Germany
Germany is far more varied than its beer-hall image: Berlin's layered 20th-century history and nightlife, Bavaria's Alpine villages and Neuschwanstein, castles above the Rhine and Moselle vineyards, and Hamburg's port. Fast trains link it all, and in December Christmas markets turn even small towns into a destination worth the trip.
Overview
Germany's federal history left it without a single dominant city, so a first trip is usually a rail loop between very different regions. Berlin is sprawling, creative and political; Munich and Bavaria bring Alpine scenery, baroque churches and Neuschwanstein; the Rhine Gorge and Moselle offer castles and riesling; Hamburg is a wealthy port city; and smaller places such as Bamberg, Heidelberg, Dresden and Lübeck often impress first-timers most. Ten days typically covers Berlin, Dresden or Leipzig, Bavaria and the Rhine, with a Romantic Road detour by car.
Germany is cheaper than its reputation, especially compared with London: hostels, bakeries and beer gardens keep daily costs reasonable, though Munich hotel prices spike during Oktoberfest and big trade fairs. Many shops close on Sundays, cash is still used more than in Britain, and trains, though extensive, run late more often than Germans would like. Locals take rules seriously, from cycle lanes to quiet hours, but are direct and helpful once asked. It suits rail travellers, history lovers, hikers, families and anyone planning a winter city break around the markets.
Map of Germany
Top 5 highlights
- 1Architecture
Neuschwanstein Castle
Ludwig II's 19th-century fantasy castle above the Pöllat gorge, often cited as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. Book timed tickets online well ahead and walk to the Marienbrücke for the classic view.
- 2History
Berlin Wall Memorial
On Bernauer Strasse, the most complete surviving stretch of the border strip, with a preserved watchtower, the 'death strip' and open-air exhibits on escapes and tunnels. Free, sobering and essential context for the city.
- 3History
Rhine Gorge
The UNESCO-listed stretch of river between Bingen and Koblenz packs around 40 castles and medieval wine towns into 65 km of steep vineyards. Take a river boat past the Lorelei rock and stay overnight in Bacharach.
- 4Sacred site
Cologne Cathedral
Begun in 1248 and finished only in 1880, the twin-spired Gothic cathedral survived wartime bombing beside the main railway station. Climb the 533 steps of the south tower for views over the Rhine.
- 5Architecture
Dresden's Altstadt
Rebuilt after the 1945 firebombing, Dresden's baroque skyline centres on the Frauenkirche, reconsecrated in 2005 after reconstruction. The Zwinger palace and the Green Vault treasury hold some of Europe's finest collections.
Biggest cities
Berlin
The Wall, the Reichstag dome and Museum Island need days on their own; then come Kreuzberg and Neukölln's bars and techno clubs that run from Saturday night into Monday.
Hamburg
A prosperous maritime city of canals and red-brick warehouses in the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, with the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, a Sunday fish market and the St Pauli nightlife where the Beatles honed their act.
Munich
Bavaria's capital has superb art in the Pinakotheken, beer halls and gardens, surfers riding the Eisbach wave in the English Garden, and easy day trips to the Alps, Neuschwanstein and the Dachau memorial.
Figures are for metropolitan (functional urban) areas; within city limits Berlin has about 3.9 million people, Hamburg 1.9 million and Munich 1.5 million. The Ruhr's chain of cities from Duisburg to Dortmund has a combined population similar to Berlin's, but no single Ruhr city comes close.
When to go to Germany
Best time: May–Sep, Dec.
Average climate in Berlin
Festivals & events
- FebCologne Carnival
The 'fifth season' peaks in the week before Lent, when costumed crowds take over the streets from Weiberfastnacht and the Rose Monday parade showers spectators with sweets.
- Sep–OctOktoberfest
Munich's beer festival runs for 16–18 days from mid-September to early October, with Munich breweries serving in vast tents on the Theresienwiese. Book accommodation many months ahead.
- Nov–DecChristmas markets
From late November, squares from Nuremberg to tiny Bavarian villages fill with wooden stalls selling Glühwein, gingerbread and bratwurst; Dresden's Striezelmarkt dates back to 1434.
How much does Germany cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Sauerbraten
Beef marinated for days in vinegar, wine and spices, then slow-braised; Rhineland versions add raisins and gingerbread to the gravy. Served with red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Currywurst
Sliced pork sausage under curry-spiced ketchup, usually with chips; a Berlin street-food invention from 1949, best eaten standing at an Imbiss kiosk.
Käsespätzle
Swabian and Allgäu egg noodles layered with melted mountain cheese and crisp fried onions; heavy, cheap and ideal after an Alpine hike.
Getting around
Deutsche Bahn's ICE trains link major cities at up to 300 km/h and regional trains reach almost everywhere; the Deutschlandticket subscription covers unlimited local and regional travel for a monthly fee. Book ICE saver fares early and allow for delays. FlixBus is the budget alternative. Hire a car for the Romantic Road and Alpine villages: some autobahn stretches have no speed limit, but many cities have low-emission zones.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CF230V — bring a UK-to-C/F adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +49
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Round up or add 5–10% in restaurants, saying the total aloud when you pay rather than leaving money on the table; round up taxi fares.
- Etiquette
- Greet with a handshake and 'Guten Tag', be punctual, and use 'Sie' with strangers. Keep out of cycle lanes, wait for the green man at crossings, and respect Sunday quiet.
- Main airports
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Frankfurt; Munich Airport (MUC), Munich; Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Berlin
Visas & entry for Germany
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Germany, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Germany are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- PolioBat LyssavirusTick-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Germany
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Second Day of Christmas |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 6 May 2027 | Ascension Day |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Pentecost Monday |
| Sun 3 Oct 2027 | German Unity Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in German
| English | German | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Guten Tag | GOO-ten tahk |
| Thank you | Danke | DAN-keh |
| Please | Bitte | BIT-teh |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigung | ent-SHOOL-dee-goong |
| How much is this? | Wie viel kostet das? | vee feel KOS-tet dass |
Know before you go
- Carry some cash: many bakeries, beer gardens, kiosks and small restaurants still prefer it or refuse cards, although contactless payment has spread quickly in recent years.
- Book Deutsche Bahn saver fares in the DB Navigator app weeks ahead, and add a seat reservation for busy Friday and Sunday ICE services.
- Most shops and supermarkets close on Sundays and public holidays, so stock up on Saturday; shops in larger railway stations and airports are the main exception.
Germany travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Germany?
The best time to visit Germany is generally May–Sep, Dec. Peak months are May, June, July, August, September and December. Average highs in Berlin range from 3°C to 25°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Germany cost per day?
Roughly £60 a day on a tight budget, £130 mid-range and £280+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Germany?
Euro (EUR).
What plug type does Germany use?
Type C and F sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Germany?
Traffic drives on the right in Germany, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Germany?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for Germany?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Germany, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Germany before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Germany?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Polio, Bat Lyssavirus and Tick-borne encephalitis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
