Germans are often stereotyped as being strict and uptight, but that stereotype is far from the truth. Anyone would love visiting Germany because of its wide-range of attractions and things to do. If you’re a foodie, you’ll never go hungry with the diverse German cuisine to be found all around the nation. And most history buffs will know that Germany was a battleground and an instigator of both world wars. As you step foot onto a land where the ruthless Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler, ruled and learn more about its haunting past, we can assure you that you’ll get the chills. Yet, we can all learn something from Germany, which is to admit to their mistakes and try to change for the better. So if you’re interested, let’s jump straight into the German experience with the 10 best places to visit in Germany!
1. 1. Glug down some beer at the world's oldest brewery: Weihenstephan
Since Germany is the country that created and hosts the annual Oktoberfest, you can bet that most Germans are extremely passionate about their beer! So it shouldn’t be shocking that the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery is located in Germany. You can stop by the brewery to just indulge in some beer and food, or you could have a tour of the premises. On their guided tour, you will learn about the history of beer and even have a behind-the-scenes look at how their beer is brewed. At the end, you can have a taste of the beer from a 0.1 litres wheat beer glass, which you can take home as a souvenir! You’ll also get a pretzel and a voucher for the Weihenstephaner beverage shop.
Weihenstephan Brewery Tour + Tasting
Address: Alte Akademie 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
Price: from 11.90 USD
Tour Times: 10 am (Monday), 10 am or 1.30 pm (Tuesday), 10 am (Wednesday)
Duration: around 2 hours required
Website: Weihenstephan Brewery Tour + Tasting
2. 2. Admire rare animals in one of Germany's oldest zoos: Berlin
The Berlin Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the whole of Germany, and is also considered one of the most popular zoos in Europe! We think it’s because it has one of the most comprehensive and extensive collections of animals worldwide. It’s not only an awesome zoo because of its exhibits and enclosures, but also because the zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts. So while it might host the typical zoo animals, it also has exotic and rare animals in its midsts. The zoo has also shot to international fame because of its well-loved and famous animals, both past and present. So for a great experience in Berlin that’s sure to educate and entertain, check out Berlin Zoological Garden.
Berlin Zoological Garden
Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany
Price: from 15.65 USD (Adults), 8.10 USD (Children, ages 4 - 15)
Opening Hours: Depends on the season, check website for more information.
Website: Berlin Zoological Garden
3. 3. Visit an island dedicated to museums: Berlin
While we’re still talking about Berlin, let’s look at another attraction in the beautiful capital! Located on the northern half of an island that’s just slightly off from Mitte, is Museum Island. The island itself is a work of art, and all 5 museums are world-renowned. It has made such a cultural impact that it’s listed as one of Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You might think, “who would want to visit 5 museums, it’d all be the same anyways.” But each museum on the island features a different theme and exhibitions, so you’re sure to get a unique experience when you visit. When you’re done exploring the area, you’ll be surrounded by delicious food, so grab some and tuck into it by the river.
Museum Island
Address: Am Lustgarten 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Price: Depends on which museum you’re visiting, check the website for more information.
Opening Hours: Depends on which museum you’re visiting, check the website for more information.
Website: Museum Island
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4. 4. Wake up and smell the fish market: Altona
Before the sun rises, or even before everyone wakes up to start the day, this market begins operation and is a vibrant and bustling hub. Considering the name, you might think that it’s just a simple fish market, but there’s definitely more to it than that. It resembles a farmers’ market, where sellers offer fruits, vegetables, flowers and souvenirs. Many different types of freshly caught food is also on offer here. The selling process here is rather unique, as many store owners actually ‘auction’ off their produce, so if you’re in the mood, how about bidding on something? Or if you’re just feeling peckish, you can grab some grub from the cooked food stores and continue on exploring.
Altona Fish Market
Address: Fischmarkt 2A, 22767 Hamburg, Germany
Opening Hours: 5 am - 9.30 am (Sundays during the summer), 7 am - 9.30 am (Sundays, from 1st October - 31st May)
5. 5. Live and breathe chocolate on this tour: Cologne
Germany has always ranked highly when it comes to top chocolate consumers worldwide, so it seems fitting that they’d have a museum dedicated to the delightful confectionary. You can choose between a self-guided tour, which gives you ample time to explore the different topics presented in the museum or you could go on a guided tour, where an experienced guide will explain things to you, and even demonstrate how chocolates are made! Head to the cafe and grab a mug of their rich hot chocolate or a slice of cake, and you can tuck into them by the Rhine. You can also opt to drop by their gift shop to buy some chocolatey souvenirs for your loved ones.
Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum
Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln, Germany
Price: from 9.80 USD (Adults), free-of-charge (Children, ages 6 and below)
Opening Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (Tuesday - Friday), 11 am - 7 pm (Saturday - Sunday and Bank Holidays). Closed during the Carnival season.
Website: Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum
6. 6. Watch fully-grown adults race in a hollowed out pumpkin: Ludwigsburg
Germans seem to believe that the larger the festival, the better! And they’d be right since Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world originated in Germany. Taking place in Blühendes Barock, the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is Germany and the world’s largest pumpkin festival! If you’re a pumpkin lover, you can view large and intricate pumpkin sculptures, and buy some unique pumpkin products. You also won’t have to worry about getting bored as there’s live entertainment and different competitions going on. There are normal competitions like a pumpkin weigh off, but there’s also a pumpkin canoe regatta. So for a unique experience, drop by this awesome festival!
Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival
Address: Mömpelgardstraße 28, 71640 Ludwigsburg, Germany
Price: from 9.80 USD (Adults), 4.90 USD (Children, ages 4 - 15)
Opening Hours: Beginning of September to early November.
Website: Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival
7. 7. Admire one the most popular German castles: Schwangau (from USD 79.0)
When you glance upon the revered Neuschwanstein Castle, you might think that it looks fairly familiar. It might be so because Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was inspired by it. For anyone who’s in Munich, or is planning to visit Munich, feel free to hop onto this tour so you’ll make it to the castle with ease. Before you get into the castle, stop for a photo of you with the castle in the background from Mary’s Bridge. And when you’re on the castle’s grounds, you’ll have a tour guide who will tell you more about the history and the king who commissioned it. Please note that the admission fee to enter the castle is not included in the tour price, so you’ll be required to purchase a ticket. The 9 hour tour, as stated on the website, includes the journey to and from the castle, and also the tour of the castle itself.
Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich
Duration: 10 hours
8. 8. Be informed and reflect on horrendous war crimes: Dachau (from USD 46.0)
Modern-day Germany may be all fun and games, but no one should ever forget its horrifying past. The Dachau Concentration Camp is actually Nazi Germany’s first concentration camp and at first, was intended to hold the state’s political prisoners. In the end, it was used to hold prisoners of war from all the countries they invaded as well as Jewish people. When you step foot into the memorial site and tour around the camp’s cells, barracks and gas chamber, you’ll feel chills going down your spine. You’ll also learn about the atrocities done to the prisoners and watch a documentary about the camp. It may not be the most comfortable experience, but it might be a necessary one, so you can learn more about what happened in the past, and prevent it from happening again in your lifetime.
Dachau Memorial Site Walking Tour from Munich via Train
Duration: 5 hours
9. 9. Drop by one of the best museums in the city: Dusseldorf
If you’re an art lover and are in Dusseldorf for vacation, then you’re luck! That’s because there are several museums in this city, but Museum Kunstpalast might be one of the best! Its permanent collection holds many art works that date back from 3rd century BC, all the way to present day, so you’ll be able to see the distinct art periods and how art has evolved. Some of the famous art works are paintings by famed artists, such as Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, and even rare Italian Baroque works. It’s also well-known as having one of Europe’s largest glass collections. With such extensive and comprehensive exhibitions, you’re sure to be entertained while being educated.
Museum Kunstpalast
Address: Ehrenhof 4-5, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany
Price: from 5.40 USD (Adults), 1.10 USD (Children, ages 7 - 17), free-of-charge (Children, ages 6 and under)
Opening Hours: 11 am - 6 pm (Tuesday - Sunday), 11 am - 9 pm (Thursday). Closed on Monday.
Website: Museum Kunstpalast
10. 10. Have the drive to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum: Stuttgart
If you’re an owner of a Mercedes-Benz, a lover of the brand, or are just fascinated by cars, the Mercedes-Benz Museum is a cool place to visit. When you step foot into this contemporary and eye-catching building, you’ll want to enter the premises right away. On the premises, you’ll shoot right to the top of the museum, and it’ll lead you around the museum via a timeline. Also, historic and futuristic Mercedes-Benz cars are on display so you can gawk till your heart is content. At the end of the tour, feel free to buy some Mercedes-Benz brand items in the large gift shop for your friends and family.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Address: Mercedesstraße 100, 70372 Stuttgart, Germany
Price: from 10.80 USD
Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (Tuesday - Sunday), box office closes at 5 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Website: Mercedes-Benz Museum
Have a glorious time in Germany!
So now do you believe us that Germany is a fun-loving country with too many things to do and so many places to visit? There’re so many things that we wish we could include, but here are some of our favourites. Some of the places may be upbeat and some of them may be sombre, but all experiences you have in Germany will definitely be interesting and thought-provoking. So what are you waiting for, visit Germany today!
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