What to See in Germany and Where to Go

From enchanting historic cities and villages to stunning mountain scenery, Germany offers something for everyone. Learn about history and culture in Berlin, Dresden, and Frankfurt while a trip to the Rhine Valley is sure to take your breath away with its picture-perfect castles and vineyards.

In Hamburg, a visit to the world’s largest model railway attraction (Miniatur Wunderland) will captivate families. Meanwhile, modern art fans will find their bliss in the Pinakothek Museum of Modern Art.

Berlin

One of the most exciting cities in Germany, Berlin is home to a slew of incredible architectural treasures that attract visitors from all over the globe. Whether you are looking to splurge on designer fashion or explore the country’s rich history, there is something for everyone here.

Start your day off right by hopping on a tour to see the city’s top landmarks including the famous Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Then head over to the spectacular Gendarmenmarkt which is home to both the Deutscher Dom and the Franzosischer Dom (French Cathedral) that was built by the Huguenots in the early 18th century. During the winter, this square is also home to one of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Museum Island is also a must-see attraction in Berlin. Sandwiched between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben, a 400-meter-long canal, this massive attraction is home to many of Berlin’s oldest and most significant museums such as the Old Museum (Altes Museum) that was built in 1830 to house the Crown Jewels.

You can also hop on a tour to visit the Topography of Terror which is a sobering and educational look at the Nazi government’s SS Reich Main Security Office. Or check out the Museum Flat WBS 70 which is a real three-room apartment that was left untouched when it was turned into a museum and learn about what it was like to live in East Berlin during the Cold War.

If all this walking and exploring has worked up your appetite, head over to the KaDeWe or Kaufhaus des Westens which is a giant department store that offers virtually everything you could ever need from expensive shoes to fresh produce. Then finish your day by scaling the Berlin TV Tower for a splurge on bubbles and Currywurst while enjoying an amazing view over the entire city.

It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Germany in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Berlin you can rent a car from 17 euros per day, in Munich - from 18 euros per day.

Dresden

Germany’s capital city offers something for everyone, from a buzzing nightlife scene to restorative green spaces. The city also pays homage to its ominous past with impactful and humbling attractions, such as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie. Art lovers can explore the impactful East Side Gallery (on the Berlin Wall) or more traditional galleries at Museum Island.

From Baroque splendor at the Dresden Zwinger to the Renaissance beauty of the Dresden Royal Palace, this city is made for architecture enthusiasts. Bruhl’s Terrace, which towers high above the River Elbe and Kurort Rathen town, and the Dresden Castle are must-sees, as is Frauenkirche, which stands proudly in the center of the Old Town. For something a little more quirky, head to the Kunsthofpassage to see buildings adorned with ornamental details, including drainpipes that play music when it rains.

One of Germany’s most beautiful cities, Dresden is a sight to behold. In addition to the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the Semperoper opera house, and the Church of Our Lady, the city is known for Saxony Switzerland landscapes, a number of castles, and the gardens of the palace complex at Pillnitz.

The city is also home to 12 of the country’s most important state art collections, which include Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and works from the golden era of German painting. One of the most forward-thinking museums in Europe, the Dresden State Art Collections is a must-see for art buffs.

Leipzig is a city of surprises, from the guildhalls and marketplace in the historic city center to hidden passages and chic arcades. This is a city that’s also home to a huge zoo, which constantly extends its grounds so that animals can roam freely and live in natural habitats.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a port city through and through, but this industrial heartland isn’t all concrete and steel. It has a stylish side too – from the red brick architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Speicherstadt ("Warehouse City") to the sleek, contemporary look of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, there are plenty of chic ways to explore its waterfront location. It’s also a very pretty place, lined with canals and the picturesque Alster Lake, along which you can wander past boutique shops, cafes, galleries, and markets.

The International Maritime Museum (Internationales Maritimesmuseum Hamburg, or IMMH) is an excellent starting point for learning more about the city’s rich seafaring heritage. It’s spread across multiple floors within one of the city’s iconic red-brick warehouses in Speicherstadt, and its thousands of exhibits range from ancient navigational devices to miniature ships in glass bottles.

Another highlight is the dazzling Miniatur Wunderland, which bills itself as the world’s largest model railway. You’ll easily spend hours exploring its remarkably detailed airports, complete with planes that actually take off, as well as its quaint villages, bustling cities, and crowded harbors.

For more cultural fun, the Kunsthalle Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthalle der Deutschen Kunstsammlung) is worth a visit. Its vast collection could keep you busy for a whole day, from old masters like Goya, Rembrandt, and Rubens to the work of 19th-century luminaries such as Caspar David Friedrich, Max Liebermann, and Manet. You’ll also find modern art, including works by Paul Klee, Franz Marc, and Tracey Emin.

Nuremberg

There are many sights to see in Germany, from the energetic capital of Berlin to the stunning mountain scenery of Berchtesgaden. For history buffs there are grand castles and cathedrals as well as quaint medieval old towns. Culture lovers will find museums, galleries and plenty of festivals and fairs to enjoy while nature enthusiasts will discover a huge variety of outdoor activities and scenic landscapes.

One of the most popular things to do in Nuremberg is to take a walking tour that includes visits to Hauptmarkt with its golden fountain, Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), and Albrecht Durer’s House. Other must-see attractions include the city walls and the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which have been turned into a museum and are a sobering reminder of Germany’s dark past.

Another of the most popular things to do in Nuremberg in the summer is to visit the castle gardens, which are lovely and green with a lake, winding pathways and beautiful trees. Another highlight is the zoo, which has everything from polar bears to giraffes and is home to a number of endangered animals.

Getting around Nuremberg is very easy with the efficient S-Bahn train system. If possible, it’s best to leave your car at the airport and hop on a train or bus straight into town. If you have a lot of time, you might want to rent a bike for an exploration of the city center and beyond, or join a guided cycling tour with a local guide.

Neuschwanstein

If you’re planning to visit Germany, there are countless landmarks and attractions for you to choose from. From the energetic capital city of Berlin to the stunning mountain scenery of Bavaria, the country has something for everyone. But which are the most popular sights that attract travelers from all over the world? A survey conducted by the German National Tourist Board found that the most visited tourist attractions in Germany include Berlin’s impactful East Side Gallery and Museum Island. It’s also worth visiting the memorial to those murdered during the Holocaust, and if you’re a history buff you shouldn’t miss out on a visit to Checkpoint Charlie.

Among the most popular castles in Europe, Neuschwanstein is located in southern Bavaria near Munich. It is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world, and it’s a must-visit for any traveler to Germany. The best way to see the castle is by reserving a guided tour. It’s important to reserve a tour ahead of time, as tours are only available during certain seasons.

Another of the most visited sites in Germany is the Brandenburg Gate, which was built over 300 years ago and is a symbol of freedom. It’s a must-see attraction for any visitor to Berlin, and it should be combined with a trip to Charlottenburg Palace. The huge palace is only a short distance from Berlin’s city centre, and it offers visitors some gorgeous gardens to stroll through.

If you’re a car lover, it’s a must to drive on the famous Autobahn, which is known for its broad and well-maintained roads. Nuremberg, the second-largest city in Bavaria, is a historic destination that pays homage to its medieval and more recent history with the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Memorium Nuremberg Trials museum. It’s also home to the vast Germanisches Nationalmuseum, a must-visit for any art lover.