Complete Germany Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Germany? Start with Berlin for history, museums, street art, nightlife, and reminders of the Cold War; visit Munich for beer halls, Bavarian culture, palaces, and easy access to the Alps; explore Dresden for beautiful architecture and museums; or follow the Romantic Road through medieval towns and fairytale landscapes.
This Germany travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about German entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local travel tips.
Visiting Germany for the first time? Berlin and Munich offer two very different introductions to the country. Add Hamburg for maritime culture, Cologne for its cathedral and Rhine location, Dresden for architecture and history, or Bavaria’s castles and medieval towns if you have more time.
Germany is easy to explore by train, but some of its most memorable destinations are found outside the major cities. Medieval towns, castles, vineyards, mountain landscapes, the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest, and scenic driving routes make it worth experiencing several different regions.
Germany Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Germany? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Berlin
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Language: German
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Germans drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: May–September for generally pleasant sightseeing weather; late November–December for Christmas markets; winter for skiing and seasonal activities
Popular First-Time Destinations: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Dresden, the Romantic Road, and the Black Forest
Getting Around Germany: High-speed and regional trains, metros, trams, buses, rental cars, and domestic flights connect destinations throughout the country
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can currently visit Germany and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism
Best Known For: Berlin, Oktoberfest, castles, Christmas markets, beer, the Autobahn, medieval towns, the Rhine, the Black Forest, and the Bavarian Alps
Don’t Miss: Berlin, a German castle, a traditional beer hall or beer garden, a medieval town, regional German food, and at least one destination outside the major cities
First-time Germany travel tip: Don’t try to see the entire country on one trip. Choose two or three regions that work well together and use Germany’s extensive rail network to travel between major cities.
Best Places to Visit in Germany
Berlin: Best for History, Museums and Nightlife
Berlin Germany is well known for its Wall. Today you will find Art Nouveau mixed with Communist blocks, palaces, outdoor art, museums, currywurst, beach bars, huge parks, memorials, and history EVERYWHERE.
READ 72 hours in Berlin Germany
READ 100 Things to Do in Berlin Germany, a Bucket List City
Munich: Best for Bavarian Culture, Beer Halls and Oktoberfest
Munich is famous for its Oktoberfest celebration and the Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall. The city is full of beer halls, Baroque churches, medieval gates, palaces, old town, subway art, city surfing, Maypoles, an Olympic Park, a BMW factory, and a schnitzel.
READ 72 Hours in Munich Germany
READ 100 Things to Do in Munich Germany, a Bucket List City
Dresden: Best for Baroque Architecture, Art and History
Dresden is full of WWII history. The city also has gorgeous Baroque architecture, Gothic churches, Bruhl’s Terrace, the most beautiful dairy store in the world, the largest porcelain mural in the world, and the largest treasure collection in Europe.
READ Day Trip to Dresden Germany
Romantic Road: Best for Medieval Towns and Fairytale Castles
Southern Germany’s Romantic Road is a 220-mile scenic byway between Wurzburg and Fussen. The route travels through Bavaria’s rolling hills of vineyards, past medieval towns, and castles. Top day trips to take on the Romantic Road are Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Harburg Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Heidelberg Castle.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Germany
Where is Germany?
Germany is in Western Europe. It is the 7th largest European country. The country is bordered by the Baltic and the North Sea, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Berlin is the capital. It is also the largest city and most populous city with 3.3 million people.
What Language Is Spoken in Germany?
The national language of Germany is German Deutsch. Over 95% of the population speak it. German is also an official language of Austria and Switzerland and is the language with the most native speakers in Europe. It is the most widely taught third language across the world. Schools begin teaching English to students at age 5. Around 56% of the population speaks English. You will have no problem speaking English at restaurants and tourist attractions. Most train stations also make announcements in English. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Germany?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Germany and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Germany Use?
The currency in Germany is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Germany?
ATMs are widely available in Germany. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Germany and Google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are accepted; American Express and Diners Club may be accepted. You will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euros.
How Much Does a Trip to Germany Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Germany is $128. Expect to pay $1,781 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Germany?
The high tourist season is from May through September. Oktoberfest celebrations actually occur in September. April and October are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and some rain. April is the best time to visit wine country. The end of November through December is the Christmas Market season, expect higher prices and crowds. Winter is cold with gray skies and snow.
How Do You Get Around Germany?
Germany’s public transportation system utilizes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (express trains to outside the city center), tram & bus. Download the DB Navigator app before you go. Unlimited transportation tickets can be purchased for 1-Day, 3-Day, or 1-Month. Be sure to validate tickets and pay attention to transportation zones. The country is well connected by local trains making travel within the country simple. Train doors do not open automatically, you must push the button. Do not put your suitcase in the chair next to you. Driving in Germany is easy and the roads are well-maintained. 65% of the highways in Germany (Autobahn) have no speed limit and it’s illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn. Be aware that the country uses photo radar.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Germany?
The plugs in Germany are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack for Germany?
Spring and fall: Pack layers, long pants, comfortable walking shoes, a sweater or light jacket, and a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella. Temperatures can change considerably throughout the day.
Summer: Pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Bring rain protection because summer showers are possible.
Winter: Pack a warm coat, sweaters, hat, gloves, scarf, and comfortable weather-resistant shoes. Bring warmer layers if your itinerary includes Christmas markets, the Bavarian Alps, or other outdoor winter activities.
Cities: Comfortable walking shoes with good soles are essential for exploring Berlin, Munich, Dresden, Cologne, and Germany’s historic city centers.
Castles and medieval towns: Expect cobblestone streets, hills, stairs, and uneven surfaces. Supportive walking shoes are much more useful than trying to dress like a local.
Christmas markets: Pack warm layers, gloves, a hat, and comfortable insulated shoes. You’ll likely spend long periods outdoors, especially in the evening.
Bavarian Alps and Black Forest: Bring clothing and footwear appropriate for your planned outdoor activities and the season. Weather can change quickly in mountainous areas.
Germany travel tip: Pack versatile layers rather than planning around one weather forecast. Germany’s weather can vary considerably by region and season, and you’ll probably spend more time walking outdoors than you expect.
Is Germany Safe for Solo Travelers?
The latest U.S. State Department advisory currently displayed for Germany is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism, issued May 13, 2025. It specifically advises awareness in places such as tourist locations, transportation centers, markets and shopping malls.
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the risk of traveling in Germany is low. Be aware of pickpockets on public transportation and in tourist areas. Avoid areas where street demonstrations are occurring, they often result in clashes with police. Germany has had several terrorist attacks, but the attacks did not target tourists. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What German Food Should You Try?
Sausages and Street Food: bratwurst, currywurst
Traditional German Meals: schnitzel, rouladen, sauerbraten, maultaschen
Potatoes and Sides: reibekuchen, kartoffelsalat, kartoffelklöße, sauerkraut, rotkohl
Regional Comfort Food: spätzle, käsespätzle
Breads and Snacks: Brezel
Desserts: Spaghettieis, Apfelkuchen, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
Tips for Traveling in Germany
- Tipping is generally 10%.
- Wifi is available in many restaurants, cafes, and train stations.
- Drinks do not come with refills.
- Expect to pay .50 to use a restroom.
- Smoking is banned in public places, but drinking in public is legal.
- To get 1 beer in Germany, show your thumb. Show your thumb and first finger for 2 beers.
- Greet Friends by knocking on the table.
- Cheers with water are wishing death on the person.
- Germans like personal space.
- Do not jaywalk or walk in the bike lane.
- Stoplights flash yellow before the green, never walk against the light.
- Sunday is a day of rest by law, stores are closed.
- Expect to take the stairs, elevators are very small when they are available.
- Take your own bag with you to the store and you will have to bag your own things, quickly.
- Recycle, recycle, recycle!
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Germany
- See the Berlin Wall.
- Enjoy a boat ride through the Hamberg Canal.
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Attend Oktoberfest in Munich.
- Take a boat ride down the Rhine River and visit as many castles as possible.
- See the white cliffs of Rügen and relax on the white-sand beaches.
- Explore the fairy tale towns on the Romantic Road (Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Regensburg).
- Visit the Aachen Cathedral and the Cologne Cathedral.
- Drive through the Black Forest on the Brothers Grimm Fairytale Route.
- Relax in a thermal bath in Baden-Baden.
Check the Germany Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Germany
- One-third of Germany is still covered in forests and woodlands.
- College education in Germany is free, including international students.
- There are over 2,100 castles in Germany.
- There are over 1,500 different beers in Germany.
- Berlin has the largest train station in Europe.
- The largest department store in Europe is in Berlin, the KaDeWe.
- There are 2.5 million half-timbered houses in Germany.
- Berlin is 9 times bigger than Paris and has more bridges than Venice.
- There are over 300 bunkers and hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels in Berlin.
- The first printed book was in German.
- The first magazine was launched in 1663 in Germany.
- Germans invented the light bulb, calculator, automobile, insulin, accordion, clarinet, pocket watch, gummy bears, paraffin, the motorcycle, the jet engine, the LCD screen, and the Walkman.
- Germany was the first country in the world to adopt Daylight saving time.
- Germany has the largest population in the EU, 81 million people.
- Germany has a legal say on what babies can be named.
- Germans believe it’s bad luck to celebrate birthdays early (don’t count your chickens before they hatch).
- Germans also believe if you bury your deceased dog under your doorstep, its ghost will guard the house.
- There are over 1,000 kinds of sausages in Germany.
- Germans are the world’s second-biggest beer drinkers.
- Beer is considered a food in Bavaria.
- The Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) tradition came from Germany.
- Most taxis in Germany are Mercedes, and garbage trucks are too.
- Prison escape is not punishable by law in Germany.
- It is illegal to declaw cats in Germany.
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