Germany Holidays

Must-see sights

Germany blends rich history with a modern edge, so you don’t have to choose between old and new.

• Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria – – A 19th-century palace perched on a rugged hill, famously inspiring Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. You need to book timed entry tickets online well in advance to guarantee your visit.

• The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin – – Berlin’s only surviving historical city gate and a defining landmark of the capital. Try to visit at sunrise to appreciate its scale without the crowds, or at night when it’s illuminated.

• Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia – – A masterpiece that dominates the city skyline and took over 600 years to complete. You can climb the 533 steps of the South Tower for sweeping views over the River Rhine.

• The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg – – A mountainous region of evergreen woodlands, picturesque villages and dramatic waterfalls.

• Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg – – The world’s largest model railway exhibition, featuring detailed miniature recreations of global cities and landscapes. Evening tickets are often quieter and occasionally cheaper, and you should book ahead to avoid long queues.

History and arts

You'll find museums, galleries and everyday landmarks linking to Germany's histoy.

• Museum Island, Berlin – – A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of five museums located on an island in the River Spree. It holds thousands of years of art and history, including the Ishtar Gate.

• The Reichstag Building, Berlin – – The seat of the German parliament, blends historical architecture with a modern glass dome designed by Norman Foster. Access to the dome is completely free, but you need to register your details online a few weeks prior to your visit.

• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria – – A Medieval walled town, offering a glimpse into the 11th century. For fewer crowds, stay overnight – most tourists leave by late afternoon, leaving the cobbled streets quiet for evening strolls.

• Zwinger Palace, Dresden – – A Baroque palace complex featuring sculpted gardens, pavilions and art galleries. Don’t miss the Old Masters Picture Gallery inside, which houses Raphael’s famous Sistine Madonna.

Local experiences

Local experiences in Germany range from food markets and neighbourhood cafés to beer halls and gardens.

• Biergarten culture – – In the warmer months, locals gather at outdoor tables under chestnut trees to drink beer and socialise.

• Kaffee und kuchen – – The German tradition of pausing mid-afternoon for coffee and a generous slice of cake. It’s the perfect way to recharge during a busy day of sightseeing. Look out for traditional Konditoreien (pastry shops) rather than modern chain cafes for the best experience.

• Thermal spa bathing – – There are plenty of German towns designated as Kurorte (spa towns). Soaking in mineral-rich thermal waters is a traditional local habit.

Festivals and events

Germany’s festivals and events range from world-famous celebrations like Oktoberfest to smaller seasonal markets and local gatherings.

• Oktoberfest, late September to early October – – The world’s largest Volksfest, featuring large beer tents, traditional Bavarian dress and funfair rides.

• Christmas Markets or Weihnachtsmärkte, late November to December – – Historic city squares are transformed into festive villages selling handmade crafts, roasted nuts and hot spiced wine. Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne host some of the most famous.

• Rhine in Flames, May to September – – A series of large firework displays illuminating the castles and vineyards along the River Rhine. It’s best experienced on one of the riverboats.

• Berlinale, February – – A famous international film festival, alongside Cannes and Venice.

Live like a local

Slow things down with neighbourhood strolls, weekly markets and everyday routines.

• The Sunday stroll – – Almost all shops are closed on Sundays in Germany by law. Locals use the day to relax by heading to local parks, lakes or forests for a long walk.

• Cycling the city – – Cities like Münster, Berlin and Munich are built for bicycles. Renting a bike and using the network of dedicated cycle lanes is how most locals commute and explore.

• The Pfand system – – When you buy a bottled drink, you pay a small deposit or ‘Pfand’. Locals return these empty bottles to reverse vending machines in supermarkets to get their money back.

Daytrips

Efficient trains make it easy to reach smaller towns, countryside spots and nearby cities without needing a car.

• Munich to the Zugspitze – – A two-hour train ride takes you to the base of Germany’s highest mountain. You can take a cogwheel train and cable car to the summit for views spanning four countries.

• Berlin to Potsdam – – Just 40 minutes away on the S-Bahn, Potsdam is home to Sanssouci – the summer palace of Frederick the Great.

• Frankfurt to the Rhine Valley – – A short train journey drops you into a UNESCO-listed landscape of steep vineyards and riverside castles. It’s ideal for a day of wine tasting and scenic river cruising.

• Dresden to Saxon Switzerland National Park – – Under an hour by train, this park features the Bastei Bridge, and it offers some of the best hiking in the country.

Must-try dishes

German food is hearty and satisfying, with a handful of must-try dishes that reflect the focus on simple, fresh ingredients.

• Currywurst – – A sliced pork sausage, steamed then fried, and topped with a curry-spiced ketchup. Usually served with chips or a bread roll – it’s simple, filling and easy to grab on the go.

• Käsespätzle – – Germany’s take on mac and cheese. Soft egg noodles are layered with melted cheese and finished with crispy fried onions.

• Sauerbraten – – A slow-cooked pot roast, marinated for several days in vinegar, herbs and spices. It’s typically served with potato dumplings and red cabbage.

• Brezeln (Pretzels) – – A staple snack that’s easy to find in bakeries and beer halls. They’re dark and crusty on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and sprinkled with salt.

• Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau) – – A well-known dessert made with chocolate sponge, whipped cream and sour cherries, finished with a splash of cherry schnapps.

Local drinks

Drinks in Germany are much like the food – uncomplicated and traditional, from regional beers in local halls to well-known wines served in cosy bars.

• Regional beers – – Beer styles vary by region. Helles and Weissbier are common in Bavaria, Pilsner in the north and Kölsch in Cologne – usually served in small glasses.

• Riesling – – Germany’s key white wine. Styles range from dry to sweet, with crisp, fruity flavours – especially from the Mosel and Rheingau.

• Apfelschorle – – A mix of apple juice and sparkling water. It’s light, refreshing and a popular non-alcoholic option.

• Schnapps – – A strong fruit brandy, often served after meals. Popular flavours include cherry, plum and pear.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Germany varies by city, from relaxed bars and riverside drinks to late-night clubs in big cities like Berlin or Hamburg.

• Techno clubs – – Berlin is Europe’s techno heartland. Clubs are set in old factories, with strict doors, powerful sound systems and parties that run all weekend.

• Beer halls – – Big, lively spaces found mostly in Bavaria. Expect long tables, live music and large steins of beer.

• Kneipen – – Traditional corner pubs – they’re simple, cosy and low-cost.

Why couples love Germany

Germany caters brilliantly to couples, whether that involves driving the winding, castle-studded Romantic Road, sharing a bottle of Riesling in a riverside tavern along the Mosel or enjoying a luxurious weekend in a Baden-Baden spa resort.

Why families love Germany

Germany is easy to explore with children. Public transport is reliable, cities have plenty of green spaces and playgrounds, and there are big attractions like Europa-Park for a full day out.

Why groups love Germany

Germany works well for a sociable trip. You can browse Christmas markets in winter, book tables in advance for Oktoberfest or keep things simple with affordable city breaks in places like Berlin, Hamburg and Leipzig – all with plenty to see, eat and do without overspending.

Why solo travellers love Germany

Germany is a safe, easy place to travel alone. English is widely spoken in cities, and the rail network makes getting around straightforward. You can join walking tours, visit galleries at your own pace or sit comfortably in a café without feeling out of place.

Places to shop

Shopping in Germany covers a mix of practical high-street shops, independent boutiques and local markets.

• Luxury streets – – For high-end shopping, head to Kurfürstendamm in Berlin or Kaufingerstraße in Munich. Both are busy, central spots with big-name brands and department stores.

• Outletcity Metzingen – – Outletcity Metzingen, near Stuttgart, is one of Europe’s largest outlet centres. You’ll find designer brands at reduced prices – worth the trip if you’re planning a bigger shop.

• Independent districts – – For something more local, explore areas like Schanzenviertel in Hamburg or Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin. Expect independent boutiques, record shops and smaller fashion labels.

Souvenirs and local finds

Take home something unique and tied to the landscape.

• Cuckoo clocks – – Hand-carved cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest are a classic souvenir. Look for the VdS certificate to make sure it’s an authentic, mechanical piece.

• Erzgebirge wooden crafts – – Traditional wooden toys, nutcrackers and Christmas pyramids from Saxony.

• Lebkuchen – – Traditional German gingerbread, especially from Nuremberg. Tins of Nürnberger Lebkuchen are easy to pack and make a great gift.

Markets

Markets in Germany are varied and often seasonal, from weekly food markets to larger events like Christmas markets.

• Viktualienmarkt, Munich – – A daily food market in the heart of the city offering high-quality regional produce, exotic fruits, local cheeses and a central beer garden.

• Markthalle Neun, Berlin – – A historic indoor market hall in Kreuzberg that hosts a popular ‘Street Food Thursday,’ showcasing global culinary trends alongside local vendors.

• Flea markets (Flohmärkte) – – The Sunday morning flea market in Berlin is famous for vintage clothing, DDR memorabilia and outdoor karaoke, while Frankfurt’s Schaumainkai offers antiques along the riverbank.

Trains (Deutsche Bahn)

Travelling between major cities is quick and comfortable using the high-speed ICE (Intercity-Express) network. Book tickets well in advance via the DB Navigator app for cheaper 'Sparpreis' (saver) fares. Seat reservations are highly recommended on long journeys.

Regional Transit (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, Trams)

Local trams and trains are ideal for navigating within cities and reaching the immediate suburbs. Always remember to validate your paper ticket at the machine on the platform before boarding to avoid a fine. You may wish to consider a city tourist card for unlimited travel and attraction discounts.

Rental cars

Consider hiring a car for exploring rural areas, the Romantic Road or the Black Forest, where train routes are less direct. The autobahn network is free to use and while some stretches have no speed limit, the recommended limit is 130 km/h (80 mph), and strict speed limits apply around junctions and roadworks.

Long-distance coaches (Flixbus)

For budget-conscious travellers moving between cities or crossing borders into neighbouring countries, long-distance coaches are available. It’s slower than the train but significantly cheaper, plus they offer Wi-Fi and plug sockets.