Ticking off 92 global cities (and counting), Shan has lived in Southeast Asia for six years, including Vietnam and Thailand. She has previously called New York and Durban home. A traveling creative soul, Shan has a serious penchant for delicious words.
Glorious Christmas Markets where you’ll want to hunt down Santa’s elves immediately, architectural magnificence, artwork on display by some of the greatest masters of the art world, insightful museums, exploits related to parts of history’s most famous wars, hearty cuisine (is there anything better than eisbein and a beer?), sweet day trips, Alpine villages, and of course, the iconic Oktoberfest.
In case you didn’t gather by now, I’m talking about Germany! As part of Central Europe, one of its unique selling points is that it’s super easy to hop over to one of its neighboring countries, too.
If you’ve never set foot in Deutschland before and are wondering which are the not-to-miss destinations, here are my recommendations of the best places to visit in Germany for first time travelers. From Berlin to Dresden, off we go!
See an exrtensive collection of Picasso’s and Pop Art at the Ludwig in Koln (Source: museum-ludwig.de)East Side Gallery, BerlinNuremberg’s Christmas Market (Source: nuernberg_travel)
From its creative heave that you can feel on every corner, to the unconventional-meets-cool street style you see around the city, Berlin is a playground for art and culture! Then, of course, there’s its globally renowned music scene (I’m talking to you, techno heads). And lest we forget about the KitKatClub. If you’ve never been to Deutschland, Berlin has to be at the top of your list of best places to visit in Germany for first-time wanderers. It’s also home to some of Germany’s most iconic landmarks, like the Berlin Wall Memorial.
(Source: staatlichemuseenzuberlin)
What to do
While you’re on a Berlin Wall roll, you cannot miss the street art-plastered East Side Gallery. Speaking of galleries, the Contemporary Fine Arts is insane! Then there’s a whole Museum Island, where you can explore five institutes (see Nefertiti at the Neues). The Holocaust Memorial is worth visiting, especially if you love history or are here to explore all things WWII-related.
And for an incredible bird’s-eye view, head up the Berlin TV Tower. Lovely green spaces within the city include Tiergarten and Mauerpark.
Travel tip: One of the things I love about Europe adventuring is how convenient it is for cross-country travel.
Bordering Poland, it’s easy to get from Berlin to Poznan in three hours. Trains are just a 2.5-hour journey.
Where to eat
The capital city has a yummy street food scene, currywurst being the number one Berlin street food to try! Or, if you’re anything like me, you can’t say no to an excellent market. Head to the Marheineke Markthalle for a food journey. For classic German (including schnitzel, naturally), eat at Schnitzelei Mitte (including a vegan version). Or, if you’re after a Michelin experience, book a table at three-starredRutz.
A firm favorite of ours is the ever-trendy Friedrichshain neighborhood, ticking all boxes. I love its more alternative vibes, too, but more so the dining scene. (Speaking of, check out the best restaurants in Friedrichshain.)
Smack back in northern Germany, Hamburg is one of the most underrated cities, but should totally be on everyone’s radar, making it one of our best places to visit in Germany for first time travel. I love how green Hamburg feels in comparison to some of the colder, more urban German city landscapes, and of course, it’s home to a massive port.
It reminds me of parts of the Nederlands, and oozes a more classic European-esque feel than your contemporary vibes. And guess what…It’s the second-largest city in Germany! Crazy, right?
Discover UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt (Warehouse District) — officially the world’s largest warehouse complex! Or, one of the most unique things to do in Hamburg is a Beatles-centric tour. Die-hard fans will know all about it.
(Source: miniaturwunderland)
Where to eat
Being by the ocean and all, seafood is a must! Both Liman Fisch-restaurant and Underdocks are amazing seafood spots. For burgers (trust me on this one), it’s all about Traumkuh or Grill and Green. Food rules my life, and my knees go weak for a Michelin vibe. Either check out 100/200 Kitchen (set up in a warehouse) or bianc for Mediterranean/Italian cuisine: both have two Michelin stars!
From its delish restaurant scene to the vintage stores on offer, Schanzenviertel is where it’s at. Check into August The Boardinghouse. St Pauli is a backpackers’ hotspot zone, and as you’d expect, it boasts great nightlife. Hotel Luckys Inn GmbH is comfortable and affordable. For the whole hostel situation, there’s Backpackers St. Pauli. Then you’ve got the Old Town, i.e., Altstadt. Stay at HENRI Hotel Hamburg Downtown.
South
Munich
What’s one of the first things you think of when hearing the word, Bavaria? Beer, duh! As the capital city of the Bavaria region, there is more to see and do than just Oktoberfest-ing it up and experiencing beer culture.
As an aside, I suggest joining the Fruhlingsfest celebrations during April and May. Dubbed Oktoberfest’s “little sister,” it’s smaller than the original, has fewer crowds, and is less touristy. The spring fest is fun for all ages, with carnival rides happening and all sorts.
(Source: muenchen.de)
Munich’s historical landmarks date back centuries, and honestly, the array of architecture is like, wow. It’s the type of destination where you see examples of some of the most renowned design styles, from Medieval to Art Nouveau, Brutalism to Baroque, all in one city!
What to do
Join a beer tour (ranging from brewery visits to tastings), or visit the iconic BMW Welt Museum (the car brand originates from Munich). Take your cameras out at Marienplatz in the city center and the Old Town, the 15th-century Frauenkirche church, and Nymphenburg Palace Park. Just as much as there is to explore in the city, the beauty surrounding Munich is incredible.
I highly suggest day tripping to Berchtesgaden, an Alpine town out of a fairytale novel. It’s about two hours from Munich. One hour away is Lake Walchensee, where the color of the water is unimaginable. Murnau am Staffelsee is utterly picturesque.
The beer gardens of Munich are everything and a bag of pork crackling chips, and exemplify the city’s beer-drinking culture. Plus, this is often where to find the most authentic Bavarian-style cuisine. Hofbräuhaus München, Hirschau im Englischen Garten, and Paulaner Bräuhaus serve great food (and beer).
The Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s biggest and most bustling food market (beer garden here too). If looking for something more refined, wine and dine at Brasserie Les Deux. Then, Atelier is a stunning two-Michelin-starred option.
Maxvorstadt is upmarket and in a great position for Munich museum hopping. Book your stay at Eden Hotel Wolff. Altstadt, i.e., the Old Town, is central, closeby to landmarks, restaurants, bars, etc. Haidhausen is a family-friendly neighborhood. Lastly, foodies particularly love the Schwabing district. Accommodation-wise, Hotel Metropol by Maier Privathotels is wonderful.
Nuremberg
When considering the best places to visit in Germany for first time experiences, Nuremberg is unbeatable when it comes to holiday spirit. Home to one of the most incredible Christmas markets in the world, nothing comes close to Nuremberg in December. As Bavaria’s second-largest city, it also made its mark in the history books for the infamous Nuremberg Trials (when Nazis from WWII were trialed and convicted). The city exudes this feeling of past-meets-present.
The lights of Nuremberg Christmas Market twinkle under a covering of snow (Source: National Geographic)
I love Nuremberg’s Old Town! It’s close to the castle, and catching the train from this part of the city is easy-peasy. Cool options include Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg, Five Reasons Hotel & Hostel, and Karl August. If you enjoy waking up to greenery, Dutzendteich is built around the lake and park, or Sebalder Altstadt is the area around Pegnitz River. Marienvorstadt is a good base for exploring the museums and architecture — culture vultures will appreciate this part of Nuremberg.
(Source: nuernberg.de)
Koln
Drawing in over 1 million delighted travelers from around the globe, Cologne Pride (Christopher Street Day) is an extravaganza not to be missed! It is renowned across the country and is very reflective of the warm and inviting atmosphere of Koln (also spelled Cologne). The colors, culture, people, and general vibes, not to mention the actual parade, are something that sets one’s soul on fire! Köln is situated in the southwest of Germany, sitting on the Rhine River. Honestly, its history and architectural masterpieces are what make this special city a non-negotiable among the best places to visit in Germany for first time visitors.
(Source: cologneprideofficial)
Random fact: Did you know that Eau de Cologne originated in Cologne?!
What to do
Sightseeing-wise, head straight to the epic Cologne Cathedral. Dripping in Gothic aesthetics, those double spires are hard to take your eyes off! Appreciate the likes of Picasso (the world’s third largest collection !!!) and other art geniuses at the Museum Ludwig. Or, hit the roads and explore the street art scene (the talent, wow). Event-wise, apart from Pride (usually the first week of July), another hugely festive annual event is Karneval, i.e., the Cologne Carnival in November. Christmas time is also major in this German city, which means it’s Christmas Market season!
The carousel and bar in Heinzels Wintermarchen (Credit: Tor Brierley)(Source: koelnerdomofficial)(Source: museum-ludwig.de)
I love a good day trip, especially if I’m based in a city for a couple of days. Some lovely, easy day-trips from Cologne include the likes of Siebengebirge (for castles and folklore) and Düsseldorf.
Drachenfels hill in Siebengebirge, near Cologne (Source: Germany.travel)
Where to eat
Brewery culture is also big in Koln. Brewpubs are the ultimate dining spot for savoring the local food and beer! Some top “brauhaus” options include FRÜH Em Veedel (try the eisbein and potato pancakes), Max Stark (slightly upmarket), and HELLERS Brauhaus. For more refined German cuisine, book a table at one Michelin-star maiBeck or Ox & Klee with its two-Michelin-star status. Some more casual options include Augustiner am Heumarkt and OX Royal.
Other popular areas include Rathenauplatz, Nippes, and Ehrenfeld. Like most cities in Germany, the Old Town is central and convenient. Check into MAISON MARSIL Boutique Hotel or URBAN LOFT Cologne.
East
Dresden
When choosing the best places to visit in Germany for first time visitors, don’t forget about Dresden. One thing I noticed about Germany is that in cities that aren’t part of independent regional states, like Berlin, things are a lot more staunchly German. But some of its states, like Bavaria and Saxony (which Dresden falls under), feel more European-y, if that makes sense?
(Source: dresdner-zwinger.de)
I hope no Germans reading this hate on me, but I personally enjoy the areas of Saxony and Bavaria. Dresden is the capital of Saxony, and it sort of reminds me of Budapest in parts. I’ve got one word to describe it: picturesque!
What to do
Buildings, buildings, buildings (said in Billie Eilish’s voice referencing ‘Therefore I Am’). Yup, it’s an architectural dream in Dresden; an ode to all things Baroque. Like a whimsical tale, discover a whopping 14 castles around Dresden. Albrechtsburg Castle, Lingnerschloss, Dresden Castle and Pillnitz Castle are s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g.
Cuisine from the Saxony region differs from other parts of Germany. Feast on local specialities and traditional fare at Sophienkeller (that’s even Baroque-themed) and Pulverturm (feels like a Medieval time-warp). Seafood lovers, head to Kastenmeiers. There are currently three restaurants in Dresden with one Michelin star status (nothing above). Of them, elements is my favorite.
(Source: Pulverturm an der Frauenkirche)(Source: Sophienkeller im Taschenbergpalais)
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