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 showing street scenes and a city
Berlin
Known for Shopping, Museums and Business
Berlin was once primarily known for the wall that divided the city, but today it’s a united city, renowned for its museums and festivals. Made up of twelve distinct districts, each with its own identity, its setup makes Berlin easy to navigate and explore. If you like history, hit the central Mitte district where you’ll find Berlin's finest museums, including the Pergamon Museum and Bode Museum. Then, of course, there Museum Island, a whole island dedicated to cultural treasure troves. A short walk to the east and you’ll find the DDR Museum, where you learn more about life under the East German regime.

Reasons to visit

  • Zoo Berlin
  • Potsdamer Platz
  • Olympiastadion
Hamburg showing heritage architecture, a marina and a city
Hamburg
Known for Dining, Shopping and Business
Hamburg is known Germany as the "gateway to the world" and is the largest port in the country and the second largest in Europe. The city is proud of its status as an independent city-state and on its trading history, to which the city owes much of its wealth. Today, Hamburg is known as one of the richest metropolises in Europe, along with Brussels and London.

Reasons to visit

  • Miniatur Wunderland
  • Hamburg City Hall
  • Fish Market
Munich
Munich
Known for Beer, Museums and Art
From the cosy beer halls and magnificent palaces to the tranquil parks and fascinating museums, the capital of Bavaria is a modern city that preserves traditional charm. Munich is one of the most liveable cities in the world, with a strong economy that attracts large businesses and millions of tourists to visit the city each year for its beautiful architecture, ancient traditions and the nearby Bavarian Alps.

Reasons to visit

  • Hofbräuhaus
  • Deutsches Museum
  • BMW Welt
Frankfurt
Frankfurt
Known for Business, Sports and Museums
Frankfurt is the financial centre of continental Europe. It is the seat of the European Central Bank and one of the wealthiest cities in Germany. As the only cities in the country with skyscrapers, the skyline is the trademark of Frankfurt. However, the city is also known for its renowned museums and cider.

Reasons to visit

  • Deutsche Bank Park
  • Römerberg
  • Alte Oper
Hohenzollern Bridge which includes night scenes, a church or cathedral and a bridge
Cologne
Known for Shopping, Cathedrals and Business
Cologne is not only a popular tourist destination but also a centre for media and businesses. The city is famous for, Eau de Cologne, a type of fragrance now used the world over, which was first produced here in 1709. The city is also well known to be one of the most liberal cities in Germany.

Reasons to visit

  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Chocolate Museum
  • Old Market
Dresden featuring 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

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