Things To Do
in Germany
Germany is a country of striking contrasts, from the snow-capped Alps in the south to sandy beaches along the Baltic and North Seas. Its cities blend centuries of history with modern innovation, offering world-class museums, design, and a thriving startup scene. Regions like Bavaria, Swabia, and the Rhineland showcase distinct traditions, foods, and dialects.
With efficient transport, fairytale castles, and a deep cultural calendar, Germany invites exploratory travelers to dive into both urban and rural life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with breakfast at a local café in Mitte, followed by a visit to the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Immerse yourself in the history of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery, where art meets remembrance. Stroll down Unter den Linden street, taking in the views of historic buildings and monuments.
After lunch at a traditional German beer garden, visit the fascinating Museum Island, home to five world-renowned museums. Spend time exploring the Pergamon Museum, filled with ancient artifacts and architecture. End your afternoon with a peaceful walk in Tiergarten, enjoying the lush greenery.
As the sun sets, head to the trendy neighborhood of Kreuzberg for dinner at a vibrant restaurant. Experience Berlin’s nightlife with a visit to a local bar or club, dancing the night away to energetic music. For a quieter night, take a stroll along the Spree River, soaking in the illuminated skyline.
Travel to Weimar, the city of culture, and enjoy breakfast at a quaint bakery. Begin your exploration with the Bauhaus Museum to understand the significance of this design movement. Visit the beautiful Goethe House and immerse yourself in the life of the famous poet.
Enjoy lunch at the historic Café AnnA, then visit the poignant memorial at Buchenwald concentration camp to reflect on Germany’s history. Wander through the beautiful parks like the Ilm Park, where you can find peace among nature. Don’t miss the chance to see the Liszt House, celebrating the composer’s life.
Dinner in Weimar can be enjoyed at a traditional German restaurant, where you can taste local specialties. Afterward, catch a performance at the Deutsches Nationaltheater for a taste of local theatre and art. End your evening with a walk around the beautifully lit historic center.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🚌Public transportation (one-ride ticket) | $3-5 |
| 🛍️Museum or attraction entry | $12-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Efficient transit system and easy-to-reach regional destinations
- Rich history, architecture, and a robust cultural calendar
- Can involve crowded tourist sites in peak seasons
- Regional dialects and language variation may affect comprehension outside major cities
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Tischen bitte für zwei" - Table for two, please
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
Places to Visit in Germany
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic neoclassical gate at the heart of Berlin; great at dawn or dusk with the topography and traffic lights creating dynamic compositions.
Historic stretch of the wall with preserved segments and vibrant murals; powerful for documentary and street photography.
Gothic masterpiece with soaring spires; interior and exterior shots shine in soft daylight and twilight.
Romantic castle perched in the Bavarian Alps; panoramic views from the surrounding trails or the bridge overlook.
Spectacular river scenery with cliffs, castles, and vineyard towns; ideal for landscape photography and sunset shots.
Food in Germany
Germany Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Berlin street-food staple: sliced sausage smothered in curry ketchup, typically served with fries. Best found at stalls and popular kiosks across Berlin, especially in busy squares and markets.
Must-Try!
A classic German sausage served with tangy sauerkraut or potato mash. Common at beer gardens, markets, and traditional restaurants nationwide.
A slow-marinated pot roast, typically beef, served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. Common in Gasthäuser and hearty regional restaurants across Germany.
Crispy roasted pork knuckle with fluffy potato dumplings, a Bavarian favorite often paired with beer in beer halls and taverns.
Soft egg noodles or dumplings, especially popular in Swabia, often served with cheese (Käsespätzle) or as a side with meats.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A renowned Berlin market hall featuring German and international street food stalls, hosts seasonal events and themed nights.
A vibrant Munich market offering fresh produce, regional specialties, prepared foods, and beer garden vibes in the heart of the city.
A popular Berlin market with a wide selection of fresh produce, breads, cheeses, and ready-to-eat fare on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be punctual for meetings and appointments; greet with a firm handshake and use formal addresses (Sie) with strangers or elders. In casual settings, you may use du with friends or younger people.
Speak in moderate tones in public places like trains; avoid loud conversations on public transport and in quiet zones.
Keep hands visible on the table, use utensils properly, and wait for everyone to be served before starting. Tipping is separate from the bill and appreciated after service.
Safety
Tipping in Germany
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% as a tip is common in restaurants and bars; you can hand the tip directly to the server or leave it on the table when paying. For larger groups, round up to simplify the bill.
Cash is widely accepted, but debit and credit cards are also common in many places, especially in larger cities and restaurants. Contactless payments (EC cards, Apple Pay/Google Pay) are popular and convenient.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours with comfortable to warm temperatures; expect occasional storms. Bring layers, sunscreen, and an umbrella for late-day showers; outdoor events, markets, and beer gardens flourish.
Mild days with vivid fall foliage and harvest festivals; careful planning for earlier sunset. Great for scenic drives and city strolls with fewer crowds than summer.
Cold temperatures with potential snow in southern and alpine areas; Christmas markets abound from late November through December. Dress in warmth and enjoy festive foods and warm beverages.
Cool to mild temperatures with blooming gardens and parks; showers are common but often brief. Ideal for hiking, cycling, and city sightseeing as things reopen after winter.
Germany at Night
Hiking in Germany
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Highest peak in the Black Forest offering panoramic views and forest trails suitable for a variety of hikers.
Scenic river trails and viewpoints along the Rhine with dramatic rock formations and vineyards.
Iconic sandstone formations with dramatic ridge walks and sweeping Elbe River views.
Airports
How to reach Germany by plane.
Major hub serving Berlin with international and domestic connections; good access to the city via trains and bus lines.
One of Europe’s largest airports with extensive connections; convenient base for travel to central and southern Germany.
Gateway to Bavaria and the Alps; efficient transit into Munich and the surrounding region.
Key northern gateway with strong intercity connections and access to western Germany.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Vibrant urban populations in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg with a focus on culture, tech, and innovation.
Extensive family-friendly attractions, parks, and safe neighborhoods across many regions.
Steady communities with a high quality of life, health care access, and well-preserved heritage sites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Germany’s top-tier leagues and national team are deeply embedded in culture; watching matches or joining local clubs is common.
Popular indoors sport with a dedicated following and competitive domestic leagues.
Winter sports widely pursued in the Bavarian and Black Forest regions during the snowy season.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many regions offer pan-fried vegetables, cheeses, and regional dumplings. Look for spätzle, käse-spätzle, mushroom dishes, roasted vegetables, and salads; many places will adapt sausages and stews to be veg-friendly, and markets often have fresh produce to assemble your own meal.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Germany.