Tourist Popularity

A-

Hotels

Family Friendly

B+

Single Friendly

A-

Senior Friendly

A-

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

Recreation

Nightlife

Restaurants

A-

Crime

InternationalTravel.ai > Germany

Germany

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Summer

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Beer, Castles, Automobiles

Train Access: Yes (deutsche bahn (db), ice (intercity express), regionalbahn, s-bahn, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Deutsche Bahn (DB) Bus, FlixBus, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Hamburger Hochbahn, MVG in Munich, very safe)

Tourist Visa: Non-EU nationals may need a visa to enter Germany, which is part of the Schengen Area. Visas are typically valid for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and the application process involves submitting documents and attending an interview at a German consulate or embassy.

Germany offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers. The country is renowned for its fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein, historic cities such as Berlin and Munich, and the scenic Black Forest. Visitors can explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the vibrant art scene in Hamburg, or the baroque architecture of Dresden. Cultural experiences are plentiful, from the classical music heritage of Leipzig, home to Bach and Mendelssohn, to the contemporary art galleries of Düsseldorf. Dining in Germany is a hearty affair, with regional specialties like Bavarian pretzels, Thuringian bratwurst, and Black Forest gateau. Beer enthusiasts can revel in the country's brewing traditions, particularly during Oktoberfest in Munich. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking in the Bavarian Alps to cycling along the Romantic Road. Unique events such as the Cologne Carnival and the Christmas markets that light up town squares across the country provide festive experiences. Germany's efficient public transportation makes it easy to navigate between urban centers and picturesque countryside, ensuring a diverse experience. Whether it's marveling at Cologne Cathedral, cruising the Rhine River, or attending a Bundesliga football match, Germany offers endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Germany

Weather: Germany experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with snowfall, especially in the mountains, while summers are warm and can occasionally be hot. Spring and autumn are generally mild but can be unpredictable with rain and occasional warm spells. The country's weather is influenced by Atlantic Ocean currents and the topography, leading to regional variations.

Festivals: Oktoberfest in Munich is the world's largest beer festival, attracting millions, while the Berlin Film Festival is a major event for international filmmakers and cinephiles.

Best Destinations for Kids: Europa-Park in Rust is a thrilling amusement park for families, while the Deutsches Museum in Munich engages kids with interactive science exhibits.

Hidden Gem: The Harz Mountains in central Germany are an underrated destination, offering enchanting forests, medieval towns, and the historic Harz Narrow Gauge Railways.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Germany can be a budget-friendly destination with careful planning. Accommodations such as hostels and budget hotels offer affordable lodging, with prices starting around €20-€30 per night for a dorm bed. Eating at street vendors or local bakeries allows for inexpensive meals like currywurst or sandwiches for under €5. Supermarkets also offer budget-friendly options for self-catering. Transportation costs can be minimized by using regional trains or buses, with group day tickets like the Länder-Ticket starting around €23 for unlimited travel in one region. Attractions such as Berlin's Museum Island offer discounted or free entry on certain days, and city walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-want basis. For those looking to enjoy nature, Germany's national parks provide free or low-cost outdoor activities, and the country's extensive network of cycling paths offers a cost-effective way to explore scenic routes.

Accessibility: Germany is generally accessible for older people, with well-maintained sidewalks and public transport systems that include buses and trains equipped with facilities for those with limited mobility.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Germany is both safe and rewarding. The country is known for its low crime rate and efficient public transport, making it easy for solo travelers to navigate. Hostels and guesthouses provide affordable accommodation and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Many cities offer free walking tours, a great way for solo visitors to learn about the area and connect with others. For safety, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in larger cities and when using

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Germany could include visiting Berlin's historical sites, exploring Munich's beer gardens, and taking a day trip to the picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider starting in Berlin, then visiting the cultural hubs of Leipzig and Dresden, followed by the natural beauty of the Black Forest, and ending with a relaxing stay along the Moselle River wine region.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Good Bye Lenin!, The Lives of Others, Run Lola Run, Berlin Syndrome

Popular Foods: German cuisine is hearty and rich, with dishes such as Bratwurst (grilled sausage), Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), and Schnitzel (breaded and fried meat cutlet) being very popular. Desserts like Black Forest cake, a chocolate sponge cake with cherries and whipped cream, and Apfelstrudel, a pastry filled with apples and cinnamon, are also widely enjoyed.

Unusual Eats: Sülze, also known as head cheese, is a jellied meat dish made from pig's head or calf's feet that can be off-putting to some visitors due to its texture and appearance.

Popular Sports: football, handball, basketball, ice hockey, tennis

Popular Teams: FC Bayern Munich (football), Borussia Dortmund (football), Alba Berlin (basketball), Eisbären Berlin (ice hockey)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered rude to be late in Germany, as punctuality is highly valued. Also, Germans value their privacy and personal space, so it's important not to ask overly personal questions or engage in physical contact, such as hugging, with someone you've just met. Additionally, it is a faux pas to wish someone a happy birthday before the actual day, as it is believed to bring bad luck.