Popular
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Germany
Berlin
Moderate
From $91 /day
Germany
Germany is a land where storied history meets cutting-edge innovation, offering a travel experience that is as diverse as its landscape. From the pulsating electronic beats of Berlin's underground clubs to the silent majesty of the snow-capped Bavarian Alps, every corner reveals a new facet of European culture. You can wander through medieval timber-framed villages in the morning and explore world-class contemporary art galleries by the afternoon. The country is famous for its efficiency and order, yet it embraces a profound love for conviviality and celebration during its many seasonal festivals. Whether you are tracing the remnants of the Cold War or hiking through the mystical Black Forest, Germany provides a rich and immersive journey through time. It is a destination that rewards curiosity with exceptional food, vibrant cities, and some of the most beautiful natural scenery on the continent.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
6 cities
18 guides
$91 – $114 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Berlin
Languages
German
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+49
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)
Emergency
112 (fire/medical), 110 (police)
Why Visit Germany
Fairytale Castles and Architecture
Germany has an exceptionally dense castle landscape; some tourism sources cite around 25,000 castles, palaces and mansion houses (depending on definition). The iconic Schloss Neuschwanstein served as the inspiration for modern fairytale designs. These fortifications range from crumbling Rhine ruins to perfectly preserved royal residences perched on steep cliffs.
Unrivaled Public Transport
With the Deutsche Bahn rail network and legendary Autobahn, traveling between major hubs like Munich and Hamburg is seamless and incredibly fast. You can traverse the entire country without ever needing a car, thanks to punctual trains and integrated city trams.
Deep Historical Roots
From Roman ruins and medieval cathedrals to the poignant remains of the Berlin Wall, the country offers a tangible timeline of European history. Travelers can explore the complexities of the past through meticulously curated museums and preserved historical sites in every major city.
Beer and Wine Culture
From the massive beer halls of Munich to the steep, terraced vineyards of the Mosel Valley, Germany's liquid history is a major draw for epicureans. You can sample crisp Rieslings or robust Hefeweizen in the very places they have been perfected for centuries.
Breathtaking Nature
The landscape transitions from the sandy beaches and chalk cliffs of the North Sea to the dense, pine-covered hills of the Schwarzwald. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy thousands of kilometers of well-marked hiking and cycling trails across varied and stunning terrain.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Germany
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Bavaria
Located in the south, this region is the heart of German tradition, known for the Alps, Lederhosen, and world-famous beer culture. It is where you will find Munich, the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, and the medieval charm of the Romantic Road.
The Black Forest
Known locally as the Schwarzwald, this southwestern region is a paradise of dense evergreen forests, waterfalls, and quaint villages. It is the birthplace of the cuckoo clock and offers some of the best hiking and thermal spas in Europe.
Berlin and the East
This region focuses on the capital's creative energy and its rebirth as a global center for art and history. Nearby, Dresden offers stunning Baroque architecture, while the Bastei Bridge provides dramatic rock formations for hikers in Saxon Switzerland.
The Rhine and Mosel Valleys
This area is defined by steep riverbanks lined with medieval castles and terraced vineyards producing world-class wines. Travelers often take river cruises to see the Lorelei Rock and explore charming towns like Bacharach and Cochem.
The Hanseatic North
Dominated by the port city of Hamburg, this region has a maritime soul with brick gothic architecture and vast coastal landscapes. The islands of Rügen and Sylt offer beautiful beaches and a unique, breezy atmosphere quite different from the southern highlands.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The most favorable weather occurs from late spring through early autumn, when temperatures are mild and outdoor festivals are frequent. Winter offers a distinct charm with world-famous holiday markets, though it is significantly colder.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
Summer brings the warmest weather with highs of 20–25°C (68–77°F) and long daylight hours, making it the busiest period for tourism. December is a secondary peak as visitors flock to traditional Christmas markets despite temperatures often hovering around 0–5°C (32–41°F).
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures of 10–18°C (50–64°F) and fewer crowds. September is particularly notable for Munich's Oktoberfest, which attracts millions of visitors and causes a localized spike in prices.
Off-Peak
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
The coldest months see fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates. Weather is often grey, damp, or snowy, with temperatures ranging from -3°C to 4°C (27–39°F), though this is an ideal time for visiting museums and enjoying indoor culture.
Getting Around
Germany boasts one of the world's most efficient and integrated transport networks, allowing for easy travel without a car. High-speed rail connects major cities, while comprehensive local systems cover urban and rural areas.
Train
Deutsche Bahn operates ICE (high-speed), IC/EC and regional trains. The Deutschland-Ticket costs $74 / €63/month (from 1 Jan 2026) and is valid on local/regional public transport (not ICE/IC/EC). Super Saver (Super Sparpreis) long-distance tickets can be as low as $8.23 / €6.99 on selected routes (limited availability).
Metro
Major cities use the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (suburban rail). These systems are highly punctual and usually share a unified ticketing system with local buses and trams.
Car
The Autobahn network is world-renowned for its well-maintained roads. Car rentals are widely available for those visiting rural regions like the Black Forest, with rates starting around ~$35 / €30 per day.
Food & Drink
German cuisine is a celebration of regional ingredients, focusing on hearty meats, artisanal breads, and seasonal vegetables like white asparagus. Meals are often a social affair, best enjoyed in traditional gasthäuser or bustling beer gardens that serve as community hubs.
Must Try
Currywurst
A quintessential Berlin street food consisting of a steamed, then fried pork sausage covered in a spiced tomato ketchup and curry powder.
Käsespätzle
Often called German mac and cheese, these soft egg noodles are layered with mountains of grated cheese and topped with crispy fried onions.
Sauerbraten
A traditional pot roast, usually of beef, marinated for several days in vinegar, water, and spices before being slow-cooked until tender.
Brezel
Traditional German soft pretzels that are doughy in the center and salty on the outside, often served with butter or sweet mustard as a snack.
Schweinshaxe
A roasted pork knuckle with crackling, crispy skin, typically served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut in Bavarian beer halls.
Apfelstrudel
A popular dessert featuring thin layers of pastry filled with tart apples, cinnamon, sugar, and raisins, usually served warm with vanilla sauce.
Money & Costs
Germany offers moderate value for money with an average daily traveler budget of ~$106 / €90. While modern and high-tech, certain sectors of the economy still prioritize cash over digital payments.
Tipping
Tipping is expected but modest; rounding up the bill or adding 5–10% in restaurants is standard. For exceptional service, 15% is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cards
Card acceptance is high in hotels, supermarkets, and major retailers, but many small cafes, bakeries, and 'Kiosks' still only accept cash.
ATMs
ATMs (Geldautomaten) are ubiquitous. Using bank-branded machines (e.g., Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank) is recommended to avoid the high fees associated with private providers like Euronet.
Culture & Etiquette
German culture values directness, privacy, and a deep respect for rules and community standards. Social interactions are polite but often formal, especially when meeting people for the first time in professional or local settings.
✓
Be punctual for every appointment, as arriving even five minutes late is considered disrespectful and unprofessional in German culture.
✕
Do not jaywalk or cross the street on a red light, even if no cars are coming, as it is seen as a poor example for children.
✓
Carry cash at all times, particularly in smaller towns and family-run restaurants, as many places do not accept credit or debit cards.
✓
Use the formal 'Sie' when addressing strangers or elders until you are explicitly invited to use the informal 'du'.
✓
Participate in the 'Pfand' system by returning your plastic and glass bottles to supermarket machines to get your deposit back.
✕
Do not toast with water, as it is traditionally considered bad luck; always use beer, wine, or juice when clinking glasses.
✓
Look people directly in the eye when clinking glasses and saying 'Prost' or 'Zum Wohl' to show sincerity and respect.
✕
Do not enter a sauna or 'Textilfrei' zone with a swimsuit, as most German spas and saunas are strictly nude-only areas.
Safety & Health
Germany is generally very safe for tourists, though travelers should exercise normal precautions against petty crime in crowded areas. The country maintains a high standard of public order and safety.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations are required, but travelers should be up to date on routine vaccines. TBE vaccine is recommended for travelers with extensive tick exposure (and may be considered for outdoor activities in risk areas).
Common Scams
- ⚠ Fake ticket inspectors on public transport who demand immediate cash 'fines'.
- ⚠ The 'bird poop' or 'mustard' scam where a stranger helps clean a stain while an accomplice pickpockets you.
- ⚠ Overfriendly strangers in bars who order expensive rounds and leave the traveler with the bill.
- ⚠ Aggressive petition signers who use the distraction to steal valuables.
Medical care is of an exceptionally high standard. Travelers must have comprehensive health insurance, as costs for uninsured visitors can be very high.
Language
German is the sole official language, but English is widely spoken, especially by younger generations and staff in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Regional dialects exist but Standard German (Hochdeutsch) is used for all formal communication.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo | hah-loh |
| Thank you | Danke | dan-kuh |
| Please / You're welcome | Bitte | bit-tuh |
| Goodbye | Tschüss | chooss |
| Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch? | shpreh-ken zee eng-lish |
| The bill, please | Die Rechnung, bitte | dee rekh-noong bit-tuh |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigung | ent-shool-dee-goong |
| Where is the bathroom? | Wo ist die Toilette? | voh ist dee twah-let-tuh |
Visa & Entry
Germany is in the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been rolling out since 12 Oct 2025 (biometric registration for most non-EU travellers). ETIAS is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026 for visa-exempt travellers.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
Issued within last 10 years; valid 3 months beyond intended Schengen departure
Visa-free for
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Brazil
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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