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Germany Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Germany travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Planning your Germany travel itinerary but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

There’s so much to see in this country of 83 million people.

From big cities to little Alpine villages, you’ll find that Germany is rich in culture, history, and natural splendors. In this Germany tourist guide, we’ll be sharing some of the best highlights with you.

If you’re wondering where to go in Germany, the cities are a great place to start. Destinations like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt all offer something different, from modern architecture and 24/7 nightclubs to historic churches and cobblestone streets.

Of course, some of the best places to go in Germany are the smaller cities and towns. Leipzig, for example, is just a short train ride from Berlin. Johann Sebastian Bach’s former home is full of history, classic German architecture, and art galleries.

The small towns in the Bavarian Alps also offer idyllic experiences and enough space to really see the stars at night. Again, if you’re wondering how to travel Germany, there’s no one way to do it!

The country’s modern transportation system and its central location make it easy to travel to Germany from other European destinations. The country is well-connected to its neighbors by rail and inexpensive flights from nearby countries are easy to find.

A Eurail Pass is also a great option for backpackers who want a little flexibility, particularly those who qualify for youth fares (ages 12-27). Keep all your options in mind as you plan a trip to Germany.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Germany in Western and Central Europe.

Note: This guide to Germany travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Germany Map

Use this Germany travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Germany map

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Planning A Trip To Germany Itinerary Resources

If you’re looking for a helpful travel guide for Germany, check out:

Best Things To Do In Germany

Wondering what to do in Germany? The following guides can help! The experiences shared are highlights of any Europe travel itinerary!

Germany Travel Tips

This Germany travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip!

Top Guided Tours In Germany

Explore local culture with a Germany tour guide through these unique excursions:

  • Bavarian Schnitzel Cooking Class in Oberaudorf Farmhouse (Oberaudorf)
  • Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour (from Munich)
  • Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine (Köln)
  • Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip (from Dresden)
  • Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour (Munich)
  • 3-Hour Berlin Highlights Tour (Berlin)

Renting A Car In Germany

Need a rental car for your Germany trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Germany Train Travel

Getting around Germany by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling Europe.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Germany Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Germany!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local apartments and rentals! 

You can also use this map to search for local stays and experiences:

Germany Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Germany tour. When visiting Germany — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Germany itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Germany Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Germany.

Q: What are the best places in Germany for tourists?

Germany offers something for every kind of traveler, so your destination really depends on the kind of trip you want to have.

Looking to party until the wee hours of the morning and visit historic sites from World War II and the Cold War? Head to the capital city of Berlin.

Visiting during Oktoberfest or want to experience the famed German Christmas markets? Munich is the place to be.

Want to take in world-class concerts and wander along canal-side streets? Head to Hamburg.

Not much of a city slicker? Germany has plenty of open space for you to enjoy.

The Black Forest in the Baden-Württemberg region features iconic natural sights and is an excellent spot for hiking. The area is also home to many thermal baths in resort towns like Baden-Baden where you can relax in the natural curative spring waters.

And for those looking for the storybook Bavarian experience, a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is an absolute must!

This 19th-century romantic castle in the Bavarian Alps has inspired many an artist, including Walt Disney, who modeled Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland after the iconic home.

Q: What are the best ways to travel cheaply in Germany?

There are many ways to stretch your budget while visiting Germany. First off, be mindful when choosing your travel dates. Prices tend to be higher and travel destinations are usually busier around the German public school holidays and major trade fairs in certain cities, so check local school schedules and event calendars before booking your trip.

Try to book your trip for the shoulder seasons; for example, if you’re planning a summer getaway, try to book in June or September which are still warm but not quite as busy.

If you’re planning to travel around Germany by train, be sure to book directly with Deutsche Bahn, the German rail service. Third-party retailers tend to tack on extra fees. You can also order a rail pass here for more flexible travel options. The sooner you book, the better — fares tend to go up closer to the date of travel.

As for accommodations, Germany has plenty of hostel and homeshare options. Many hostels offer private rooms for around $50 USD per night and are just as clean and modern as city hotels.

Looking for a little more room? Check out sites like AirBnB and VRBO for apartment and home rentals throughout the country.

Q: What are the do’s and don’ts when traveling to Germany?

As with any other country, Germany has its own customs and cultural standards. Here are some general do’s and don’ts:

DO

– Be on time. Punctuality is seen as a sign of respect in Germany and most things start on schedule. Whether you’re taking a tour or meeting someone for coffee, try to arrive a little bit early.

– Use titles and last names when addressing people. Herr [Last Name] or Frau [Last Name] are generally appropriate unless otherwise noted.

– Learn a little bit of German before your trip.

– Make sure you have proper health insurance before your trip, as medical care can be expensive in Germany. SafetyWing is one excellent travel medical insurance recommendation.

– Tip at least 5-10% at restaurants. Tipping for most services (salons, taxis, hotels, etc.) is not common in Germany but it is still expected in restaurants. Anything over 15% is considered generous. Also, be sure to tip your tour guide if you are taking a free tour.

– Keep cash on hand. Many restaurants throughout the country do not take credit cards.

DON’T

– Get too loud or too intoxicated. Unless you’re in a nightclub or an Oktoberfest tent, this behavior is generally frowned upon.

– Wear shoes in someone’s house. Most Germans take off their shoes upon entering their house and expect visitors to do the same. If you must keep them on, make sure it’s okay with your host first.

– Throw out your bottles. When purchasing drinks in glass or plastic bottles, a small deposit (usually around 10 cents) is added to your price. If you return the empty bottles to a local shop, you’ll get that deposit back, regardless of whether or not you purchased the bottle at that shop.

– Show the Nazi salute or any other Nazi symbol. This should simply go without saying, but it is also illegal to show any Nazi symbol in Germany.

Q: How much money do you need per day in Germany?

Your budget for a trip to Germany will of course depend on your individual travel plans but the average traveler spends about $130 USD per day in the country for accommodations, transportation, food, and other expenses.

Q: Is Germany safe?

Germany is considered quite safe compared to most destinations. Violent crime is rare in the country.

Petty theft and pickpocketing do occur, particularly in train stations and at major tourist attractions, so be sure to keep your valuables close, be aware of your surroundings, and have a plan for avoiding pickpockets.

Racially-motivated assaults against those perceived as “foreigners” have also occurred in recent years. Stay vigilant, particularly if you are traveling alone.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Germany?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need a Germany travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Germany International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Germany.

Q: What is the best time to visit Germany?

While Germany is a year-round destination, for fewer crowds and better deals, spring is a great time to visit. You’ll experience mild weather and can take part in the many events that happen during this time, like Frühlingsfest (aka “Little Oktoberfest”) and Kirschblütenfest.

Additionally, many travelers love visiting in December for Germany’s famous European Christmas markets.

Q: Where is Germany?

Germany is located in West and Central Europe. Its borders are Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria to the southeast, and Switzerland to the south-southwest.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Germany?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Germany, though it’s always wise to carry some cash on you, especially when frequenting smaller mom and pop type establishments and street stalls.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Germany?

Yes, the water is safe to drink in Germany.

Q: Do they speak English in Germany?

In tourist areas and big cities, you’ll typically find people who speak English, though not everyone does, and even fewer people do in more rural areas.

If possible, it’s smart to learn a bit of the language and know some common German phrases before traveling.

Q: What is the local currency in Germany?

The local currency in Germany is the Euro (€).

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