Germany is a European heavyweight known for its enchanting fairytale towns, vibrant cities, and rich history, all served with a side of sausages, schnitzel, and steins of beer. From charming villages straight out of a storybook to sleek modern cities, there’s a little something for everyone here. It’s a country that blends culture and tradition effortlessly – think Christmas markets, Gothic cathedrals, and precision-perfect public transport.
Just a short flight from the UK (about 1.5–2 hours), Germany is ideal for weekend getaways or longer escapes. While it’s not the cheapest destination, it’s definitely possible to travel smart. Day passes for public transport, hearty market food, and staying just outside of city centre’s will help keep the budget in check.
Germany is a brilliant choice for solo travellers, couples, and festive fanatics (hello, Christmas markets!). Whether you’re wandering through Munich’s historic streets, tucking into currywurst in Berlin, or sipping glühwein in Nuremberg’s old town, there’s no shortage of memorable moments.
Just so you know – some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). I only ever recommend things I’ve genuinely tried and loved!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
- Berlin – A buzzing capital full of culture, history, street art and cool cafés.
- Munich – Home of Oktoberfest and beautiful beer gardens, with charming old town vibes.
- Nuremberg – Famous for its storybook streets, medieval castle, and magical Christmas market.
- Hamburg – Germany’s port city, known for its canals, nightlife and edgy atmosphere.
- Cologne – Cathedral city with a riverfront charm and vibrant carnival scene.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather and plenty of festivals, but expect crowds in tourist hotspots.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp air and golden leaves – ideal for scenic strolls and Oktoberfest in Munich.
- Winter (December): Christmas market season! Magical, festive, and very cold. Wrap up warm!
- Spring (March–May): Blooming gardens and quieter cities – a lovely time to explore.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Card payments widely accepted, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
Public transport is excellent – grab a day pass or group ticket to save money.
Market food is delicious and filling – a great budget-friendly option!
🧳Good For:
Christmas lovers
History buffs & culture seekers
City breaks
Foodies & beer enthusiasts
Solo travellers, couples, and festive friend groups
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
Bratwurst – Classic German sausage, best eaten at a market stall.
Schnitzel – Breaded and fried meat perfection (usually pork or veal).
Spätzle – Soft egg noodles, often served with cheese – pure comfort food.
Lebkuchen – German gingerbread cookies, especially popular at Christmas.
Glühwein – Warm, spiced red wine – festive and fabulous.
Pretzels – Salty, soft, and available everywhere.
✈️ How to Get There:
Major airports: Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Munich (MUC), Frankfurt (FRA), Hamburg (HAM)
Direct flights from the UK available from most cities, often under 2 hours.
High-speed trains connect most major cities – great for multi-stop trips.
🚍 Getting Around:
Public transport is reliable and easy to use – metros, trams, buses and trains galore.
Consider day or group travel passes for savings.
Cities like Munich and Nuremberg are very walkable – comfy shoes recommended!
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
Language: German, but English is widely spoken in cities and tourist spots.
Tipping: Round up or add 5–10% for good service.
Be punctual – it’s considered polite (and very German).
My German Highlights
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Germany twice, both times in December for the Christmas markets, and honestly… 10/10 festive vibes. Munich really stole the show when it comes to Christmas – it’s one of the best markets I’ve ever been to. Think twinkling lights, handmade ornaments, carol choirs, and more glühwein than you can shake a cinnamon stick at. Nuremberg was also magical – super pretty with major fairytale energy, cobbled streets, and cute timber-framed buildings straight out of a storybook.
Both cities were really walkable, which made it easy to soak up the atmosphere, even in sub-zero temperatures (seriously, pack thermals and a good coat – you will need them). I found the local public transport from the airport into the city quick, efficient, and wallet-friendly.
From Munich, I booked a day trip to Dachau memorial site. It was sobering and quite heavy, but so important. Visiting gave me a deeper understanding of Germany’s history and left a lasting impression.
In Nuremberg, I took an underground bunker tour, which I totally recommend if you’re into hidden history. It was fascinating to explore the tunnels beneath the city and learn how they were used during wartime – a little eerie, but super interesting!
Food-wise, I have to shout out Oggi Trattoria Della in Nuremberg for unreal pizza, because yes, I hunt down good Italian food wherever I go. And for something cozy, Finya’s Taverne was the perfect stop for drinks in a snug little corner of the city. Add in the festive magic, mulled wine, and twinkling lights everywhere, and it’s basically a Christmas dream.
Germany in winter? It’s cold. It’s charming. And it’s completely worth it.
You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in Germany below – from walking tours and food tastings to festive market experiences.
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Ready to Plan?
If you’re dreaming of exploring Germany’s festive charm, food scene, or historic cities – or just want help crafting your ideal itinerary – I’d love to help. Request a Quote and let’s start planning your perfect getaway.
