Germany is Europe's economic and cultural center. Every city, from Berlin, Munich and Hamburg to Dresden and Frankfurt, has a distinct character, and the country ranges from the fairy-tale towns of the Romantic Road to the great outdoors of the Black Forest. Munich's Oktoberfest in October and the Christmas markets across the country in December are world-famous festivals.
A popular itinerary is 10 to 14 nights: arrive in Frankfurt, then Munich, Nuremberg and the Romantic Road, then Berlin, and fly out of Hamburg.
Visa and entry requirements for Germany
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
This country is in the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) registers non-EU travelers at the external border, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to apply to visa-exempt travelers; check the official EU site for who needs it, the start date and the fee.
- Visa and residence (Federal Foreign Office) (German Federal Foreign Office)
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) (European Union)
- EES (Entry/Exit System) (European Union)
At a glance
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time zone: CET (UTC+1), summer time CEST (UTC+2)
- Main gateway: Frankfurt
- Best season: May to September for general travel; Oktoberfest in October; Christmas markets in December
- Electricity: 230 V, Type F (round two-pin) plugs
- Language: German; English is spoken in big cities and at sights
Guide by area
Berlin: city of history and art
The German capital, a megacity of 3.8 million. The Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial and Museum Island are the highlights.
Must-sees: the Brandenburg Gate (free), the Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery, free), Museum Island (UNESCO, EUR 22 for a one-day combined ticket), Checkpoint Charlie and Potsdam (UNESCO, an easy day trip).
Suggested stay: three to four nights. Berlin is famous for its club culture, but as a visitor you can stay in the historic center around Mitte.
Munich and Bavaria: beer, palaces and the Alps
The capital of Bavaria, home of Oktoberfest and the gateway to the Alps.
Must-sees: Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, Nymphenburg Palace, the BMW Museum, Neuschwanstein Castle (two hours from Munich by car, the fairy-tale castle) and Munich's English Garden.
Suggested stay: two to three nights. From Munich, take day trips to Innsbruck (Austria, one hour), Alpine skiing and Neuschwanstein.
Frankfurt: transport hub and financial city
Europe's transport hub and Germany's top arrival and departure city.
Must-sees: the Römer (old town, free), a Main river cruise, the Städel Museum and the Zeil (shopping).
Suggested stay: one night. Use it as your arrival or departure point and spend your time in other cities.
The Romantic Road: a route of fairy-tale towns
350 km from Würzburg to Füssen (Neuschwanstein), Germany's iconic route through walled medieval towns.
Key towns: Rothenburg (city walls, the Christmas Museum), Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen (built in a meteorite crater), Augsburg and Füssen.
Two to three days by rental car is easiest, though it is also possible by DB (Deutsche Bahn) trains and buses.
Hamburg: the port and the Elbphilharmonie
Germany's largest port city and a center of European music, also famous as where the Beatles got their start.
Must-sees: Miniatur Wunderland (the world's largest model railway, from EUR 20), the Elbphilharmonie Plaza (free), the Speicherstadt (red-brick warehouse district, UNESCO) and an Alster lake cruise.
Suggested stay: one to two nights. 1 hour 45 minutes from Berlin by ICE high-speed train.
Dresden: baroque city of art
A baroque city on the Elbe, reduced to ruins by bombing in World War II and rebuilt. The Frauenkirche and the Zwinger palace are the highlights.
Top city for Christmas markets in December: the Striezelmarkt, with 500 years of history, ranks with Nuremberg's market as Germany's top two.
Germany’s signature festivals
Oktoberfest (Munich, late September to early October)
The world's largest beer festival: 16 days and more than 6 million visitors. In the beer tents, a one-liter mug (Mass) costs EUR 13–15, and reserving a tent seat (through the official online booking) is essential. Book hotels and flights six months ahead.
Christmas markets (late November to 24 December)
Held all over the country. The best: Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich, Berlin and Cologne. Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Christmas ornament shopping.
German food
- Schnitzel: a thinly pounded pork or veal cutlet. EUR 12–20 per portion.
- Bratwurst: grilled pork sausage. EUR 3–5 at a stand.
- Schweinshaxe: Munich's famous roast pork knuckle. EUR 15–25.
- Brezel (pretzel): lye-dipped bread. EUR 2–3 each.
- Sauerkraut and potato dishes: German sides.
- Beer: Weizen, Pilsner and Dunkel. EUR 4–6 a glass in restaurants.
- Cake and café culture: Germany's distinctive coffee culture, such as the Einspänner and the Eiskaffee.
Getting around: DB and ICE
ICE high-speed trains: Frankfurt–Munich 3 hours 20 minutes, Frankfurt–Berlin four hours, Berlin–Hamburg 1 hour 45 minutes.
Deutsche Bahn (DB): book in the DB app. Saver fares (Sparpreis) booked three months ahead are 50–70% cheaper than buying on the day.
Deutschland-Ticket: EUR 49 per month for unlimited regional trains, S-Bahn and buses (ICE high-speed trains not included). Good value for longer trips.
Car hire: some Autobahn sections have no speed limit. Convenient outside cities, but city-center parking is expensive.
Budget guide
Price benchmarks: lunch EUR 12–20 per person, dinner EUR 25–40, a four-star hotel EUR 100–200 per night, museums EUR 10–20. Supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi) help cut food costs.
Practical tips
- Cash: Germany prefers cash. Small restaurants, markets and stalls need cash; carry EUR 200–300.
- Water: tap water is not served free in restaurants. Bottled water costs EUR 0.5–1 for 0.5 L at supermarkets.
- VAT refund: available on purchases over EUR 50.01; claim at customs at the airport.
- Pharmacies (Apotheke): look for the green cross; basic medicines are sold without a prescription.
- Public transport fares: fares are by zone. Always validate your ticket before boarding; inspectors check at random.
FAQ
How does the Schengen 90-day limit work?
For visa-exempt travelers, the Schengen rule allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, counted across all Schengen countries, not just Germany. Days in France, Spain, Italy and other Schengen countries count too.
How do I book an Oktoberfest tent?
Book each tent (Zelt) in advance through the official Munich Oktoberfest website (oktoberfest.de). Popular tents such as Hofbräu and Augustiner open bookings six months before the festival and fill within days. Without a booking, you may have to drink standing during the day, and getting into a tent in the evening can be hard.
Can I visit Neuschwanstein as a day trip from Munich?
Yes. It takes about two hours each way by train and bus from Munich Hauptbahnhof. Buy castle tickets at the Füssen ticket center or book on the official website (hohenschwangau.de, EUR 15–17). Same-day tickets sell out early in peak season, so book online.
Which city has the best Christmas market?
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (500 years old) and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt are the most famous. In Rothenburg, the whole old town becomes a market, like a fairy tale. Munich and Berlin have big markets but are crowded with tourists.
Cash or card in Germany?
Germany has one of the strongest cash preferences in Europe. Big-city malls and restaurant chains take cards, but traditional markets, stalls, small restaurants and some museums take cash only, so bring EUR 300–500 in cash and use cards as backup.
Can I combine Germany with neighboring countries?
Yes. Within Schengen, there are no border checks. Popular routes: Munich to Innsbruck (Austria, 1.5 hours) and Salzburg (Austria, two hours); Berlin to Prague (Czechia, 4.5 hours); Hamburg to Copenhagen (Denmark, 4.5 hours by train).
Sources
- Visa and residence (Federal Foreign Office) · German Federal Foreign Office · accessed 2026-10-30
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- EES (Entry/Exit System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- Deutsche Bahn · Deutsche Bahn · accessed 2026-04-25
- Germany Travel (official tourism website) · German National Tourist Board · accessed 2026-10-30
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.