EXPLORE GERMANY
Your Comprehensive Destination Guide
At a Glance
Total area: 357,022 square kilometers
Capital: Berlin
Religion: Christianity (mainly Protestant and Roman Catholic)
Population: Approximately 84 million
Languages: German; English is widely spoken.
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–4:00 pm
Telephone/Communication: The country code is +49. Germany has an excellent telecom infrastructure, with 4G widely available and 5G rolling out. Standard Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and public areas.
Climate: Temperate seasonal climate.
- Cold winters (can drop below freezing, especially in the south and east)
- Warm summers (average highs around 24°C / 75°F)
- Rain is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year
VAT in Germany
If you’re a non-EU resident (including U.S. citizens), you may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made during your trip.
To qualify for a VAT refund:
- Shop at stores that offer “Tax-Free Shopping.”
- Look for signs or ask at the register.
- Spend a minimum amount (usually around €50 per receipt).
- Ask for a VAT refund (Tax-Free Form) when purchasing.
- Get your receipts stamped by German customs at the airport when leaving the EU.
- Submit the stamped forms at a refund booth or by mail (Global Blue, Planet Tax-Free, etc.)
Pro Tips:
- Arrive at the airport early—VAT refund lines can be long.
- You must show the unused goods and original receipts at customs.
- Some services (like hotel stays and meals) are not eligible for a refund.
Travel Requirements
Entry & Visa
As of 2025, under the Schengen Agreement, U.S. citizens can travel to Germany for tourism or business without a visa and stay up to 90 days within 180 days.
Valid Passport
- Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
- Must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Proof of Return or Onward Travel
- Upon entry, they may request a return flight ticket or proof of onward travel.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
- While not always checked, travelers may need to show evidence they can financially support themselves (e.g., credit cards, cash, or bank statements).
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
- Airlines and immigration officers recommend and sometimes require health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
ETIAS Requirement (Coming Soon)
- Starting mid-2025, U.S. travelers must obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering Germany or any Schengen country.
- ETIAS = European Travel Information and Authorization System
- Similar to the U.S. ESTA
- Cost: ~€7
- Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires
- Monitor official EU updates for information on the launch and application process of ETIAS.
Who Needs a Visa?
If you’re
- Planning to stay more than 90 days,
- Working, studying, or joining the family in Germany,
If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa at the nearest German consulate before entering Germany.
Getting there from the US
Traveling to Germany from the United States is straightforward, with numerous nonstop flights from major U.S. cities available daily. Most international flights arrive at one of Germany’s major airports, including
- Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)—Germany’s most prominent and busiest airport
- Munich Airport (MUC)—Known for its efficiency and ease of transfer
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)—Serving the capital city
- Düsseldorf (DUS), Hamburg (HAM), and Stuttgart (STR)—Regional international hubs
Major U.S. departure cities with direct flights to Germany include:
- New York (JFK, EWR)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Washington, D.C. (IAD)
- Boston (BOS)
- Miami (MIA)
- Dallas (DFW)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Seattle (SEA)
Airlines offering direct flights include
- Lufthansa (Germany’s flagship carrier)
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- Condor
Flight time ranges from 7 to 11 hours, depending on the departure city and destination airport.
Travel Safety Tips
General Safety:
- Low crime rate: Violent crime is rare, but like any major destination, petty theft (especially pickpocketing) can occur—particularly in tourist hotspots like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
- Stay alert in crowds: Keep valuables close and avoid leaving bags unattended in train stations, airports, and markets.
Public Transportation Tips
- Germany’s trains and metros are safe, clean, and efficient.
- On regional trains, you may need to validate your ticket before boarding.
- Be cautious of scammers posing as ticket inspectors—always ask for ID if unsure.
Legal & Cultural Tips
- Obey the rules: Germany is known for its order and rule-following. Jaywalking, fare-dodging, or being loud in residential areas can draw fines or negative attention.
- Carry ID: You’re legally required to carry a valid photo ID (e.g., passport) at all times.
- Drugs are illegal—even cannabis use can lead to legal issues outside specific medical contexts.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 112
(Both numbers work from any phone, including mobiles without a SIM card.)
Language Help
- English is widely spoken, especially in urban and tourist areas, but having a translation app or knowing a few German phrases can be helpful.
Local Insight
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Public restrooms may require a small fee (€0.50–€1.00), so carry coins.
- People take quiet hours seriously, especially in residential areas.
Health Safety Tips
Vaccination Requirements
- No mandatory vaccines for travelers from the U.S. However, the CDC and WHO recommend being up to date on routine vaccinations:
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
- Polio
- Influenza (especially if traveling in fall or winter)
- COVID-19 (not required, but recommended)
Health Insurance
- While not required for entry (yet), travel health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage is highly recommended.
- Germany offers excellent medical care, but non-residents must cover expenses without valid international insurance.
- Pro tip: The full implementation of the ETIAS visa waiver system in 2025 will likely require travel insurance.
Medical Services
- Pharmacies (Apotheken) are widespread and easily identified by a red “A” sign.
- For minor issues, pharmacists can often advise or prescribe over-the-counter remedies.
In the event of a serious illness or injury,
- Emergency number: 112
- Public and private hospitals offer world-class care, though private clinics may require upfront payment.
Food & Water Safety
- In Germany, tap water is safe to drink in all locations.
- Food hygiene standards are high—enjoy local cuisine without worry.
No Tropical Diseases
- Germany is free from malaria, Zika, dengue, and other tropical diseases.
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is rare but exists in some rural forested areas in southern Germany—consider TBE vaccination if hiking or camping extensively in those areas during summer.
COVID-19 Updates
- As of 2025, no testing, masking, or vaccination proof is required for entry.
- Some healthcare facilities or elderly homes may still require masks—check local signage.
Fun Facts!
- Bread Heaven. Germany has over 3,000 types of bread—so many that UNESCO recognized German bread culture as an intangible cultural heritage. From pretzels to pumpernickels, every region has its specialty.
- Autobahn = No Speed Limit (Sort of). Large stretches of the Autobahn do not have an official speed limit; however, there are recommended speeds to follow. It’s a dream for car lovers but also incredibly well-regulated—and no texting while driving!
- Home to the Fairy Tale Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Nestled in the Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle exudes a storybook-like charm.
- Beer is a Food Group. Germans are serious about their beer. The country is home to over 1,300 breweries, and the famous Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) dates back to 1516. And yes, beer is often cheaper than water!
- Longest Words You’ll Ever See. German is renowned for its long compound words. One example:
The Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz, a now-defunct law about beef labeling, is one example. - Bookworm Nation. Germany is one of the world’s most literate and book-publishing countries. Frankfurt hosts the world’s largest international book fair, the Frankfurt Book Fair, every October.
- The Christmas Market Capital. Germany invented the traditional Christmas market. The one in Nuremberg is over 400 years old and draws millions of visitors annually.
- Sundays Are Silent. Most shops are closed on Sundays—it’s legally protected quiet time. Germans use Sundays for rest, nature walks, and family time.
- They Gave Us Aspirin and Kindergartens. Germany invented many everyday things, including aspirin, MP3s, contact lenses, and even the concept of kindergarten. German toilets are equipped with inspection shelves.
- . Yes, some German toilets have a “shelf” for inspection before flushing. It’s a quirky and distinctly German design you might notice!
Top Places to Visit in Germany
Berlin—The Capital of Cool
Neighborhoods to Explore
Mitte: The historical heart of Berlin—central for first-time visitors.
- Must-sees: Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral
- Vibe: Elegant, historical, walkable
Kreuzberg: Trendy, multicultural, and full of street art and independent cafés.
- Must-sees: East Side Gallery, Turkish Market, Urban Spree
- Vibe: Gritty, artistic, alternative
Prenzlauer Berg: Charming streets, boutiques, and laid-back cafés. Great for families.
- Must-sees: Mauerpark (Sunday flea market + karaoke), Kulturbrauerei
- Vibe: Bohemian meets bourgeois
Friedrichshain: Nightlife hotspot and street art epicenter.
- Must-sees: RAW-Gelände, Berghain, Boxhagener Platz
- Vibe: Underground, youthful, edgy
Charlottenburg: Old West Berlin—more polished and residential.
- Must-sees: Charlottenburg Palace, Kurfürstendamm, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
- Vibe: Regal, classic, upscale
History & Sights
- Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of division, is now a symbol of unity—an essential photo stop.
- Reichstag Building: Visit the glass dome for panoramic views of Berlin (reservation required).
- Berlin Wall Memorial & East Side Gallery
- Memorial: Stark and sobering open-air exhibition on Bernauer Strasse.
- Gallery: This is the longest remaining section of the Wall, which has been transformed into a global street art monument.
- Checkpoint Charlie, a Former Cold War border crossing, is a small museum that shares spy stories and escape attempts.
- The Holocaust Memorial, also known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, features stark, powerful concrete stelae that provoke contemplation.
- The museum and outdoor exhibit, Topography of Terror, are on the former SS and Gestapo Headquarters site.
Museums & Culture
- Museum Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Pergamon Museum: Masterpieces from ancient civilizations.
- Neues Museum: Egyptian artifacts, including the bust of Nefertiti.
- The Altes Museum, Bode Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie round out this world-class collection.
- Jewish Museum Berlin
- The Jewish Museum Berlin boasts award-winning architecture and deeply personal exhibitions that trace German-Jewish history.
- DDR Museum: Get a hands-on look at everyday life in East Germany—drive a Trabant and try surveillance gadgets.
- Berlinische Galerie & Hamburger Bahnhof: Contemporary art museums featuring Berlin-based artists and experimental works.
Food Scene, Must-Try Foods:
- Currywurst: Spiced sausage with ketchup and curry powder—best from Curry 36 or Konnopke’s.
- Döner Kebab: Berlin’s favorite street food, invented by Turkish immigrants here.
- Berliner Pfannkuchen: Jelly-filled donuts (don’t call them “Berliners” in Berlin).
- Schnitzel & Sauerbraten: Traditional German dishes available in more rustic beer halls.
Where to Eat:
- Markthalle Neun (Kreuzberg): Street food Thursdays and artisan eats
- Michelberger Hotel & Restaurant: Stylish spot for modern German cuisine
- Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap: Iconic (and often crowded) kebab stand in Kreuzberg
- House of Small Wonder: Japanese-European fusion in a dreamy greenhouse-style café
Berlin After Dark: Nightlife Highlights:
- Berghain: Legendary techno club—notoriously difficult to get into
- Sisyphos: Lakeside summer party paradise
- Clärchens Ballhaus: Historic dance hall with tango, swing, and live bands
- Rooftop bars: Try Klunkerkranich (on top of a parking garage) for sunset drinks and DJs
Shopping
- Hackescher Markt: Independent designers and boutiques
- Mauerpark Flea Market: Eclectic finds, local art, and karaoke
- KaDeWe: Iconic department store with a top-floor gourmet food hall
- Friedrichstrasse & Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm): For luxury brands and big names
Christmas in Berlin
- Berlin shines in December with over 80 Christmas markets!
- Gendarmenmarkt: Elegant market with artisan gifts and gourmet treats
- Charlottenburg Palace Market: Magical setting with a regal backdrop
- Lucia Market (Prenzlauer Berg): Scandinavian-style market in Kulturbrauerei
- Spandau Market: One of Berlin’s oldest and most atmospheric
Berlin Events & Festivals
- Berlinale (February): Berlin International Film Festival
- Karneval der Kulturen (May/June): Celebration of global diversity
- Fête de la Musique (June): Free live music all over the city
- Long Night of Museums (August): 70+ museums open late with special events
- Festival of Lights (October): Iconic buildings illuminated with stunning light art
Unique Experiences
- Spree River Cruise: This is a great way to see Berlin from a different perspective
- Tempelhofer Feld: The former airport was turned into a public park—bike the runway!
- Teufelsberg: Cold War listening station and graffiti mecca with a great view
- Stasi Museum: Eye-opening look at East German surveillance
- Trabi Safari: Drive a vintage Trabant car around the city on a guided tour
Munich—Tradition Meets Innovation
What to Do & See:
- Marienplatz: Heart of the city with the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall.
- English Garden: One of the world’s largest urban parks—beer gardens, river surfing, and lush greenery.
- BMW Museum & Welt: Perfect for car lovers and tech enthusiasts.
- Nymphenburg Palace: A baroque gem with sprawling gardens.
- Day Trips: Visit Neuschwanstein Castle or the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial.
Culture:
- Oktoberfest: The world’s largest beer festival—traditional dress, hearty food, music, and beer.
- Bavarian Cuisine: Try Weisswurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and apple strudel.
Frankfurt—Germany’s Financial Hub with an Old Soul
What to Do & See:
- Römerberg Square: Frankfurt’s medieval heart with timber-framed houses.
- Städel Museum: One of Germany’s most prestigious art museums, spanning 700 years of art.
- Main Tower: Panoramic views from the observation deck.
- Palmengarten: A lush botanical garden perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Culture:
- Known for its literary heritage, Palmengarten is the birthplace of Goethe; visit the Goethe House Museum.
- The city features a dynamic blend of skyscrapers and historic buildings.
Hamburg—The Maritime Marvel
What to Do & See:
- Elbphilharmonie: An architectural masterpiece and world-class concert venue.
- Speicherstadt: Historic warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Miniatur Wunderland: The world’s largest model railway attraction—surprisingly captivating.
- Harbor Cruise: See the city from the water and learn about its maritime history.
- Reeperbahn: The nightlife strip with bars, clubs, and theaters.
Cologne—Gothic Grandeur & Carnival Culture
What to Do & See:
- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): An awe-inspiring Gothic structure and Germany’s most visited landmark.
- Old Town (Altstadt): Cobblestone alleys, Romanesque churches, and traditional pubs.
- Ludwig Museum: Modern and contemporary art, including works by Warhol and Picasso.
- Cologne Carnival: One of Europe’s wildest pre-Lenten celebrations, full of parades and costumes.
Dresden—Rebirth Through Art & Architecture
What to Do & See:
- Zwinger Palace: Rococo architecture housing museums and galleries.
- Frauenkirche: Beautifully reconstructed church destroyed in WWII.
- Semper Opera House: This historic venue offers world-class performances.
- Brühl’s Terrace: “The Balcony of Europe” overlooking the Elbe River.
Culture:
- The city is renowned for its classical music, opera, and baroque architecture.
Nuremberg—Medieval Charms and WWII History
What to Do & See:
- Nuremberg Castle: A medieval fortress with panoramic views.
- Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds: Deep dive into WWII history and the Nuremberg Trials.
- Nuremberg is a poignant city that reflects both devastation and remarkable restoration.
- Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt): One of Germany’s most traditional and atmospheric holiday markets.
- Toy Museum: Celebrating Nuremberg’s heritage as a toy-making hub.
Heidelberg is a romantic old town with castle ruins and sweeping Neckar River views.
Leipzig has a dynamic arts scene, a classical music legacy (home to Bach), and hip cafés.
Stuttgart, Automotive Heartland—Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.
Freiburg is a gateway to the Black Forest, blending green living and medieval charm.
Bremen is a picturesque town with a charming medieval market square and UNESCO sites.
German Culture & History
- Deeply Layered History: From Roman occupation and the Holy Roman Empire to the World Wars, Cold War division, and reunification.
- Philosophy & Music: Home to Goethe, Schiller, Beethoven, Bach, and Wagner.
- Christmas Markets: Held across cities in December—warm drinks, handmade crafts, and festive foods.
- Castles: Neuschwanstein, Hohenzollern, and Wartburg are storybook examples.
Every journey in Germany feels like a profound exploration of both sights and the past and the present. From storybook castles and timbered villages to vibrant cities like Berlin and Munich pulsing with creativity and resilience, Germany is a land of layers—history, innovation, nature, and soul. Whether tracing the Romantic Road, exploring Black Forest trails, or visiting poignant WWII memorials, travel in Germany invites reflection, inspiration, and connection.
Germany is a destination that seamlessly blends culture and complexity, catering to the thoughtful traveler who seeks both sights and the more profound meaning they hold.
“He who has seen Berlin has seen the world.”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (adapted from his famous sentiments about Rome)
While initially referring to Rome, this spirit of worldliness applies profoundly to Berlin and Germany today. The country invites you not just to see but to understand, to question, and to grow.
That spirit mirrors the vision of Mi Bella Mondo: “Changing the way we travel—together.”