Tips for travelling to Germany

Germany is an enchanting country to travel in, steeped in history and culture and an eclectic blend of old-world charm and contemporary style.

Its historic cities, iconic landmarks and sporting culture make this a country that offers something for everyone. In this guide, we'll help you plan your travel to Germany.

Plan inspiring itineraries in this fascinating country, with insights on what to see, do and experience, along with essential things to know before travelling to Germany.

There are many locations all over the country that are well worth a visit. Our attraction tips for travelling to Germany include:

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin: The symbol of German unity and resilience, the Brandenburg Gate once marked the divide between East and West Germany.

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), Cologne: With towering spires and Gothic architecture, Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany's most visited landmarks.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria: Perched on top of a hill in the Bavarian Alps, this was the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.

Karl Marx's house, Trier: The birthplace and childhood home of renowned philosopher and economist Karl Marx, whose revolutionary ideas shaped modern political thought.

Reichstag Building, Berlin: The seat of German Parliament (Bundestag), the Reichstag Building is renowned for its glass dome offering panoramic city views.

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery, Berlin: The Gallery features a 1.3-kilometer section of the Berlin Wall, featuring vibrant murals expressing themes of freedom, hope, and unity.

Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg), Heidelberg: Heidelberg Castle gives visitors a glimpse into mediaeval life, as well as panoramic views.

Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg: The world's largest model railway with intricate detail, whimsical landscapes and immersive miniature worlds.

Zugspitze, Bavaria: Germany's highest peak with incredible views of the Bavarian Alps. Accessible by cable car or cogwheel train.
Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam: A masterpiece of Rococo architecture, Sanssouci Palace was the summer residence of Frederick the Great, with lavish interiors and gardens.

Currency for Germany

The currency of Germany is the euro, which is made up of 100 cents.

As of March 2024, £1 is worth around €1.15, and €1 is worth around 87p.

How much will I spend travelling in Germany?

It’s a good idea to have a daily budget in mind when travelling, to help keep your spending on track.

To give you an idea of what things might cost on your trip, see the table below. Exact costs will depend on the level of luxury and extravagance you have in mind…

Should I use cards or cash as currency in Germany?

It’s usually a good idea to use a combination of cards and cash as your currency for Germany, for total convenience and security.

Cards:

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Germany and contactless payments are supported in most outlets. You can also use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs (Geldautomaten).

Make sure your card is compatible with international withdrawals and be aware that there may be transaction and exchange fees.

Cash:

While cards are widely accepted, smaller businesses, street vendors, public transport and taxis tend to prefer cash payments.

Cash is also used for tipping in Germany, particularly in restaurants, for taxis and hotel staff gratuities.

Travelling around Germany

By train

The S-Bahn “Schnellbahn'' or “Stadtschnellbahn” is a rapid rail system in Germany. It offers frequent services connecting major city centres, suburbs and surrounding regions.

S-Bahn services are known for their reliability and punctuality, although they can be crowded at peak times.

Regional train networks serve less populated areas and smaller towns and there are often flexible ticket options. These trains may operate at slower speeds than high-speed intercity trains,and may be less frequent.

By metro

The U-Bahn is the German metro system in Berlin, Hamburg, Nuremberg and Munich. With frequent services it offers extensive coverage of urban areas.
Similar to the S-Bahn, U-Bahn trains can become crowded in peak hours, but offers a cheap and efficient way to travel in the city.

By tram or bus

For shorter journeys and local commutes, trams (Strassenbahnen) and buses are indispensable. In some places, tram and bus stops are integrated, for flexibility and convenience.