Germany Travel for First-Time Visitors

Castles, beer gardens, forests, and cutting-edge cities. Germany’s got way more going on than just Oktoberfest

Where should you go in Germany?

Germany makes travel easy. The trains are reliable, the cities are clean, and nearly everyone speaks English. But beyond the smooth experience, you’ll find a country packed with history, nature, and local culture.

Berlin & the Northeast

A creative, gritty, and historical capital. Also the jumping-off point for Potsdam and Dresden.

Southern Germany (Bavaria & Baden-Württemberg)

Fairy-tale towns, castles, mountain views, and classic beer culture. Includes Munich, Nuremberg, and the Romantic Road.

Rhine Valley Germany

Western Germany (Rhine Valley)

Vineyards, river cruises, and scenic towns like Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Mainz.

Bremen Germany

Northern Germany

Lively port cities like Hamburg and Bremen, plus windswept beaches and Hanseatic charm.

Germany Map

Planning your first trip to Germany? Start here:

Quick Facts

  • Currency: Euro (€)

  • Language: German (English widely spoken in cities)

  • Best time to visit: May–October

  • Top cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Heidelberg

  • Getting around: Excellent train network (Deutsche Bahn)

Key Tips

  • Cash is still king in many places – always carry some

  • Germans follow the rules – cross at the lights, validate your train ticket, and be on time

  • Quiet hours are a thing – keep noise down in public housing or apartments

  • Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is polite

  • Bathrooms often cost €0.50–€1, even in train stations

  • Sunday closures are common – plan ahead for groceries or shopping

Germany’s must-see cities

Berlin

History, art, nightlife, and endless neighborhoods

Munich

Bavarian beer halls and mountain day trips

Hamburg Germany

Hamburg

Germany’s cool, coastal second city

Cologne Germany

Cologne

Gothic cathedral meets laid-back vibes

Heidelberg Germany

Heidelberg

Picture-perfect university town

Nuremberg

Christmas markets and medieval walls

Dresden

Baroque architecture and riverfront walks

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

A perfectly preserved medieval town with cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and a fairy-tale feel

When to Visit

Spring (Mar-May)

Blossoms, mild temps, and fewer crowds

Summer (Jun – Aug)

Festivals, river cruises, and outdoor cafés

Fall (Sep – Oct)

Oktoberfest, harvest season, autumn colors

Winter (Nov – Feb)

Magical Christmas markets, snowy Alpine towns. Colder, quieter, budget-friendly