With such a diverse offer of amazing places to see in Germany, it can be challenging and confusing to choose your itinerary. The country has everything from enchanting forests and fairy tale castles to vibrant cities and precious UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It would be unfair to give an advantage to some places while leaving others behind, but to help you get started, here are several suggestions presenting some of the best places to visit in Germany.
Berlin, the capital
Germany’s capital, Berlin is an exciting and vibrant metropolis with all that is hot and hip in the world of art, design, fashion, and music. The city also boasts stunning architecture and a lot of fun activities for all visitors. The choice is wide and diverse – enjoying museums and art galleries, bargaining at the charming flea markets, or immersing yourself in the city’s hip restaurant and bar scene.
Berlin is also home to several famous historical sites and landmarks. A must-see is the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Jewish Museum, but make sure you don’t miss the Brandenburg Gate. It was modeled after the Acropolis in Athens and built-in 1791 for King Frederick William II as the first neoclassical structure in the city. It’s 26 meters in height with a spectacular four-horse chariot ridden by the goddess of victory placed atop the building.
Munich, the home of Oktoberfest
Munich is undeniably one of the most cosmopolitan cities to visit in Germany. It’s packed with bars, museums, churches, restaurants, and famous beer gardens. One thing that really put this city on the world map is its beer festival, Oktoberfest, which takes place every year in autumn. This is a memorable, 16- to 18-day extravaganza with over six million visitors from all over the world and a wild schedule of live music, games, amusement rides, and many more.
If the crowds are too much for you, there’s no need to worry because Munich has fantastic things to offer all year round. The easiest way to get around and visit many places at once at your own pace is by taking the Munich city hop on hop off tour. This tour allows you to get on and off the bus whenever you want with one ticket with up to 11 stops and explore the attractions of Munich in any way you want. Organize your own program and see places such as the Nymphenburg Palace, strolling around the Viktualienmarkt and the Marienplatz center square with amazing old buildings and the famous Glockenspiel. And, when it’s time for a break, stop by New Town Hall and its cellar vault and restaurant which serves delicious traditional German food.
Cologne, home of chocolate and beer
The quintessential Gothic architecture town, Cologne has an impressive cathedral dominating its skyline. This imposing UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes the Ottonian Gero Cross which is the oldest oversized sculpture of the crucified Christ in northern Europe.
Besides this epic landmark, the city has many great museums, restaurants, bars, and of course, chocolate. If you’re passionate about this treat, don’t miss the Chocolate Museum Cologne, a true chocolate wonderland with nine exhibition halls that tell the story about the culture and history of chocolate taking visitors as far back as 3,000 years ago to the age of the Mayans and Aztecs. Visiting this museum will leave you with great memories of a 3-meter-high chocolate fountain and the museum café with a magnificent view of the Rhine through a 30-meter-long panoramic window.
On the other hand, if you fancy beer more, particularly the German kind, there are several brewery tours and tastings you must visit, such as the local beer jewel Kölsch, as well as the brewery taverns in the old quarter where you get refills until you cover your glass with a beer mat to say no more.
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a wine lover’s paradise
Covering the areas of France, Germany, and Switzerland, the Upper Rhine Valley reveals the very best of these three countries. Dotted with breathtaking hilltop castles, charming historic towns, and scenic terraced vineyards, it’s no surprise that a part of the region was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status twenty years ago.
Travelling down the Rhine River takes you past many lovely towns, through a gorgeous valley from the Roman town of Koblenz past the legendary Loreley rock. The story goes that a beautiful siren called Loreley lured sailors with her song to their death on the rocks. Besides rich folklore, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley also has 500 hectares of vineyards that produce some of Germany’s finest Rieslings. This is truly any wine lover’s paradise where they can enjoy the stunning views with a glass of Weisswein in their hand. There’s a great choice of winery tours and tastings throughout the region and numerous hotels befitting all pockets.
Germany is an amazing country with a long and rich history and culture, so it will take time to see everything. Hopefully, this list of popular attractions will give you a place to start your exploration journey!