Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Germany
Germany, a country of rich history and diverse landscapes, captivates with its charming towns, bustling cities, and cultural heritage. From the historic streets of Berlin to the scenic beauty of the Bavarian Alps, Germany offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Discover medieval castles, savour hearty cuisine, and experience vibrant festivals. The country’s efficient transport, beautiful countryside, and renowned art scenes make it a vibrant destination. Germany’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.
When to visit
Temp Range
Currency
Min Budget




May – Sep
-5 – 25°C
23 – 77°F
Euro (EUR)
$50-70/day
Top Attractions
See below for a selection of the top attractions in Germany, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.
Berlin’s Historic Sites
Berlin offers historic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie. Visitors can explore the Reichstag building, Holocaust Memorial, and Museum Island. These landmarks provide insight into Germany’s history and cultural heritage, reflecting its tumultuous past and vibrant present, making Berlin a key destination for history enthusiasts.
Access from – Berlin
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle, in the Bavarian Alps, is a fairy-tale palace built by King Ludwig II. Known for stunning architecture and breath-taking views, it inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Visitors can tour its opulent interiors and enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lakes, making it one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks.
Access from – Schwangau
Romantic Road
The Romantic Road is a scenic route through southern Germany, featuring medieval towns, castles, and vineyards. Highlights include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Würzburg, and Füssen. This enchanting journey offers visitors a glimpse into Germany’s charming countryside, historic architecture, and cultural traditions, showcasing the country’s picturesque landscapes and rich history.
Access from – Various (starts in Würzburg and ends in Füssen)
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its towering twin spires and impressive interior. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic city views, explore the cathedral’s rich history, and admire its stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture, making it a must-see attraction in Cologne.
Access from – Cologne
Black Forest
The Black Forest, in southwestern Germany, is famous for its dense forests, charming villages, and cuckoo clocks. Visitors can hike scenic trails, visit spa towns like Baden-Baden, and explore attractions such as Triberg Waterfalls and the Black Forest Open Air Museum. The area is also known for its delicious Black Forest cake and beautiful landscapes.
Access from – Baden-Württemberg
Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest in Munich is the world’s largest beer festival, attracting millions annually to enjoy Bavarian culture, traditional food, and beer from local breweries. The festival features lively music, folk dances, and colourful parades, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic German cultural experience.
Access from – Munich
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Neckar River, is a stunning Renaissance palace and symbol of German Romanticism. Visitors can explore its grand interiors, walk through the expansive gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of Heidelberg’s old town and the Neckar Valley, making it a highlight of any visit to Heidelberg.
Access from – Heidelberg
Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg is the world’s largest model railway exhibit, featuring intricately detailed miniature landscapes, cities, and railway networks. Visitors can marvel at miniature replicas of famous landmarks, bustling city scenes, and operational trains. The exhibit showcases craftsmanship and technological innovation, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Access from – Hamburg
Rhine Valley
The Rhine Valley is a scenic region in western Germany known for its picturesque landscapes, medieval castles, and vineyards. Visitors can cruise along the Rhine River, explore charming towns like Bacharach and Rüdesheim, and visit iconic castles such as Burg Eltz. The area offers opportunities for wine tasting, hiking, and enjoying the region’s cultural heritage.
Access from – Various (Koblenz, Mainz)
Dachau Memorial Site
The Dachau Memorial Site near Munich is a former Nazi concentration camp memorializing the victims of the Holocaust. Visitors can tour the preserved camp grounds, museum exhibits, and memorials to learn about the atrocities committed during World War II. The site serves as a poignant reminder of Germany’s dark history and promotes remembrance and education.
Access from – Dachau (near Munich)
Dresden’s Old Town
Dresden’s Old Town is a historic centre known for its stunning Baroque architecture, including the Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace. Visitors can stroll along the Elbe River, explore museums like the Green Vault, and enjoy the cultural ambiance of Theaterplatz. Dresden’s Old Town offers a blend of history, art, and scenic beauty.
Access from – Dresden
BMW Museum
The BMW Museum in Munich showcases the history and innovations of BMW’s iconic automobiles and motorcycles. Visitors can explore exhibits on automotive design, technology, and racing heritage, including classic and futuristic vehicle displays. The museum offers interactive experiences and insights into BMW’s engineering prowess and contributions to automotive culture.
Access from – Munich
Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace in Munich is a magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by expansive gardens and water features. Visitors can tour the opulent interiors, including the Hall of Mirrors and Gallery of Beauties, and explore the park grounds with its pavilions and lakes. Nymphenburg Palace reflects Bavarian royalty’s grandeur and artistic legacy.
Access from – Munich
River Cruise in Berlin
A river cruise in Berlin along the Spree River offers panoramic views of the city’s landmarks, including Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, and the Reichstag. Visitors can relax onboard, learn about Berlin’s history and architecture from informative guides, and capture memorable photos of the cityscape from the water, providing a unique perspective on Berlin’s attractions.
Access from – Berlin
Reichstag Building Tour
The Reichstag Building in Berlin houses the German Bundestag and offers guided tours showcasing its historic architecture, including the glass dome. Visitors can learn about German parliamentary history, enjoy views from the dome’s observation platform, and explore the building’s sustainable features. The Reichstag tour combines politics, history, and modern architecture in a memorable experience.
Access from – Berlin
Sanssouci Palace
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam is a Rococo-style palace surrounded by terraced vineyards and ornate gardens. Visitors can tour the palace’s elegant rooms, stroll through the Sanssouci Park with its fountains and sculptures, and explore nearby landmarks like the New Palace. Sanssouci Palace exemplifies Prussian royal architecture and Frederick the Great’s artistic patronage.
Access from – Potsdam
Map
See map of Germany to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport
Germany’s key transport routes include an extensive train network connecting major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Domestic flights are available but less common due to the efficient train system. Major airports include Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Tegel. Within cities, taxis are accessible but expensive; Uber operates in major urban areas like Berlin and Munich, providing a convenient alternative with fixed fares. Public transportation such as buses and trams are reliable options for local travel, especially in cities like Berlin and Hamburg.
Budget
Traveling in Germany varies; budget travellers spend $50-$70 per day on hostels and local food; mid-range travellers budget $100-$140 for hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $200+ daily, enjoying upscale accommodations, gourmet dining, and private tours. Costs are higher in major cities like Berlin and Munich.
Seasonality and Weather
Germany experiences a temperate climate with notable variations across regions. In the north (e.g., Hamburg), summers are mild (20-25°C, 68-77°F) and winters cold (0-5°C, 32-41°F). Central Germany (e.g., Frankfurt) has slightly warmer summers (25-30°C, 77-86°F) and similar winters. Southern regions like Munich enjoy warmer summers (25-30°C, 77-86°F) and colder winters (-5 to 0°C, 23-32°F). The best time to visit is from May to September when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Christmas markets make December festive, while skiing in the Bavarian Alps is ideal from December to March. Pack layers year-round for varying weather conditions.
Must Try Dishes



Language
The main language spoken is German. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!


