Germany

Travel Guide
Germany
Travel through the sophisticated cities and quaint villages of this European country to experience its breweries, folk traditions and fascinating history.

Germany is known for meaty cuisine, quaint Alpine traditions and excellent amenities and transportation links. The country is among the world’s most efficient and well-run nations, putting aside its dark military past for a progressive modern outlook. Travel between the large cities, mountain villages and coastal resorts of this European giant.

Berlin has a layered and ever-changing history. The capital features many museums to remember the Holocaust and the Cold War. Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Tour five museums on Museum Island (Museumsinsel) in the Spree River and admire the murals on the nearby East Side Gallery, constructed from parts of the former Berlin Wall.

Germans are proud of their classical music so be sure to see a performance at the Berliner Philharmonie. Ascend to the observation platform of the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) for excellent city views. Enjoy Berlin’s exhilarating nightlife and eat a bratwurst from a street vendor on the way home.

In the central northern region of Germany is the picturesque and sophisticated city of Hamburg. See the majestic Hamburg Rathaus among the city’s churches and theaters and dine at harborside restaurants. Head to Cologne to gaze up at its famous Gothic cathedral and admire a dozen Romanesque churches.

In the south, Bavaria has a distinct fairy-tale culture. Enjoy Oktoberfest and chat with locals in the beer gardens of Munich. Rent a car to drive along the Romantic Road to encounter castles and quaint hamlets. Explore the Black Forest and taste wine in the Rhine Valley.

For a change of scenery, visit the northern Baltic Coast. Sunbathe on beaches during the warm summer and visit the picturesque island of Rügen.

This proud nation stands in the center of Western Europe, surrounded by the Netherlands, France, Denmark and Poland, among other countries. Fly to an international airport in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt or elsewhere. Get around the country quickly with the Deutsche Bahn railway and autobahn roads.

Germany is among Europe’s cultural highpoints, with its eclectic cities creating attractive and varied travel opportunities.

Popular cities in Germany

Museum Island which includes street scenes and a city
Berlin
Known for Shopping, Museums and Business
With the relics of its turbulent past transformed afresh through street art, chic neighborhoods and repurposed architecture, Germany’s capital embraces old and new.

Reasons to visit

  • Zoo Berlin
  • Potsdamer Platz
  • Olympiastadion
Hamburg showing a river or creek, skyline and a marina
Hamburg
Known for Dining, Shopping and Business
This modern German city brings fascinating seafaring traditions together with excellent art galleries and a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Reasons to visit

  • Miniatur Wunderland
  • Hamburg City Hall
  • Fish Market
Munich
Munich
Known for Beer, Museums and Art
From cozy beer halls to dazzling palaces, sprawling public gardens to cutting-edge museums, the Bavarian capital is a modern city with plenty of traditional charms.

Reasons to visit

  • Hofbräuhaus
  • Deutsches Museum
  • BMW Welt
Frankfurt
Frankfurt
Known for Business, Sports and Museums
This European economic capital on the Main River features world-class museums, sweet apple wine and Germany’s only skyscrapers.

Reasons to visit

  • Deutsche Bank Park
  • Römerberg
  • Alte Oper
Hohenzollern Bridge featuring a river or creek, night scenes and a church or cathedral
Cologne
Known for Shopping, Cathedrals and Business
Explore the history and folklore of this welcoming city, now a thriving hot spot for the arts and culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Chocolate Museum
  • Old Market
Dresden showing a square or plaza
Dresden
Known for Historical, Shopping and Museums
This lovingly redeveloped German city charms with its history, culture and streetscape. Discover its architecture, thriving festival scene and picturesque river.

Reasons to visit

  • Semper Opera House
  • Church of Our Lady
  • Zwinger Palace

Popular places to visit

Germany