★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Cologne Cathedral
A massive Gothic cathedral dominating the skyline. Climb the tower for panoramic Rhine views.
⏱ 1 to 1.5 hours✦ Spring, Autumn
Cathedral
← All countries
DE
Germany
Rich history, fairy-tale castles, vibrant cities, and world-famous beer culture
CulturalFamily
Capital
Berlin
Language
German
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
CET (UTC+1)
Plug
Type F, 230V
Best time
May-September
Editor's note
Germany combines modern efficiency with deep historical roots. From Berlin's cosmopolitan energy to Bavaria's alpine charm, from the Rhine Valley's romantic castles to Cologne's Gothic cathedral, Germany offers precision engineering, hearty cuisine, and unforgettable festivals like Oktoberfest.
Cities
Where to start in Germany
Cologne
Lively city famous for its cathedral.
Festivalsculture
Berlin
Creative capital with rich modern history.
Culturenightlife
Munich
Elegant city close to the Alps.
Beer culturemuseums
Hamburg
Maritime city with canals and music scene.
Nightlifeharbor
Attractions
Must-see in Germany
Cologne
Berlin
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin’s most iconic landmark and the symbolic heart of the city. It becomes especially impressive in the evening when illuminated.
⏱ 30 to 45 minutes✦ Spring, Summer
Landmark
Munich
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€€
Neuschwanstein Castle
The fairytale mountain castle that inspired Disney. Dramatic alpine setting and one of the most photographed places in Germany.
⏱ Half day✦ Spring, Autumn
Castle
Hamburg
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€
Miniatur Wunderland
The world’s largest miniature model world with detailed cities, airports and landscapes. Surprisingly captivating for adults and kids alike.
⏱ 2 to 3 hours✦ Year round
Museum
Culture & local tips
Travel like you've been before.
Money
Cash is still king
Bakeries, kiosks, beer gardens and many restaurants outside Berlin are cash-only. Always carry 20–50 €.
Sundays
Almost everything closes Sunday
Supermarkets, most shops and offices shut on Sundays nationwide. Train station shops are the main exception.
Transport
Buy and validate
Buy U-Bahn/S-Bahn/tram tickets before boarding and stamp them at the small box on the platform. Random checks are common; fine is 60 €.
Etiquette
Punctuality matters
Being 5 minutes late to a dinner reservation or meeting is considered rude. Show up on time, especially in Bavaria.
Recycling
Pfand on bottles
Plastic and glass bottles carry a 0.08–0.25 € deposit. Return them to any supermarket machine for a voucher.
Tipping
Tell the server the total
Don't leave coins on the table — say the rounded amount out loud when paying (e.g. “28, bitte” on a 26 € bill).
Culinary journey
Discover the authentic flavors of Germany
Dessert
Black Forest Cake
Chocolate sponge cake layered with cream and cherries.
Meal
Bratwurst
Grilled sausage served with mustard and bread roll.
Snack
Pretzel
Soft baked salted bread twist, popular street snack.
Meal
Schnitzel
Breaded and fried meat cutlet served with potatoes or salad.
Speak the language
A little German goes a long way.
Plan the trip. Learn German basics in 10 minutes/day.
Start a free lesson →Phrase starter
- HalloHello
- Danke schönThank you
- BittePlease / You're welcome
- EntschuldigungExcuse me / Sorry
- Sprechen Sie Englisch?Do you speak English?
- Die Rechnung, bitteThe bill, please
Practical info
Before you go.
Visa & entry
Schengen visa required for some nationalities
Connectivity
Strong 4G/5G in cities; widely available WiFi
Keep exploring
