Money and payments
Cards and cash
Banks still exchange them, but just withdrawing money from regular ATMs with your debit or credit card avoids the hassle.
Tipping
A tip is therefore mainly a matter of politeness and shows your appreciation.
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Germany (German: Deutschland) is the largest country in Central Europe. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, innovative inventions, its old-world charm and Gemütlichkeit (cosiness). Discard any perceptions of Germany as being homogeneous; a country of surprising regional diversity awaits your presence. Many tourists visit Germany to experience European history and the diverse German landscape. German culture, outdoor activities, German holidays and festivities, the countryside and rural areas, and the German cities are identified as being big draws for visitors.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Germany.
Cards and cash
Banks still exchange them, but just withdrawing money from regular ATMs with your debit or credit card avoids the hassle.
Tipping
A tip is therefore mainly a matter of politeness and shows your appreciation.
German
The official language of Germany is German (Deutsch). The standard form of German is called Hochdeutsch (High German). It's understood by all and spoken by almost all Germans.
2G (GSM/EDGE), LTE (4G), and 5G are also available.
Mobile networks
Tap water (Leitungswasser) is of excellent quality, and can be consumed with little concern.
Sanitary and medical facilities in Germany are excellent. See the section on emergencies above if you are in an emergency.
Covered in the guide
The Germans have earned a reputation for being stiff and strict with rules but also hard-working and efficient.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
The reunified and reinvigorated capital of Germany; a metropolis of diversity with some of the world's best-known clubs, shops, galleries and restaurants. As a result of being split in two for decades during the Cold War, Berlin now boasts more opera houses and museums per capita than most other places in the world.
Its old market, the Schnoor, the Böttcherstrasse, the Viertel and its maritime flair all make Bremen a great urban experience.
Founded by the Romans 2000 years ago and known for its huge cathedral (second largest in the world), Romanesque churches, archaeological sites and the lively old town quarter. The Cologne Carnival is a major draw around February.
Once called "Florence on the Elbe", known for the Frauenkirche (the finest baroque cathedral outside Italy) and its historic Altstadt, that were both rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. The Zwinger and Residenzschloss are world-renowned museums.
Germany's capital of shopping that also has a wide variety of fascinating new architecture. The "Altstadt" quarter and the Rhine embankments have a vibrant nightlife.
A magnificent skyline, financial and transportation hub of Europe, headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) and an important trade fair. Small reconstructed centre with half-timbered houses, important museums and galleries around the Museumsufer like the Schirn Art Hall, the Städel and the Senckenberg Natural Museum.
Germany's second-largest city is known for its harbour, its numerous channels and bridges, the Speicherstadt, the Michel church and the new Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the bustling nightlife around St. Pauli with the Reeperbahn, its musicals and the Hafengeburtstag festival.
Germany's third-largest city and booming capital of Bavaria is known for the Oktoberfest, the Hofbräuhaus, its manifold cultural offerings including operas, theatres and museums, a vibrant nightlife, many music festivals, its beer gardens and river surfing, and being the gateway to the Alps.
Once the playground for crowned heads, this region is coming into its own again after the Cold War shut much of it off from the wider world. Site of the famous Strandkorb picture of the 2007 G8 summit.
Germany perhaps at its most clichéd, but also its most beautiful; nice skiing in winter, hiking in summer and Schloss Neuschwanstein are just the most obvious attractions.
You are likely to think "cuckoo clock" or cherry pie, and you'd be forgiven, but there is much more to this region than that.
Among Germany's most popular summer holiday spots, those largely car free islands in the Wadden Sea still see less international visitors than they deserve.
A favourite with early 19th-century poets who gave a name that stuck, this karst region is world renowned for its climbing and has some beautiful caves.
Long forgotten due to German partition running right through it, the Harz today attracts tourists with superb hiking and the mystic romanticism of the Brocken mountain that is reputed to attract witches (as mentioned in Goethe's Faust).
Germany's largest lake, the "Swabian Ocean" (as it is jokingly known) offers alpine panorama and water activities at the same time.
Part of the Rhine River is a UNESCO Heritage Site between Bingen/Rüdesheim and Koblenz; the valley is famous for its wines.
Places in Germany on the World Heritage List.
Cologne Cathedral
Listed 1996
Aachen Cathedral
Listed 1978
Wartburg
Listed 1999
Museum Island
Listed 1999
Speyer Cathedral
Listed 1981
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Listed 2007
prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps
Listed 2011
Reichenau Island
Listed 2000
Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces
Listed 1984
Muskau Park
Listed 2004
Wieskirche
Listed 1983
Maulbronn Monastery
Listed 1993
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Windswept hills and the popular vacation destinations of the North and Baltic Sea coasts.
Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein
Wine country and modern cities sharply cut by the breathtaking Middle Rhine and Moselle valleys.
The green heart of Germany, with some of the most important cities and the ancient Thuringian Forest.
The eccentric and historic capital Berlin, and rebuilt baroque beauty Dresden.
While the Alpine foothills are famous for Dirndl and Lederhosen, the region is also a global hub for industry and art.
Public transport and paid services in Germany.
By train
Once the pride of Germany, the country's rail network is now Europe's laughing stock.
By bus
There are dozens of daily services between most major cities, which are often significantly cheaper than trains.
By plane
Given Germany's well-developed road and rail network, there are few routes where it makes sense to fly.
By car
Germany has a world-famous network of excellent roads and Autobahn (motorways) with no toll or fees for cars.
By e-hailing
Uber, Bolt, Free Now and Sixt Ride are available in several German cities.
By taxi
They are expensive and often only accept cash. The conditions are usually not written on the car, so ask the driver. The rates are defined by local authorities.
By e-scooter
In a number of larger cities such as Berlin, Munich and Cologne; with the right app loaded you can pick up an extricable scooter that are scattered around the streets.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Germany.
Finding apps for Germany…
Other ways to travel:By carpoolingBy hitchhikingBy bicycle
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Frankfurt am Main · International · FRA
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Berlin
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 2° | 4° | 8° | 15° | 20° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 21° | 14° | 7° | 3° |
| Avg. low | -3° | -3° | -1° | 4° | 9° | 13° | 15° | 14° | 10° | 5° | 2° | -1° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 54 | 38 | 40 | 29 | 53 | 57 | 81 | 58 | 49 | 49 | 49 | 48 |
| Humidity | 94% | 90% | 85% | 77% | 73% | 66% | 65% | 66% | 72% | 83% | 92% | 94% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$80
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$215
Per person, per day
Luxury
$555
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $120 | $320 |
| Food and drink | $20 | $50 | $115 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $70 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Germany due to terrorism. Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles. Such attacks may occur with little or no warning and target: Tourist locations Transportation centers (airports, train, or bus stations) Markets and shopping malls Local government facilities Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship and educational institutions Parks Major sporting and cultural events Schools
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Germany.
Travel tipsNavigate German rail travel with confidence. Compare the flat-rate regional Deutschlandticket with high-speed ICE trains, seat booking, and delays.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Bavarian Alps escape. Master Neuschwanstein Castle timed ticket booking, cruise alpine Lake Königssee, and reach Germany's highest peak at Zugspitze.
6 min read
Culture & historyTrace the scars of divided Germany in Berlin. Visit the authentic Bernauer Straße wall memorial, explore historic quarters, and avoid tourist traps.
6 min read
Travel tipsWhile most European countries have had a system of long distance buses for a long time, intercity bus travel was virtually nonexistent in Germany until 2012.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThe rails in Germany is owned by Deutsche Bahn (DB, literally "German rail"). Germany's rail system covers most points of interest.
Wikivoyage
Food & drinkGerman cuisine offers many different regional cooking styles and culinary specialities. Both traditional food and drinks and new creations and variations are appreciated.
Wikivoyage
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