Best places to visit in Germany in 2024

GERMAN GOODNESS!

Fly to Germany and witness one of the most incredible countries in the world to visit with family and friends for its towering Bavarian Alps, magical castles, infamous history of World War II, famous Oktoberfest, and some of the most beautiful sceneries in Europe, and lively party scenes. Right in the heart of Europe, the country is renowned for its significant historical timestamps and remnants of iconic cultural events. From the medieval hilltop fortresses, Renaissance castles, and Romanesque revival places of Germany to city-side festivals featuring music, dancing, delicious food, and beer, with some famous art galleries, make Germany a unique place to visit for a memorable experience.   There are so many places to visit in Germany, especially the places where World War II left its traces, that it may be difficult to decide where to start. That’s why 10 best places to visit in Germany before visiting the others.

Top 10 best places to visit Germany

1. Berlin
2. Rothenburg
3. Rugen Island
4. Romantic Rhine
5. Cologne
6. Dresden
7. Lubeck
8. Heidelberg
9. Neuschwanstein
10. Munich

Berlin

Visit the capital city of Berlin and witness its iconic historic structures, comprising of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Observe the Berlin walls that are still standing after facing the massive attacks of World War II near Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag. 

Enjoy a traditional German sausage currywurst, taste a breaded cutlet Schnitzel that is special in Berlin or shop vintage goods at a flea market to keep some memories of your journey with you. Explore the city’s famous murals and graffiti or take a boat tour on the Spree River, passing the historic sites. See the remains of World War II and the Berlin Wall with Third Reich walking tours, explore former escape tunnels and bomb shelters, or explore vibrant Berlin brewpubs and try regional brews. 

Ranked #1 on our best places to visit in Germany, you must explore the museums of Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, and Jewish Museum Berlin, which are centers for exploring regional arts and world war traces. If you have time and want to dig into German history then visit the German Historical Museum and discover Baroque armoury and modern glass hall housing permanent and temporary exhibitions on German history. Visit the Natural History Museum of the Museum fur Naturkunde and see the displays, including dinosaur fossils, meteorites, and preserved animals or the art museum and former 19th-century railway station of Hamburger Bahnhof.

Rothenburg

The next item on our best places to visit in Germany is the medieval town of Rothenburg, a famous destination for tourists all over the world. It is part of the popular romantic road through Southern Germany, where you can easily spend three days with your family and friends covering some famous attractions. Explore the most famous romantic road, and enjoy the scenic beauty of royal palaces, and taste some delicious food. This fairytale-like place was an inspiration for the animated Disney film Pinocchio. 

The walled city of Rothenburg is located on a plateau on the bank of the Tauber River in Bavaria with its extremely well-preserved medieval centre that is worth visiting. Visit the Town Hall, the seat of city government since medieval times. Climb the steps of the 13th-century hall’s tower for stunning views of the city. Rothenburg is also famous for the stores that house Christmas items all year round and for the outstanding Christmas market every December. 

Rugen Island

Visit the largest island of Germany, the Rugen island and observe its scenic beauty in the Baltic sea that is connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. Picturesque villas, seaside resorts and beaches all make Rugen island a special attraction for tourists. However, the best attraction is the Jasmund National Park for its unique chalk cliffs rising 528 feet above sea level. 

You must visit the notable feature of Rugen Island i.e., Cape Arkona. Observe the beauty of the old lighthouse, ruins of a Slavic castle and a breathtaking fishing village. Take a train or bus or rent a car to travel 130 miles to reach Rugen Island from Berlin. Enjoy a day with your family in the fine sandy beaches of Rugen Island or in the sophisticated seaside resorts.

Romantic Rhine

Our next item on our best places to visit in Germany is the Romantic Rhine. Loose yourself in the scenic beauty of the Rhine Gorge, stretching between the cities of Bingen and Bonn. Visit the picturesque landscape that’s home to 40 medieval castles, villages and vineyards. Explore the region’s most famous natural attraction, the Lorelei that features a large rock on the narrow and deepest section of Rhine Gorge. 

Enjoy a riverboat cruise to gather some of the best experiences of the Rhine. The river cuts through hills covered in vineyards, castles, and ruins. Visit the romantic cathedral of Mainz with a museum, tombstone, and market. Visit the Marksburg castle dating back to medieval times, the legend of Lorelei, or the castle of the 19th century, Burg Rheinstein, rebuilt by Prince Friedrich of Prussia. You can also visit the half-timber houses, souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants of the popular Drosselgasse street and take a cable car ride that will take you to the temple Seilbahn Rudesheim with beautiful views of the Rhine.

Cologne

Visit Cologne, one of the popular places to visit in Germany situated on the Rhine River in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The city is a buzz with thriving nightlife, and a massive arts and culture scene. Visit the Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic church which is regarded as the city’s informal symbol. 

Visit the Twelve Romanesque Churches which display magnificent medieval architecture. Take a cruise ride around Cologne and explore the city from the water or experience the cologne carnival, a massive street party if you visit Cologne in late February or early March. Visit Cologne between May and September to observe the local culture and have a memorable experience.

You can easily enjoy two days in this amazing city with your family walking through Cologne’s city walls and towers, riding on Cologne’s suspended train which is an adventure itself, buying some handmade chocolate of Cologne, tying your love lock to the Hohenzollern Bridge with a wish to stay forever with your love or enjoying a brewery tour with the authentic taste of local beer, and the light golden ale.

Dresden

Visit the Jewel Box of Germany, Dresden housing a rich collection of art and architecture that was damaged from World War II. Dresden offers you numerous historic sites like the stunning Frauenkirche cathedral. 

Visit the cultural institutions of Dresden including the Semper Opera house which is most widely esteemed. Learn about the old rich history of this city from the beautiful arts on the walls of this opera house. Indulge in saxon cuisine such as Sauerbraten and potato pancakes or discover the ornate architecture and beautiful artworks.

You can easily spend three to four days in this 18th-century Baroque district by exploring fairytale castles, enjoying a classical concert by the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, admiring the city’s impressive Baroque churches or searching for Meissen porcelain, a popular collectible item.

Lubeck

As one of the largest Baltic seaports in Germany, Lubeck is located in the country’s northernmost state, Schleswig-Holstein. Although Lubeck was first bombarded in the Second World War, it still preserves its medieval architecture and glory. Enjoy the views of the 12-century Town Hall and old city gates while waking through the streets of the Altstadt.

Visit the medieval time Museum Holstentor in search of the city’s rich history, offer prayers in the elegant gothic church of Marienkirche that was rebuilt after World War II, or visit the Willy Brandt House that exhibits about the life and legacy of the eponymous chancellor and nobel laureate in his childhood. 

You can spend two days in this city by exploring some famous museums like  European Hansemuseum, historical landmark Hospital of the Holy Spirit, Burgtor, tourist attraction Old Port Gothmund, and some holy Cathedral and churches like Lubeck Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church.

Heidelberg

Visit one of Germany’s most famous Heidelberg and explore the medieval Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle and the church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St.George House. Have a pint or two at famous pubs, or indulge in regional delicacies at local restaurants.

Try some delicious local food and enjoy a night with your friends in the pubs. Visit Germany’s oldest university at Heidelberg, and learn about Heidelberg’s long academic history. Walk along the scenic footpath many philosophers past and present. 

Neuschwanstein

Visit the most photographed building in Germany, Neuschwanstein castle which is highly reputed among tourists for its scenic beauty. Situated between the Bavarian Alps and Fussen, is the fairytale castle that was an inspiration behind Walt Diney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. This castle was King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s retreat who had a reputation for daydreaming and escaping reality. 

You will need at least five to six hours to explore the fairytale architecture of the castle paired with its epic countryside views; visit the castle of Paradox, green fields, and views of the turquoise lakes with sailing boats. If you have one day time in your hand, then you can also visit another popular Bavarian castle, Schloss Linderhof 59 kilometers away from the Neuschwanstein castle or the Alpsee Lake in the Ostallgau district of Bavaria, Germany that is not far from the castle.

Munich

Visit Munich, the origin of world-famous Oktoberfest and one of the most visited places in Germany with a great cultural scene. Munich is home to several sophisticated opera houses and theatres like the National Theatre. Munich’s Oktoberfest, which started in 1810 with a royal wedding celebration, also attracts visitors from all over the world to take part in the revelry that involves several gigantic beer tents, delicious Bavarian food and authentic beer. 

Enjoy the attractive blend of classic and modern architecture in the city centre with historic churches, medieval walls and royal palaces as well as bustling shopping centres and nightlife venues. Take a Third Reich tour, visit the Hellabrunn zoo, Deutsches museum, or taste a Weisswurst, Bavarian sausage served with mustard, Schnitzel, a classic German dish made with breaded veal, and a glass of local Bavarian beer. 

Spend two days in Munich enjoying a night of classical performances at the National Theatre, riding an alpine slide in the middle of the city’s park, experiencing the thrill of skydiving in a safe, controlled setting or just by exploring the medieval town of Munich with your family and friends.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a place filled with festive cheer, snow-capped mountains, and a little touch of history to visit this winter, then Germany with its medieval old bridge of Heidelberg, scenic beauty of Bavarian Alps, old historic houses and museums of Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag, Berlin walls telling stories of World War II can be a perfect destination for an adventurous with your family and friends.

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