Germany Travel Guide

Notable Places

Discover Germany

Use the map to plan your trip to Germany, and start off with our 4-day itinerary!

Germany Quick Guide

Currency: Euro (€)
Language: German
Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST in summer (UTC+2)
Fun Fact #1: Germany is home to the world’s oldest suspended monorail—the Wuppertal Schwebebahn (since 1901)
Fun Fact #2: The Black Forest inspired many Grimm fairy tales
Fun Fact #3: Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle
Tipping: 5–10 % in restaurants; small change for taxis & cafés
Emergency Number: 112

Where to Stay in Germany

Whether you prefer modern city-center hotels in Berlin, historic spa resorts in Baden‑Baden, quaint guesthouses along the Romantic Road, or cozy alpine lodges near Neuschwanstein, Germany offers diverse accommodations. Options suit every traveler, from business to leisure, blending local charm and convenient access to attractions.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. Cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.

CHECK BOOKING.COM

Visit iconic German cities

Where To Stay In Berlin – The City’s Best Areas And Attractions

Germany

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Hamburg 1 Day Itinerary – What To See, Do, And Eat

Germany

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Things To Do In Bremen In 48 Hours

Germany

When we think about Germany, we often think lederhosen, unnecessarily large beer steins, castles, cuckoo clocks, and sausages but…

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How to Get Around Germany

Germany’s public transport is extensive and efficient. High-speed ICE trains connect major cities – Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg – while regional trains (RE, RB), metros (S‑bahn, U‑bahn), trams and buses serve urban areas. Long-distance coaches (FlixBus) complement routes, reaching smaller towns and cross-border destinations affordably.

Yet, a rental car is ideal for exploring off-the-beaten-path regions. Drive scenic routes through the Black Forest (Schwarzwald‑hochstraße), along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or up to Zugspitze. Rural spots, vineyards along the Moselle and Rhine, and national parks like Jasmund on Rügen are easiest and most flexible by car.

For the best deals on car rentals, rent a manual transmission car if you know how to drive one and try out the many car rental coupon codes out there. In addition, we always recommend that you search on Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to get a good lay of the land in terms of what the best rates are across multiple companies.

SEARCH FOR A CAR RENTAL

Must-Visit Places in Germany

Berlin – Dynamic capital with rich history, vibrant arts, and nightlife
Bremen – A fairy-tale Hanseatic city known for its UNESCO-listed town hall, Roland statue, and the Bremen Town Musicians statue from the Brothers Grimm
Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria) – Fairy‑tale castle in the Alps, LT 1.5 m visitors/year
Black Forest & Baden‑Baden – Dense forests, waterfalls, spa towns, and scenic drives
Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Medieval walled town on the Romantic Road
Rhine Valley (Koblenz to Bacharach) – Castles, river cruises, vineyards, and Deutsches Eck
Heidelberg – Charming university town with historic castle and riverbank ambience
Cologne – Gothic cathedral, Rhine promenade, and Kölsch beer culture

Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

German Food to Sample

Germany’s cuisine reflects its hearty, regional traditions—perfect for warming up in cool climates or pairing with local beer. From crispy schnitzels to sweet cherry tortes, each dish offers a taste of local culture and pride.

Weißwurst & Brezn – Bavaria (Munich): Traditional white veal sausages served with sweet mustard and soft pretzels, often eaten before noon.
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) – Black Forest: Layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and cherry schnapps make this iconic dessert rich and indulgent.
Flammkuchen – Alsace/Rhineland-Palatinate: Thin, crisp flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon—a German cousin to pizza.
Käsespätzle – Swabia/Baden-Württemberg: German egg noodles layered with melted cheese and crispy fried onions, similar to mac and cheese.
Bratwurst – Thuringia & Nuremberg: Grilled sausages with regional spice blends, served in rolls or with sauerkraut and mustard.
Sauerbraten – Rhineland & Bavaria: A marinated pot roast (often beef or venison) slow-cooked and served with red cabbage and dumplings.
Handkäse mit Musik – Hessen (Frankfurt area): Sour milk cheese served with onions, vinegar, and caraway, an acquired but beloved regional taste.
Labskaus – Northern Germany (Hamburg): A sailor’s stew of corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot, often topped with a fried egg and herring.
Grünkohl mit Pinkel – Lower Saxony/Bremen: Kale stew served with a smoked sausage called Pinkel, popular during winter feasts and walking tours.
Berliner Pfannkuchen (Berliner) – Berlin: A fluffy jam-filled doughnut dusted with sugar, traditionally eaten during Carnival or New Year’s.

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Germany

Zugspitze Mountain: Visit the town of Garmisch and ascend Germany’s highest peak by cable car. Enjoy a beer at Germany’s highest beer garden and return through the mountains on a cogwheel.
Dachau Memorial Site: Learn about the chilling history of the Holocaust in Germany by visiting the site of Dachau concentration camp.
Rhine Valley: Escape the cities to this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, explore local vineyards, and picturesque tiny towns and villages.
Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle: Discover the splendid castles of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria. Visit fairytale Neuschwanstein, intimate Linderhof and scenic Hohenschwangau.