The 15 Best Places to Visit in Germany in 2023

There are numerous reasons to put Germany on your travel bucket list, including its historic architecture, beautiful scenery, and dynamic culture. But where do you even begin your trip?

Don’t worry — our travel experts have rounded up 15 of the very best places to visit in Germany so you can take advantage of everything this wonderful country offers. Let us be your guide!

15 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany

Prepare for an exciting voyage as we take you through some of Germany’s most amazing cities, including Dresden, Berlin, Munich, and many more.

1. Berlin

Berlin is a dynamic city with lots of things to see and do. Berlin offers various cultural events, including theatrical productions, exhibitions in art galleries, and music festivals.

There are also historical locations that shed light on Germany’s stormy past, including Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Traditional German fare like schnitzel and sauerkraut, as well as cosmopolitan fare like Mexican tacos and Italian pizza, are all available in Berlin.

Visitors can enjoy a drink at one of the many beer gardens, sample local brews, or sample some artisan cocktails at hip bars like Bar Tausend or Lovelite Club & Lounge.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Berlin in 2023

2. Munich

Munich is a culturally rich city with a wide variety of attractions. The Frauenkirche, a 15th-century Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline, is the city’s most recognizable feature.

Marienplatz, a grand square surrounded by historical structures; Nymphenburg Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace located in vast gardens; and Viktualienmarkt, one of Europe’s oldest food markets, are a few well-known attractions.

There are many great museums for art enthusiasts, like Pinakothek der Moderne and Lenbachhaus Museum. For swimming and sailing, nature lovers can visit the adjacent Lake Starnberg or spend the day exploring Englischer Garten.

3. Dresden

With its numerous museums and art galleries, as well as its magnificent baroque architecture, Dresden is a city bursting with cultural attractions.

The Frauenkirche church, with its characteristic dome rising over the skyline, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The Zwinger Palace complex, Brühl’s Terrace, Semperoper Opera Theatre, and Dresden Castle are additional noteworthy landmarks.

There are many parks and gardens to visit and art galleries like Kupferstich-Kabinett, which has a remarkable collection of prints and drawings for those seeking something more contemporary.

4. Hamburg

From ancient locations like St. Michael’s Church and Town Hall Square to contemporary art galleries like the Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg is home to a diverse range of attractions.

The city’s many parks can also be explored by visitors, including Planten un Blomen, which has a Japanese garden, rose gardens, and an outdoor performance stage.

Many theaters offer performances ranging from classical music to comedic plays for people seeking more entertainment options.

The International Maritime Museum and Miniatur Wunderland, with their displays of tiny model railroads, are only two of the city’s many museums that provide insight into its past.

5. Heidelberg

In close proximity to Frankfurt Am Main Airport, in southwest Germany, is the city of Heidelberg. It is renowned for its charming old town with cobblestone alleys lined with vibrant structures from various historical periods.

The Heiliggeistkirche Church, a Renaissance-era landmark, the Karlstor Gatehouse from the Middle Ages, and the Alte Aula Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s history, are just a few of Heidelberg’s must-see attractions.

You could also take part in a variety of cultural events held all year round, such as plays or music festivals. For travelers to Germany looking for culture and pleasure, Heidelberg is the perfect place.

6. Leipzig

One of Germany’s most picturesque cities, Leipzig is a top travel destination. It’s not surprising that so many visitors come to this city each year, given its fascinating history, thriving culture, and magnificent architecture.

The Museum für bildenden Künste (Museum of Fine Arts), which features some of the best pieces by German artists, including Caspar David Friedrich and Max Liebermann, is a must-visit institution.

St. Thomas Church, home to the famed Bach cantatas, is another popular attraction.

There are many outdoor activities accessible to people seeking something more energetic when visiting Leipzig. Take a stroll around Clara Zetkin Park or go swimming or fishing at one of the many lakes nearby, for example.

7. Regensburg

The German city of Regensburg welcomes tourists with a variety of sights and events. The Stone Bridge spans the Danube River, dates back to the 12th century, and is part of its well-preserved medieval old town.

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter is home to magnificent Renaissance graves and frescoes. There are numerous museums in Regensburg, such as the Museum der Bayerischen Geschichte (Museum of Bavarian History).

Additionally, there are many churches to explore, including St. Jakob’s Church and the remains of Neupfarrkirche, as well as other historic structures, like Haidplatz Square and the Dachau Gate, both of which date to the 16th century AD.

8. The Black Forest

The Black Forest, a breathtakingly gorgeous region of Germany, is situated in the southwest of the nation. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Germany because of its charming villages and lush woodlands.

Numerous attractions can be found in the area, ranging from outdoor pursuits like skiing and hiking to historical landmarks like castles and museums.

Visitors can easily spend days visiting this distinctive region of Germany because there is so much to see and do. Temperatures between December and February average around 29 degrees Fahrenheit, so prepare appropriately with heavier coats and jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves.

Temperatures are more pleasant in the months spanning June through August, averaging 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dripping into the mid-50s in the evening. (perfect for light layers).

9. Cologne

Cologne is one of the most popular locations in Germany. It sits on the Rhine River and is a popular tourist destination for people who want to learn more about German history and culture.

The famous Gothic cathedral known as Kölner Dom or Cologne Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline. This majestic building, one of Europe’s tallest churches, was built in 1248 and is 157 meters tall.

There are numerous bars, clubs, and pubs spread out throughout the city that will keep you entertained whether you like to drink craft beer or cocktails with friends at a trendy rooftop bar or dance till dawn at one of Cologne’s many nightclubs like Bootshaus or Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld.

10. The Rhine Valley

One of the most frequently-visited tourist spots in Germany is the Rhine Valley. This beautiful section of the country offers breathtaking scenery along the banks of the River Rhine.

This valley is also a great place to visit if you want to learn about German history and culture because it has some of the most stunning castles and oldest European cities.

Numerous villages date back thousands of years in the Rhine River basin, which has been inhabited for millennia. Visitors can tour both these historic locations and contemporary towns like Cologne and Düsseldorf, which are situated on either side of the river.

Along with being rich in history, this area has a ton of chances for outdoor pursuits, including bicycling, hiking, and just lounging by the river.

11. Island of Rügen

One of the most popular tourist spots in Germany is the Island of Rügen. Off the northern coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, this lovely island provides guests with a range of entertainment options.

Popular locations include Sellin Beach and Binz Beach, which provide excellent swimming and sunbathing options, in addition to beach bars and restaurants where you can get something to eat or sip on your preferred drink while admiring the view.

A few options include taking a boat excursion to surrounding islands, trekking up hillsides covered in lush forests, participating in water sports like sailing or windsurfing at various spots throughout the island, and visiting lighthouses along the shore.

12. Kings Lake

In the middle of Germany, there is a magnificent city called Kings Lake. Beautiful lakeside views, charming cobblestone alleys, and a thriving culture are some of its best features.

There are lots of things to do when you visit Kings Lake. Kayaking and sailing are only a couple of the water sports available on the lake itself.

Many walking routes around the lake provide wonderful views of the surroundings for those who prefer activities on dry land. Additionally, the city has a number of museums where tourists can learn about regional history and culture.

13. Nuremberg

Bavaria, Germany’s Nuremberg, has long been a favorite travel destination. Nuremberg is a popular tourist destination because of its Pegnitz River location and Franconian Jura Mountains boundary.

The Imperial Castle is among Nuremberg’s most well-known landmarks. This magnificent castle was constructed in the Middle Ages, and for much of its existence, German kings used it as both a fortress and a dwelling.

It is currently one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles, with many of its meandering passageways and vast rooms still accessible to tourists. Tourists can also find lots to enjoy in Nuremberg’s Old Town.

14. Meersburg

With good cause, Meersburg is one of the most visited cities in Germany. It provides breathtaking views of the neighboring mountains and is situated on Lake Constance.

Visit the Old Castle in this historic town, which Prince-Bishop Johann Friedrich von Schönborn constructed in 1715, or take a stroll around the medieval city center with its plethora of shops and eateries that line the cobblestone streets.

There are also several museums where people may learn about local history and art from previous centuries, such as The German Clock Museum.

15. Mountains of Zugspitze

The final spot on our list goes to the Zugspitze Mountains. Anyone traveling to the nation must view this mountain range situated on the border between Austria and Germany.

Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany at 9,718 feet (2,962 meters), has some of the greatest views in all of Europe.

You can look into four distinct nations – Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany – as well as five separate valleys from its summit. It is a breathtaking sight that must not be missed!

Along with other castles peppered throughout, notably Neuschwanstein Castle, the area surrounding Zugspitze Mountain is also rich in history. That is the one that Walt Disney infamously used to design his legendary Cinderella castle!

Things to Consider

There are a few things an American visitor should take into account before visiting Germany. 

These include:

• Language: Even though English is widely known and spoken in the majority of large cities, it is nevertheless advisable for visitors to learn some fundamental German words before their trip. That’ll allow you to be able to interact with locals more effectively and have a better experience overall.
• Currency: Visitors should convert their cash into euros before traveling, or they can use ATMs once they arrive. Most restaurants also accept credit cards, although it’s best to confirm this option in advance because not all places accept credit cards as payment.
• Expenses: Prices vary depending on where you go. Still, in general, because of its high level of life and robust economy, costs are typically greater than those in other European nations like Spain or Italy.
• Accommodations: Prices range from €50 to €150 per night, while the price of meals varies from €20 to €40 per meal depending on whether you dine in cafes or restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope the following may help you with some of your most pressing inquiries about your trip to Germany:

So, What Is the Best Place to Visit in Germany?

Germany is a beautiful nation rich in history and culture. There are so many amazing sites to discover in Germany, from the breathtaking architecture in Berlin to the charming city of Heidelberg.

Germany is one of the top countries in Europe to travel to because of its diversified terrain and energetic cities. You will undoubtedly have a fantastic experience wherever you go in this incredible nation that will stick with you forever.

So, with so much to see and do, and rich history in literally every place you can visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip to Germany today!