There are some specific cities every traveler to Germany must visit. Germany is a diverse country filled with history and culture, and depending on which region you visit, you will find something unique. History and culture are not the only things on offer when visiting Germany’s top travel destinations. Food, drink, and much more can be found all over the central European nation, making it a great place to spend a holiday.
But which cities should you visit on a vacation to Germany? There are some must-visit places that you should book above all the rest. As the seventh most visited country in the world, there is something for everyone in Germany. You shouldn’t miss a visit to these cities when you book your German adventure.
Germany series
Other useful links
Berlin
If you can visit just one German city, then it must be Berlin. The German capital is incredible. It is a city packed with history and culture. From its time split into two cities to modern times, there is so much to see and do that Berlin is the envy of every other German city.
You can explore Berlin’s incredible greenspaces to get a breath of fresh air before exploring the Holocaust Memorial, Stasi Museum, and Berlin Wall at East Side Gallery. The museums and monuments are powerful, so you may need a walk in the park to clear your head afterwards as well.
Berlin’s nightlife is non-stop and clubs pulsate all night long. The city, like many in Germany, has a beer culture. You can explore the city’s pubs and indulge in unique beers brewed right in Berlin. Berlin is home to more than 180 museums and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a city that never sleeps and you won’t either when visiting.
Hamburg
Hamburg gives Berlin a run for its money when selecting a city to visit in Germany. The city by the sea has its own specific charm and is consider a 180-degree opposite of Berlin. Hamburg has a wealth of medieval history. It sits on the Elbe River in between the North and Baltic Seas. It remains an important port city which adds to its incredible charm.
One of the unique aspects of Hamburg is the number of bridges it has. The German city has more bridges than any other city in the world. It may take you several days to walk across each one of them. The number of bridges and the waterways around Hamburg has led to it being nicknamed “The Venice of the North”.
Foodies love Hamburg for its seafood. Its location means fresh seafood is caught in the North and Baltic Seas, and served up fresh at restaurants around town. Hamburg has its own unique nightlife. The famous Reeperbahn is the center of Hamburg after dark and the area comes to life when the sun goes down.
Munich
Munich is home to Oktoberfest, which takes place each September and October. The event is one of the most visited festivals in the world and an experience all travelers should enjoy at least once. Munich is famous for its beers. There is nothing better than enjoying a great Bavarian lager at a beer garden amongst friends.
The city is a culture vulture’s paradise. There are more than 80 museums to explore. The variety of museums provides you the chance to see modern art or historical artifacts. You will notice a mixture of architecture and periods around town. Munich blends old and new well, and not just in its architecture.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Germany’s Bavaria region. It is claimed that Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration behind the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The castle is nearly three hours away from Munich and can be visited on a day trip. You can hop on a train at Munich station and ride through a beautiful part of Germany to Neuschwanstein Castle.
The castle is located in Fussen, a medieval town that looks straight out of a fairytale. The town is well worth visiting and for more reasons than just Neuschwanstein Castle. The Old Town is incredible and takes you back in time as you wanderer its streets. The Fussen Museum gives you a taste of the town’s local history.
If you prefer to stay in Fussen, there is accommodation available. Rather than visit Neuschwanstein Castle on a day trip, you can stay in Fussen for a night and experience the town in full.
Dresden
Dresden was heavily bombed during World War II, yet it was rebuilt and contains much of its pre-war charm. Known as Germany’s treasure chest, Dresden has an incredible city center that his hypnotic to walkthrough thanks to its variety of architecture and monuments.
You will find a variety of architectural styles including Renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical. Famous landmarks include the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and the Semperoper. The city’s museums display a wealth of great art, but you can find just as many beautiful sights to look at outside of Dresden’s galleries.
Freiburg
Freiburg is a university city with an incredible array of medieval architecture. The legendary city is one of the most beautiful in all of Germany and a destination you shouldn’t miss. Today, Freiburg is a center of the green movement. It is considered one of Germany’s most sustainable cities.
Freiburg Minster, a 13th-century church built in the Romanesque style, is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Augustiner Museum is located in the old Augustiner Monastery. Today, the museum is home to artworks from the middle ages up to the Baroque period.
One of the main reasons travelers visits Freiburg is to explore the Black Forest. The Black Forest National Park is just over an hour’s drive from Freiburg. You can combine a visit to Freiburg with a trip to the national park. If you want to get a good view of Freiburg from above, ride the Schlossbergbahn funicular. The funicular goes up to Schlossbergturm 456 meters and provides panoramic views over the city.
