Quick picks by trip type
There is no single best place, so match it to your interests:
| If you like… | Consider |
|---|---|
| History and nightlife | Berlin |
| Beer, Alps access and traditional Bavaria | Munich |
| Harbor city and waterfront | Hamburg |
| Gothic cathedral and Rhine location | Cologne |
| Castles and fairytale scenery | Bavaria, the Rhine Valley |
| Wine and river villages | Rhine and Moselle valleys |
| Forests and hiking | Black Forest, Bavarian Alps |
| Christmas markets (winter) | Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne and many others |
The big cities
Germany’s “big 7” cities are generally listed as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf.
- Berlin: The capital is known for 20th-century history, museums, memorials, street art and nightlife. Many travelers allow at least three days.
- Munich: The Bavarian capital offers museums, beer halls and parks, and is a convenient base for the Alps and for nearby castles.
- Hamburg: A port city with canals, a major music scene and a large harbor area.
- Cologne: Famous for its cathedral and its location on the Rhine, with a lively old town.
- Frankfurt: A major transport and business hub with a reconstructed old center and museums on the river. Many visitors pass through its airport.
Bavaria and the Alps
Bavaria draws many first-time visitors. Typical highlights include Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle near Fussen, the Alpine town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and medieval towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber along the Romantic Road. Popular castles can be crowded and may require advance tickets, so check the official site.
The Rhine, Moselle and Black Forest
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley has castles and vineyards, and can be seen by train, boat or car. The Moselle valley is known for wine villages. The Black Forest in the southwest offers hiking, small towns and cuckoo clocks. These regions are easier with a car, though river cruises and regional trains also work.
Smaller cities and towns
If you want less-crowded alternatives, consider Heidelberg, Dresden, Leipzig, Bamberg, Regensburg, Lubeck and Freiburg. Each has a historic center and is typically reachable by train.
3 days in Germany
With three days, choose one base and avoid trying to cover the country:
- Option 1, Berlin: Day 1, central sights and memorials; day 2, museums; day 3, a neighborhood and a day trip such as Potsdam.
- Option 2, Munich: Day 1, old town and markets; day 2, a castle day trip; day 3, a museum and a beer garden.
- Option 3, Rhine: Base in Cologne or Frankfurt, then spend a day on the Rhine Valley by train or boat.
If you can add days, combine two cities by train. See planning a 2 week trip to Europe for how Germany fits into a larger route.
Etiquette and practical notes
Some points travelers are often advised about, including what to avoid as a visitor:
- Punctuality is valued; arrive on time for reservations and tours.
- Cash: Many places accept cards, but some smaller businesses are cash-only, so carry some euros.
- Tipping: Rounding up or adding a few percent is common in restaurants; check the bill first for service charges.
- Sundays: Most shops are closed, so plan groceries ahead.
- Recycling and noise: Follow recycling rules and keep quiet during rest hours.
- Crosswalks: Wait for the walk signal; people generally follow them.
- Nazi symbols and the Hitler salute are illegal in Germany in most public settings and deeply offensive, so avoid them entirely.
- Trains: Delays happen on the national rail network, so leave buffers for connections.
When to go
Late spring and early fall are often pleasant, with Christmas markets in late November and December. See where to travel for Christmas in Europe for market cities and timing. Summer is peak season. Fall is also a good time for wine regions; see our guide to packing for Europe in fall. For other places to combine with Germany, see the top Europe destinations. Poland is one option by train; see unique things to do in Warsaw.