Germany is an incredible country to visit! Not only that, it’s totally diverse, too. From the most vibrant and historic German cities, to the stunning places in the Black Forest, there are many of the best places in Germany to visit all across the country.
Now, this in itself is a great thing, yeah? Well, in theory, it is.. but it can be difficult to whittle down a list of places to visit during your trip to Germany.
So, to make it nice and easy for you, I’m sharing some of our best places in Germany to visit. We loved every single one, and for so many different reasons.
Honestly, there’s something for everyone to visit in Germany. You’re going to love it.
Have an amazing trip to Germany.
1.) Cologne
With centuries of history, Cologne is one of the best German Cities to visit whilst exploring. Nestled on the western fringes of the country, it’s the kind of city that’s got a good mix of everything and is great for a weekend break.
Now, for me, the most impressive landmark has to be the Cologne Cathedral. Located on the River Rhine’s bank, it stands proudly overlooking Cologne and is well worth a visit. Not only that, it’s got so much history within its walls. The Cathedral’s Gothic building was the Middle Ages’ most ambitious building project ever seen – even now, it’s just so impressive.
Of course, once inside, you’re going to head up the South Tower for the panoramic views over Cologne. Just be warned, there are a few hundred steps which can be tough when it’s busy.
Afterwards, head over to Museum Ludwig for its incredible modern art and pop inside the Cologne Chocolate Museum. It’s delicious.
Just make sure to book these Chocolate Museum tickets before arriving in Cologne. This way, you can guarantee entry during your visit.
Read more: Best things to do in Cologne
2.) Rothenburg ob der Tauber
One of the most vibrant and colourful places in Germany is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Well, in my opinion at least!
Perched within the fringes of Northern Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best places in Germany to visit and has been included in the route of the Romantic Road for many years.
Honestly, there is so much history in this relatively small town. In fact, the towers and walls of the place have remained untouched since the 1600s.
It’s so beautiful and almost feels like time has stood still in the historic centre. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that Rothenburg ob der Tauber is perfectly preserved, making it an incredible place to visit for a day trip.
After arriving, be sure to ramble across the town on foot, especially around Plönlein. It’s the best way to explore Rothenburg ob der, Tauber. Just make sure you take some really comfy shoes with you! Oh yeah, and make sure to pop inside the Rothenburg Museum and see the Castle Gate.
Whilst exploring Germany, you can easily visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber whilst travelling between Nuremberg and Stuttgart.
Read more: Best German cities to visit
3.) Hamburg
One treasure of the Elbe River is the city of Hamburg. Trust me when I say, there are so many epic spots to see in Hamburg!
Although it might not seem to have the ‘edge’ of Berlin – it packs a hefty punch as one of the best places in Germany to visit for a city trip.
Traditionally known as an important and busy port, Hamburg is now the second largest city in Germany and a spot we’ve always loved visiting.
To get a good feel of the city, book this Hamburg City Cruise before arriving. This way, you’ll get to see the city from a whole different perspective and won’t have to join the queues for tickets once you arrive.
Afterwards, head inside the Elphi (Elbphilharmonie Hamburg) to catch a performance in one of Hamburg’s most iconic buildings.
Also, don’t forget about the Neo-Renaissance Rathaus is one specific landmark in Hamburg that you can’t miss.
If you fancy a more relaxing day, check out Planten un Blomen and explore the city’s park on foot. It’s like a little oasis.
Read more: Best things to do in Hamburg
4.) Dresden
Right inside the Saxony region of Germany, Dresden is a city that’s about the size of Edinburgh in the UK. This makes it big enough to be totally vibrant and filled with things to do – but also small enough to get around on a long weekend.
Formerly known as the Jewel Box, Dresden houses several lavish collections of architecture and art. This is especially true within the palatial estate of Zwinger.
Oh, and don’t forget about Bruehl’s Terrace’s beautiful plaza and Fürstenzug which shows off historical Saxon rulers in mosaics.
Finally, be sure to see the Dresden Frauenkirche reconstruction. Sadly, the original was destroyed in the war – but the new one has followed the same architectural style and materials as the original. It’s stunning.
Read more: Best German cities to visit
5.) Munich
Known as Bavaria’s capital, Munich is certainly a totally beautiful city and one of the best places in Germany to visit. Not only that, Munich can be your gateway to the wider region of Bavaria and can easily be the starting or ending point of your trip.
After arriving, head over to the Baroque beauty of Nymphenburg Palace. It’s the historic summer home of Bavarian rulers and is totally beautiful inside. Yes, you’ll pay a small fee to enter – but it’s totally worth it.
For its cafes, ornate buildings and little shops, head over to Marienplatz. It’s the bustling historic centre of Munich and a spot you likely won’t miss. You’ve also got Victuals Market close by which is a great place to try local produce and sweet treats. They’re all so yummy.
Oh, and don’t forget about the beautiful Schleissheim Palace. It’s just outside the city centre and is stunning to see. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of our favourite palaces we saw in all of Munich.
Finally, don’t forget you can book this Neuschwanstein and Linderhof ticket that will take you on a day trip from Munich. It’s well worth it as they take all the stress out of travelling through Bavaria and they include entry into the main spots.
Read more: Best things to do in Munich
6.) Bamberg
Often called the Rome of Franconia, Bamberg is a town built on seven hills which is a stunner to explore – especially in the historic centre.
Filled with magnificent mansions, preserved timber-framed dwellings, cobblestone streets and the beer culture make this a firm favourite when road-tripping across Bavaria.
After arriving, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the colourful fishermen’s houses and the City Hall of Bamberg. It stands on its very own little island.
Read more: Best places in Bavaria to visit
7.) Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a gem of a city to explore at any time of year and we’ve visited in both summer and winter. That being said, there’s something very special about a wintery trip to this German city.
You see, during the festive period, Nuremberg holds its grand Christkindlesmarkt. This is one of the most-awaited markets in the region and the most visited in Germany.
Make sure to stock up on some gluhwein, grab some toffee apples and gorge on the cinnamon-toasted waffles. Yum!
Though don’t fret if you’re visiting Nuremberg in the warmer months, you can also explore St. Lorenz Church and the medieval Imperial Castle.
We loved walking around the latter, which took a few hours.
Read more: Best places in Bavaria to visit
8.) Stuttgart
Over the years, we’ve visited Stuttgart many times… and loved it!
Although its gem, for us, is the iconic Christmas Market, Stuttgart has so much more going for it. After arriving, check out the Mercedes Benz Museum, the art museum of Staatsgalerie Stuttgart and the Porsche Museum.
Trust me, if you love cars, you will love Stuttgart.
If cars aren’t your thing, head to Ludwigsburg Palace (which is beautiful) or check out the medieval city of Esslingen which is really close by.
Oh, and if it’s German castles you love, drive a wee bit from Stuttgart to check out Hohenzollern Castle which stands proudly overlooking the region.
It’s like something out of a fairytale and not too far from the centre of Stuttgart.
Read more: Best things to do in Stuttgart
9.) Quedlinburg
When travelling through the Saxony-Anhalt region, one great place to stop is Quedlinburg. It’s honestly like stepping back in time.
Unlike some cities in Germany, Quedlinburg survived the Second World War without serious damage, and there are numerous Renaissance and medieval buildings located that have been protected and still stand tall in the city.
Walk along the cobblestoned streets and head off to see Falkenstein Castle which dates all the way back to the middle ages. Also, don’t forget to check out the hiking trails around Hamburger Wappen.
It’s probably one of the area’s most unusual geological features and well worth heading out to see on a sunny day.
10.) Regensburg
Marked as one of Bavaria’s most beautiful towns, Regensburg stays is one of the best places in Germany to visit as you meander through the castles and palaces of Bavaria.
Now, for us, one of the best ways to explore Regensburg is by foot. Head across the Old Stone Bridge and meander the cobbled streets towards the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady Regensburg. It’s one of the oldest catholic places of worship in all of Bavaria.
11.) Dusseldorf
People seem to either love or hate Dusseldorf… but I’m gonna let you decide!
We’ve stayed in the city on a number of occasions and, to be honest, we didn’t mind it at all. It’s got that lovely mixture of modern and old vibes and a pretty young vibe. Which, if I’m honest, makes it quite a lively city and totally fun.
Love beer? Well, the cobbled alleyways of Dusseldorf are known today as the world’s longest bar, catering to every palette with German beer and various brews from around the country.
Once here, you can stroll the city, skate in the winter and festival in the summer. It’s a city that’s got something for every season.
If you’ve got time, head out of the city centre and pop into the Baroque Schloss Benrath. It’s a stunning palace built back in the 1700s.
Read more: Best German cities to visit
12.) Bavaria
Although I’ve mentioned places in Bavaria before, I have to admit, the whole region is just beautiful to visit. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the best places in Germany to visit for a road trip and well worth the drive.
Of course, you have to explore the totally iconic Neuschwanstein Castle that was built by King Ludwig II. It’s totally stunning to see and probably one of the world’s most iconic castles.
Afterwards, make sure to see Schloss Hohenschwangau and check out the beautiful Linderhof Palace – which we loved. Yes, it might be one of the smaller palaces, but it’s totally gorgeous.
If you’re not all castled out, head on over to Herrenchiemsee Palace which is probably one of our favourite palaces built by King Ludwig II.
Unlike Neuschwanstein Castle which is much more subdued inside, Herrenchiemsee Palace is even grander! it’s his largest palace ever built and still stands proudly to this day.
Fancy heading further south in Bavaria, head over to Zugspitze and scale the tallest mountain in Germany. Though fear not, you don’t have to climb it, there’s a cable car that will take you right to the top.
The views are honestly breathtaking and well worth going up for an hour to see the stunning Alps from above.
Afterwards, spend some time strolling around the beautiful Eibsee Lake. We spent a whole day here and would definitely recommend it.
Read more: Best places in Bavaria to visit
13.) Black Forest
Fancy getting out in the natural beauty of Germany? Then head over to the best spots in the Black Forest. It’s one of the best places in Germany to visit and is so beautiful.
Now, if this sounds like your kind of trip, make sure to rent a car. This way, you can explore the Black Forest with ease – all without stressing about public transport, which is less developed in this region.
Once here, check out the Wildline Suspension Bridge and head up to the Treetop Walk, Bad Wildbad. The views from above the forest are gorgeous.
Also, head over to the historic city of Baden-Baden. An old gambling haunt for French visitors and royalty from centuries ago.
Now, to make things easier, we followed the Black Forest High Route (B500) and it made our road trip totally easy. It’s around 80-90km in length and goes from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. We kept stopping every 10 minutes to see the views and little spots along the way.
Read more: Best things to do in the Black Forest
14.) Berlin
The capital of Germany, Berlin has loads going for it – especially for us lot that loves to visit.
Once here, be sure to check out the glass dome of The Reichstag, see the remnants of the Berlin Wall and spot the beautiful Berlin Cathedral. It’s a city that truly needs about 3-4 days to get a taste of what it’s all about. Even then, you won’t see it all.
Afterwards, head over to the East Side Gallery and take the metro line to Potsdam on the outskirts of Berlin. Here, you can explore some of the gorgeous palaces that line the area – they’re so beautiful to see.
Also, you can book these Berlin viewpoint tickets to see the views across the city. It’s well worth it as you’ll also get to skip the line for tickets when you arrive.
Finally, be sure to pay your respects at the poignant Holocaust Memorial. It’s such a moving place.
Read more: Best things to do in Berlin
15.) Bernkastel Kues
Nestled within the Moselle Valley, Bernkastel Kues is a petite little town that’s like going back to the 1600s.
Whilst here, be sure to walk the historic centre and check out all the timber-framed buildings and historic that literally line every street. It’s honestly so beautiful and one of our favourite spots to visit when exploring the Moselle Valley region of Germany.
We spent a good few days in this area, even though you don’t need that much time to explore Bernkastel Kues itself.
If you’ve got extra time, make sure to ramble around the Moselle Loop and stop off at some of the wineries that make this one of the best wine regions in Europe.
Read more: Best German cities to visit
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