Germany travel guide

Overview

Germany rewards travellers who explore beyond Berlin and Munich, though those two cities alone justify a trip — Berlin for its history and nightlife, Munich for Bavarian culture and easy access to the Alps. Between them sit the Rhine Valley's castles, Hamburg's harbour, and countless smaller cities with genuinely distinct character, from Cologne's cathedral to Dresden's rebuilt old town.

Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for city-based travel. Winter brings Christmas markets across the country in December, while Oktoberfest in Munich draws large crowds in late September.

Getting around

• The ICE high-speed train network connects major cities quickly and comfortably
• Regional trains and the Deutschlandticket make city-to-city travel straightforward and affordable
• City transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams) is extensive and reliable in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg
• The autobahn network makes road trips practical if you're covering rural regions or the Romantic Road

Mobile data and connectivity

Compare live BrisqNet eSIM plans for Germany before your trip, and install the profile before you fly. If your itinerary continues into neighbouring countries, compare a regional Europe plan against a Germany-only plan.

• Coverage is strong in cities and along major rail corridors; some rural regions can have more variable signal
• Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and accommodation, but a working eSIM means you're not dependent on finding a hotspot to check train times
• Keep your data line on for real-time platform and delay information on the rail network, which changes often

Practical tips

• The currency is the euro; many smaller businesses and traditional restaurants still prefer cash over card
• Recycling and waste sorting are taken seriously — follow the bin colour system where staying in self-catering accommodation
• Sundays see most shops closed by law, so plan grocery shopping accordingly
• Punctuality is valued — arrive on time for reservations and scheduled transport connections

FAQs