Germany is a country that has been popular for centuries. This popularity stems from the unique culture, history, beautiful countryside, and architecture. It’s also one of the most visited countries in Europe, with over 80 million international visitors each year.
German culture is very different from American culture, so it can be hard to break into their society if you don’t know what to do or where to go. We have gathered some tips for traveling in Germany so you can avoid any pitfalls and make your trip enjoyable.
How should I prepare for a trip to Germany?
Make sure to carry good sneakers as the time is extended to walk. I suggest taking some sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring your swimsuits to use the pools in your room if available.
As you set your sights on traveling to Germany, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make the most of your trip. First and foremost, make sure you’re well-prepared. That means packing the right clothes and supplies and researching beforehand to know what to expect.
To start, it’s always crucial to pack appropriately for the weather. Germany can be pretty chilly, even in the summertime, so don’t forget to bring a coat, hat, and gloves if you’re visiting during the colder months. Additionally, Germany is a very walkable country, so come prepared with good sneakers or walking shoes.
One of the best things about traveling to Germany is that there’s always a thing new to see and do. With a history of over 2,000 years, Germany is a haven for the world’s most iconic attractions and attractions.
Whether you’re interested in visiting ancient cathedrals and castles or checking out the latest museums and amusement parks, you’re sure to find a thing piques your interest.
Along with sightseeing, Germany is also an excellent place for outdoor activities. It features many options to satisfy multiple desires, from hiking and biking in the countryside to swimming and skiing on the mountainsides.
And don’t forget about the country’s delicious food – don’t forget to try some local specialties there! Overall, Germany is a great place to visit, and with these travel tips in mind, you can expect a fantastic trip. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your German adventure today.
Top Tips for Traveling to Germany
Here are some of our favorite tips for visiting Germany so you can make the most of your experience.
1) Make sure you learn some basic phrases before arriving
Germans are known for being direct, so they won’t beat around the bush when speaking with others. The best way to avoid an embarrassing situation is by learning a few basic phrases and words before arriving. Some basic German phrases to know are “Hello,” “Thank you,” “Please,” and “I don’t understand.”
2) Be aware of the cultural norms
Germans have very different ways of doing things, so it is crucial to be mindful of cultural norms before traveling. As an illustration, being late in Germany is considered impolite, so make sure you arrive at your meeting or dinner on time. Make sure you understand German punctuality and the importance of structure.
Germans are known for being honest and straightforward, so don’t be surprised if they tell you your outfit looks silly or your idea isn’t excellent.
3) Try out the local food
German food is world-famous for a reason! From bratwurst and sauerkraut to apple strudel and Black Forest cake, there are caters to multiple tastes. The good thing is that, generally speaking, you’ll find cheap food regardless of whether it is luxury German food or German street food.
Don’t forget to try some of the local dishes in Germany; you’ll appreciate the experience.
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4) Take time to explore the countryside
Germany is a beautiful country with a wealth of stunning scenery to explore. Diverse desires are accommodated from the Bavarian Alps’ rolling hills to the Black Forest quaint villages. Don’t forget to take some time to explore the countryside while you’re in Germany; you won’t be disappointed!
5) Visit a beer garden
Germans love their beer, and what better way to experience German culture than visiting a traditional beer garden? These gardens are popular spots for locals and travelers, so check one out in Germany.
6) Attend a festival
Germany is a haven for the world’s most famous festivals, such as Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets. Many other festivals in Germany are worth visiting. Among the finest famous is the Carnival of Cologne, which takes place in February. The festival is an epic celebration with parades, parties, and a beauty contest.
Another famous festival is the Berlin Beer Festival, which occurs every August. The festival features more than 300 different types of beer from across the globe. Don’t forget to attend at least one festival while in Germany; you won’t regret it. It’s genuinely a must-do when you visit Germany.
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7) Ride the train
The German railway system is one of the best in the world, so don’t forget to ride the train while you’re in the country. You’ll get to see some fantastic scenery, and you’ll be able to get around quickly and easily.
You will also save money since train transportation is affordable in the country. Consider getting a rail pass to keep even more and ride as much as you want for a single cost.
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8) Visit the castles
Germany is a haven for the most beautiful castles in the world, so don’t forget to visit at least once in the country. It accommodates a range of preferences, from the imposing Neuschwanstein Castle (the Disney castle was modeled after this) to the fairytale-like Hohensalzburg Castleces.
There are over 20,000 castles in Germany, so there is no shortage of options when choosing one to visit. Irrespective of your search for a fairytale-like castle or an imposing medieval fortress, you’ll be able to find it in Germany. Add at least one castle visit to your itinerary in the country.
9) See a city
Germany is a sanctuary of the world’s most beautiful and historic cities. There are a ton of great big cities along with small towns with that historic charm to explore.
The location offers options for all interests, from the lively city of Berlin to the charming town of Dresden. Don’t forget to visit at least one dynamic city in Germany.
10) Shop till you drop
Germany is a haven for the best shopping in the world and is a perennially underrated shopping destination. From high-end designer stores to traditional German markets, you’ll be able to find options to suit a range of interests. Don’t forget to do some shopping while you’re in Germany; you won’t regret it.
These are some travel tips for your Germany trip, but there are plenty of other considerations to remember. Let’s break them down by restaurants, shopping, and speaking the language.
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Things to Know Before Visiting Germany
German Restaurants and Bars
You do not get water for free; you have to pay for it. If you order water, you will get carbonated water. In most restaurants, you can request tap water, and they may or may not charge you, but it is most likely straight from the sink.
In some American fast-food restaurants (i.e., McDonald’s), you must also pay for ketchup. Be aware that the menus at most fast-food restaurants in Germany are not the same. You may also notice that a sandwich you recognize from back home may taste slightly different or be more minor.
When you enter a restaurant, you will not be seated, walk right in and pick the table of your choice!- the tip should be much smaller than you would give in the States (this is because the waiters/waitresses get paid more than in the States).
A tip of two or three EUR would be suitable for excellent service.
German Grocery Stores
If you shop for groceries in Germany, you will notice the supermarkets have all of their large rolling carts outside in a designated area and are locked to one another. For utilizing a coach, you must place one EUR in the cart itself; you will see the slot on the handle.
Upon leaving the grocery store, you latch the cart back to the other coaches and pull the device out where you placed the coin; now, you can retrieve your cash.
Proceed to the check-out counter when you have all the groceries you want. You must purchase plastic bags to put the groceries in or take one yourself. If you decide to buy one, they are usually visible at the counter and typically only cost a few cents.
If there is a long line, do not put all of your groceries in the bag; put them back into the cart and bag them away from the line.
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Store Closing Hours
On Sunday, everything is closed except for restaurants, bars, gas stations, and shops at the central train station and bigger airports. Some bigger stores realize they can make much more money if they open on Sunday, so they are doing that, but I would not rely on it.
During the week, shops in bigger cities close at 8 PM. You may see shops in smaller towns closing even earlier.
Public Phones
Public phones are scarce in Germany. If you find one, you will notice that they only take telephone cards. You can buy a telephone card in different shops like “T-Punkt,” “Telekom,” “Post,” and “Vodafone” or you can go to an internet cafe.
Miscellaneous Facts
“Bad” in front of a town’s name does not mean that the city’s people are terrible. As an illustration, “Bad Homburg,” in front of a town’s name, usually means that the town is designated as a healthy location, typically with clean air and water, and that there is a health resort or Spa.
Flights to Germany may not be as expensive as you think. Cheap flights to Berlin and other major cities can typically be obtained for well under $1,000.
I’ve personally purchased tickets to Frankfurt for under $500. But, the time of the year can impact ticket prices, and they are constantly fluctuating, and pricing has increased over the years.
Purchasing travel insurance will also be beneficial for unexpected emergencies or accidents.
Electrical
Electrical sockets in Germany are CEE 7/4 (Type F). You will need an adaptor to use U.S. appliances in Germany.
Internet Cafes
If you don’t have a laptop or tablet and find yourself in need of internet access, there are plenty of places where you can go to get online. The most common area would be an internet cafe. In most cases, you can purchase an internet access card for a set period (usually an hour, two hours, or a day).
These cards can be purchased at most convenience stores and kiosks. The price for an hour of internet access will typically range from 2-5 EUR.
Public Transportation
In Germany, the public transportation system is very efficient and comprehensive. There are different types of transportation that you can use, depending on your needs. The most common form of public transportation is the train. The parade will usually be the fastest and most efficient way around a city. Train stations are available in most cities.
You can purchase tickets for individual trips or for a day pass. With a day pass, you can use the train and the bus as much as you want for a specific period (e.g., from 9 AM to 3 PM).
Day passes range from 5-9 EUR, depending on where you purchase them. You can obtain your ticket from a machine at the train stations or a ticket office.
Another common form of public transport is the bus. Buses are typically used to get to and from the train station and the airport. In most cases, you will not need to purchase a separate ticket for the bus; your train ticket will also be valid for the bus.
German Culture
In Germany, punctuality is highly valued. When you are meeting someone, it is considered very rude to be late. If you are running late, let the other person know immediately. Germans also have a reputation for being efficient and organized. Things tend to run on schedule, and there is usually little waiting time.
Germans are not loud or overly talkative, especially in public. Being noisy or disruptive at restaurants, cafes, or shops is considered rude. Don’t forget to mind your volume when you are out and about.
Germans do not appreciate it very much if people try too hard; it is better not to show off your skills unless they are needed.
As an illustration, many Germans are not impressed by your language knowledge if you are a foreigner, and they will see it as trying too hard to speak German. Save your German skills for when you need them.
Don’t forget to take off your shoes when visiting someone’s home. Most Germans keep their homes very clean and tidy, and walking around in your stocking feet or shoes is considered rude.
Tipping is not customary in Germany, and you will likely not need to tip for most services, so you’ll save money. A 5-10% gratuity is considered generous if you decide to list.
Popular Types of Tourist Attractions in Germany
City Tours in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich offer many things to see and do. But, a few popular tourist destinations can be found across Germany.
Castles
Countless castles in Germany that you can visit. If you’re interested, you can plan your trip around the courts, as some are only open during certain months of the year. Most visited castles are available from March to October, and a few remain open throughout the winter. Prices vary depending on which court you want to see but usually range from 5-10 EUR per person.
Beer Halls
In Germany, beer halls and gardens are popular places to eat, drink, and socialize. There is often live entertainment and food available for purchase. For instance, the Hofbräuhaus in Munich is one of the most famous German beer halls.
Be aware that there may be lines to get into the beer hall during busy times, but it will move quickly. The Hofbräuhaus opens at 10:00 AM on weekdays and 9:00 AM on weekends.
Bike Tours
If you’re an avid biker, Germany may be the perfect place to visit. Many trails and tours throughout the country help get you started exploring new places! For example, Ironbridge Gorge offers half-day biking tours where participants will enjoy scenic countryside views.
Christmas Markets
Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, which can be found in most major cities. The markets are open from late November to December and offer a range of food, drinks, and gift items. They are typically very crowded, so be prepared to do a bit of pushing and shoving if you want to make it through the Christmas Market.
World-Class Museums
If you’re a fan of museums, then Germany has plenty to offer. This land harbors some of the world’s most renowned museums, and admission fees typically range from 5-15 EUR per person.
Historical Sights
Like many other countries in Europe, Germany has an extensive history. Visiting historical sights is a great way to learn more about the country’s rich culture and tradition. Some famous places of historical significance include the World War II Vorbunker/Führerbunker -Berlin, Berlin Waich now hosts guided tours) and the Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Bavaria.
Hiking Trails
Like the bikers, hikers will find many trails across Germany. This land harbors some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe and provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular hiking trails are in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps, and around crystal clear lakes like Lake Constance.
These are just a few things you can do while visiting Germany, but there are many more, like fantastic food, the best deals in most shops, art, and music.
In the end, if you visit Germany, use common sense and obey local laws like the speed limit when driving. And don’t forget your travel essentials, and make sure to enjoy your trip to Germany.
FAQ
What should I avoid doing in Germany?
Some things that you should avoid doing or bringing into the country are any Nazi symbols, weapons, and drug-related items. Walking around at night alone in prominent cities is also not advised.
Is the food in Germany cheap?
Food in Germany can be cheap or expensive, depending on what you order. If you’re eager to save money, you can eat at a fast-food restaurant; your meal will likely be less than 10 EUR. But, if you go to a sit-down restaurant, you could spend upwards of 30 EUR per person.
Is it safe to visit Germany?
Among European countries, Germany is considered one of the safest to visit. But, just like any other destination, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings is crucial.
How should I prepare for a trip to Germany?
To best prepare for your trip to Germany, it is crucial to do some research on the places you plan to visit. Make sure to read up on the history and culture of the areas you will be traveling to, as this will help you better understand the people and their traditions.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with travel essentials like travel insurance and health insurance that will be useful while traveling.
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