intention of creating a Royal Palace in the midst of Bavaria’s largest lake when he acquired Schloss Herrenchiemsee in 1873. It’s not a surprising choice either, given that the venue is most thoroughly breath-taking.

Schloss Herrenchiemsee, which translates to “New Palace”, was the king’s final and most grandiose project, draining more effort and money than either of his other two castles. Representing the epitome of overabundance, luxury, splendor, and vanity, and whilst being modeled on Versailles, the castle overflows with gold and really should not be missed, even for the wonderful setting for the palace alone.

Suggested tour : Herrenchiemsee Palace and Boat Trip Day-Tour

9. Würzburg: Würzburg Residence

Because of the Archbishop Johan von Schonborn’s insatiable and deeply curious requirements for a splendid construction, based on his obstinacy alone, the marvelous Würzburg Residence, which is in the Baroque architectural style, was completed.

Among those involved in its planning were the most distinguished architects from Germany, France, and Austria, and finally an imposing U-shaped palace was conceived, together with its 300 rooms. The luxurious innards are to be witnessed to be believed and the well-groomed gardens stretch around the palace in an all-encompassing fashion. The residence is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Related tour : Würzburg: Sightseeing Train Tour

10. Upper Middle Rhine Valley

The Middle Rhine Valley has for centuries facilitated cultural transitions between the north and the Mediterranean, acting as one of the most significant routes for transport in Europe. Yet it’s the upper 40 mile (65 km) stretch that has provided a limitless source of stimulus for artists.

Abundant in sun-drenched vineyards, historic towns, and idyllic castles, the area very aptly reflects the harmonious relationship that people can have with their surroundings. To experience and witness the area from the finest vantage point, it’s prudent to discover it by boat, and ideally aboard the last of the Rhine’s remaining paddle steamers – Goethe.

11. Saxony: Dresden Elbe Valley

Towering castles, bucolic villages, historic centers, magnificent churches, and colossal bridges all dot a small 12.5 mile (20 km) stretch of the Dresden Elbe Valley, where the natural and cultural values combine together, making it the ideal weekend getaway.

The valley is filled with unpretentious beauty while simultaneously being a throng of dramatic events, which work together to make it a stimulating and yet soothing landscape that offers plenty of interest to all its visitors. In spite of the tragic 1945 allied bombings, Dresden still represents a wonderful blend of culture, politics, education, and economics, thereby making a terrific base for traveling throughout the Elbe Valley.

Recommended tour : Dresden: Segway Tour Along the Elbe and Old Town

12. Köln (Cologne): Köln Dom (Cologne Cathedral)

Though Cologne Cathedral was under construction for around 600 years, the curious thing about it is that every added detail emulates the original design. In 1996, UNESCO added the cathedral to the World Heritage List, and for good reason as the construction is something of a masterpiece of engineering.

The cathedral sits on the site of a Roman temple from the 4th century, and houses three golden-crowned skulls which are thought to be from the Three Magi. The elaborate decoration of the cathedral and imposing façade invariably strike the unsuspecting visitor with awe.

Take a tour : City Highlights with Local Guide

13. Bavaria: Wies Church

Wies Church, which stands humbly in the midst of nowhere in particular, tends to pose questions among its visitors as to why it should have been erected in such a solitary place. Nevertheless, driven forth from the initial curiosity, upon entering the whitewashed building, they are often left speechless.

Where once a dilapidated wooden figurine stood – a crying portrait of the Scourged Saviour – now rises in its place a divine palace in all its fervent glory. And needless to say, fully deserved of its UNESCO status. The acute clash between the raw outer surroundings and the amazingly ornate interior serves to ignite the spiritual and uniquely aesthetical experience.

14. Berlin: Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

This cluster of 19th century buildings in the neoclassical style, which is regarded as among the world’s momentous museum complexes, is settled on the tip of an island in the Spree River. The museums, of which there are five, host splendid collections of ethnological and historical wares as well as a congregation of art pieces, including Byzantine and Late Antique works in addition to a variety of sculptures. The sheer vastness of the assemblage ensures that there is something for everyone.

15. Regensburg: Old Town of Regensburg

Regensburg was founded by the Romans in 179 A.D. and is now a thriving cultural and trading center. The old town bears witness to a plethora of exquisite marks of a wonderfully prosperous history, and as such, it has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage honors.

A stroll through the town provides for a sensory experience of German artistry and romanticism. Brilliantly preserved and entirely unscathed by countless wars, it’s not so much an urban hub as it is an outdoor museum. Countless monastic ensembles and churches make up a large part of the area, together with patrician houses and towers. Once there, it’s easy to imagine that you’ve embarked on a journey throughout the Middle Ages.

Useful tour : Regensburg: Sightseeing Train Tour

16. Potsdam: Sanssouci Park

Sanssouci (sans souci – without worries) Park in Potsdam was originally a simple terraced garden utilized by Frederick the Great as a way for him to relax from his royal burdens. However, the King realized that the location offered a magical ambience, after which, he arranged a sizable residence to be established, which more latterly was followed by one venue after another.

Thus, the original orchard was transformed into an extensive park, together with luxuriant palaces and lavishly landscaped gardens. Today, Sanssouci Park represents a sophisticated place which is fit for a taste of relaxation in a particularly royal style.

17. Quedlinburg: Old Town of Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg’s roots date back to the 9th century to the time of the Carolingian Dynasty. The town originally consisted of nothing more than a number of tiny villages, but today, these tiny villages make up a maze of cobblestoned streets that lead visitors past decorative exteriors of old-day tenements, multi-colored houses with small flower-laden gardens, and magnificently picturesque temples. There’s plenty of historical value and romanticism to be found in the Old Town of Quedlinburg.

18. Weimar: Weimar Museums

Once the stomping ground for the likes of Nietzsche, Liszt, Bach, Goethe, Schiller, and more, these days, Weimar is a hotbed for a tourist swarm with an intellectual orientation. The number of exquisite museums in Weimar reflects an atmosphere of real anticipation.

The 1,000-year-old town might not have you in raptures on account of its stunning architecture, but as the center for German Enlightenment, it will more than likely stimulate your mind and is certainly worthy of an extended visit.

19. Bamberg: Schlenkerla Brewery and Tavern

If you’re arriving in Germany for the beer and you’re not arriving in time for the Oktoberfest, then Bamberg’ Schlenkerla Brewery will definitely compensate you in every which way. You may think that going all the way to Franconia in order to get a few glasses of good barley beer is rather ill-advised, but if you’re keen on the concept of enjoying a smoke beer that’s been tapped directly from the barrel, a wooden barrel that is, then Bamberg, and in particular Schlenkerla, is the ideal choice.

Otherwise, however, the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in that it has exerted a major architectural influence upon the country as a whole, and it’s also southern Germany’s Center of Enlightenment. Plenty enough reason to make the journey now?

Highlighted tour : Bamberg: 1.5-Hour Guided Beer Tour

20. Maulbronn: Maulbronn Abbey (Kloster Maulbronn)

Founded in 1137 by Cistercian monks, Maulbronn Abbey is among the best maintained medieval monastic complexes to be seen north of the Alps. Legend has it that during a lengthy journey from Alsace, the monks stopped to water their mules. Whilst there, they became enchanted with the place and opted to establish a settlement (in English, Maulbronn means “mule-well”).

The diligence of the monks brought the awareness of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who then welcomed the monastery under his auspices, which in turn led to a wealth of funding. Although development thrived, the Reformation halted the proceedings and the Maulbronn residents were rejected from the monastery.

Trier has a 2,000-year history which makes it the oldest town in the country. Nevertheless, it’s not merely worthy of exploration given its age. The town was home to no less than six different Roman emperors and has thus inherited an impressive array of ancient remnants, many of which are perfectly preserved.

The most impressive example is the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), which was once an important element within the city walls. The picturesque town of Trier is nestled into the Moselle river valley, and is crowned with a myriad of pastoral villages and vineyards. The hospitality and cuisine to be enjoyed is something never to be forgotten.

22. Rust: Europa-Park

As you’d likely expect, Europa-Park offers terrific fun while simultaneously providing an unobstructed and pleasurable learning experience. Located within the heart of a top-notch resort, the theme park resembles a pocket-sized version of the European continent.

Take a ride at the Silverstone Race Track in a Formula 1 racing car, visit the Russian MIR space station, enjoy freshly baked bread from the “Quartier Francais”, or pleasure from the charms of some of Italy’s hot spots. There’s truly something for everyone here, irrespective of age or gender.

Book online : Rust: Europa-Park Entrance Ticket

23. Berlin: Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

It could be argued that the Brandenburg Gate is simply a gate like any other large gate in the world, and that’s true in terms of the superficial aspect. Nevertheless, there is a story behind this particular gate.

At one time, when the infamous Berlin Wall still stood in all its concrete glory, the 197 ft. (60 m) tall Brandenburg Gate, which was located towards the end of Unter den Linden, represented a part of the physical division and mental obstruction between the east and west sides of the city. Quite on the contrary, these days, the Gate is much more a towering symbol of unity and peace, not only for the German peoples but the world over.

24. Munich: BMW Museum

The structure of the BMW Museum in Munich is representative of cutting-edge architectural work, together with its distinctive configuration as a futuristic silver bowl. Once you enter into the dynamic interior, you’ll rapidly begin to realize that there’s a lot more to BMW automobile manufacturing than simply prestige.

It’s an artistic creation, a means of expression, and ultimately the product of a world where inspiration meets reality. Though you may not yet have much idea about the world of the motor car, upon leaving the BMW Museum in Munich, you’ll have a far deeper appreciation for the trade.

25. Hamburg: Modelleisenbahn Miniatur Wunderland

Upon making a visit to the Modelleisenbahn Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, you’ll be treated to 6.84 miles (11 km) of train track which winds around the huge floor space and travels through Scandinavia, the Swiss Alps, the U.S. and a variety of German destinations.

Everything is in great detail, from the trains themselves to the stations that the trains visit, to the trees that line the tracks. The $12.5 million enterprise is the largest in the world and without doubt deserves plenty of tourist attention.

Skip-the-line : Priority Entrance: Miniatur Wunderland

25 Best Things to Do in Germany:

• Hohenschwangau, southwest Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)
• Berlin: Berlin Wall
• Berlin: Erholungspark Marzahn
• Berchtesgaden: Berchtesgaden National Park
• Aachen: Aachen Cathedral
• Schleswig-Holstein: Sylt
• Rhineland-Palantinate: Burg Eltz
• Herreninsel: Schloss Herrenchiemsee
• Würzburg: Würzburg Residence
• Upper Middle Rhine Valley
• Saxony: Dresden Elbe Valley
• Köln (Cologne): Köln Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
• Bavaria: Wies Church
• Berlin: Museumsinsel (Museum Island)
• Regensburg: Old Town of Regensburg
• Potsdam: Sanssouci Park
• Quedlinburg: Old Town of Quedlinburg
• Weimar: Weimar Museums
• Bamberg: Schlenkerla Brewery and Tavern
• Maulbronn: Maulbronn Abbey (Kloster Maulbronn)
• Rust: Europa-Park
• Berlin: Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
• Munich: BMW Museum
• Hamburg: Modelleisenbahn Miniatur Wunderland

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Germany travel map: tourist attractions, top cities, best places for shopping and museums

The 27 Best Places to Visit in Germany

• David Angel

About the author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

Welcome to my guide to the best places to visit in Germany, drawn from a great many visits to the country going back four decades.

Germany is an astounding country, one I can never let go of and which will never let go of me either. Its cultural wealth never ceases to surprise me.

It has everything from the chocolate box villages of the Black Forest and Rhineland to the cutting edge of Berlin. And then there are its landscapes, from the lush Mosel to the snowy beauty of the Bavarian Alps in the far south.

I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to have been visiting Germany for 40 years, including many visits to my best friend from my university days who is from Hamburg.

We have also made numerous trips across the border from our base in Prague over the last few years.

So I hope you enjoy my guide to the best places to visit in Germany and that it gives you lots of inspiration.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit In Germany: Our Top 25 Picks

1. berlin   .

Germany’s capital Berlin is one of the great cities of Europe.  It’s gritty rather than pretty, a large urban sprawl that once spanned East and West. The former Prussian capital has a few grand buildings and landmarks like the iconic Brandenburg Gate, but above all Berlin was shaped by the 20 th century and two of its three main conflicts.  

The result is one of the most compelling cities in Europe, indeed the planet. It’s bursting with creativity, with flourishing arts, outstanding museums, and nightlife. You’ll also discover superb architecture, from the Jewish Museum to its World Heritage-listed Modernist housing estates.  

Above all, it’s one of the best places in Europe to visit for anyone with an interest in 20th-century history and the Cold War.  The Berlin Wall is the obvious place to begin, but several excellent museums also show what life was like for the millions living behind it.   

Berlin is also one of the best places in the world to enjoy Turkish food! We often stick to Turkish food there, as it’s some of the best we have eaten outside Turkey.  

Don’t miss – Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery, Museum Island, Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag, The Topography of Terror, the Jewish Museum, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, DDR Museum, the Stasi Museum, the Berlin Spy Museum 

Nice to see – Kulturforum, East Side Gallery, Schloss Charlottenburg, Berliner Dom, Glienicke Bridge (Bridge of Spies), Gendarmenmarkt, The Topography of Terror, Hohenschönhausen Memorial, Olympiastadion 

Best neighbourhoods to explore – Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Tiergarten 

How many days – 3-4 days minimum 

Best day trip – Potsdam, Havelland, Spreewald and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp 

See also : Berlin Landmarks and Photographing Berlin

2. Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen  

The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most recognisable symbols of Germany. ‘Mad’ (extravagant is a much kinder word) King Ludwig decided to build the Castle in 1869 in the foothills of the Alps. It was an enormous undertaking which, sadly, wasn’t completed when he died in 1886. 

Unsurprisingly it’s on many people’s Germany bucket list. It’s one of the most lavish historicist (medieval influenced) castles of the 19 th century, and its location surrounded by forests and mountains is nothing short of astounding.  

Don’t Miss: The interior, which can only be visited on a guided tour.  

Nice to see:   Nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and the pretty town of Füssen  

Good to know: Unfortunately they don’t let you take photos inside.

How Many Days : One 

Day trips: Oberammergau village 

3. Potsdam  

Potsdam is the most popular day trip from Berlin, an easy one-hour trip on the S7 train from the centre. The small city is the former Prussian royal seat, and its World Heritage-listed Baroque parks, gardens, and palaces are spread out over a large area.

The city centre is also full of stunning buildings, from a mosque-inspired pumping station to one of Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s finest churches.  You could comfortably visit Potsdam’s main attraction, spectacular Sanssouci Park, in a day. But you may find yourself wishing you had a little longer.   

Don’t Miss : Sans Souci Park and Palace, including Neues Palais and Chinese House; Nikolaikirche; Dutch Quarter; Brandenburg Gate; Schloss Cecilienhof 

Nice to see: Museum B arberini, Alexandrowka Russian Colony, Filmmuseum Babelsberg, Lindenstrasse Memorial, and the ‘Mosque’ Pumping Station 

How Much Time Do You Need: Most visitors only spare one day, but you could easily spend three days in Potsdam. 

Best time to visit Potsdam: You can visit Potsdam throughout the year. We’ve been in May and October, both of which were ideal. 

4. Munich   

The Bavarian capital Munich is one of Europe’s great cities, and one of the more traditional of the major German cities.  It’s a city with many layers of history to uncover. The Wittelsbachs ruled the city and Bavaria for 800 years, leaving a vast legacy from Gothic churches to the Rococo Residenz Palace. Many of the main sights are within a short walk of the Marienplatz.   

Munich is also the city of the Oktoberfest beer festival, with traditional lederhosen costumes and all. At the other end of the scale, it’s a technical powerhouse, as the Deutsches Museum and BMW Museum demonstrate.  

Munich makes an outstanding base for day trips across  Bavaria and into Austria.  

Don’t Miss – Marienplatz, the view from St Peter’s Church Tower; The Residenz, Hofbräuhaus; Oktoberfest; English Garden; Frauenkirche; Deutsches Museum; Nymphenburg Palace 

Nice to see – BMW Museum, Olympic Stadium, Tower and Park; Lake Starnburg; Bavarian State Opera; White Rose Memorial; Teddy Bear Museum; Glockenspiel; Museum for Unusual Collections.  

How many days – a few days and use it as a base to see some of the most beautiful places in Southern Germany. 

Best day trips – Dachau Concentration Camp, Landshut, Fussen, Nuremberg, Lake Eibsee, Salzburg, Regensburg, Augsburg 

5. Rothenburg ob Der Tauber and the Romantic Road   

For many visitors, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in northern Bavaria, IS Germany. The Plönlein, the junction of two medieval streets with a crooked yellow house, shouts,’’ GERMANY’’ louder than any other image of the country, so it’s top of many people’s lists of places to visit in Germany.   

Much of Rothenburg is like this, full of fairytale medieval architecture, with half-timbered houses, fortified town walls, brick-gabled townhouses, essentially the whole works.   

Rothenburg is one of the main stops on the Romantic Road, which runs north to south from Nuremberg to the Alps. It passes through many more small historic towns and villages, including Dinkelsbühl, an hour to the south.    

Don’t Miss – Plönlein, Town Wall Walk, Town Hall Tower, Marktplatz, Night Watch Man Tour, Jakobskirche 

Nice to see – Double Bridge, German Christmas Museum, Middle Ages Criminal Museum  

How many days – Two 

Best day trips – Nuremberg, Schwäbisch Hall, Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl 

6. Dresden  

Dresden is one of Germany’s culturally richest and architecturally most beautiful cities. Its skyline of Baroque towers and spires was long considered one of the finest in Europe, and it held some of the outstanding art collections on the continent.    

In February 1945 the city was destroyed by an intensive Allied bombing raid and ensuing firestorm. Everything was painstakingly rebuilt, culminating in the completion of the iconic Frauenkirche church in 2005.  

Dresden is a little off the beaten path for English-speaking tourists, but one of the most rewarding cities in Germany to visit.  There are a whole host of places to visit nearby, in eastern Saxony and around the Czech border, so it’s somewhere you could easily linger for a while. 

Don’t Miss – Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, Residenzschloss, Albertinum Gallery, Brühlsche Terrasse, Grünes Gewolbe, and a paddle steamer trip from the old town to Pillnitz Palace  And climb the tower of the Kreuzkirche, another of the Baroque churches in Dresden , for exceptional views of the city.

Nice to see – The Grosser Garten, Schloss Moritzburg, Military History Museum, German Hygiene Museum, Neustadt, Dresden Zoo, and a show at Semperoper one of Germany’s most famous opera houses. The Stasi Museum Dresden is also one of the best in the former East Germany.  

How many days – three days is enough to see the city – you’ll need more time to see the attractions nearby. 

Best day trips – Pirna (don’t miss the DDR museum), Meissen, Radebeul, Bautzen , Bad Schandau, the Bastei Bridge , Saxon Switzerland, Leipzig, Chemnitz, Freiberg.  You can also get to Prague in 2 ½ hours by bus or train.  

7. Cologne (Köln)  

Cologne is one of the ‘big four’ cities of Germany (along with Berlin, Munich and Hamburg). It’s on the doorstep of the Ruhr industrial area but has long been a city with a strong reputation in the arts and media. 

The city is over 2,000 years old and was an important Roman centre second only to Trier. It’s best known for its astonishing Gothic cathedral, which took over 600 years to build, and has twelve superb Romanesque churches, all of which precede it. 

Cologne is also home to one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, and the best Lent Carnival celebrations in the country. The city lets its hair down on Rosenmontag, the Monday before Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent, with a parade through the centre.  

Don’t Miss Cologne Cathedral and the Shrine of the Three Kings; Gross St Martin Church; Römisch-Germanisches Museum; St Gereon’s Church; Köln-Triangle Panorama; Kolumba Museum   

Nice To See: St Ursula’s Church and the other Romanesque churches in the city; Schnütgen Museum; Käthe-Kollwitz Museum; Museum Ludwig 

How Many Days – two to three days ideally 

Best Day Trips – Bonn, Düsseldorf, Brühl, Aachen, Monschau 

8. Rhine Valley   

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, between Rüdesheim and Koblenz, is one of Europe’s most famous and beautiful landscapes.   For 40 miles (65 km) the Rhine winds its way through a steep-sided gorge. Medieval half-timbered villages, forests, hilltop castles and vertiginous vineyards complete the scene.  

A few myths and legends along the way helped it become one of the focal points of the early 19 th century Romantic Revival, its castles restored, making the Rhine Gorge one of the most popular early European tourist destinations. 

Sit back with a glass of local Riesling and take a boat cruise along the river, or perhaps hike to some of the amazing viewpoints in the hills above.  

Don’t Miss – Rüdesheim, Bacharach , Boppard, Oberwesel , Braubach , and Marksburg Castle ; St Goar , the Loreley Cliff, and Rheinfels Castle; Pfalzgrafenstein Castle ; at least one Rhine River cruise and plenty of local wine. 

Nice to see – Kaub, Koblenz, Bingen, Lahnstein and the ‘Feuding Brothers’ Castles near Kamp-Bornhofen 

How many days – 3 or 4 minimum – a week if you want to take things slowly 

Best day trips – Cologne, Limburg an der Lahn 

9. Mosel Valley   

The Mosel Valley isn’t as renowned as its neighbour the Rhine, but it’s a beautiful part of Germany and every bit as worthy of your time. 

It has many similar elements to the Rhine Valley. There are many small half-timbered villages, most surrounded by steep vineyards and overlooked by a ruined medieval castle. Yet the landscape is more open and spacious than the Rhine Gorge, with breathtaking views at every bend of the river. 

The Mosel is a wonderful place to slow down, with great walks, easy riverside cycling, and scenic boat trips. If you take time to enjoy the excellent wine, you could easily spend a couple of weeks there. 

Don’t Miss – Cochem , Beilstein , Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel-Kues, Burg Eltz.  

Nice to see – Ediger-Eller, Zell, Bremm, Alken 

How many days – 3 days  

Day Trips: Trier, Luxembourg, Maria Laach Abbey, Rhine Valley 

10. Hamburg  

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. Along with Berlin it has long been one of the most vibrant and progressive cities in the country. 

It’s a great port city, once one of the mainstays of the Hanseatic League, with a worldliness and famously liberal attitudes born out of centuries of being a maritime melting pot. 

Its vast warehouse district, the Speicherstadt (‘Spice City’) bears witness to this, and its port on the River Elbe is a must-see. It’s the third largest in Europe, and has recently been joined by the superb Elbphilarmonie Concert Hall.  It’s also Germany’s musical and theatre capital.  

I’ve always appreciated Hamburg’s progressive side. It has long been strongly supportive of the LGBTQ community, with the St. Georg district full of popular gay bars. An old law from 1999 that made it possible for gay couples to unofficially marry long before the rest of Germany made it legal. 

It’s also renowned for its red-light district around the Reeperbahn. It was in the clubs around there that The Beatles learned their skills which made them the biggest band in the world a few years later. 

Don’t Miss: The Speicherstadt warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Expressionist Chilehaus building; a tour of or concert in the Elbphilharmonie; St Michaelis Church; Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway system in the world; Rathaus (city hall); a harbour boat trip ( hafenrundfahrt ) from St Pauli-Landungsbrücken; Hamburg’s restored oldest street, Deichstrasse;  and follow in the footsteps of the Beatles, who honed their craft in clubs around the infamous Reeperbahn.  

Nice to see – Take a walk along the Elbe River;  Alster lakes and park; St Nicholas Church Memorial; Kunsthalle; U-Boot Museum; International Maritime Museum; Planten und Blomen Park; Cold War Submarine 434;  Övelgonne city beach. 

Best neighborhoods to explore – Shabby and chic St. Pauli, Lively Schanzenviertel brimming with bars and vintage shops, Ottesen former working-class neighbourhood now one of Hamburg’s most popular quarters. St Georg – trendy district and LGBQT hub.  

How many days do you need?   Two days bare minimum. You can see a lot of the sites in a day but we recommend spending two days or more so you can explore the neighbourhoods in Hamburg. For popular sites like the Miniatur Wunderland, you will need to book in advance.  

Best day trips: the riverside village of Blankenese; Ratzeburg; Luneburg Heath in July and August; Lübeck. 

Top tip – If you don’t want to do a boat cruise a cheaper option and very popular with tourists is the HVV ferry No. 62, from Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder. The single ticket costs €3.60.  

See also: One Day in Hamburg

11. Leipzig   

Leipzig has become one of the hippest cities in Germany in recent years. As rents have risen in Berlin, so many young creative people have moved out, many to Leipzig, which has benefited and become more vibrant. The green, hip vibrant city is often called the next Berlin.

Hugely important in the history of music it was home to Wagner and Bach. Saxony’s coolest city is home to young creatives who have moved from the fast-gentrifying Berlin.   

Leipzig has a hugely important role in music. Johann Sebastian Bach was choirmaster at the Thomaskirche for many years, and Felix Mendelssohn and Richard Wagner were also from the city.   

Leipzig played a massive part in the peaceful revolution which brought down the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain in 1989.

A monument stands outside the Nikolaikirche, commemorating where it began with Monday evening prayer meetings and, later, candlelit processions. 

Within weeks of the 40th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic’s establishment, the state that spied on its own people was critically undermined 

Don’t Miss – The Old Guildhall of Leipzig and Leipzig Museum of Local History; St Thomas Church (Thomaskirche); St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche); Museum in der Runden Ecke (shows how the secret police of the DDR, the Stasi, worked); Auerbachs Keller (a historic restaurant made famous by Goethe who placed some scenes of “Faust” there); Coffe Baum, one of the oldest coffee houses in the world, founded in 1711 

Nice to see – Monument to the Battle of the Nations; Maedler Passage, Porsche factory tour (must book in advance); Grassi Museum  

Best day trips – Colditz, Naumburg, Torgau, Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Weimar, Erfurt, Dresden 

12. Görlitz  

Görlitz is one of the hidden gems of Saxony and eastern Germany, one of the few cities in the region to escape wartime destruction. It’s on the Polish border, with part of the city – Zgorzelec – on the Polish side.

It has become more widely known in recent years thanks to having been the location for Wes Anderson’s movie The Gr a nd Bud apest Hotel . The stunning Art Nouveau Kaufhaus (department store) was the setting for this, and is in the process of being refitted for its original purpose, but still open for tours in the meantime. 

This is one of the main draws, but Görlitz has much more. Its architecture – from the 15 th to 19 th centuries – has survived unscathed, from medieval town towers through to the Kaufhaus. 

Its treasures also include the gorgeous Untermarkt, one of the loveliest squares in Germany, with its magnificent Old Town Hall. It has three fine medieval churches and a wealth of discoveries across 500 years of history to be made. 

Don’t Miss – Wandering the streets of the historic old town; Obermarkt (Upper Market), Dreifaltigkeitskirche, (Holy Trinity Church);  Untermarkt (Lower Market) and Old Town Hall; self-guided tour of all the film locations, including the Kaufhaus Department Store; St. Peter and Paul’s church and Sun Organ; Reichenbach Tower for panoramic views of the city.  

Nice to see – Rathaus tower; Barockhaus Museum; cross the old bridge into Poland  

Tip – Cross to the river to Zgorzelec, the Polish part of the town, for a feast at the marvellous Miodmaliny restaurant 

How many days – Two days will give you plenty of time to see the main sights and wander the charming streets 

Best day trips – Bautzen, Zittau, Bad Muskau   

13. Lübeck  

You’ve heard buildings or places being described as a symphony in stone. Well, without a suitable word to alliterate with, the northern German city of Lübeck is a symphony in brick. 

Brick has rarely been so beautiful.   Lübeck was one of the leading lights of the mercantile Hanseatic League, growing mightily wealthy on the back of trade with partner cities as far apart as Bruges, Bergen and Tallinn.  These riches are reflected in its astonishing architecture, from its iconic city gate to its vast churches.  

The city was also home to two giants of German literature, Thomas Mann and Günter Grass. There are museums dedicated to both, well worth seeking out. 

Don’t Miss – Holstentor, Salzspeicher salt warehouses, Rathaus (Town Hall), Petrikirche (St Peter’s Church), Marienkirche, Hanse Museum, St Anne Museum Quarter 

Nice to see – Buddenbrookhaus, Günter Grass Haus 

How many days – two or three 

Best day trips – Travemünde and its superb beaches; Schwerin Castle; Hamburg; Wismar 

14. Wismar, Stralsund and the Baltic Coast  

The Baltic coast of north-east Germany, in the province of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is relatively unexplored by English-speaking visitors. Which is a pity as it’s one of the most intriguing parts of the country. 

The Baltic is where many Germans go to the seaside.  You’ll find some of the country’s best beaches in the region, and also some of the finest small cities. The Hanseatic League was the region’s trading powerhouse during the Middle ages, and several cities in the area were members.   

These include Wismar, on the western edge, and Stralsund. They both have outstanding brick Gothic architecture, particularly the Rathaus (Town Hall) in Stralsund and Nikolaikirche in Wismar.       

Don’t Miss – Rügen Island, Sellin Beach, Wismar, Stralsund (and its striking waterfront Ozeaneum), Usedom 

Nice to see – Rostock and Warnemünde beach 

How many days – one day for Wismar, two days for Stralsund 

Best day trips – Schwerin Castle 

15. Trier  

Trier is the oldest city in Germany, one of the most important regional capitals of the Roman Empire, ruled over its northern lands. 

Trier has some of the outstanding Roman monuments in Europe and was also the first place in the region to embrace Christianity – its Cathedral is also the oldest in Germany. 

Its Old Town is stunning, with an array of wonderful half-timbered houses from late medieval times. Trier is now a relatively small provincial city in the far west of the country, but it’s well worth the journey off the beaten path to discover it.

It’s very underrated, and also makes an excellent base for forays along the Mosel River or into nearby Luxembourg.      

Don’t Miss – Porta Nigra , Kaiserthermen,  Amphitheatre, Constantine’s Basilica, Rheinisches Landesmuseum, Trier Cathedral ,  Liebfrauenkirche, Marktplatz   

Nice to see – Roscheider Hof Open Air Museum, St Matthias Church, Toy Museum, Karl Marx Museum 

How many days – 2 

Best day trips – It’s an easy short from Luxembourg. Nearby Saarburg is a gorgeous small town with a castle and a waterfall running through the centre.   

Top Tip – Trier has a wonderful Christmas market. 

See also: 26 Best Things to do in Trier

16. Bavarian Alps: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze  

This part of the Bavarian Alps is only a few miles east of Neuschwanstein Castle, but over an hour’s drive away, and longer by bus. It’s one of the most famous parts of Germany and most visited. It also staggeringly beautiful.

The area around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is breathtaking, with clear green alpine lakes, dark forests, roaring waterfalls and stunning peaks including Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, which you can ascend by train and cable car via Eibsee lake. 

There are also a few man-made treasures to be found here. The small town of Oberammergau – has many gorgeous houses painted with frescoes, and famously, every 10 years stages a Passion play dramatising the last few days of Jesus’ life. 

The nearby town of Mittenwald is another beauty, with more beautifully painted buildings. And if you have time, try to see Linderhof Palace, another of the extravagances of King Ludwig II. 

Don’t Miss – Garmisch-Partenkirchen; Zugspitze train and cable car; Mittenwald; Linderhof Palace; Oberammergau; Partnachklamm gorge; Lake Eibsee 

Nice to see – Walchensee lake, Kirchdorf Wamberg 

How many days – three or four 

Best day trips – Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Innsbruck  

17. Berchtesgaden and Lake Königssee

Even in the Bavarian Alps the Berchtesgadener Land stands out. According to one legend some angels accidentally dropped all the wonders of the world there. It’s one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe , around the small magical alpine town of Berchtesgaden, in southern Bavaria about 20 miles south of Salzburg.  

The scenery first: the mountain setting is spectacular, especially Königssee Lake and Watzmann, the second highest peak in Germany. If you’re there on a clear day, it will blow you away. 

Secondly, there’s the Hitler connection. The genocidal dictator was very taken with the scenery, and had a complex built for him at Obersalzberg with one of the best views in the region. He spent much of his time there, so there will always be a taint of his toxic legacy. 

Must See – Königssee Lake, Eagles Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), Salzbergwerk (Salt Mine), St Sebastian Church in Ramsau; Obersalzberg Documentation Centre; Rossfeld Mountain Road 

Nice to see – Hintersee lake 

How many days – three or more, depending on how much hiking you plan to do 

Best day trips – Salzburg is a quick bus trip 

18. Bremen  

Bremen is one of the most underrated cities in Europe , one I’ve long admired having spent a lot of time in Hamburg and this part of northern Germany.  There’s a lot to see, much of it in a small area around the splendid Marktplatz (main square), including the Statue of Roland from 1404 and the World Heritage-listed Town Hall (Rathaus).  

My favourite part of the city is the Schnoorviertel, a former fishermen’s (and red-light) district, its cottages now home to restaurants and boutique shops.   Also check out the red-brick Expressionist architectural wonders of Böttcherstrasse, and the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum, dedicated to an artist who deserves to be far more widely known than she is. 

Don’t Miss – Marktplatz, Statue of Roland, Musicians of Bremen statue, Rathaus (Town Hall), Schnoor district, St Peter’s Cathedral, Böttcherstrasse, Kunsthalle  

Nice to see – Roselius-Haus Museum, Botanika 

How many days – one or two 

Best day trips – Bremerhaven Emigration Museum, Hamburg, Cuxhaven beaches, Jever, Worpswede, East Frisian Islands 

19. Regensburg  

Regensburg is in a relatively quiet part of Germany, between Nuremberg and Passau in south-east Bavaria. This isolation may well have proved its salvation: it avoided the destruction wrought elsewhere, and is the best-preserved, most beautiful Gothic city in Germany.  

The superb Cathedral is the obvious place to start, with its splendid west front, twin towers and fine medieval stained glass. 

The entire Old Town (Altstadt) is a World Heritage Site, and my advice is to wander as much of it as time allows. It’s wonderfully preserved, and often the best part of visiting somewhere like this is making your own discoveries, spotting a stunning architectural detail to which no guidebook would ever direct you.    

Don’t Miss – Dom St Peter (Regensburg Cathedral, Old Stone Bridge, City view from cross the Danube, Old Chapel, Thurn und Taxis Palace, Goliathhaus  

Nice to see – Museum of Danube Shipping, Regensburg Museum of History 

Best day trips – Landshut; Walhalla Monument; Nuremberg; Sail down the Danube to Passau a beautiful Baroque city  

20. Bamberg  

Bamberg is one of the most beautiful small cities in Europe, a wonderfully preserved city in Northern Franconia whose entire Altstadt (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Altstadt. Many start at the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), a stunning building straddling two bridges over the River Regnitz. The most famous view is of the medieval timber-framed part, but the sides of it are decorated with remarkable Baroque-era frescoes. 

The rest of the riverside, including the Little Venice row of houses, is also picturesque, and just up the hill the area around the Cathedral (Dom) is packed with places to see, including the opulent Neue Residenz, once home to the powerful prince-bishops of Bamberg. 

Don’t Miss – Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), Cathedral, Bamberg History Museum, Klein Venedig (Little Venice), Ober Pfarre Church, Neue Residenz, and a glass of the local smoked beer  

Nice to see – Diocesan Museum, St Michael’s Monastery, Brewery Museum 

How many days – two – you should stay at least one night to really appreciate it 

Best day trips – Nuremberg, Bayreuth, Coburg, Pottenstein 

21. Nuremberg  

The former Imperial city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is one of the best cities to visit in Germany. The iconic Kaiserburg Castle dominates the Old Town, with its streets of half-timbered houses and soaring church spires. 

Nuremberg is packed with museums, including the house where Albrecht Dürer, a colossus of late medieval art, lived for almost 20 years. It’s full of picturesque streets, three outstanding medieval churches and one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe . 

Nuremberg’s history took a dark turn in the 1930s when it was chosen as the site for the Nazi Party’s infamous propaganda rallies.  The Nuremberg Nazi sites in the city suburbs offer a fascinating insight into the country’s past. 

Add in Nuremberg’s gastronomic gift to the world, the famous bratwurst sausage, and one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and you have one amazing city to discover.     

Don’t Miss – Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg), Old Town, Dürer House, Weissgerbergasse, Fembo House Museum, Toy Museum, Nazi Party Rally Grounds, St Sebald’s Church, Frauenkirche, Henkersteg (Hangman’s Bridge), Christmas Market   

Nice to see – DB Museum, Nuremberg Trials Memorial, German National Museum, Art Bunker 

How many days – 2 or 3 

Best things with kids – Toy Museum, Zoo, Playmobil, DB Train Museum 

Best day trips – Bamberg, Regensburg, Bayreuth, Würzburg, Ansbach. Charming town of Lauf an der Pegnitz.

See also: One day in Nuremberg , 2 Days in Nuremberg

22. Black Forest   

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald), in the Baden-Württemberg region of south-western Germany, has long been a hugely popular draw for visitors.  

This is the chocolate-box rural Germany of cuckoo clocks, traditional half-timbered villages, centuries-old farmhouses, flower-laden balconies, lush green valleys, deep dark forests, cows grazing, and enchanting fairy tales.  Not to mention a certain chocolate and cherry cake.  

Freiburg im Breisgau is the main gateway to the Black Forest, and worth at least a day of your time. The region has some great drives, and it’s also worth incorporating some hikes into your itinerary too. 

Don’t Miss – The gorgeous towns of Schiltach, Gengenbach, Haslach, and Calw; the prettiest in the Black Forest;  Triberg Falls and the world’s largest cuckoo clock in Triberg; the Schwarzwaldhochstrase spectacular driving route;  Gutach Black Forest Open-Air Museum; hiking in the Black Forest National Park; Freiburg im Breisgau 

Nice to see – The famous spa town of Baden-Baden, Titisee Lake, Maulbronn Kloster  

How many days – you could easily spend a week or more there. 

23. Quedlinburg  

Quedlinburg is half-timbered heaven, a gorgeous medieval and Renaissance town with around 1,300 half-timbered buildings (Fachwerkhäuser). That’s more than anywhere else in the country. 

There are enough things to do in Quedlinburg to keep you there for at least a couple of days. Begin at the Castle, gradually working your way around the Old Town. There are some exceptional Romanesque churches in Quedlinburg , in a region (Saxony-Anhalt) especially rich in them. 

Quedlinburg is also an excellent base for making your first forays into the Harz Mountains, including on the superb local narrow-gauge railway.   

Don’t Miss – Altstadt (Old Town), Castle, St Servatius Church and Crypt, Steinkeikerturm for the view, Half-Timbered Museum, St Benedikti Church 

Nice To See – Klopstock Museum, St Blaise Church, Lyonel Feininger Gallery 

How many days – two minimum 

Day trips – Wernigerode, Brocken Mountain, Harz Mountains Railway (Selketalbahn branch), St Cyriakus Church in Gernrode, Goslar

See Also: The 13 Most Beautiful Streets In Quedlinburg

24. Naumburg Cathedral   

N aumburg Cathedral, in the eastern German region of Saxony- Anhalt, is one of the great German cathedrals. It’s one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region, and a compelling enough reason to go out of your way and include it in your Germany itinerary.   

Much of Naumburg Dom was built on the cusp of the transition between late Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.  

Most of the church, including one of the two sets of twin towers, was built in the earlier period. The choir dates from the first phase of Gothic building, and includes the outstanding series of twelve sculptures of the founders of the Dom. One of these is the remarkably vivid figure of Uta von Ballenstedt, one of the most famous statues in Germany.   

See Also: Visiting Naumburg Cathedral – One OF The great German Cathedrals

How many days – one 

Best day trips – Leipzig, Halle an der Saale 

25. Saxon Switzerland  

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is an amazing landscape of soaring sandstone rock columns and forests, a continuation of Bohemian Switzerland and similar ‘rock cities’ further afield across the border in the Czech Republic.  

The river Elbe has helped carve this unique landscape of stunning rock formations, with little canyons, flat-top mountains and picturesque villages like Kurort Rathen. 

Our advice is to combine it with the Bohemian Switzerland over the border. The gateway village of Hřensko is gorgeous, and it’s close to the most popular landmark in the region, the Pravčická Brana rock arch. 

Don’t Miss – Bastei Bridge , Königstein Fortress, Bad Schandau, Kurort Rathen  

Nice to see – Lichtenhainer Waterfall; Kuhstall cave arch and viewpoint; Hřensko  

Best day trips – Dresden, Bautzen , or across the border to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park including Hřensko and Pravčická Brana 

26. Aachen & Aachen Cathedral 

The Dom (Cathedral) of Aachen is one of the greatest churches in the world. Part of it – the Pfalzkapelle, or Palace Chapel – was completed in 800 for Charlemagne, the Frankish king and first Holy Roman Emperor.  

It later became a pilgrimage destination in the 12th century when Charlemagne, who was buried there, was declared a saint. The Cathedral had already acquired other prestigious relics, such as the loincloth worn by Christ when crucified. To see everything, we recommend joining a guided tour. 

The streets around the Cathedral are also worth exploring, and the impressive late Gothic Rathaus also definitely warrants a visit. 

Don’t Miss – Aachen Cathedral, Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury), Rathaus (Town Hall) 

Nice to see – Centre Charlemagne, Suermondt Ludwig Museum, Ludwig Forum  

How many days – One day 

Best day trips – Monschau, Eifel National Park; Valkenburg and Maastricht in the Netherlands 

Top tip – Aachen Christmas market is wonderful 

27. Passau 

Passau, often referred to as the “City of Three Rivers,” is a stunning Bavarian town situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. It is also a hugely popular Danube River Cruise stop.  

Passau is in the southeast corner of Germany, close to the Austrian and Czech borders. The city grew rich from trade, much of it in salt from nearby Bohemia, and its wealth is reflected in some of the finest Baroque architecture in this part of Europe.  Much of Passau had to be rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1662.   

Don’t Miss – St Stephen’s Cathedral  (Dom St Stephan), which has the world’s largest organ; the views from Veste Oberhaus, Oberhaussmuseum, Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), Passauer Glasmuseum 

Nice to see – the Danube cycle path, Roman Museum, Heavenly Ladder (321 steps up the hill to Mariahilf Monastery –  

How many days – Two ideally, but you’d get around the main sights in a single day. 

Best day trips – Linz, Austria is just an hour away by train; Regensburg; and the gorgeous Czech town of Cesky Krumlov is less than a two-hour drive away. 

Best Places To Visit In Germany – Final Words

Germany is an exceptional country to visit, and I’m so fortunate to have been doing so for over 40 years. It has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe , particularly the Bavarian Alps and Rhine Valley.

Germany also has some of the most compelling cities in Europe. Whether you’re discovering Berlin landmarks or looking up in awe at Cologne Cathedral, there are several lifetimes worth of amazing places to see.

Many of you will be drawn to the half-timbered medieval towns like Rothenburg, Bacharach or Rüdesheim .

And at the other end of the spectrum, there is so much 20th-century history to explore in Germany. The Nuremberg Nazi SItes take you back to one of the darkest times in the century. And places like the Stasi Museum Dresden are a reminder that, for many, the bad times didn’t end there.

And if you’re more curious about the former East Germany, check out my guide to the best places to visit in Eastern Germany .

It’s one of the most fascinating countries in the world to visit. And one of the most rewarding.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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The Top 10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Germany 

Germany has amazing attractions to offer tourists, including elegant palaces and castles, meandering rivers, extensive Alps and medieval cathedrals. The contemporary museums and galleries that display the country’s complex history are also top rated tourist attractions in Germany . With a huge list of must see attractions in Germany, it can be hard to decide what to see first. In this article, you will interact with the top ten tourist attractions in Germany you should explore.

1. Sanssouci Palace and Gardens in Potsdam

Sanssouci Palace and Gardens became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, but before that, it was a summer palace for King Frederick of Prussia between 1740 and 1786. Currently, it is not only an old palace but a treasured sanctuary with a wide and beautiful view of Potsdam city.

Visitors place it among the top tourist attractions due to its majestic fountains, well-maintained grounds, exquisite gardens and about 1000 beautiful sculptures. Tourists are free to roam through the breathtaking gardens of the park.

2. Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) in Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is among the most popular tourist attractions in Germany and symbolises German’s reconsolidation. Carl Gotthard Langhans unveiled the gate’s design, constructed to commemorate France’s loss to Prussian. It is 60 feet tall, with one part that holds statues of Prussian leaders and another part that was an auditorium for delivering speeches during the war period.

Brandenburg Gate represents peace, strength and unity among countries, and each of its sides displays countries that once governed Germany.

3. Cologne Cathedral

This Gothic-style Cathedral of the Roman Catholic religion sits at the centre of traditional Cologne in Germany. It houses the remains of three kings transferred by Emperor Charlemagne to Cologne in 800 AD. Also known as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Maria, this Cathedral features among the most visited tourist attractions in Germany. Visitors can also access other medieval churches, museums and galleries in this city.

The Cologne Cathedral holds rich historical information on the religious revolution in the 12th century, as it was constructed after Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden ordered the construction of large churches to replace the small parish churches. It was built after another church in the same location was demolished. During World War 2, it was also demolished but later rebuilt from the salvaged building materials of another collapsed church.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle, lying on a rocky hill with 19th-century Romanesque architecture, is the most visited attraction in Germany. This palace lies above the Hohenschwangau village near Fussen, a town in Southwest Bavaria. It was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in honour of Richard Wagner and was also a retreat centre. Tourists began visiting it in 1886 after the king died, and to date, it has attracted over 60 million people.

Among the top attractions in Germany, the Neuschwanstein Castle has been featured in numerous motion pictures: Star Wars Episode 2-Attack of the Clones, the Great Race, the Lone Ranger and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, among others.

5. The Munich Residenz in Bavaria

The Munich Residenz was designed by Domenico dell’Allio and built between 1468 and 1574. It was previously inhabited by the Bavarian monarchs of the House of Wittelsbach. It became a museum in 1905 after the sitting king, Ludwig II, was overthrown by Otto von Bismarck. The Residenz displays Italian architecture and is a top cultural landmark in Germany.

Tourists flock here to see the monument’s magnificent four wings surrounding an innermost yard with numerous beautiful ceremonial rooms. Visitors can view some throne rooms, libraries and an exquisite banqueting room.

You can find more informations in top places to visit in Munich .

6. The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen

The Rhine Falls are found in Schaffhausen, a city famous for its spectacular bridges, next to the German border. They are the largest falls in Europe and are part of Germany's most breathtaking natural tourist attractions.

Visitors are always awed by this natural wonder, with an average flow of 600 m³/s, 2/3 that of Niagara Falls in the US. Although the Rhine Falls are in Switzerland, visitors can still access this spectacular natural beauty easily from the German border.

Visitors to the Rhine Falls can experience standing high above the waterfall and listening to the vibration and roar of the waves. They can also experience beautiful boat rides to the Rhine Falls Basin, the nearby castles and the magnificent rock at the centre of the waterfall.

7. Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich

Hellabrunn Zoo is famous for its many animals, excellent exhibits and other tourist attractions. This zoo hosts the largest aquarium in the whole of Germany, a butterfly section with numerous species of butterflies and a bird walk section with birds hovering around visitors’ shoulders.

The Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich is the perfect tourist destination for visitors travelling with kids who enjoy viewing different types of animals.

8. Nuremberg Castle

Nuremberg Castle is an old castle located in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. It is found on a hill known as the Castle Hill that faces the Nuremberg historical centre. The castle had undergone several modifications before reaching its current size in 1873. In the last modification, King Ludwig II of Bavaria added an outer zone with about 20 rooms and four towers.

In the present day, the Nuremberg Castle is home to many museums and is on the list of tourist attractions in Germany. The castle is also part of the Dungeon Museum, a torture chamber that displays all the punishment tools used in the Middle Age period in Central Europe.

Visitors will be pleased to learn that this exquisite castle has two restaurants. In one of the restaurants, visitors can order and sit inside or outside, depending on the weather. The second restaurant has a beautiful beer yard with live music every night from May to September.

9. Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle, in Hechingen, a town in the South West of Germany, was constructed in the 12th century and has Roman-inspired architecture. The castle has hosted numerous families in its 800 years of existence. At some point, it was home to the Hohenzollern family, who gifted its name to the German royal family.

Visitors can now visit the castle-turned-museum that provides comprehensive tours throughout the year apart from the Christmas and New Year seasons. The museum has numerous artefacts to offer tourists, including paintings and exquisite wall hangings displaying various biblical scenarios.

10. German National Museum in Nuremberg

The German National Museum in Nuremberg is a top museum that displays three themes in its collection. Visitors can access the Archeological exhibits, Ethnology studies and Middle Age and Early Modern Exhibits. Tourists can also experience numerous exhibitions depending on the time of the year.

Other interesting tourist attractions in Germany include Bonn, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Weimar. Bonn is a great town to visit because it hosts numerous museums. For instance, visitors can visit the Ludwig Museum, which has the excellent works of popular artists. Munich is also an amazing city to explore, especially the Oktoberfest Fiesta, where artisans display their beer-making skills. Visitors can also explore the Holocaust Memorial Site in Berlin to find out how the people involved in the Second World War lived. Hamburg and Weimar are excellent tourist destinations with numerous parks and interesting transport options.

Germany has diverse tourist attractions to offer visitors all through the year. Its diversity is depicted in its different regions, such as its meandering rivers, flat farmlands and mountainous regions. Germany has a rich history that visitors interested in historical things can explore. Germany is a peaceful and united country governed by its state rules and laws.

From the different top tourist attractions in Germany, it is evident that there is something for every person regardless of age. Adults can visit historical museums, castles, waterfall, medieval cathedrals and vibrant exhibitions. Adults with children can visit zoos, exquisite restaurants and beautiful castle gardens around Germany.

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Top 10 Attractions in Germany

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Planning a trip to Germany and want some advice on what to see and do first? Here is a list of the top ten attractions and sights in Germany that no traveler should miss.

Neuschwanstein Castle

 Christopher Larson / TripSavvy

The world's most famous castle, Neuschwanstein , is nestled in the Alps in  Bavaria . It seems to come straight out of a fairytale; in fact, Walt Disney drew inspiration from it for "Sleeping Beauty." Neuschwanstein (which translates to new-swan-stone) is the most photographed building in all of Germany.

King Ludwig II designed his dream castle in 1869 and instead of an architect, he hired a theatrical set designer to realize his vision. Take a tour through the flamboyant castle's interior. Highlights include a gaudy artificial grotto, the Throne Room with its giant crown-shaped chandelier, and the lavish Minstrels' Hall.

Europa-Park

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Europa-Park , Germany's largest amusement park, recently unseated Neuschwanstein as the most visited site in Germany. It may not have the romance of the castle, but it does have mind-blowing rides, lands modeled on the different countries of Europe , and a mouse mascot that may remind you of someone else.

Brandenburg Gate

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

More than any other landmark, the Brandenburg Gate ( Brandenburger Tor ) is the national symbol for Germany. Built in 1791, it was simply meant to mark the end of the boulevard, Unter den Linden. But the gate has had an eventful history.

The gate is crowned with the winged goddess of victory riding a four-horsed chariot — which was stolen by Napoleon’s soldiers and taken back to France as a trophy in 1806. After Napoleon was defeated, Victory was returned to her throne in Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate has also had more controversial toppers like the Nazi and Soviet flag. During the cold war, when Berlin was divided in two , the Brandenburg Gate stood between East and West Berlin. It was the location of US President Ronald Reagan's 1987 iconic speech, where he demanded, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

After the wall fell in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became the symbol of Germany's reunification .

Oktoberfest

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It might be a cliché, but it is an essential German experience of eating sausage and sauerkraut and drinking Oktoberfest beer. Oktoberfest , the world's largest fair, has over 6 million visitors annually. Celebrate in 14 different beer tents and enjoy Bavarian “Schuhplattler," alphorn players, and yodelers.

If you aren't in town for the fest (or one of the smaller, more local beer festivals ), visit the Hofbräuhaus in Munich , the most famous beer hall in the world. This Bavarian institution has defined gemütlich (“comfy”) since 1589. Wash down Bavarian specialties and giant pretzels with beer that is only served in a Mass (one-liter glass).

Cologne's Cathedral

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Cologne's Cathedral ( Kölner Dom ) is one of Germany's most important architectural monuments and the third tallest cathedral in the world. It took over 600 years to construct this Gothic masterpiece. When it was finally finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans from 1248.

When Cologne was leveled by bombings in World War II, the Cathedral was the only building that survived. Standing tall in an otherwise flattened city, some said it was divine intervention. A more realistic explanation is that the cathedral was a point of orientation for the pilots.

In any case, the cathedral still stands next to the city's train station and beckons visitors from around the globe.

City of Trier

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On the banks of the Moselle River lies Trier , Germany's oldest city . It was founded as a Roman colony in 16 B.C. and became the favored residence of several Roman emperors.

Nowhere else in Germany is the evidence of Roman times as vivid as it is in Trier. Highlights of the city are the Porta Nigra, the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps, and the Cathedral of Trier, which houses a holy relic that draws many pilgrims: the Holy Robe, the garment said to be worn by Jesus when he was crucified.

Black Forest

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If you imagine Germany with rolling hills, small villages, and lush forests, visit the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), where you can experience it all. The vast expanse of hills, valleys, and forests stretches from the posh spa town Baden-Baden to the Swiss border, covering an area of 4,600 square miles.

Walking, biking, or driving — there are many scenic routes that will lead you to tiny villages, such as Freiburg with its long red sausage, wineries, and old-world monasteries.

Two of the most recommended tours are the Wine Road and the German Clock Road, which traces the history of the cuckoo clock. For Christmas, visit Gengenbach which becomes the world's largest advent calendar house.

But remember: No visit to the Black Forest is complete without a piece of Black Forest Cake, with chocolate, cherries, cream, and a good dash of cherry schnapps.

Dresden Frauenkirche

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The Dresden Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, has a moving history: In World War II, when air-raids wiped out the city center of Dresden , the grand Frauenkirche collapsed into a 42 feet high pile of rubble. The ruins were left untouched for over 40 years as a reminder of the destructive powers of war.

In 1994, the painstaking reconstruction of the church began, almost completely financed by private donations. In 2005, the people of Dresden celebrated the resurrection of their Frauenkirche.

The Romantic Road

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The Romantic Road is Germany's best scenic route . It leads you through a region that boasts quintessential German scenery and culture, castles , charming medieval towns surrounded by walls, half-timbered houses, historic hotels, and restaurants that offer hearty German food and great beer.

Highlights along the Romantic Road: the picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber , the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, and the end point at castle Neuschwanstein.

German Christmas Markets are the embodiment of the holiday season. Bundled up visitors sip Glühwein beneath strings of lights as they shop amongst the wooden stalls, picking up beautifully handcrafted gifts . There is a Christmas tree and singing and so much wonderful food.

One of the best Christmas markets is in Nuremberg. The market opens in November, turning the city into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through this open-air market with its 180 wooden huts festooned with red and white cloth, lights, and fresh garlands.

There is also a Christmas market just for kids, featuring a steam train and nostalgic carousels. A magical moment for young and old is the procession, where over 1,500 Nuremberg kids join in a lantern procession parading up to the castle on the hill.

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Berlin   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

Berlin's history of battling ideologies makes for some of the most fascinating sightseeing in Europe. Explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery , which has been transformed by colorful murals into the largest open-air

• All Things To Do

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: A nice souvenir video of the Brandenburg Gate can be captured by taking a taxi on the northbound road (Bundesstraße 2) that loops around the Brandenburg Gate. Keep your camera steady out the window, and you’ll have an impressive panoramic video. – Michael Cappetta

Inspired by the Acropolis entrance in Athens , the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) is one of the most-photographed sites in Berlin. Located in Pariser Platz (Paris Square), one of the city's most famous squares, the Brandenburg Gate was built for King Frederick William II starting in 1788. Designed by royal architect, Carl Gotthard Langhans, the sandstone structure stands 85 feet high.

Reichstag Building Reichstag Building free

A symbol of Germany's past, present and future, the Reichstag, or Parliament Building, is a blend of different architecture styles from the late 20th to late 21st centuries. It symbolizes the country's path from a dark past to a brighter future.

Originally constructed between 1884 and 1894, the building was destroyed by arson in 1933, an act that marked a turning point in the history of the Third Reich. It was then bombed during World War II and didn't become the seating house of government again until 1999, when the distinguishing glass dome was added. Today, a visit to the dome is popular among travelers thanks to the stunning views it provides, particularly of the Tiergarten . If you're interested in a more in-depth history lesson, heed the advice of past travelers and take advantage of the free audio guide available to visitors.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe free

The Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas  (which translates to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe or, more simply, Berlin's Holocaust Memorial) consists of a sloping, wave-like grid of 2,711 concrete pillars constructed to memorialize the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Some of the pillars stand as tall as 15 feet.

Many visitors choose to simply walk among the gray slabs, but if you're interested in learning more about the history, you can descend to the underground visitor center, which displays information about the victims, including photographs, diaries and farewell letters. Recent travelers said they felt incredibly moved by the sheer size of the memorial (it spans more than half a square mile), and most highly recommended a visit when in Berlin. Reviewers note the memorial is within a five-minute walk of the Brandenburg Gate and across the street from Tiergarten Park , making it easy to visit all three top attractions.

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Topography of Terror Topography of Terror free

The Topography of Terror ( Topographie des Terrors ) museum sits on the site of the Gestapo and SS Police's former headquarters during World War II. By walking the grounds and touring the documentation center, travelers can learn about the atrocities committed by the German officers that once worked at this very site. In addition to the WWII history on display here, you’ll also see part of the Berlin Wall in the front of the building.

Other interesting exhibits that detail Berlin between 1933 and 1945 are found on the grounds, including excavated portions of the old building. For a more in-depth look at the museum, you can take the free English-speaking tour, which is offered Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. (Most exhibits are listed in German and English.) You'll want to sign up at the reception desk 30 minutes before the tour starts. 

Berlin Wall Memorial Berlin Wall Memorial free

Located in the center of Berlin, the Berlin Wall Memorial stretches for a little less than a mile along what was once the border that divided the city in two. Upon arriving at the memorial, you can stop into the visitor center to watch a short film on the history of the Berlin Wall, as well as explore a handful of exhibits. Visitors will learn about the political and historical context that led to the wall’s construction, its fall and the reunification of Germany.

Once you are finished in the visitor center, head across the street to see preserved remnants of the border strip. In addition to part of the Berlin Wall itself, you will find the Chapel of Reconciliation, a rebuilt structure that serves as a place of remembrance for the lives that were lost at the wall.

East Side Gallery East Side Gallery free

The East Side Gallery refers to the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall, which stretches for nearly a mile. If you want to experience the wall for the first time, this is the place to do it. After the Berlin Wall's fall in 1989, more than one hundred international artists congregated here, painting murals that depicted the world's joyous and optimistic reactions to the end of the Cold War era. What exists today forms the world's largest open-air gallery, featuring more than 100 murals.

Despite its distance from the main tourist attractions (a little less than 5 miles), the East Side Gallery still wins high praise from past travelers, who say it’s worth the side trip to see this history up close. Recent visitors suggested going early in the day to avoid crowds.

Museumsinsel (Museum Island) Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

Museumsinsel (or Museum Island) is the name given to a group of five museums, the Baroque-style Berlin Cathedral and large gardens clustered on a tiny island in the River Spree. Built between 1823 and 1930, some museums present a different aspect of German history and art, while others spotlight global arts and antiques, such as the Egyptian Museum and Pergamon Museum .

When you visit, see if you can guess which museum hangs which art; there's the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), the Bode-Museum and the very popular Pergamon Museum.

Tiergarten Tiergarten free

The expansive Tiergarten sprawls 519 acres from central Berlin westward and attracts visitors looking for respite from the city's clamor. The name of the park translates to "Animal Garden," and it is also known as "Berlin’s Green Lung." The land where the park sits previously served as a royal hunting ground for select Germans during the late 17th century. Nowadays, visitors can still get a glimpse of animals by visiting Zoologischer Garten (the Berlin Zoo) located within the park. You can also stroll, jog or bike through the most popular green space in Berlin. For many locals, no visit to Tiergarten is complete without stopping at its two beer gardens, in particular Café am Neuen See, which occupies a picturesque lakefront perch.   

The Tiergarten also houses the Victory Column, which was erected in 1873 to commemorate Prussia's victory in the Franco-German War. Visitors can climb to the top of this monument to enjoy great views of Berlin.

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Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg) Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg)

Beginning its life as a summer home for the royal family in the late 17th century, Schloss Charlottenburg became a lavish palace after Frederick the Great commissioned some 18th-century upgrades and additions. Now the complex can take more than a day to tour from top to bottom. Located 6 miles east of Berlin’s city center, this is a popular destination for tourists interested in history and architecture. 

Inside the baroque palace, you can view Frederick I and Sophie Charlotte's living quarters, the chapel and the Neuer Fluegel (New Wing) where Frederick the Great once resided. You can also venture outdoors to the Royal Gardens, the family mausoleum and even an ornate teahouse.

Berlin Cathedral Berlin Cathedral

Located in the Museum District of Mitte, the Berlin Cathedral spans more than 67,000 square feet, making it the largest Protestant church in Germany. Along with its size, the cathedral is also recognized for its beauty – it shares a similar design to Rome ’s St. Peter's Basilica . Its interior features gold accents, intricate mosaics and imperial staircase. Along with the cathedral’s dome, which is accessible to visitors via a set of 270 steps, another highlight is the marble and onyx altar. More than one million visitors stop by the Berlin Cathedral annually for worship services, tours, concerts and special events. Visitors traveling with children should review the cathedral’s event calendar to see if any kid-friendly activities, such as family concerts, align with your visit.

Recent visitors use words like “peaceful” and “iconic” to describe the cathedral. Some reviewers complained about the admission costs, but others said it’s worth the price to be able to view the stunning interior and climb the dome for outstanding views of the city.

TV Tower (Fernsehturm) TV Tower (Fernsehturm)

U.S. News Insider Tip: The TV Tower is conveniently located near the Alexanderplatz station and shopping district. Schedule some extra time to visit some of the unique local shops. During the holiday season, this area is also home to a beautiful Christmas market. – Michael Cappetta

For the ever-popular panorama of the city, the Berliner   Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is a great place to go. Originally constructed in the late 1960s to widely broadcast television signals across Germany, the TV Tower is still the tallest structure in Germany (standing at 1,207 feet), and it's guaranteed to provide quite the view. Visitors can take one of two elevators to the top. If the 40-second trip makes you hungry, stop by the rotating Sphere Restaurant or Bar 203 for some light refreshments.

Pergamon Museum Pergamon Museum

Note: The Pergamon Museum will be closed beginning in October 2023 for extensive renovations. It will reopen in spring 2027, according to the museum’s website .

The Pergamon Museum, located on Museumsinsel (Museum Island)  on the River Spree, is one of travelers' favorite museums. Recent visitors used words like "remarkable" and "jaw-dropping" to describe the museum, which was completed in 1930 and houses many works that are important to the development of ancient art and architecture. Filled with an impressive collection of Greek, Roman, East Asian and Islamic art, exhibits include pieces like the reconstructed Ishtar Gate from Babylon and the Pergamon Altar – a massive monumental Greek temple that is believed to date back to 180 B.C. Other highlights include the Market Gate of Miletus, which dates back to the second century and the Mshatta Façade, which hails from a Jordanian desert castle.

Friedrichstadt-Palast Friedrichstadt-Palast

Friedrichstadt-Palast is home to the world’s largest theater stage. The theater’s roots date back to 1867, though the building that is used today opened in 1984 after the original theater had to be demolished in 1980 for safety concerns. Since its reopening, the theater has been used for entertaining circus performances, vaudeville acts, comedy and musicals. Every February, the theater hosts film screenings as part of the Berlinale, or Berlin International Film Festival.

Recent travelers enjoyed the theater’s beauty. Travelers also added that the theater’s location is very convenient as it sits within walking distance of other major tourist attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstagsgebäude .

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Berlin Beer Gardens Berlin Beer Gardens

No trip to Berlin is complete without visiting a classic biergarten (beer garden). Biergartens in Berlin are popular with locals for summer afternoon and evening activities – plan ahead so you don’t end up in a long queue on a hot day.

One of the most popular beer gardens is Prater Biergarten, which is located just 2 miles north of the city center. The historic beer garden first opened in the mid-1800s. Open daily starting at noon, Prater offers a classic menu of pilsners, along with tasty grilled sausages from the region of Thuringia. Other classic snacks included baked potatoes with cheese curds and pretzels. Before visiting the biergarten, make sure to check the weather forecast: it’s only open weather permitting.

Berlin Christmas Markets Berlin Christmas Markets free

The festive Christmas markets in Berlin attract thousands of travelers each year for their unique food, shopping, beverages and holiday cheer. With dozens of Christmas markets to choose from, it is important for travelers to take the time to research which area they would like to visit, and which theme they would like to experience.

One of the most historical and romantic Christmas markets in Berlin is located at the Charlottenburg Palace . Christmas lights and decorations adorn the largest palace in Berlin to welcome visitors to a winter wonderland. Hundreds of vendors exhibit booths in the palace's plaza, where guests stroll through for holiday gifts and treats. A more classic Christmas market, which has historically opened on Nov. 21 and runs through Dec. 22, is located in the town of Spandau, which is located approximately 10 miles from Berlin’s city center and a 30-minute ride on public transit. At the Spandau Christmas markets, travelers navigate a large plaza that is decorated with Christmas lights and trees to shop hundreds of vendors from around the world. The charm of being in the middle of Spandau's town square adds to the enchantment of shopping at a classic German Christmas market. 

Berlin Story Bunker Berlin Story Bunker

The Berlin Story Bunker is an immersive museum spread across five floors that invites visitors to explore centuries of Berlin and German history. World War II and Hitler are a major focus of the museum (a recreation of Hitler’s personal study and a model of the bunker where he died by suicide in 1945 are among the displays). In fact, the 70,000-square-foot museum is housed within a concrete World War II bunker that’s connected to the Anhalter railway station. Open since 2014, the museum contains multimedia displays, large-scale photographs, short films, sculptures and other art installations.

Recent visitors said the information was well-presented and called the museum a must for history buffs. Because of its size and the amount of reading required, it’s recommended that you set aside at least three hours for your visit.

Potsdamer Platz Potsdamer Platz free

Pre-World War II, Potsdamer Platz was Berlin's main plaza – and a bustling one, at that – but the ensuing wars left it ravaged. After the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War ended, companies like Sony and Daimler moved in and built their headquarters on the square, thus revitalizing the area.

But global companies weren't the only ones credited with rejuvenating the plaza: Attractions like the Deutsche Kinemathek, a museum dedicated to German film and TV, the Boulevard der Stars – Berlin's answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, the largest show stage in Berlin, also set up shop. Families will enjoy the nearby LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Berlin and a sizable mall, The Playce. Plus, with a casino and one of Berlin's largest movie theaters, the entertainment possibilities are nearly endless.

Checkpoint Charlie Checkpoint Charlie

Many say a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie border crossing should not come without a visit to the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, or the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Checkpoint Charlie was the most popular border crossing between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. It has also had a starring role in major films, including the James Bond franchise.

Experts and travelers say the museum gives context to what's left of the border crossing, and indeed you will find chilling stories of those who escaped from East to West via the Berlin Wall – as well as stories about those who didn't. You'll also get a thorough history of the Berlin Wall.

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Mauerpark Mauerpark free

Mauerpark is a 37-acre park that was officially opened in 1994. The park's name translates to "Wall Park:" It's located on the land in between the walls that separated East and West Berlin, formerly known as “death strip.” Don’t let that sinister name deter you; the park is now known for its "open-air culture in the middle of Berlin" and it provides a great activity space for travelers. What's more, the park has several barbeque areas, making it a perfect spot to prepare an outdoor meal during the summer.

If your visit to Berlin overlaps with a Sunday, set aside time to visit Mauerpark to peruse its flea market. It’s one of Berlin's largest second-hand shopping events, and features hundreds of vendors selling unique antiques, clothing, furniture, products and other wares. In addition to the flea market, live music, pick-up sports games and other events take place on weekends.

Olympiastadion Berlin Olympiastadion Berlin

U.S. News Insider Tip: Review the upcoming schedule of events for Olympiastadion Berlin and try to catch a Hertha BSC football match – the energy is electric! – Michael Cappetta

Olympiastadion Berlin is a large, majestic stadium in Berlin's Olympischer Platz neighborhood that has the capacity to host up to 74,000 fans. The stadium is known as the home of Hertha BSC, a popular German soccer team, and host to a variety of special events throughout the year, including Lollapalooza Berlin, an annual music festival held in September. It's also known for its dark history. The stadium originally opened in 1936 for the Summer Olympics, often referred to as the "Nazi Olympics" for the widespread Nazi propaganda on display during the games. 

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50 Famous Landmarks to Visit in Germany

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If you’re not sure what to visit on your trip in Germany, here are 50 ideas for what to do and see in several regions of Germany!

A country as vast and beautiful as Germany is bound to be filled with popular tourist attractions. It’s no wonder it’s a beloved destination for travelers from all over the world.

Whether you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys learning and immersing yourself in culture and history or the more adventurous type who is down for any outdoor activities, you will find all sorts of landmarks suited to your kind of travel.

If you’re having a hard time narrowing what landmarks to add to your bucket list, this article gives you a rundown of the most famous landmarks in each region of Germany. From majestic castles, world-class cultural events, historical sites, to breathtaking landscapes, each region has something unique to offer. No matter where you go to, each place you visit will make for an unforgettable trip.

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This is by no means an exhaustive list – there’s really so much to see and explore in in Germany! But we hope this article will be a good jumping-off point to build your ultimate itinerary of famous German landmarks.

• 2 Eastern Germany
• 3 Hamburg & Northern Germany
• 5 Rhein Region
• 7 Baden-Wüttemberg & Black Forest

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s top historical landmark and many tourists first stop in the city. Built as a former city gate to the German capital, it used to symbolize the division of East Berlin and West Berlin. During that period, it was located in a restricted area closed off to everyone. When the Wall fell, over 100,000 people gathered to celebrate its inauguration and the reunification. Now, it attracts just as many tourists and stands tall and proud as a symbol of peace and unity.

2. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is the longest continuous part of the infamous Berlin Wall, stretching over 4,318 feet. The whole wall has been turned into a permanent open-air gallery. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, hundreds of different artists from over 20 countries began painting the wall. Their artwork expressed commentary on the political changes and represented creative freedom.

3. Reichstag Building / German Parliament

The parliamentary quarter in Berlin is an important political center in Germany. Here you’ll find the Reichstag Building (German Parliament). This building is actually open to the public and is worth a visit! At the top, you can get great views of the city under the glass dome built by Norman Foster. If you want to explore the modern architecture of the area or even listen to a plenary session, you can book a guided tour of the government district here.

4. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie became a famous crossing point between East Germany and West Germany during the Cold War. It’s now a popular spot that brings crowds of tourists to take photos of the barrier, flags, and checkpoint booth based on the original site. There’s also a museum that’s very much worth a visit.

5. Pariser Platz

Pariser Platz is one of Berlin’s main squares. Located near the Brandenburg Gate, it’s a great place for tourists to take the perfect pictures of the iconic gate. The plaza was a bustling center before the second World War, when the Berlin Wall was built right through the middle of it the square. After reunification, it was restored and is now a highly visited spot.

6. Sanssouci Palace

Located just outside of Berlin, you’ll find the charming city of Potsdam. Sanssoucci Palace is a must-see for those who visit. This former summer residence of the Prussian King Frederick the Great not only boasts of grand interiors but beautiful palace gardens as well. We recommend booking this guided tour of Potsdam’s highlights to make the most out of your visit.

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7. Museum Island

The Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of five unique museums. The combined collection of all museums covers everything from archeological findings, Egyptian artifacts, classical sculptures, and modern art. The complex itself is worth visiting to admire some of the best architecture in the city.

8. River Spree

Running through the heart of Berlin is the River Spree. This major waterway passes through many of the city’s popular tourist destinations, such as the Bellevue Palace, Museum Island, and the Berlin Cathedral. Enjoy a relaxing and informative tour on water by booking this 2.5 boat cruise tour here .

9. Berlin TV Tower

Want a fun way to enjoy panoramic views of Berlin’s skyline? Then check out this tour of the Berlin TV Tower that includes a table reservation at the Sphere revolving restaurant! The TV Tower has an impressive observation deck that gives you unobstructed views of the Brandenburg Gate, the banks of River Spree, the Olympic Stadium, and many more. You can take in all these views while dining by the window seats in the Sphere.

10. Holocaust Memorial

With Berlin’s complex past, you’ll never run out of cultural and historical sites to learn from. One of the must-see historic landmarks is the Holocaust Memorial. The monument is composed of over 2,700 concrete slabs of varying size and height. Meant to give visitors an experience of isolation and uncertainty, this architectural feat encourages reflection and remembrance in a thought-provoking way.

11. Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral, with its striking green dome, is one of the main features of the city’s skyline. It’s the largest Protestant church in Germany and home to the most important dynastic crypt in the country. Aside from religious services, visitors can climb to the dome’s outer viewing platform and even catch a concert during Advent season.

Want more Berlin travel info? Check out our Berlin getting starter guide and our 2 days in Berlin itinerary guide!

Eastern Germany

12. bastei bridge.

Bastei is an impressive rock formation in Saxon Switzerland. Tall, jagged groups of rock tower over the Elbe River and other sights like the Konigstein fortress. Tourists flock to the main attraction: the Bastei Bridge, a man made bridge connecting the rock formations. From here, you can get sweeping views over the mountains and the lush valleys extending to the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

13. Saxon Switzerland National Park

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is a breathtaking landscape near Dresden. As the only national park in Germany, it’s a must-visit for those who loves outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, or cycling. You’ll even nearby spas and resorts for relaxing.

Soak in the natural beauty of Eastern Germany by booking this day tour from Dresden that combines the visit to the National Park and the Bastei Bridge !

14. Hundertwasserhaus in Magdeburg

The Hundertwasserhaus is a vibrant historic building in Magdeburg, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Germany. It was built by famous Austrian architect Hundertwasser to enrich Magdeburg’s urban planning and culture. Though his cause may be polarizing, the building attracts visitors with its cool features and bright pink façade. You can find everything here from apartments, public courtyards, shops, and restaurants.

15. Dresden Frauenkirche

Dresden Frauenkirche (or Church of Our Lady in English) is one of Dresden’s most distinctive historic buildings. Its famous dome “the stone bell” is one of the largest domes in Europe. The Frauenkirche underwent a lot of changes. It was reconstructed after damages in World War II and became a symbol of international reconciliation.  

To learn about the history of Frauenkirche and the Dresden city center, check out this walking tour led by a personal guide.

16. Quedlinburg Castle

Located along the Romanesque Road, Quedlinburg was an important imperial town in the Middle Ages. There are over 2,000 timber-framed still standing, making it one of the best preserved medieval towns inEurope . Its famous castle hill is home to the Collegiate Church of St. Servatius, burial site of the first German King.

17. Rügen Island

Rügen Island is Germany’s largest island. Known for its beaches and seaside resorts, this island can make for a perfect holiday destination. Enjoy the sight of white chalk cliffs combined with the charming landscape of the countryside and natural beauty of the Jasmund National Park.

18. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle is often called the “Neuschwanstein of the North” and for good reason. The location itself is breathtaking – it stands in its own island in Lake Schwerin, the city’s main lake. The castle has a little over 650 rooms, luxuriously decorated with intricate carvings and gilding. You can also stroll through the beautiful gardens by the lake and take a break at the castle café.

Hamburg & Northern Germany

19. hamburg tv tower.

The Heinrich Hertz Tower is the tallest structure in Hamburg with an overall height of 916 ft and composed of two platforms, both providing amazing views of the city. The first one is just a viewing platform but 10 feet above it, you’ll find a restaurant where you could dine with a view. However, it’s currently being renovated and is estimated to open once again in 2023.

20. Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg

The Elbphilharmonie is one of Hamburg’s newest cultural landmarks. Since it’s built right in the middle of the Elbe River, we recommend going on a tour of the harbor and Elbphilharmonie . Aside from admiring the building’s modern architecture from the water, the guided tour will take you inside of the Elbphilharmonie. The building houses more than concert halls. There are also a variety of places to eat and a public plaza with harbor views.

21. Speicherstadt in Hamburg

Speicherstadt is the largest complex of warehouses in the world. This unique district is made up of picturesque Gothic style buildings, bridges, and narrow canals built into the Elbe River. There are plenty of daytime activities as well. You can embark on a daytime boat cruise to glide through the waterways of Speicherstadt and admire waterside views of St. Pauli and Hafen City.

22. Canals in Hamburg

The canals running through the city is what makes Hamburg one of the most popular places in Germany. Walking through the network of streets by the canals, especially at dusk, gives you a taste of Hamburg’s unique romantic atmosphere. The best way to experience the city’s maritime charm is to take a cruise along the canals or even rent a canoe during summer.

23. Planten un Blomen in Hamburg

Planten un Blomen is a large urban park located in the heart of central Hamburg. Its location conveniently connects the inner city shopping streets, Hamburg University, and St. Pauli’s bar and pubs. Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll get to enjoy activities in the park such as public theater and music performances, water-light concerts, or a visit to the Old Botanical Garden of Hamburg.

24. Stolpersteine in Hamburg

Stolpersteine (“stumbling blocks” in English) is a project started by Gunter Demnig in 1995 to commemorate the victims of the Nazi regime. Demnig has laid small memorial stones on sidewalks all over Germany, outside the houses where Jewish families lived before WWII. The stones are concrete cubes with a plaque on top engraved with the names and information of the victims. In Hamburg alone (you’ll also find them in other cities like Berlin), there are over 5,000 stones for visitors to find on the sidewalks.

25. Elbe River

As a port city, Hamburg is deeply tied to the Elbe river. The river has been the Hamburg’s gateway to the world for centuries and to this day is vital to their economy. It’s no wonder then that the city’s most iconic landmarks are connected to the river. From St. Pauli Pier, the Hamburg Port, the Elbtunnel, Speicherstadt and many more, board this cruise that brings you to all the best spots in the city !

26. Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park ( Wattenmeer / Wadden Sea )

The Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is located on in the estuary of the Elbe in the North Sea. The smallest of the three Wattenmeer National Park, it’s mainly made up of mudflats, shallow creeks, dunes, and sandbars and includes 3 islands. You can go for hikes or carriage rides when the tide is out and explore the region’s unique biodiversity. It’s a beautiful part of Germany! You can also visit the Wattenmeer near Bremen and north of Hamburg in Schlesweig-Hostein, as well as the Netherlands and Denmark.

Want more Hamburg travel info? Check out our Hamburg Starter Guide !

The island of Sylt is located in very northern part of Germany, not far from Denmark, in the North Sea. I was lucky enough to visit this beautiful part of Germany when I was a teen and have loved it ever since! Sylt is the perfect place for a beach vacation if you like the beach, beautiful sunsets, lighthouses, biking, thatch-roof houses, and more.

Rhein Region

28. cologne cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany’s largest cathedrals, the largest Gothic church in northern Europe, and the tallest twin-spired church in the world (515 ft). With all these superlatives, it’s easy to see why Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. Aside from its impressive size, the cathedral boasts of many other highlights such as its beautiful stained-glass windows and the shrine of the Three Wise Men.

29. Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle)

The Burg Eltz is a medieval castle unlike any other. It has been under the care and ownership of the same family from the 12 th century to today. Since it has never suffered any damages by war, many of its original furnishings have been so well preserved that they still remain in place. Located along the Mosel river, you can easily book a day trip from Frankfurt here .

30. Cochem Castle

Another castle along the Mosel is the Cochem Castle. Aside from usual guided tours, the castle hosts “Knights’ Feast” on Fridays and Saturdays, where guests are invited for a medieval dinner complete with medieval performances by minstrels. In August, you’ll also find a lively market where you can buy food wine, and artisanal goods.

31. Aachen Cathedral

The Aachen Cathedral is an important historic church constructed at the end of the 8 th century during Emperor Charlemagne’s reign. It is also here where he was buried. Its magnificent interiors and collection of sacred gold chalices and reliquaries are a testament to the cathedral’s rich history.

32. Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley is one of Germany’s most beautiful landscapes. From medieval castles, enchanting small towns, wineries, to riverside views, visiting this region means having a full day of things to do. If you’re coming from Frankfurt, we recommend checking out this day trip that covers all of these activities . Get a chance to explore the valley on a boat cruise, taste fine local wines, and admire the famous Lorelei Rocks by the riverbanks.

33. Rhine River Cruise

The Rhine River is the longest river in Germany and one of the most important waterways in Europe. It starts off in Switzerland, running between the border of France and Germany, and flows all the way to the Netherlands. Major German cities are located along the Rhine including Cologne, Rotterdam, and Strasbourg. A great way to explore all these places is to take a Rhine river cruise. There are many options available, depending on the length of your journey, budget, and places you want to visit.

Thinking about visiting Cologne (Köln)? Check out our Cologne Starter Guide !

34. Marianplatz in Munich

Marienplatz is the central square located in Old Town Munich. Many will start their journey of the Bavarian capital here, as it’s home to many of city’s top historic sites. The Neues Rathaus (or New Town Hall) is located here, where you can catch the daily Glockenspiel chime or climb the clock tower for a view of Marienplatz. A few steps away, you’ll find its older counterpart Altes Rathaus (or Old Town Hall), with its well-preserved medieval façade.

For more tips on visiting Munich, check out our Munich Starter Guide and our 2 days in Munich itinerary planning guide .

35. Englischer Garten in Munich

Englischer Garten is a lively urban park filled with cultural landmarks and fun outdoor activities. One of the park’s highlights is the Chinese Tower, where you can find the city’s largest beer garden. Aside from lush greenery to picnic in or jog through, you can also catch waves on the Eisbach or go on boat rides in the park’s lake!

36. Oktoberfest in Munich

With over 6 million guests annually, Oktoberfest is the largest and most popular beer festival in the world. A staple of Bavarian culture, tourists from all over the world participate in the festivities filled with delicious food and endless beer. The festival also has many traditional events. Highlights include a brewery and restaurant parade, the ceremonial beer tapping of the first barrel, and a traditional costume parade.

37. Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps is a stunning mountain range that provides a picturesque backdrop to many of Bavaria’s grand castles, quaint villages, and lakes. Scattered all throughout are tons of ski resorts and even spa and wellness retreats. If you’re looking for a historic tour combined with panoramic views of the mountains, then check out this day trip to Eagle’s Nest.

38. Ne uschwanstein Castle

If there’s a German landmark you can count on everyone to know, it’s probably Neuschwanstein Castle. This real life fairy tale castle is one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing over 1.3 million visitors per year. Commissioned by the infamous King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein is considered to be the inspiration for the famous Disney Sleeping Beauty castle.

If you’re traveling from Munich, we suggest booking a full-day trip to explore everything Neuschwanstein has to offer. The tour includes everything the famous golden throne room with no throne to the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), a pedestrian bridge with the best unobstructed view of the castle.

For more Neuschwanstein tips, check out our Neuschwanstein from Munich day trip guide and our visiting Neuschwanstein in the winter guide.

39. Nymphenburg Palace

Another one of Munich’s royal residences, Nymphenburg Palace is a stately Baroque-style palace located just outside the city center. Inside the palace you’ll find unique museums and a vast collection of artwork and antiques. The palace grounds are another highlight. You’ll find intricate structures like smaller castle buildings, pavilions, and cascades and streams.

40. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Dachau Concentration Camp is a memorial site situated in the grounds of a former concentration camp. At one point, this camp held over 200,000 prisoners. The memorial aims to pay respect to the victims of the atrocities during WWII through the museum exhibits and documentary films. Since it’s located around 40 minutes away from the city center, we suggest booking a half-day guided tour led by a professional.  

41. Nuremberg Christmas Market

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is a world-renowned Christmas market famous for their gingerbreads, and Christkind, Nuremberg’s blond-haired traditional Christmas symbol Christmas who brings gifts to children. Thousands of tourists visit each year to buy festive decorations and get a taste of delicious Christmas treats like Nuremberg Bratwurst, gingerbread, and Spekulatius almond cookies.

42. Rothenburg ob der Taube

Rothenburg ob der Taube is medieval town that’s found along the Romantic Road of southern Germany. It’s one of three German cities that still have their town walls completely intact, which shows how well-preserved it is. Along the walls and city gates, visitors can follow the Tower Trail. The trail is made up of over 40 towers that are part of the city’s historic defense system. This town can fill with tourists but there’s good reason for that – it’s beautiful and historic!

Baden-Wüttemberg & Black Forest

43. heidelberg castle.

Heidelberg Castle stands around 300 feet tall over the city of Heidelberg, dominating the view of the old downtown. As it has suffered a lot of damage in the 18 th century, the castle ruins are composed of inner courtyards and many buildings from different periods in German architecture. To explore the castle and get a ride on the funicular railway to the old town, book your guided tour here .

44. The Black Forest

Whether it be for a taste of the original Black Forest cake or to learn where cuckoo clocks came from, there’s many reasons to visit the Black Forest region. It’s also an amazing destination for outdoor activities, like hiking or skiing in the winter.

You have a variety of towns to visit or choose where to stay. For those who want smaller towns with more local traditions, Kinzig Valley or along the Rhine Valley would be perfect. But there are also larger and livelier cities like Freiburg im Breisgau that still have great access to the Black Forest.

45. Feldberg

Looking for amazing views in the Black Forest? Head to Feldberg! At nearly 5000 feet (almost 1500 meters) it’s the highest mountain in the Black Forest and the highest in Germany outside of the Alps!). Feldberg is a great place to go for hiking, nature, skiing, relaxing, and enjoying beautiful scenery and panoramic views all year long. You can reach it by car or public transportation and makes an easy day trip from Freiburg.

46. Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is a significant landmark of Prussian history. It houses valuable artwork and artifacts like the Prussian King’s Crown. Besides being a historical site, the castle also hosts cultural events like concerts, open-air film screenings, and even its own Christmas market.

47. Bodensee ( Lake Constance )

Lake Constance, also known as Lake Bodensee, is a lake bordering three countries: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Its prime location makes it one of the most beautiful and holiday spots for both tourists and locals alike. The landscapes are perfect for strolling by lakeside villages with a view of the Alps. While water sports enthusiasts can enjoy fun activities like sailing or windsurfing.

48. Triberg Waterfall

The Triberg Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Germany reaching a height of nearly 600 ft. There are several hiking trails leading to the falls, dividing the journey into seven steps depending on what point you want to reach. During winter, you’ll get a chance to see the waterfalls illuminated for a special Advent festival.

49. Titisee

Lake Titsee is another popular destination in the Black Forest region. A great way to explore the area is to take a boat ride the lake and take in the scenery. For another perspective, you can also go on a hike to get a panoramic view of the lake up the nearby mountain Hochfirst.

50. Stuttgart Christmas Market

The Stuttgart Christmas Market is home to elaborately decorated festive stalls because of the annual rooftop competition. If you look up, you’ll see thousands of festive lights, giant reindeer and teddy bears, and bauble-filled trees! Another great sight to behold is the Stuttgart Town Hall, which turns into a giant advent calendar, each window counting down to Christmas.

If you’re planning to visit the Stuttgart Christmas Market (or others in the area), check out our helpful guide here so you can plan the perfect visit!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hamburg

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Hamburg, the largest city in Germany after the capital of Berlin , lies at the head of the long funnel-shaped estuary of the River Elbe. Its location makes it an important link between the sea and Germany's network of inland waterways and numerous islands.

The city is best known for its famous harbor area, the Port of Hamburg. In addition to being a major transportation hub, Hamburg has become one of Europe's most important cultural and commercial centers, as well as a major tourist destination.

The only part of old Hamburg to survive centuries of fires and wars, the narrow, curving Deichstrasse gives a sense of the city's past. Built long before the 19th-century warehouses and 21st-century harborside complexes, the street offers a glimpse into the city's Hansa past. The Hanseatic League was a medieval association of independent port cities and merchants along the Baltic and north Atlantic from the 11th to the 18th centuries, and even into the 19th century. Its distinct architecture is found throughout Baltic Germany.

Deichstrasse takes you straight onto a bridge over one of the city's many canals. Massive brick warehouses, built a couple of centuries after the Hansa's power faded, form a canyon along the canal's sides.

A second footbridge leads into the hottest new neighborhood, Hafencity, where old and new mix in a striking blend of 19th-century, neo-Hansa brick, with contemporary steel-and-glass apartments, their balconies jutting out over attractive cafés, eye-to-eye with vintage sailing vessels. Many of the most interesting things to do in Hamburg are in this port area.

To help you find the best places to visit in this important German port city, be sure to refer to our list of the top attractions and things to do in Hamburg.

See also: Where to Stay in Hamburg

1. Take the Pedestrian Trail to the Port of Hamburg & Speicherstadt

2. miniatur wunderland, 3. see a concert at elbphilharmonie, 4. get your art fix at hamburger kunsthalle, 5. visit the hamburger rathaus (city hall) and mönckebergstraße, 6. st. michael's church, 7. board the historic tallships: rickmer rickmers and cap san diego, 8. explore ships of the past at the international maritime museum, 9. explore the alster lakes, 10. museum of art and design, 11. see one of the world's largest burial grounds: ohlsdorf cemetery, 12. take a walk in a park: planten un blomen and wallringpark, 13. hear the historic organ at st. james' church, 14. museum am rothenbaum & prototyp museum, 15. altona & the altonaer museum, 16. see the old ships at museumshafen oevelgonne (museum harbor), 17. jenisch house, 18. visit the zoo: tierpark hagenbeck, 19. drive to schloss ahrensburg, where to stay in hamburg for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in hamburg, hamburg, germany - climate chart.

The Port of Hamburg, the Hamburger Hafen – also known as "HafenCity" – encompasses 100 square kilometers of tidal harbor and is known as the Gateway to Germany. It's also where you'll find many of the city's most-visited tourist attractions, and on summer evenings and weekends, it's full of local residents relaxing.

A lovely pedestrian trail takes in the old 19th-century Warehouse District , the Speicherstadt , with its continuous lines of tall brick buildings once used to store tobacco, coffee, dried fruit, and spices. Built up from 1883 to 1927, it's reputedly the world's largest such warehouse district and was in 2015 designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Another landmark of the Port of Hamburg is the Köhlbrandbrücke , a 3.9-kilometer bridge that spans the harbor. The newest and most spectacular addition to the waterfront area, though, is the Elbphilharmonie , the city's most important cultural venue (see more on this attraction in #3 below).

The adjacent Traditionsschiffhafen/Sandtorhafen harbor lines the peninsula and is a great place to see vintage tall ships at their docks. If you've got time, a good way to explore the Port of Hamburg is by boat, with numerous tours departing from Landungsbrücken.

Although billed as the world's largest model railway, Hamburg's Miniatur Wunderland is really much more than simply a toy train layout. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in the city's historic Speicherstadt warehouse district. It's the world's largest model railway, boasting more than 15,400 meters of track and 1,040 trains (so expect to spend plenty of time here, especially if you're traveling with kids).

Built on a truly massive scale, the attraction covers an impressive 2,300 square meters. Highlights include areas dedicated to the USA, Scandinavia, and Germany, as well as an airport with planes that actually take off, plus some 100,000 vehicles that actually move, all of it illuminated by more than 500,000 lights and containing some 400,000 tiny (and unique) human figures.

As this is one of the most visited attractions in Germany, you can avoid a long wait by reserving your ticket online. Fun, behind-the-scenes guided tours are available and are highly recommended. Dining and snacks are available on-site, including a restaurant for the kids.

Address: Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, 20457 Hamburg

Official site: www.miniatur-wunderland.com

Known locally as "Elphi," the imposing Elbphilharmonie (Elbe Philharmonic Hall) is the crown jewel of the revitalized Port of Hamburg. Located at the point of the Grasbrook peninsula, this new building has become the city's major landmark, and is considered one of the largest - and most acoustically pleasing - concert halls in the world.

Opened to great fanfare in 2017, its base consists of a 1960s-era, six-story-tall former cocoa, tea, and tobacco warehouse built of red brick. Above this rises an additional 20 stories of curved, shining glass.

The largest of its three concert halls seats 2,150 and features 10,000 plates specially designed to tune sound waves. The building is also home to a major hotel, residential apartments, restaurants, and other features, including parking. A publicly accessible observation platform, the Elbphilharmonie Plaza provides splendid views of the harbor and the city.

Classical music fans should also plan on an evening at the Hamburg State Opera (Staatsoper Hamburg). This state-of-the-art facility is much admired for its rich program of opera and its excellent acoustics.

Address: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 20457, Hamburg

Official site: www.elbphilharmonie.de/en/

Occupying three separate but connected buildings on the Glockengießerwall, Hamburger Kunsthalle – literally translated as the "Hamburg Art Hall" – is one of Germany's top art galleries. Highlights include numerous altarpieces, works by local artists of the 14th century, and Dutch masters of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Also of note are its fine collections of 19th-century German and French paintings, plus substantial modern and contemporary art collections. Tours and fun programs for children are available.

Another notable art collection is housed at the Deichtorhallen , one of the largest galleries of contemporary art and photography in Europe.

Address: Glockengießerwall 1, D-20095 Hamburg

Official site: www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de

In the center of Hamburg's Rathausmarkt stands the majestic City Hall, or Rathaus. This large, elaborately decorated Neo-Renaissance building adjacent to the Stock Exchange (Börse) was completed in 1897 and consists of 647 rooms, many opened to the public for the city's annual Long Night of Museums event.

Notable features include the spectacular painted ceiling in the Kaisersaal, which depicts the importance of German merchant shipping. Guided tours are available, as are opportunities to observe the local government in action.

From the Rathaus, the wide Mönckebergstraße, Hamburg's principal shopping and business district, leads past 14th-century St. Peter's Church , a cathedral and fine example of brick Hansa architecture notable for its 133-meter bell tower.

A column in the south part of the church bears a painting called Christmas 1813 , commemorating citizens who were locked in the church that year for refusal to provide food to Napoleon's troops. Continue on Mönckebergstraße all the way to the Central Station and the Schauspielhaus theater.

Address: Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg

The most famous of Hamburg's many churches, St. Michael's (Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis) was built in the Baroque style between 1750 and 1762 and is one of the city's most important landmarks.

One of the top things to do when visiting this catholic church is to ascend its 132-meter-high tower, known locally as "Michel." Accessible by stairs and an elevator, the tower's viewing platforms offer excellent panoramic views over the city and port, a particular treat during their regular extended evening openings.

Also, be sure to look out for the stunning bronze statue of Archangel Michael killing the devil, a fascinating piece of artwork that can be seen over the entrance. Also of note is the church's crypt, the final resting place of some 2,425 people, and one of the city's most interesting concert venues.

In a courtyard to the east of the church are the Krameramtswohnungen . These dwellings were originally built to house the widows of members of the local Shopkeepers' Guild. There's also a good museum here.

Address: Englische Planke 1, 20459 Hamburg

Official site: www.st-michaelis.de/en/

Berthed along the river at Landungsbrücken, Rickmer Rickmers is a three-masted tall ship with a long and colorful history. Built in 1896, the ship returned to Hamburg in 1983 and, after four years of restoration, is now a museum focused on the role of the merchant marine in the 19th and early 20th centuries (there's even a restaurant onboard).

The MS Cap San Diego , a 1960s cargo ship, is another merchant marine ship museum with visitor access to the entire vessel, from the bridge to the engine rooms (fun overnight stays are also available).

A different view of the Cold War is available in the former Soviet submarine , B-515 , now open as a museum and docked at St. Pauli Fischmarkt 10. For those interested in maritime-themed art, a visit to the Altonaer Museum is well worthwhile, and features numerous important paintings, sculptures, and cultural artifacts related to shipping.

Address: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a, 20359 Hamburg

The International Maritime Museum (Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg, or IMMH) is a great place to discover more about Hamburg's rich maritime history and all things sea-related.

Housed in the city's oldest warehouse, a massive red-brick heritage building in the HafenCity area, the museum's fascinating exhibits cover more than 3,000 years of human connection to water. The oldest artifact displayed is a dugout boat, hollowed out of a tree trunk thousands of years ago, that was recovered from the Elbe.

Models show how shipping has progressed, from Phoenician galleys to Viking long ships to the caravels of the Golden Age of Discovery. An entire floor (there are 10 all told) is devoted to the latest in marine research, with films taken by diving robots and recordings of undersea sounds. Another gallery is filled with maritime art.

The newest addition is a superb ship simulator, which allows you to try your hand steering a container ship. A variety of tours and workshops are available, and there is a great little bistro here called, aptly, "Catch of the Day."

Address: Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg

Official site: www.imm-hamburg.de/international/en/

The focal points of Hamburg's inner city area are the Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster), two artificial lakes connected to the rivers Alster and the Elbe. It's here you'll find Hamburg's most picturesque city squares and historic avenues, as well as its famous pedestrian areas, the passagens . The best routes take in the elegant Jungfernstieg with its cafés and landing stages used by tour boats, and the Ballindamm , with the city's largest shopping center.

The lakes are also popular for sailing and kayaking in summer and skating in winter, and are lined by many beautiful parks and gardens. The area is also popular among cyclists.

Also popular is the Pöseldorf area, with its galleries, boutiques, and cafés, along with the canals, or "fleetes," which link the lakes with the Elbe. If you're visiting in late summer, be sure to attend the annual Alstervergnügen , a street fair held around the lakes with great entertainment, including numerous concerts.

Hamburg's Museum of Art and Design (Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, or locally as "MKG"), located handily near the train station, ranks alongside the Bavarian National Museum in Munich as one of the country's most comprehensive displays of German, European, and Asian applied art.

Founded in 1874 and modeled after London's Victoria and Albert Museum, it's particularly well known for its displays of china, furniture, and silver from northern Germany. Other collections include applied art from East Asia, and a collection of works by Oskar Kokoschka. Also of interest is a large collection of keyboard instruments, as well as a fine display of porcelain. English-language guided tours are available, and a restaurant and bookshop are located on the premises.

The Hamburg Museum (Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte) will also be of interest to museum goers. Dating back to the 1830s, the museum is home to a large collection of artifacts that, together with their accompanying displays and information, offer a detailed look at life in the city over the centuries.

Address: Steintorplatz 1, D-20099 Hamburg

Official site: www.mkg-hamburg.de/en/home.html

Not only is Ohlsdorf Cemetery (Ohlsdorfer Friedhof) the world's largest rural cemetery, it's one of the most important. Covering 961 acres and boasting 12 chapels, more than 1.5 million burials have taken place here in some 280,000 burial sites.

The cemetery is also where you'll find the Hamburg Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery , where more than 400 allied prisoners-of-war are buried, along with many who died in battles on German soil. Other notable memorials include those dedicated to victims of Nazi persecution, the Hamburg Firestorm of WWII, and members of the city's anti-Nazi resistance.

Don't be put off by the fact that the site is a cemetery. More than two million people each year visit its memorials, monuments, and museum while strolling through the pleasant gardens along its 17 kilometers of streets and paths. Another important Hamburg memorial is the Bismarck Monument , the best known of Germany's many towers commemorating the country's most revered politician. Fascinating English language guided tours are available, and are highly recommended.

Address: Fuhlsbüttler Straße 756, 22337 Hamburg

Official site: www.friedhof-hamburg.de/en/

At the St. Pauli landing stages in Hamburg is the Wallringpark, a large recreational area that includes some of the city's most popular open spaces, such as the Old Botanic Garden and the Kleine and Grosse Wallanlagen , the gardens laid out on the line of the old fortifications.

The best of these excellent parks is Planten un Blomen - quite literally translated as "Plants and Flowers". The lovely 116-acre park was established in 1821 with the planting of a Platanus tree that can still be seen here. It's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a picnic, or if visiting at night, take in the famous water-light concerts or a musical performance.

From Wallringpark, you're just minutes away from the 272-meter-high Heinrich Hertz Telecommunications Tower , popularly known as 'Tele-Michel"; though now closed to the public, it remains a striking sight.

Address: Marseiller Str., 20355 Hamburg

A few minutes' walk east of Hamburg city center will take you to the attractive St. James's Church, also known as St. Jacob's (Hauptkirche St. Jacobi). It's one of the most important religious sites in the city after St. Michael's. A church has existed on this site since 1255, at which time it was outside the city walls.

The splendid 14th-century building you see today houses a variety of important artifacts and architectural highlights, including its medieval altars. Perhaps its most important feature, though, is its Arp Schnitger organ. Built in 1693, this magnificent instrument is one of the oldest and best preserved still in use today and boasts no less than 60 registers and over 4,000 pipes.

Visitors can get to hear this masterpiece during regularly scheduled concerts and recitals, often with the church's choir. Interesting tours of the church, including some that focus specifically on music and its organs, are available and come highly recommended.

Address: Jakobikirchhof 22, 20095 Hamburg

Official site: https://jacobus.de/en/

Museum am Rothenbaum: Kulturen und Künste der Welt (or simply MARKK) – formerly the Hamburg Museum of Ethnology – was founded in 1879 and is one of the largest such museums in Europe.

With a focus on "Cultures and Arts of the World," this fascinating museum boasts more than 350,000 artifacts and documents. Highlights include a binder used to cover a Torah, dating from 1711; an African exhibition with traditional cultural and religious items; and fun hands-on exhibits such as foosball, xylophones, and cameras.

Also interesting is the PROTOTYP Museum , a car museum that focuses exclusively (as its name suggests) on prototype vehicles. Most of the 45 vehicles on display are racing and motorsport related and are accompanied with exhibits relating to their history and drivers. Porsche fans will also want to try their hand at the driving simulator. A café is also located on-site.

Address: Rothenbaumchausee 64, 20148 Hamburg

Official site: https://markk-hamburg.de/english/

Above the high bank of the Elbe is Hamburg's vibrant, ritzy Altona district. It's popular for sightseeing due to its many attractive Neoclassical houses, many of them protected as historical monuments.

Here, you'll also find Museumstrasse, which runs north from the end of the Palmaille, and the Altonaer Museum with exhibits relating to the geology, landscape, settlement, and economy of Schleswig-Holstein and the Lower Elbe region. Other highlights include displays of marine artifacts, including old models and preserved ship figureheads.

Afterwards, be sure to explore the area around Altona, including the Altonaer Balkon . You'll be rewarded with fine views of the river and the port, as well as the fishing harbor and fish market.

Address: Museumstrasse 23, 22765 Hamburg

Hamburg's popular Oevelgonne district contains the New Elbe Tunnel , a 3.5-kilometer-long tunnel running under the River Elbe. Here, near the Neumühlen ferry station on the Elbe main shipping channel, you'll find the Museumshafen (Museum Harbor), home to about 20 historic vessels from the period 1880 to 1960, each carefully restored by a private organization.

This impressive collection of important old vessels includes traditional German and Dutch flat bottom ships as well as barges, fishing boats, and steam tugs, some of them open to the public. One of the larger vessels is the SS Stettin , a former icebreaker built in 1933 that's now used for pleasure trips.

Also of interest are the numerous pilots' houses on the Elbuferweg and the Oevelgonner Seekiste , a small museum with a variety of displays and maritime artifacts.

Address: Baron-Voght-Straße 50, D-22609 Hamburg

Not far from the New Elbe Tunnel , in the Klein Flottbek district of Hamburg, lies the beautiful 110-acre Jenischpark , one of the city's largest and most attractive open spaces.

Here, you'll find the superb Neoclassical 19th-century Jenisch House ((Jenisch-Haus) with its rooms reflecting the taste of the prosperous middle classes in styles ranging from Louis XVI to Art Nouveau, all preserved in the on-site museum, a branch of the Altona Museum .

The park is also home to the Ernst Barlach Haus , with its collections of sculptures, drawings, and printed graphic art.

Address: 50 Baron-Voght-Straße, Hamburg 22609

Official site: https://shmh.de/en

Tucked away in Hamburg's northwestern suburb of Stellingen, Tierpark Hagenbeck, the city's zoo, was established in 1907 to house a collection of exotic animals owned by a local fishmonger-turned-exotic animal trader by the name of Carl Hagenbeck. The zoo is still run by his descendants.

This excellent facility was the first in the world to use open enclosures surrounded by ditches as opposed to cages, increasing the free-range area of the animals. It was also the first zoo to group animals by species, ideas that inspired the owners of other zoo parks to adopt.

Other family attractions worthy of a visit is Planetarium Hamburg , located in an old water tower, and the CHOCOVERSUM Chocolate Museum , a fun interactive museum with displays focusing on chocolate making. And yes, you can make your very own chocolate bars!

Address: Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, 22527 Hamburg

About 23 kilometers northeast of Hamburg is the town of Ahrensburg, famous for its old mansion, Schloss Ahrensburg (Ahrensburg Palace).

Now a museum, the castle was built in 1595, and many of its original interiors and furnishings remain intact, providing a fascinating insight into the life of country nobility. The mansion also makes a great backdrop to the regular concerts and events held in its attractive grounds.

Address: Lübecker Straße 1, D-22926 Ahrensburg

Official site: www.schloss-ahrensburg.de/das-schloss/english-information/

For easy access to Hamburg's top attractions, the best place to stay is in the central Hamburg-Mitte district. An easy walk to Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway, as well as the city's always-bustling port, this district is also home to great shopping, dining, and art galleries. The following highly rated hotels are perfect for exploring:

Luxury Hotels:

• Overlooking Inner Alster Lake, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten offers huge suites, spa services, and high tea in the plush Grand Hall with its fireplace and fine art.
• Just minutes from Hamburg's main railway station, the Park Hyatt Hamburg boasts spacious rooms with balconies and heated bathroom floors, as well as an indoor pool and spa.
• For a more contemporary feel, try The Madison Hamburg with its spacious rooms (some including kitchenettes), large indoor pool, and on-site dining.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Small and close to Hamburg's harbor, Hotel St. Annen offers spacious rooms, the best of which overlook the inner courtyard.
• If it's funky and fun you're after, try Prizeotel Hamburg-City featuring large rooms with rainforest showers and heated tiles.
• Also worth considering is Hotel Wedina . Overlooking Outer Alster Lake, it's a popular place to relax with a book thanks to its well-stocked library and pleasant courtyard garden.

Budget Hotels:

• At the higher end of the budget scale, the Art Deco-styled Superbude Hotel Hostel St. Georg offers funky, colorful (and quiet) rooms large enough to sleep a family.
• Other good affordable options close to attractions and entertainment in Hamburg-Mitte are Motel One Hamburg Alster with its modern décor and furniture, and Ibis Hamburg St. Pauli Messe , as popular for its harbor location as it is for its comfortable, modern rooms.

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Nature Calls : Germany's magnificent Black Forest region should be on every travelers' itinerary, as famous for its incredible scenery as it is for its thermal springs, many of them located around the spa town of Baden Baden . Equally as attractive is the lovely Lake Constance area , famous for its pleasant climate, rolling countryside, and many small lakeside towns and villages. Those seeking even more dramatic scenery should head for the hills of Garmisch-Partenkirchen , a mountainous area that's home to great skiing and the Zugspitze, the country's tallest mountain peak.

Medieval Times : The old merchant town of Augsburg is home to many important examples of medieval architecture, including its lovely 14th-century cathedral and the charming Fuggerei, an enclave of old townhomes built to house the poor in the 1520s. Historic Bamberg is where you'll find Klein-Venedig, or "Little Venice" with its well-preserved medieval fishermen's houses, as well as the Old Town Hall perched atop a bridge. Perhaps the most immersive medieval experience, though, is to be had in the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber , famous for its fairy-tale-like old homes of the Plönlein and its still intact fortifications and walls.

Germany Vacation Ideas : The German capital city of Berlin needs at least a few days to explore, and is where you'll find some of the country's best known tourist attractions, from the infamous Berlin Wall to the famous Museum Island with its vast array of important museums and art galleries. The historic river port of Frankfurt is also popular for its museums, as well as for its large and picture-perfect central square, the Römerberg. Munich is the capital of Bavaria, as well as one of Europe's most-visited cities, famous for its magnificent cathedral and its many parks, particularly the huge English Garden (Englischer Garten).

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17 Best Places to Visit in Germany

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on March 3, 2024

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany today maintains the continent’s most powerful economy. However it is probably best known for its World War II history and the country’s even more recent times when it was split into East and West; everybody knows about the Berlin Wall, which came down less than 30 years ago. There’s a load of culture, natural beauty, and much older history to discover in this large European nation.

You’ll find much of this in Bavaria, southern Germany , where you can soak up the Bavarian Alps, explore some truly charming medieval towns, and get involved in the infamous Oktoberfest. In the north, you can explore beaches and old port towns from the Hanseatic period .

Map of Germany

Berlin wows with its famous clubs and huge museums, as does Frankfurt with its skyscraper-laden cityscape. Plan your trip to this fantastic European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Germany.

17. Regensburg

Lying at the spot where the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers meet, Regensburg in Bavaria is one of the oldest towns in the whole of Germany and a very popular tourist destination. Founded by the Romans in 179 AD, it boasts almost two thousand years of history, with its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town the star of the show.

Here you’ll find loads of fine architecture and important historical landmarks, with countless churches, chapels and monasteries dotted about its ancient streets. Of its many tourist attractions, the gorgeous Gothic cathedral and impressive 12th century Stone Bridge should not be missed out on; they represent the best of the area’s art, architecture and engineering.

Renowned for its historical and architectural treasures, Regensburg also has a laidback, youthful feel, as well as a lively cafe and bar culture. It is this easy-going atmosphere that has regularly seen it referred to as the ‘northernmost city of Italy.’

16. Hamburg

Located on the banks of the Elbe River , just a hundred kilometers from the North Sea, Hamburg has long been one of Europe’s busiest and most important ports. Once part of the Hanseatic League , it is now Germany’s second-largest city and is noted for its maritime identity and pulsating nightlife.

Much of life in the city and its history, culture, and heritage is linked to the canals and waterways that weave through town. Next to the harbor, for instance, you can find the strikingly modern Elbphilarmonie concert hall and old brick warehouses . One of the city’s main landmarks is its beautiful Neo-Renaissance Rathaus.

Hamburg is also famed for its seedy red-light district, where you can find live music venues, cool cocktail bars, and trendy clubs. It is actually here on the Reeperbahn that The Beatles got their big break and forever changed the world of music.

15. Rugen Island

Favored for its remarkable landscapes and romantic seaside resorts, Rugen Island has flourished as a popular tourist destination since the 18th century. Located in the Baltic Sea as part of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rugen Island is the largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by the Rugen Bridge and Rugen Causeway.

Charming villas, historic old towns and beautiful beaches all draw tourists to Rugen Island, but the star attraction is the Jasmund National Park , famous for its unique chalk cliffs rising 161 meters over the sea. Of these majestic cliffs, the largest is known as Konigsstuhl, or King’s Chair. Legend has it that in ancient times, a newly crowned king would climb to the top of this cliff and sit in a chair to demonstrate his power.

Another notable feature of Rugen Island is Cape Arkona , East Germany’s northernmost tip, where tourists can visit an old lighthouse, remnants of a Slavic castle and a picturesque fishing village.

Among the island’s many seaside resorts, a few most popular include Binz, Sellin, Gohren and Sassnitz. Tourists will find a wide variety of recreation here ranging from golf to horse riding, cycling, windsurfing and hot air balloon trips.

Rugen Island can be reached by car across Germany’s longest bridge, by train and ferry service. Within the island, buses run between all major towns. Many of the main attractions are car-free, so walking and cycling are good alternatives. A great way to explore Rugen Island is by its steam-powered train, called Racing Roland.

14. Lake Constance

The third-largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Constance is nestled in the foothills of the Alps straddling the German, Austrian and Swiss borders. It is made up of three main parts, with the Obersee – or ‘Upper Lake’ – connected to the Untersee (Lower Lake) by Seerhein – a small section of the Rhine River.

Long a popular place to go, Lake Constance is blessed with crystal clear waters and a mild and sunny climate, as well as lots of gorgeous scenery. This makes it ideal for swimming, sunbathing and sailing. Cycling along its serene shores and hiking in the surrounding vineyards and orchards are popular pastimes.

Besides the ample recreational activities, the lake is also noted for the picturesque towns and villages hugging its shores. On the German side, visitors can delight in exploring the lively and historic university city of Konstanz and the idyllic island town of Lindau .

On the Swiss side, phenomenal views of the lake can be enjoyed from atop the 2,500 meter high Santis Mountain. Bregenz, in Austria , is famed for its floating stage that hosts concerts and operas in the summer.

13. Bamberg

Widely considered one of Bavaria and Germany’s most attractive towns , Bamberg is built over seven hills, with various canals and the Regnitz river running through it. It was once the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bamberg, and, for a brief period, the center of the Holy Roman Empire , so wealth poured into its streets, with architectural marvels erected around town.

As such, history and heritage can be found wherever you go. The narrow medieval streets of Altstadt are particularly enthralling to explore. Here you’ll find an impressive Romanesque cathedral and centuries-old Rathaus. The twin spires of Michaelsberg Abbey and the turrets of Altenburg Castle can be spied nearby.

Nowadays, Bamberg is a very pretty and pleasant place to visit and is home to an abundance of pavement cafes, bars and restaurants. Many of these serve its famous smoked beer, which can also be sampled in the numerous breweries scattered around town.

12. Cologne

It may have been nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during World War II, but Cologne today is one of the largest cities in Germany and a major European metropolis. Situated on the Rhine River in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne offers several interesting tourist attractions , a buzzing nightlife, stylish hotels , and a stellar arts and culture scene.

The city’s informal symbol, the Cologne Cathedral , a stunning Gothic church that claims to contain the gifts of the Magi mentioned in the Bible is must visit. Moreover, the Twelve Romanesque Churches are magnificent examples of medieval architecture.

As a leading culture center in the Rhineland area, Cologne boasts an outstanding collection museums. Two of the most important include the Wallraf-Richartz Musem for its fine medieval art, and the Farina Fragrance Museum, which details the history and production of the city’s famous perfume, Eau de Cologne.

Every year, Cologne hosts one of Europe’s largest Carnival festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, and filling the streets and pubs with costumed people, music and dancing. However, even outside of festivals, tourists will find no shortage of nightlife choices in this city of many pubs, bars and clubs. Cologne is known for its unique beer, called Kolsch, which is served cold and fresh in every bar in town.

11. Leipzig

The largest city in Germany’s federal state of Saxony, Leipzig is often called the City of Heroes for its leading role in the 1989 democratic revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Leipzig is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene shaped by famous music composers like Bach, Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn. Tourists today can enjoy performances of Bach’s music at the St. Thomas Church where Bach once served as choir leader and is now buried.

In addition to numerous museums and historic sites like the Old Town Hall, the city boasts several of Germany’s oldest and most impressive structures such as the Napoleonic Monument to the Battle of the Nations and Reichsgericht, the former high court of the Reich.

One of Europe’s largest town squares, the Augustusplatz, is situated at the central campus of the city’s university, which is the second-oldest university in Germany. What’s more, Leipzig is home to Germany’s oldest botanical garden and one of the country’s largest zoos.

Leipzig is host to a number of annual festivals such as the Bach Festival , the world’s largest Goth festival and an international balloon festival. For nightlife, tourists will find a variety of pubs, bars and dance clubs within the city, especially along the street of Karl-Leibknecht-Strasse, nicknamed “Karli.”

10. Nuremberg

Once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and home of several German kings, Nuremberg is now the second-largest city in Bavaria and acts as an important economic, cultural and social center.

Due to its wealth and prestige, arts, architecture and culture have long flourished in the city. Marvelous museums, gorgeous Gothic churches, and an impressive imperial castle can be found dotted about its medieval old town. Much of its historic center was rebuilt and restored following the heavy bombing campaigns that destroyed most of Nuremberg in WWII.

Many people now associate the city with the infamous Nuremberg Trials ; however, its rich art and cultural scene, interesting historical sights, and fantastic cuisine and nightlife make it a popular place to visit. It also hosts the largest Christmas Market in Germany, where visitors can buy gingerbread and local handicrafts and sample traditional sweets and gluhwein.

9. Black Forest

Named after the dark, dense woods that cover its valleys, hills, and mountains, the Black Forest is nestled in the southwest corner of Germany. One of the most picturesque and popular places to visit in Germany, it is home to lots of natural sights and charming towns and villages.

Tucked away amidst its confines are gushing rivers, sparkling lakes, and flower-filled meadows, as well as a myriad of lovely hiking trails and cycling paths that take you past stunning scenery. The sunniest and warmest part of the country lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities, with skiing and snowboarding available in the winter months.

The forested mountain range also has its fair share of historic towns. Freiburg – the ‘Jewel of the Black Forest’ – and the spa town of Baden-Baden attract the lion’s share of visitors. In addition, centuries-old abbeys and monasteries can be found here and there, as well as scenic vineyards, fairytale castles , and modern ski resorts.

As one of the largest Baltic seaports in Germany, Lubeck is located in the country’s northern-most state, Schleswig-Holstein. Founded in 1143, Lubeck served for several centuries as the capital seat of the Hanseatic League . Although it was the first German city to be bombed and damaged during World War II, Lubeck still retains much of its medieval architecture, making it a popular tourist destination.

Dominated by seven Gothic churches, the city’s Old Town presents an attractive setting of romantic medieval architecture intertwined with modern day infrastructure. A walk through the old, narrow streets offers views of historic sites like the stunning cathedral, the 12th century Town Hall, the famous Holstentor (the old city gate) and the house of Thomas Mann, the 1929 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The bustling streets of Huxstrasse and Fleischhauerstrasse are lined with restaurants, art galleries, book stores and souvenir shops. A stroll along the city’s harbor allows tours of old Hanseatic warehouses and old shipping vessels now fashioned into museums.

Lubeck is well known for its production of the confection, marzipan . Local legend says that marzipan originated in Lubeck during a time of famine when almonds and sugar were the only available staples. The city also boasts its own wine specialty called Rotspon, which can be found in every shop of Lubeck.

7. Romantic Rhine

Stretching between the cities of Bingen and Bonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called the Rhine Gorge. This region features a spectacular landscape dotted with medieval castles , picturesque villages and terraced vineyards.

Tourism flourished here after aristocrat travelers brought much attention to the area during the Romanticism period of the 19th century and the area became known as the Romantic Rhine. The inspiration behind poems, painting, operas and legends, the Romantic Rhine today is a major tourist destination in Germany.

A journey through the Romantic Rhine presents splendid views of medieval castles perched on nearly every hillside. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, these castles range from ruins to fortresses and majestic palaces. One of the most well-preserved is the Marksburg Castle while other significant ones include Stolzenfels, Pfalzgrafenstein, the Electoral Palace and the Stahleck Castle, which offers overnight accommodation.

Bathed in color and history, the charming villages along the Rhine Gorge provide excellent sightseeing opportunities as well as cafes, shops and hotels. The town of Bacharach is particularly beautiful in its setting of half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets and terraced vineyards.

The region’s most famous natural attraction is the Lorelei, the deepest and most narrow section of the Rhine Gorge, which features a large, treacherous rock that caused several boating accidents prior to the 19th century. Because of its unique echo, the rock inspired a legend that claims a beautiful siren sat upon the summit, luring sailors to their deaths.

The best way to experience the Romantic Rhine is by a riverboat cruise . However, there are also highways and trains that run along both sides of the river. Additionally, tourists can explore the beautiful region by scenic walking trails and cycling routes .

Before it was severely damaged from World War II bombings, Dresden was known as the Jewel Box because of its lavish collection of stunning art and architecture. After many years, the city has restored much of its former glory. The capital of the federal state of Saxony, Dresden is one of the largest urban districts in Germany, serving as an important center of government and culture.

Dresden offers several interesting landmarks such as the beautiful plaza of Bruehl’s Terrace and the magnificent palace complex known as the Zwinger . The Old Town also contains a number of historic sites like the stunning Frauenkirche cathedral . Impressive art galleries and museums abound in the city, particularly the Green Vault, which houses thousands of exquisite precious gems, jewelry pieces and fine art works.

An important culture center, Dresden boasts many cultural institutions of which the Semper Opera is most widely esteemed. The city plays host to several annual events that include Europe’s largest Jazz festival, the Dixieland Festival.

Amid the bustling city, open green spaces like the Big Garden offer outdoor leisure activities and relaxation while the River Banks presents summer sports, barbecues, concerts and outdoor cinema. Getting around the city center is easy by walking, cycling and bike taxis.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Renowned for its magnificent medieval old town, its well-preserved architecture, and charming cobbled streets, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most popular stops along Germany’s Romantic Road. Rothenburg is also famous for the stores that carry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market each December.

Overlooking the banks of the Tauber River, the Franconian town looks very much as if it has just emerged out of a fairytale. Beautiful old buildings can be found within its ancient walls. Be sure to visit the Town Hall , the seat of city government since medieval times. Climb the steps of the 13th-century hall’s tower for stunning views of the city.

Remarkably, it was actually Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s outstanding beauty that spared much of the town from being destroyed in WWII. The US Secretary of War called off bombing raids to protect and preserve its history and heritage.

Nowadays, however, its picture-perfect nature means that Rothenburg ob der Tauber can get quite crowded. It is well worth staying the night, as when evening falls, most tourists depart, and peace and romance returns to its lovely lamplit streets.

4. Heidelberg

With historic treasures like the medieval Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle , the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St. George House, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is a popular tourist attraction . The city center’s main street, Haupstrasse, is packed with pubs, restaurants, open-air cafes, hotels and shops selling the likes of beer steins, cuckoo clocks and German sausages.

Not far from the Old Town is Thingstatte, an outdoor amphitheater, originally constructed by the Nazi regime to promote propaganda events. Today, this intriguing site is the scene of concerts, celebrations and other special events.

Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg’s long academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher’s Walk , a scenic footpath often walked by many earlier philosophers and professors. Likewise, the city’s arts and history can be experienced in its many theaters, galleries and museums that include the Carl Bosch Museum, Palatinate Museum and Bonsai Museum.

The city hosts several lively annual festivals and cultural events such as the Ball of the Vampires, Carnival, Classic Music Festival, International Easter Egg Market and Christmas Market.

Set in a scenic spot at the foot of the Alps, Fussen is the last stop on the Romantic Road and can be found right in the south of Bavaria, just a kilometer from the Austrian border. While the enchanting town is well worth exploring in itself, most people visit for the three fairytale castles that lie nearby.

Although Hohenschwangau and Hohes Schloss look impressive with their prominent hilltop positions, arresting architecture, and imposing turrets and towers, the real showstopper is Neuschwanstein Castle . Commissioned by King Ludwig II, the one-time royal retreat looks so magical that Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was modelled on it.

Fussen has a quaint, well-preserved old town that is home to pretty, pastel-colored buildings and the 9th century St. Mang’s Abbey. The nearby hills and mountains also have countless nature trails for visitors to explore, which boast breathtaking views.

Best known as the origin of the world famous Oktoberfest , Munich is a major international hub for research and technology. The capital of the state of Bavaria, Munich is Germany’s most prosperous city, boasting research universities, global companies like BMW and state-of-the-art science museums such as the Deutsches Museum.

However, Munich is not all business. This vibrant city offers one of Germany’s best culture scenes, presenting several sophisticated opera houses and theaters like the National Theater. The city center is an attractive blend of classic and modern architecture, teeming in historic churches, medieval walls and royal palaces as well as bustling shopping centers and art galleries.

Munich’s neighborhoods also offer their share of lush green spaces, which include the English Garden , one of the world’s largest public parks. Munich is home to sports teams consisting of basketball, ice hockey and a championship football club.

Munich’s Oktoberfest began in 1810 with a royal wedding celebration. Today, this famous beer festival draws millions of visitors every year to take part in the revelry that involves several gigantic beer tents, delicious Bavarian food, fun competitions and millions of liters of beer. No matter what time of year tourists visit, they can experience Munich’s beer gardens and beautiful beer halls.

A federal state and the capital city of Germany, Berlin is widely associated with its World War II history and former division of East and West Germany by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. Since the fall of the historic wall in 1989, Berlin today is now a vast, unified city diverse in ethnic groups and abundant in sightseeing attractions , culture and nightlife.

Many tourists are drawn to Berlin’s famous historic structures, which include the Brandenburg Gate , Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial . Although most of the Berlin Wall was demolished, there are some portions still standing near Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag .

Berlin is respected for its high concentration of museums , namely Museum Island , which comprises a collection of museums that house impressive relics, temples and even reconstructed villages from many of the world’s ancient civilizations.

See also: Where to Stay in Berlin

However, a visit to Berlin is not all about history. With two zoos, swimming lakes, public parks and dozens of nightlife venues, Berlin offers plenty for everyone in the family. The city also hosts annual festivals such as the Long Night of the Museums, Carnival of Cultures and the glamorous Berlin Film Festival.

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Reader interactions.

October 29, 2019 at 7:20 pm

I just spent two weeks in Germany and can’t wait to return. Travelled by train, so many beautiful sights to see. Rothenburg was a favourite. Oktoberfest was so much fun! I now have a new list of cities to visit.

January 28, 2019 at 9:17 am

I love Dresden and went to Koblenz, Cologne and Aachen last year. I love travelling with Deutsche Bahn too but it’s just so expensive – even compared to back home in the UK. Still, train travel is definitely my favourite mode of transport.

November 4, 2018 at 7:19 am

Neuschwanstein for sure! Though, all of these places look like beautiful places to visit. I’d like to travel the world someday and overcome my anxiety that has held me back all my life. My wonderlust is still very strong and prominent! Germany is a beautiful country and I would like to visit as many cities, towns and villages there as possible!

December 19, 2017 at 7:47 am

Nuremberg should have been included in the list.. A very nice place. I think most of the places in Germany are really worth seeing.

May 16, 2017 at 5:42 am

February 18, 2017 at 2:42 pm

It will be my first time in Germany this April and will be in Munich. I’m planning day trips and therefore would realy considering comments about places to visit. But would definitely go to Baltic sea.

December 14, 2016 at 2:32 am

Berlin is one of the best cities I have visited so much to see

November 16, 2016 at 7:18 am

I can not believe Nuremberg is not on this list. Great history, architecture, museums and the best bratwurst on the planet,

September 18, 2016 at 9:45 am

I definitely like the northern parts. Last week I came back from vacation in Darss and I have to say it was really amazing.

March 17, 2016 at 1:15 pm

One of the fastest growing pilgrimage sites does not make this list, but Augsburg is quickly becoming a major pilgrimage site in Eastern Bavaria. The church on the main square, St. Peter am Perlach holds the image of Our Lady Untier of Knots whom the world would not know too much about unless it were for Pope Francis. Having visited the shrine a few times, I can tell you she is beautiful and a very powerful intercessor!

December 7, 2015 at 3:48 am

You definitely forgot Hamburg. It is one of the most beautiful cities in germany. At least at the top 3 in germany. My list is, okay i live in hamburg, its my number one but for tourists i think you must see the capital.

1. Berlin 2. Hamburg 3. München 4. Köln

November 21, 2015 at 2:40 am

I believe that Regensburg should also be on this list – right on the Rhine and beautiful…

July 20, 2015 at 6:08 pm

I visited Munich, beautiful city, the Marienplatz is amazing.

June 15, 2015 at 2:22 pm

Heidelberg is the best in my opinion…I lived there for 6 and a half year’s.

March 24, 2015 at 1:22 pm

I believe that Nuremberg should be sitting right in the middle of this list. Certainly a more beautiful city than Berlin.

October 18, 2014 at 8:11 pm

Good list, it will help during my visit to Germany. I like Germans & Germany.

September 23, 2014 at 2:40 pm

August 24, 2014 at 12:07 pm

Good list, HOWEVER, I would consider Hamburg a much nicer overall city than Cologne or Leipzig. Cologne is basically famous for its dome and Leipzig has some nice architecture, but in Hamburg almost every part of town is worth seeing and is a great shopping destination.

In general, all the typical old university towns are worth a visit: Freiburg, Heidelberg, Bonn, Tuebingen, Marburg and Konstanz come to mind.

July 1, 2014 at 10:39 am

Germany is my dream country. Its my prayers to visit Germany.

May 19, 2013 at 10:09 pm

Great list!

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