Travel advice for Germany
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Germany
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Steve Vickers
updated 25.06.2020
Few other European capitals can compete with Berlin, a city that’s simultaneously funky, cultured, gritty and glamorous. And whether you want to see museums, or be seen at trendy galleries, there are enough free things to do in Berlin to keep you busy for a week or more.
For far-reaching views across Berlin, climb to the top of the glass dome that rises above Germany’s parliament building. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and completed in 1999, it has a rooftop terrace and restaurant, both of which are open to the public. Visiting is free, but advance registration is required.
Walking beside the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall is a rite of passage for any first-time visitor, providing a chance to reflect on the city’s divided past. Known as the East Side Gallery, this mural-covered section of the wall follows the River Spree for more than 1.3km.
Berlin Wall with TV Tower © pixelklex/Shutterstock
Centred on the towering sandstone Victory Column, Tiergarten is home to Berlin’s biggest park – and where locals come to picnic, barbecue and unwind. There are more than 23km of pathways and running tracks weaving through the park, linking flower-filled meadows with chiselled sculptures and beer gardens.
Planning your trip to Berlin? Don't miss our guide to where to stay in Berlin.
A sobering sight, the expansive Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe features more than 2,700 slate-grey blocks arranged in a series of disorientating lines. It’s free to wander among the slabs, and visitors are invited to explore the subterranean information centre, which documents the extermination of European Jews.
Flower in Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin © EvrenKalinbacak/Shutterstock
Berlin’s art scene moves at breakneck speed, with new exhibitions opening every month. To find out what’s hot right now, check out the free galleries on Auguststraße, in Berlin Mitte, many of which double as restaurants.
Every Wednesday at 9pm, the B-flat Jazz Club on Rosenthaler Straße hosts free-to-watch jam sessions led by double bass extraordinaire Robin Draganic. The quality of the musicianship is consistently top-notch.
Run by locals, Alternative Berlin aims to help tourists get closer to the city’s many subcultures. The company’s free tours, which run daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, call at artists’ squats, urban farms and daytime raves. Paid-for tours are also offered.
This ‘ecomarket’, which sets up in the trendy neighbourhood of Prenzlauer Berg every Thursday, isn’t the cheapest place to eat. But resist the bounty of organic goodies, from plump red berries to bratwurst, and browsing is still enjoyable. A predominantly organic market also sets up here on Saturdays.
This grand, tree-lined boulevard cuts an east-west line through the historic centre of Berlin, and is home to some of the city’s most imposing landmarks. At its western end is the Brandenburg Gate, the immense neo-classical arch that has come to symbolise unity in modern Germany.
Topography of Terror © SAHACHATZ/Shutterstock
The permanent indoor exhibition at this sombre museum, built on the site of old Nazi buildings, looks at the crimes committed by the Gestapo and the SS under the Third Reich. Outside, an “exhibition trench” shows how the Nazis gained support in Berlin and began using the city as a political base.
Find even more things to do in Berlin in our detailed guide.
9 days / from2263 USD
A self drive exploration of UNESCO Sites in Southern Germany
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across different German states. This self drive trip allows you to design your own days with recommendations stated for each day.
customize ⤍7 days / from2905 USD
Explore Berlin and Potsdam in depth
The German capital Berlin has plenty to offer: from historical sites to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy this private tour to explore a wide range of activities in Berlin and Potsdam, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
customize ⤍8 days / from1501 USD
Explore Northern Germany on Your Own
From Bremen to Stralsund - Northern Germany offers plenty of gems to explore. With well-developed public transportation links, this itinerary is suited for everyone wanting to explore on their own - getting lost on the cobble-stoned streets of many UNESCO World Heritage Highlights.
customize ⤍15 days / from6264 USD
Capitals of Europe - Berlin, Prague, Vienna and more
This trip is ideal for all city & culture lovers: the Reichstag in Berlin, the castle in Prague, historical Cesky Krumlov, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the fortress above Salzburg and Schloss Neuschwanstein near Munich - these are just some of the highlights of this incredible roundup trip.
customize ⤍11 days / from4212 USD
Castles across Austria and Czechia
Austria and Czechia are home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture and culture gems, such as Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Prague castle, the fortress above Salzburg and many more. Finish your tour with a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein before flying out of Munich.
customize ⤍12 days / from4536 USD
Best of Germany
Germany has a lot to offer to visitors: history buffs will enjoy guided tours in Berlin and Dresden, children (and those at heart) will marvel at Schloss Neuschwanstein, scenery lovers will appreciate Rothenburg and the Black Forest. This trip truly has something for everybody!
customize ⤍11 days / from3510 USD
Exclusive trip to Prague and Austria
Explore the main highlights of Central Europe: fascinating Prague & historical Cesky Krumlov, the highlights of Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria and then further on to Germany - get in the Disney spirit at Schloss Neuschwanstein.
customize ⤍8 days / from1134 USD
Discover Saxony
Saxony is one of Europe’s most versatile destinations for art and culture. However, it is not just a treasure trove for culture buffs and city breakers but also features stunningly beautiful landscapes for adventures and active breaks in the great outdoors.
customize ⤍12 days / from5346 USD
Oktoberfest in Germany & Beer culture in Austria & Czechia
Oktoberfest is a 2-week festival held in Munich/Germany. The first weekend of October is traditionally the last weekend of the festival, so plan accordingly. Before or after, head to Austria and Czechia for some more insights in to European beer culture.
customize ⤍5 days / from1058 USD
Saxony - a first impression
Embark on an exploration tour through Saxony starting in Dresden. A 5-day “taster journey” combines cultural highlights and romantic spots in and around the state capital and make your way to Leipzig. The ideal tour for a perfect "first impression".
customize ⤍11 days / from4212 USD
Beer culture in Czechia, Austria and Germany
Beer is an important part of Central European culture and this trip allows you to get to know this part in more detail - Pilsner brewery in Czechia, the famous Hofbräuhaus in Munich, the small and unique Stiegl brewery in Salzburg - get your taste buds ready for lots of Beer-liciousness.
customize ⤍8 days / from4298 USD
An active outdoor trip for the whole family in Germany & Austria
Discover 'The Sound of Music' in Salzburg, swim in the lake at Zell am See, go hiking in the mountains of Kitzbühel, and get to know the world's most famous castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria. Start and end to the tour is Munich and you can easily extend your days here.
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written by Steve Vickers
updated 25.06.2020
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Germany
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