Travel advice for Germany
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Germany
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 09.04.2025
Planning a trip to Germany but not sure where to go, and how long you need? Read on to be inspired by an expert-curated Germany itinerary for 7 days, along with ideas for how to expand your trip into a 10-day adventure. As a bonus, we also share a 14-day itinerary that covers Germany, Austria and Switzerland, which is sure to give you more food for thought. In short, your unforgettable experience of Germany starts right here.
Recommended Germany itineraries
From super-cool metropolises loaded with history and cutting-edge culture, to cities stacked with Baroque beauty, fairy-tale towns, and Alpine magic, the following Germany itineraries cover a lot of bases.
Before we dig deeper into day-by-day details, here’s an overview of what’s in store:
- 7 days in Germany: in a week, you can cover top attractions in a trio of inviting Germany cities — bold Berlin, Baroque Dresden and magical Munich.
- 10 days in Germany: in 10 days, you can add Nuremburg, Bamburg, and an enchanting fairy tale castle into the mix.
- Bonus! 2 weeks in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: if you have 14 days to spare, consider enjoying a multi-country trip. In this case, we cover charming highlights of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Trip on the horizon? Our Germany travel tips will have you hitting the ground running.
Berlin more than deserves to be featured in any decent Germany itinerary © Shutterstock
Germany itinerary 7 days
Ideal for first-timers who are short on time, this suggested Germany itinerary for 7 days focusses on a trio of top cities. Namely, Berlin, Dresden and Munich.
Delivering a pretty diverse flavor of German history and culture, plus plenty of scenic charm, this has been designed to be enjoyed at a comfortable pace.
As such, it’s also a good option for folks who are thinking of traveling to Germany with kids.
Day 1: Arrive in Berlin, soak up top sights
After arriving in Germany’s infectiously vibrant capital — and after you’ve done deep research into where to stay in Berlin — check into your accommodation and head out to hit some of the city’s iconic sights.
Handily, you can visit the historic Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building, Unter den Linden and Tiergarten Park in one varied sight-seeing session. And happily, they’re all among the best things to do in Berlin.
Next, make your way to Potsdamer Platz to see the city’s more modern, urban side. It’s fair to say, Berlin blends centuries of history with fresh design, street art, and cultural depth at every turn.
On a budget? You’ll want to wise up on great things to do in Berlin for free.
Day 2: Discover the best Berlin museums
On the morning of day two, dive into Berlin’s 20th-century history at the Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, and Checkpoint Charlie.
Next, head to Museuminsel (Museum Island) to discover world-class art and archaeology, or try the DDR Museum for an immersive look at East German life.
East Side Gallery, Berlin
Day 3: Take the train to Dresden
A shift in scenery is in store on day two, when you’ll take a morning train to Dresden — a city that stands in stark contrast to Berlin’s grit and modernity.
Devastated during WWII, an incredible post-reunification restoration project became a metaphor for reconciliation. Today, seeing the refurbished Baroque architecture of the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House should be top of your sightseeing list.
Come the early evening, take a stroll along the Elbe River to soak up Dresden’s serene, art-filled old town.
Day 4: Discover Dresden in more depth
Day 4 is devoted to discovering some of Dresden’s art and cultural attractions, among them the Green Vault Baroque Treasury and the Old Masters Gallery, with Panometer Dresden offering more immersive exhibits.
That afternoon, either enjoy a relaxing river cruise or rent bikes to explore the Elbe cycle path.
After dark, taste some hearty Saxony specialties in a riverside beer garden, or Neustadt, Dresden’s bohemian quarter.
Zwinger Palace, Dresden, Germany © Shutterstock
Day 5: Transfer to Munich for Bavarian charm
Day five will see you take a scenic 4.5-hour train ride to train Munich — the beautiful capital of Bavaria that blends Alpine charm with modern museums, excellent shopping, and world-class beer gardens.
After checking into your accommodation (on that subject, read up on where to stay in Munich), head out to explore Marienplatz, soak up the sight (and sounds) of the city’s famous Glockenspiel, and perhaps chill out in the elegant English Garden.
Day 6: Explore Munich’s museums and castles
On day six, depending on your interests, either spend the morning exploring Nymphenburg Palace, or else the visit the interactive Deutsches Museum.
As for the afternoon, while families are sure to love Hellabrunn Zoo, others might want to hit BMW World or Olympiapark.
Either way, we suggest spending your last night in Munich (and Germany, for that matter) dining in a local tavern. Want something lively? Head out for dinner and music at the legendary Hofbräuhaus.
Like the sound of Munich? Discover how many days you need in Munich.
Day 7: Depart Munich
Before heading to the airport, spend your last morning in Munich shopping at Viktualienmarkt or relaxing in a café.
Viktualienmarkt, Munich © Shutterstock
Germany itinerary 10 days
With an extra three days in Germany, we suggest spending longer in Berlin, and expanding your horizons to include Nuremburg and Bamburg, along with visiting a rather sublime fairy tale castle within reach of Munich.
Including a fair few of the best places to visit in Germany, each day blends the destinations’ top highlights, with manageable travel times enabling you to soak up the experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Berlin
After landing in Berlin and settling in, start your exploration of the city along the pretty Unter den Linden boulevard, stopping off for kaffee before seeing the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag.
After devoting a few hours to the moving, informative Holocaust Memorial in the late-afternoon, take stock of your first day in Berlin over dinner in the lively Mitte district, or else head to cool Kreuzberg for a more cosmopolitan vibe.
Day 2: Uncover Berlin’s culture and history
Spend the morning of day two visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery.
Next, it’s time to hit the UNESCO-designated Museum Island. With five world-class museums to discover, be sure to check out which you most want to see, or else allow enough time to visit them all.
Day 3: Travel to Dresden
On day three, it’s time to take a two-hour train to Dresden.
Walkable, scenic, and exuding an appealing relaxed vibe, spend the afternoon taking in its Baroque glories, with the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and Green Vault must-see sights.
Day 4: Explore Dresden
Rise early on day four to enjoy a relaxed river cruise along the Elbe River. For something more active, hire a bike to take to the riverside paths.
Into history? Visit the Panometer, a museum dedicated to the bombing of Dresden in WWII, while those traveling with kids could consider heading to the family-friendly Dresden Transport Museum.
Come the afternoon, relax in the glorious Großer Garten, and be sure stop off for coffee at a traditional café.
Zwinger Palace, Dresden © Daniel Clarke
Day 5: Travel to Nuremberg
Day 5 will see you take a three-hour train to Nuremberg — a charming walled city that’s rich in history, from medieval times, through to notable WWII events.
Walking the town walls and visiting Nuremberg Castle are the best places to start soaking up the city’s magic. Also note that the city’s Christkindlesmarkt is arguably the world’s best Christmas market — something to consider when deciding to visit.
While art lovers really must visit Albrecht Dürer House, we also rate the Toy Museum for visitors of all ages — not just kids! It showcases treasures of the kind you might get to buy if you visit the Christkindlesmarkt.
Day 6: Day trip to beautiful Bamberg
Day six is devoted to enjoying a day trip to Bamberg. Just 40 minutes by train, it’s another of Germany’s World Heritage Sites — an impossibly picturesque UNESCO town that boasts a bounty of canals and medieval buildings.
Come the late afternoon, return to Nuremberg for more local exploration, shopping, and opportunities to try Franconian cuisine — say hallo to Nürnberger sausages!
Day 7: Transfer to Munich
On day 7, take an early train to Munich so you have plenty of time to spend the rest of the day soaking up the city’s traditional charm and gently cosmopolitan vibe, all of which is served by famous attractions like Marienplatz and the English Garden.
Day 8: Uncover Munich’s culture and beer gardens
Start day 8 with visits to the majestic Residenz Palace and the Deutsches Museum.
Come the afternoon, either hit the BMW Museum. Olympiapark or Hellabrunn Zoo ahead of dining and drinking in Bavarian style in a beer garden.
Day 9: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Day 9 is likely to end up being a true highlight of your trip, thanks to taking a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle — a real-life fairy-tale palace, no less.
Either book a guided tour, or take a train to Füssen (2.5 hours each way). On arrival, you could opt to ride a horse and carriage to reach the magical hilltop castle to soak up the Alpine views and explore the regal interiors.
Day 10: Depart Munich
On your last day in Germany, enjoy a final stroll or shopping spree in Munich before heading to the airport.
Neuschwanstein Castle, near Munich, Germany © Shutterstock
Combined Germany itineraries
Given its heart-of-Europe location, Germany is perfectly placed for multi-country trips.
Sharing borders with nine countries — Denmark in the north, Poland and Czechia in the east, Switzerland and Austria in the south, France in the southwest, plus Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to the west, you really are spoiled for choice.
While it’s impossible to pick a favorite combination — and we can’t claim any option to be the best combined Germany itinerary (it all depends on your personal interests) — here’s a 2-week multi-country itinerary that’s excellent for a broad range of first-time visitors to Europe.
Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 2 weeks
Scenic and culturally rich, this 2-week itinerary combines Germany, Austria and Switzerland in memorable style.
Ideal for first-timers who want to enjoy iconic cities, alpine beauty and historic charm, it offers a mix of landscapes and pace, with efficient travel links making transfers a breeze.
Day 1: Arrive in Munich, Germany
Begin your trip in Munich. As suggested above, be sure to explore Marienplatz, see (and hear!) the Glockenspiel, and stroll through the English Garden ahead of eating and drinking in the friendly Hofbräuhaus.
Day 2: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
On day two, it’s time to visit the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle. If you have time, hike to Marienbrücke for scenic views, and explore the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle.
Book a guided tour to make the trip all the easier.
Day 3: Travel to Salzburg, Austria
The third day of this itinerary will see you take a direct train to Salzburg in Austria (1.5 hrs) — birthplace of Mozart, and the setting for The Sound of Music.
Spend your first afternoon soaking up the city’s splendour through exploring the Old Town, visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress and strolling Mirabell Gardens.
That said, Salzburg’s Baroque beauty and mountain backdrop feel magical no matter where you are in the city!
Day 4: Soak up Salzburg’s music and mountains
On day four, it’s time to dive into the city’s main music-related attractions, starting out at Mozart’s Birthplace, and the elegant Mozart Residence, which was his family's home for fourteen years.
Not into classical music? Salzburg’s other great musical offering — The Sound of Music — might just be your cup of kaffee. Take a themed tour to see Residenz Palace, Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Monastery through the lens of the movie.
Come the afternoon, take a cable car up Untersberg Mountain for panoramic views, before sitting back to savor Austrian pastries in a café.
Salzburg fortress © Tourismus Salzburg/Breitegger Günter
Day 5: Train to Hallstatt, Austria
On day five, travel by train (2.5–3 hrs) to the picture-perfect village of Hallstatt.
Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Austria, largely thanks to its pretty architecture, lakeside paths, and wonderful views over the lake and Alps, best viewed when you take the funicular to the Skywalk.
Day 6: Travel to Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s unique charms (think imperial grandeur melded with a laidback pace) are unveiled on day six.
Austria’s elegant capital is the kind of city that leaves you longing to return, not least after you’ve visited the elegant Schönbrunn Palace gardens, strolled the historic city center, and indulged in sweet treats like sachertorte.
All of which we suggest you do on your first day after checking into your accommodation. On that subject, be sure to read up on the best area to stay in Vienna.
Day 7: Discover Vienna’s palaces and culture
Devote day seven to discovering icons of the city, among them the Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Meanwhile, kids are likely to love the Prater amusement park and its giant Ferris wheel.
In the evening, catch a classical concert or operetta in the city of music.
Day 8: Train to Innsbruck
Day 8 will see you travel around 4.5 hours west through Austria’s Alps to Innsbruck, a beautiful alpine town that blends Tyrolean traditions with opportunities for outdoor fun.
Start out in the medieval Old Town, and be sure to marvel at the Golden Roof. We also suggest taking the Nordkette cable car for breath-taking mountain views.
Day 9: Travel to Lucerne, Switzerland
Next, Switzerland’s postcard-perfect lakeside town of Lucerne (4.5–5 hours from Innsbruck) is an absolute charmer.
Though slow travel in Lake Lucerne is especially recommended, it can also be enjoyed in short timeframes, with the old town, Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument notable, easily-accessed sights.
Day 10: Explore Lucerne’s Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi
Adventure awaits on day 10 when you could take a boat and cogwheel train, or cable car, up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi to enjoy alpine views, easy hikes or summer tobogganing.
When you're back on lower ground, enjoy a leisurely late-afternoon lake cruise.
Lucerne © Schweiz Tourismus
Day 11: Train to Interlaken
Next, take a two-hour train to Interlaken in Switzerland’s Jungfrau region. Nestled between two lakes and surrounded by mountains, it’s another photogenic joy of this 2-week itinerary.
Besides exploring the town, be sure to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, and ride the Harder Kulm funicular for sunset views.
Day 12: Day trip to the Top of Europe (Jungfraujoch)
The next leg of this itinerary brings a full day of alpine adventure and unforgettable mountain views, thanks to taking the scenic train to Jungfraujoch, AKA the top of Europe.
Here you can see snow no matter what time of year you visit, walk through extraordinary ice tunnels, and gaze at the Aletsch Glacier.
Day 13: Travel to Zurich
Day 13 involves a two-hour train ride to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, and a very attractive one at that.
Straddling the River Limmat, Zurich boasts over a thousand medieval and modern fountains, with its iconic Grossmünster dominating the skyline.
Alongside visiting the Old Town and enjoying Lake Zurich, the city is a great place for interactive museums, like the Swiss Science Center Technorama, and appreciating modern art.
Day 14: Depart Zurich
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or one last lakeside stroll before heading to Zurich Airport ready for your homeward flight.
Inspired to focus on Switzerland? Read up on how to plan a trip to Switzerland.
Zurich © S-F/Shutterstock
How to plan your Germany travel itinerary
If you haven’t yet started your trip planning journey, our guide to how to plan a trip to Germany will stand you in excellent stead (you can thank us later!).
In the meantime, here’s a handy checklist of how to plan your trip, with key topics covered in more detail below, and in the aforementioned guide.
- Start planning several months in advance.
- Decide how many days you need in Germany.
- Research and decide the best places to include in your Germany itinerary.
- Decide when’s the best time for you to go to Germany.
- Check out the visa situation.
- Map out your itinerary in detail.
- Book flights and accommodation 5 months ahead of travel.
- Book must-see tours and attractions 4 months ahead of travel.
Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin © Shutterstock
How many days do you need in Germany?
The answer to this question will be pretty dependent on where you’re traveling from (and how long it’ll take you to get to Germany), and what you’re hoping to see and do.
For some context, if you’re visiting from another European country, you could do a pretty a deep dive into a German city like Berlin or Munich on an immersive weekend break.
If you’re traveling from the US and want to get a decent sense of the country, you could justify visiting for 7-10 days to explore a region and city (or two).
As revealed above, if you have two weeks you could look to plan a 14-day itinerary that covers 2-3 countries, with Germany sitting centre stage.
Black Forest, Germany © Shutterstock
Best places to add to your Germany trip
Another topic that’s nigh impossible to answer! Again, it all depends on your personal situation and interests,
With that in mind, here’s an overview of regions to visit for different tastes and experiences.
Best regions for culture and history
- Berlin-Brandenburg: packed with museums, Cold War landmarks, and cultural diversity, Berlin-Brandenburg is ideal for travelers who want urban adventure.
- Bavaria: home to Neuschwanstein Castle, medieval towns, and beautiful Baroque architecture, Bavaria is rich in traditional German culture, with Munich on hand as an excellent city base.
- Saxony: there are so many great reasons to visit Saxony! We really rate the cities of Dresden and Leipzig for their world-class art, layered history, and laidback charm.
Best regions for adventure and outdoor magic
- Bavarian Alps: think hiking, skiing, and mountain biking adventures.
- Black Forest (Schwarzwald): also perfect for hiking, cycling, and scenic drives, the beautiful Black Forest also boasts fairy tale forests and charming villages.
Best regions for relaxation
- Moselle Valley: picture-perfect, peaceful riverside towns, pretty vineyards, and picturesque hillsides.
- Lake Constance (Bodensee): bordering Austria and Switzerland, this serene lake region is ideal for scenic slow travel experiences.
- Baltic Coast: think sandy beaches, friendly resort towns and spa retreats, adding up to a beautiful, convenient region for relaxing vacations.
Gardens of the World, Berlin © Shutterstock
When's the best time to visit Germany?
Again, the best time to visit Germany will depend on your personal situation i.e. what you most want to see and do.
For hiking, it’s better to visit when the weather is warmer. For Christmas markets and skiing, you have to visit in winter — the ski season in the Alps runs from Christmas through to the end of March.
For culture-oriented trips, late-spring and fall are usually the best times to visit Germany — think moderate shoulder-season crowds and prices, and pleasantly mild weather.
So, on balance, the best time to visit Germany is between the broad period of May and October. Through these months, the weather is mainly mild-to-warm and ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the likes of outdoor cafés and beer gardens.
Note that the summer months of July and August are busier. So, for smaller crowds, spring (April to early June) is an especially good time to visit, whether you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors in pleasant weather, or fancy exploring cities.
Meanwhile, fall (September to November) means wine harvests, Oktoberfests, spectacular forest scenery and crisp weather that’s ideal for exploring charming villages castles and national parks.
Oktoberfest, Germany © Shutterstock
Do you need a visa to enter Germany?
As Germany is part of the Schengen Area, citizens of many countries, including US and UK citizens, can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Be aware that your passport must be valid for least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area, and you mustn’t overstay the 90-day limit. Also, you can't work or study.
You might also be asked to show proof of return ticket, proof of accommodation and travel plans, and proof of having sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Also note that from mid-2025, U.S. travelers — and other visa-exempt nationals — will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering Germany or any Schengen country.
Keen to enjoy a vacation in Germany? Contact our local Germany travel experts to have them curate your perfect vacation for any duration.
