7 Best Places to Visit in Germany
Bacharach in the Rhine Valley, Germany
Germany is one of Europe’s most dazzling travel locations, boasting countless must-see destinations across the country.
From its snow-covered alps to the soft winding banks of the Rhine River, the true beauty of the country combines nature’s splendor with its remarkable culture, bringing together magical forests, fairytale villages, historic monasteries producing delicious beer and scenic vineyards crafting historical wines.
The cities, villages, and towns in Germany create cultural treats and temptations that you don’t just visit, but experience. Here are Germany’s top 7 destinations.
1. Berlin
Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is not just the capital of Germany but a city that captures the intense diversity of the entire country. The city moves to its own rhythm that reflects the artistic culture, distinctive history, and eclectic mixture of classic institutions and contemporary life. It is a combination of glamour and grit that can take you from the grandeur of the Baroque to the cutting edge of modern architecture. Also a culinary hotspot, Berlin is known for its gastronomic influence around the world, and is a global trendsetter in theater and music. Berlin is always inviting and endlessly surprising with its unparalleled aesthetic and relaxed pace.
Highlights: Brandenburg Gate | Museum Island | Berlin Wall Memorial | Checkpoint Charlie | Charlottenburg Palace and Park
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
2. Rhine Valley
Reichenstein Castle in the Rhine Gorge, Germany
The Rhine River flows between the lush hills and slopes of the Rhenish Mountains, setting a dramatic scene beneath fortified castles, forested hills, and terraced vineyards. Whether winding along the waters or visiting idyllic villages, the Rhine Valley has crafted an ambiance direct from a fairytale, where you will discover an idyllic backdrop of the past with touches of contemporary luxury. With hiking, cycling, wine tasting, or lounging on a riverboat, the Rhine Valley is a paradise taken from a storybook, in which you can explore at your own pace.
Highlights: Rhine Gorge | Museums of Mainz | Worms Cathedral | Mannheim | Wiesbaden Braubach and Marksburg Castle
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
3. Munich
Marienplatz in Munich, Germany
Munich is a city of connected contrasts, where tradition and modernity intermingle in the streets. With an edgy art scene juxtaposed against men wearing customary lederhosen and high-tech cars driving down cobblestone streets, you can find contemporary elegance in the likes of the English Gardens and BMW Museum or the treasure trove of traditional beer halls and medieval walls. From the charming glockenspiel to elegant palaces, Munich is a city rich in custom and dazzles with exuberant celebrations.
Highlights: Marienplatz | English Garden | Nymphenburg Palace | Munich Residenz | BMW Museum | Dachau Concentration Memorial Site
Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days
4. Black Forest
Schiltach, Germany
The traditional home of cuckoo clocks, half-timbered villages, and deep woodland, the Black Forest brings the distinctive ambiance of fairytales to life. With waterfalls and lakes, storybook villages and delectable cuisine, the Black Forest has embraced tradition and moved beyond its past to create an idyllic escape from the contemporary cities of Germany. The immersive woodlands offer forest trails, scenic roads, and exceptional views of where the preserved past and persistent present converge.
Highlights: Freiburg im Breisgau Munster | Triberg Waterfalls | Schiltach | Black Forest Open-Air Museum | Gengenbach
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
5. Baden-Baden
Licthentaler Allee in Baden-Baden, Germany
Mineral-rich spas, Roman history, and the ambiance of Old-World luxury create an alluring atmosphere in Baden-Baden. The curative waters have attracted royals and celebrities over the centuries who were eager to soothe their bodies and enjoy the greater ambiance of the surrounding Black Forest. With colonnaded buildings, whimsical turrets, and Art Nouveau villas, the town’s opulence reflects the natural beauty of the woodland, prairies, and hills accentuated by perfect weather.
Highlights: Licthentaler Allee | Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths | MerkurBergbahn | Hohenbaden Castle | Museum Frieder Burda | Opera House
Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days
6. Dresden
Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany
The glamour of the Baroque only scratches the surface of Dresden’s charm as it rises from the banks of the Elbe River. Lavish palaces, towering churches, and vast collections of art and antiquity add to the underlying allure of the city’s historic wealth of heritage. Blossoming gardens, glinting domes, and glittering palaces shape the city’s striking silhouette. With celebrated restaurants and elegant shops, Dresden captures the past while creating one of the most vibrant cities in Germany.
Highlights: Frauenkirche | Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery | Semper Opera | Bruh’s Terrace | Pillnitz Palace
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
7. Rothenberg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The town of Rothenburg crowns Germany’s Romantic Road with a tangled web of cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses. The town feels straight out of a storybook and reflects the charm of a preserved medieval design, especially when cast in the serene glow of the evening lamps. As the streets weave along the banks of the River Tauber, the charms of Rothenberg flood the atmosphere with feelings of romance and timeless charisma. Rothenberg also offers a fascinating open-air museum in which you can walk through the past and enjoy the present.
Highlights: Old Town | Town Hall | Old Town Walls | Plonlein | St. James’s Church | Castle Gardens
Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days
How many days is enough to see Germany?
Biebrich Castle in Wiesbaden, Germany
10 to 12 days is a great amount of time for a Germany trip. Germany is relatively young as a country and did not unite until the 19th century, which means each region of Germany has maintained a culture specific to its distinct heritage and history. 10 to 12 days give plenty of time to visit the top highlights as well as the opportunity to further explore other destinations at your preferred pace.
More Travel Information & Tips
Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, Germany
Germany proudly boasts as one of Europe’s most charming destinations, with sensational architecture, art, and cuisine calling your name. From famous fairytale villages to peaceful mountaintop resorts, each new destination in Germany offers a new immersive experience of the country’s must-see destinations. Are you planning a trip? You can speak with a travel specialist from Germany for free by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our friendly team at 1-888-265-9707.
