From city to country: the best places to visit in Germany

Hip urban scenes in Berlin, beer paradise in Munich, dreamy days exploring superlative landscapes and castles galore: when it comes to ultimate European destinations, Germany truly has it all. If this is your first time visiting and you’re not quite sure where to begin, you’ll be bursting with travel plans after delving into this article, where we’ve gathered all of the best places to visit in Germany from bustling cities out to remote country idylls.

Best places to visit in Germany: must-visit cities

Top attractions and nightlife in Berlin, the vibrant capital

Big, bold and with a boisterous energy, Berlin is one of the best places to visit in Germany for high-octane nightlife and cutting-edge culture. For those looking to party, the club scene here is legendary, with reveling ramping up at weekends across a smorgasbord of basement bars, clubs and pubs. The Prater Garten beer garden has been pulling ales for the thirsty since 1837, and gathering around one of its communal tables to sup on a classic German stein is a must.

By day, roam the different neighborhoods, packed with history, art, markets, culture and dining delights. Berlin’s turbulent 20th century can be explored at the Holocaust Memorial and around the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Choose a themed tour to delve deeper into the city’s history, street art or dining scene. For a full cultural feast, head to Museum Island and marvel at architecture and artefacts galore. Wherever you turn in Berlin, there is something to spark your imagination.

Seasonal highlights of Munich, Bavaria’s cultural hub

For classic Germanic bonhomie and free-flowing beer, Munich has to be the best city to visit in Germany. The famous annual Oktoberfest is official beer-swilling season, complete with lederhosen and traditional Bavarian dress. Note that prices can be a little higher in this busy season, and you will likely have to stand in line for attractions and transport (as well as the bar). Alternatively, consider visiting the city at a quieter time when you can get a better feel for its unique pace and character.

Munich has a proud history of brewing, and along its streets you will find dozens of breweries as well as beer gardens dating back as far as the 1700s. Aside from the pleasures of a brew, the city offers excellent museums, gorgeous green spaces, and a calmer urban experience than many other cities in Germany.

Hamburg: Germany’s gateway to the world

This is one of the best German cities for tourists looking for understated cool. It’s Germany’s largest port city, with canals and waterways winding through old industrial neighborhoods transformed into hip cultural hangouts.

Craft breweries pop up here and there, and there’s a club scene to rival that of Berlin, with house music taking center stage and a strong LGBTQ+ community doing their thing. For good times, head to the St Pauli district’s main square for markets by day and music, beer and street food by night.

Heidelberg: where charm and history combine

In terms of setting, Heidelberg has to be one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. This venerable university town sits on the banks of a river and is surrounded by forested hills. The Baroque Old Town is full of charm, with terracotta rooftops and an arched bridge spanning the river. Heidelberg Castle, an impressive ruined Renaissance fortification, sits high on a hill overlooking the city.

Baroque wonders in Dresden, a city reborn

With much of the city leveled during the Second World War, a whole lot of love and effort has gone into the reconstruction of its most celebrated buildings and landmarks. The result is a Baroque and Renaissance masterpiece of grand squares, elaborate bridges, ornate churches, and opulent palaces.

There’s art aplenty in Dresden, too, with some excellent museums and an immersive street art zone. For a stroll in one of the city’s most emblematic settings, make your way to Brühl’s Terrace, an elevated promenade along the edge of the Elbe River.

Explore the great outdoors: scenic destinations in Germany

The romantic Rhine: history, castle-hopping and scenic cruises

Meandering from Switzerland to the Netherlands, the Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe. It passes through a series of magnificent German cities and glorious countryside, so following its route by boat (or road) is a wonderful way to explore some of the top places to visit in Germany.

The Rhine is at the heart of Germany, encompassing all that is great about the country. There’s history everywhere, from hilltop castles to fine old cities (Heidelberg and Cologne) and a cascade of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the most stunning stretches is the Rhine Gorge, a fairy-tale landscape of vineyards and historic villages.

Fairy tales brought to life: Neuschwanstein and more stunning castles

Germany is a land of castles, with over 20,000 castles, palaces and fortified buildings dotted throughout its dramatic countryside and cities. One of the most firmly fairy tale-like has to be Neuschwanstein Castle, held aloft on a narrow hilltop, and one of Germany’s must-see sights.

Hewn from pale rock, its romantic turrets reach skyward against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery. It is especially transporting when viewed at dusk, as the pale walls are illuminated and the peaks of the Tannheimer range are silhouetted against the sunset sky.

The enchanting Moselle Valley: wine tastings and quaint villages

The Moselle River is a narrow and meandering tributary of the Rhine River, wending its way through France, Luxembourg and Germany. The German portion is particularly scenic with steep-sided hills rising around the river, decorated in a cohesive patchwork of vineyards.

Crumbling castles sit on the high slopes, and lower down, there are medieval villages to explore. Spend laid-back days here, tasting wine and roaming the countryside on foot or by bike.

The Black Forest: hiking trails and nature steeped in folklore

Travel through the Black Forest for picture-perfect villages, sugar-hit desserts, and pristine lakes surrounded by spruce forest. The Black Forest region is also home to some exciting towns and cities, including wealthy Stuttgart, the university city of Freiburg, and the spa town of Baden-Baden.

Though all are well worth visiting, it’s the lakes and forests of the Black Forest proper that hold much of the charm. Along these forest trails, you’ll work up the appetite for an extra serving of sublime Black Forest gateau.

Frequently asked questions for trips to Germany

When’s the best time to visit Germany?

Germany is a year-round destination, and when to visit depends on what you’d like to do. For warmer weather, travel between May and September; for beer festivals, plan your visit around September and October; and for festive magic, December is the month to witness the joys of traditional Christmas markets and festive celebrations. Spring is a glorious times to be in the countryside, while across fall and winter you’ll have harvest festivals, skiing and so much more to enjoy.

Where should I go for my first time in Germany?

This depends on your personal interests and travel goals, but many choose to fill their first-time itinerary with the attractions of Berlin and Munich, as well as the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and the trails of the Black Forest. To talk things through in more detail, chat with one of our local experts in Germany. They will have more ideas and can tailor-make the perfect Germany vacation for you and your group.

Where is the most beautiful part of Germany?

Germany is renowned for its natural beauty, so there’s some stiff competition when it comes to picking out the most scenic regions. Among the contenders to claim the top spot are the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley, the Moselle Valley, and Saxon Switzerland National Park. You’ll just have to visit to decide for yourself.

Make it happen

Ready to explore all of the best places to visit in Germany, one of Western Europe’s most magnificent gems? From its storied past to rural landscapes brimming with mystery, uncover it all with the help of a local expert. Our team is ready and waiting to help you put together a tailor-made itinerary that matches your budget. Simply get in touch to find out more.