1. Visit the mighty Berlin

Berlin is the big capital city of Germany. The city had a tough 20th century but has been thriving since. The city was a key city in the Second World War and has been divided by a wall into East and West for almost 30 years. Famous for being an alternative destination to visit, the city cannot be missed during a trip to Germany. 

Tourist occurrence: High

How to get here: Berlin is easily accessible from all parts of the world. There is an airport with many international flights. Besides, it is easily reached by public transport and by car.

How much time needed: 3 to 4 days will give you sufficient time to get to know the city.

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2. Watch the harbour In Hamburg

Hamburg lies in the north of Germany, and it has a big harbour. The city is famous for having more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam. From many parts of the city you can see the harbour on the other side, which is very cool. The city has an alternative feeling, and there are things to do, like visiting parks, markets and museums. 

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: Hamburg is easily accessible from all parts of the world. There is an airport with many international flights. Besides, it is easily reached by public transport and by car. Berlin is 2 hours away by train and 3 by car.

How much time needed: 2-3 days 

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3. Find the impressive Cologne Cathedral in Cologne

Cologne is a city in the western part of Germany. Most cities in this area of the country are not that interesting, but Cologne is a different story, and mostly because of one of the most gorgeous cathedrals in the world. Besides, there are many more sights to discover. 

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: Cologne is easily accessible from all parts of the world. It is easily reached by public transport and by car. Berlin is 4.5 hours away by train and 6 by car.

How much time needed: 1-2 days 

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4. Enjoy the great beer scene

Germany is famous for having great beers. To be honest, if a bar outside Germany says it has German beers, I am not excited, as they do not have the most tasty beers. However, the culture around it is very interesting with the big glasses, the long wooden tables and the many beer gardens. You cannot miss this experience if you love the liquid gold!

5. Visit the Roman city Trier

Trier is a less well-known city in Western Germany. The most interesting part are the many Roman buildings that are located throughout the city, but the city has much more to discover. There are great squares, vineyards, and museums to discover during a visit. 

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: Trier is close to the border with Luxembourg, Belgium, and France, so it can easily be reached from a lot of directions by public transport and car. 

How much time needed: 1-2 days 

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6. Enjoy the famous Oktoberfest

One of the most famous national holidays is Oktoberfest. Things is a big beer festival, where you will have music (you need to have a beer to really enjoy it), long tables, food and beer. Women are wearing dirndls and men lederhosen, which adds to the atmosphere. The holiday is 3 weeks during September and October, and the biggest party is in Munich. This is a real German thing to do in Germany.

Tourist occurrence: Depending on the city, but it can be very high.

7. Cheer at a football match

Germany has a high football culture, and visiting a football game is something special. I went to Borussia Dortmund (see picture above) and to Borussia Mönchengladbach, and both were great experiences. The atmosphere is great, the football often as well and the experience is fantastic.

8. Walk around Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a rare fancy city in the Ruhrgebiet, which is fun to walk around. There are some gorgeous buildings throughout the city, but it will not be the biggest highlight in Germany. The city is extra fun during a part in February when many parts of the world (also in Germany) are celebrating Carnaval. 

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: Düsseldorf is a city reachable from many parts of Germany and other parts of the worlds as it has an international airport and a good rail network.

How much time needed: 1 day

9. Explore the cute town Münster

Münster is a cute city with a very gorgeous city centre. The city has great churches and cathedrals to discover, and on the weekend there are some good markets. My favourite area of the city is the harbour, where there are some great bars and restaurants and an alternative neighbourhood. 

Tourist occurrence: Low

How to get here: Münster is easily reached by train and car. 

How much time needed: 1 day

10. Enjoy some German food

It is hard to find vegetables except potatoes. It is not as ingenious as the Italian and Spanish cuisines; the portions are pretty huge, but you have to try the local cuisine. Meat is the way to go, but the vegetarian options are rising. Head to a real German restaurant and ask for their speciality. You will not regret it!

11. Try some bratwurst and currywurst

Of course, bratwurst and currywurst are both food, but they deserve a special place. The sausages are both very popular and food you should really try in Germany. Bratwurst is often served in a sandwich with mustard (the above one), while currywurst (which is often the same sausage) is put in many curry and spices without a sandwich (the below one).

The numbers in the map correspond with the number of the highlight. 

Things I have not done, but could be cool

I have often been in Germany, but I did not see close to everything, so there are many things to visit for example Munich, Black Forest, and Neuschwanstein Castle

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Final thoughts

Germany has had a tough past, but now it is one of the most visited countries in Europe. The country has some great cities, nature, and cute villages to visit. When travelling here, the options to go from one place to another are very easy. The country has an interesting culture with its beer, parties, and lederhosen.

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