Trip to Germany? Discover our complete guide with top destinations and must-do activities

A trip to Germany offers a full experience for every traveler: fascinating cities, nature, history, and modernity... not to mention tons of festivals and events! Check out our complete guide.

Table of Contents

Why visit Germany

Today we’re taking you to one of Europe’s most exciting destinations, packed with a wide variety of things to see and do!
During your trip, you’ll dive into the perfect mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and cutting-edge innovation. From modern cities full of events like Berlin, to the picture-perfect scenery of Bavaria, to dreamy castles and medieval villages, no matter what kind of traveler you are, Germany has something amazing in store for you.
And the cherry on top? Public transport is incredibly efficient and the hospitality is excellent, so getting around the country is easy and safe, even for solo travelers!

Best time to visit Germany

Germany is welcoming all year round, so it really depends on the type of trip you’re looking for.
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are perfect for city breaks and outdoor activities, with mild weather and fewer tourists.
Summer (July to August) is festival season and great for exploring lakes and national parks. In winter (December to January), the Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere, especially in Nuremberg, Munich, and Dresden.

Top 10 must-see places and activities in Germany

Choosing just ten wasn’t easy, but we did it for you!
Here’s our handpicked list of 10 unforgettable spots… and if you can’t fit them all into one trip, you can always come back, right? 😎

Berlin – history and creativity

The German capital is a city of contrasts. Every corner tells a story, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall. But Berlin isn’t just about history, it’s young, vibrant, and one of Europe’s most exciting hubs for art and music.
Enjoy a night out in Kreuzberg or spend the afternoon exploring world-class museums on Museum Island.

trip to germany - berlin

Munich – Bavarian culture and beer

We’ve all heard of Oktoberfest, with its massive tents and waitresses carrying endless steins of beer. But Munich is also known for its baroque architecture, royal palaces, and stunning parks.
Taste authentic Bavarian cuisine, visit the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace, or go shopping around Marienplatz. End your day relaxing in the English Garden and watch surfers ride the Eisbach wave.

trip to germany - munich

Hamburg – the queen of the north

With its harbor and canals, Hamburg has a unique maritime charm! Visit Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a boat tour on the Elbe River, and explore the city’s modern side around the Elbphilharmonie.
Looking for nightlife? St. Pauli is one of the liveliest districts in Germany.

trip to germany - hamburg

Cologne – gothic beauty and culture

Famous for its massive cathedral, Cologne is a cultural hotspot. Its old town stretches along the Rhine and is perfect for romantic strolls, or a great spot to bring your better half.
You’ll also find top-notch museums like the Ludwig Museum, home to world-renowned modern art collections.
Don’t miss trying a Kölsch, the local beer!

trip to germany - cologne

Heidelberg – university vibes and romance

One of Germany’s most beautiful university towns! Nestled between green hills and crossed by the Neckar River, Heidelberg is postcard-perfect.
The ruined castle offers stunning views, ideal for photography lovers, and strolling through its cobbled streets feels like walking through a fairytale.

trip to germany - heidelberg

Dresden – the Florence of the Elbe

Dresden amazes with its restored baroque architecture, like the Zwinger and Frauenkirche. Almost completely destroyed in WWII, the city’s remarkable reconstruction turned it into a key destination for cultural and music festivals.

trip to germany - dresden

Nuremberg – medieval meets modern

Known for its impressive castle and one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, Nuremberg is steeped in history.
Its cultural identity is strong, with fascinating museums like the Memorium Nuremberg Trials and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum.

trip to germany - nurimberg

Rüdesheim and the Rhine Valley – vineyards and castles

Want to soak in postcard views? A cruise along the Rhine between Rüdesheim and Koblenz is just the ticket.
You’ll find clifftop castles, endless vineyards, and charming villages. Enjoy delicious local wine and dive into the romantic atmosphere of traditional Germany.

trip to germany - rhine valley

Black Forest – nature and wellness

The Schwarzwald (yes, the name of the cake too!) is one of Germany’s most enchanting regions.
Go for a hike, relax in the Baden-Baden thermal baths, or discover handmade cuckoo clocks crafted by local artisans. If you’re looking for peace and authenticity, this is your place.

trip to germany - black forest

Leipzig – music and revolution

This city is the heart of German classical music (think Bach and Mendelssohn), but it’s also a historic hub of East Germany’s transformation.
Today, Leipzig is creative, alternative, and full of energy, it’s just waiting to be explored.

trip to germany - leipzig

How to stay connected in Germany

There are several ways to stay online during your trip to Germany. Here are your main options:

  • International roaming: if you’re an EU citizen, roaming charges are usually reasonable across Europe (with some limitations). But if you’re from outside the EU, roaming can get very expensive! Since fees vary by provider, it’s best to check with yours before your trip.
  • Public Wi-Fi: most cafés, hotels, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. But with many users online at once, speeds can be slow and connections not very secure.
  • Local SIM card: available at airports or phone shops, but they often come with new phone numbers and random plans that may not suit your needs.
  • eSIM: the smartest option for travelers! An eSIM is a digital SIM you can buy before your trip and activate as soon as you land—so you’re connected right away.

Why choose an eSIM from eSIM.sm?

There are many eSIM providers out there, so why go with eSIM.sm?
Because we offer some of the best value plans on the market!

Here’s why travelers love our eSIM Germany plans:

  • Flexibility: choose from plans ranging from 1GB to 100GB, or go for a regional Europe plan that gives you coverage in 31 countries with a single eSIM.
  • Simplicity: pick the plan that fits your needs, buy it online, scan the QR code sent via email, and install it on your phone (just make sure your device is compatible HERE). Once you land, activate it in just a few taps!
  • Convenience: keep your regular phone number and continue using WhatsApp and other messaging apps with no issues. And don’t worry about running out of data, you can top up anytime directly from your personal dashboard.
  • Support: our multilingual customer service team is available 24/7, ready to help whenever you need!
internet in germany with esim.sm

Get your eSIM in just a few minutes, choose the plan that suits your connection needs and avoid roaming charges.
eSIMs are the smartest way to stay online in Germany!

Things to keep in mind during your trip to Germany

In Germany, organization is everything! Try to be punctual and respect the rules of public life, Germans really appreciate it.
Don’t try to sneak a ride, many cities have no turnstiles on public transport, but ticket inspections are frequent and fines are steep.
Card payments aren’t accepted everywhere, especially in smaller restaurants, so it’s always good to carry some cash.