Germany is a country where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly. Whether you're venturing into the heart of Bavaria, exploring the cosmopolitan city of Munich, or dancing past dawn in Berlin, this guide will help make sure you hit all the hot spots on your German adventure.  

Best Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany 

Bavaria is the southeastern region of Germany. It’s the largest state by land area and is home to many cities and towns such as Munich, Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Ausburg. 

Neuschwanstein Castle: If you are a Disney fan, don’t miss this castle, considered to be the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Surrounded by picturesque Bavarian Alps, it’s one of the most photographed castles in the world. 

Nuremberg: Home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets, Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt runs from the end of November until Christmas Eve. Indulge in authentic German foods such as grilled sausage (nurnberger rostbratwurst) paired with a glass of mulled wine (gluhwein). The market is family friendly and has everything from shopping, crafts, and even a post office for children to mail a letter to the famed Christkind. 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: This alpine town is perfect for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. In the winter, it’s known for its skiing and snowboarding. While in summer, folks enjoy hiking and mountain biking. Don’t miss the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak for the perfect photo opportunity.  

Bavaria Hot Travel Tip 

Visit these hot spots, such as the Christmas market, early in the day on a weekday. These popular destinations get rather busy on the weekends, as the locals like to enjoy them too. By visiting earlier, you can enjoy each destination at your own pace with fewer people. 

Visiting Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany 

Hosted in the heart of Munich is the most famous beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest.  Oktoberfest runs from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. It’s hosted at the Theresienwiese. There are 17 different beer tents to choose from, each run by a different brewery. Most breweries offer a special edition Oktoberfest brew, which tends to be stronger than other drafts. Book your tickets in advance to guarantee entry to the beer tents. It’s also recommended to arrive early to score seating.  

Wearing the traditional Oktoberfest outfits, lederhosen, and dirndls are encouraged! Oktoberfest isn’t just for drinking; they also offer family-friendly activities for children and discounts on rides on Tuesdays. 

Oktoberfest Hot Travel Tip 

Be sure to brush up on the rules and expectations for Oktoberfest. Did you know you cannot take a stein from Oktoberfest? They are technically property of the beer tent, and you can be arrested for theft. They do allow purchasing steins from the merchandise tents. These steins have stickers on them to indicate that they are purchased merchandise. Another quirky difference at Oktoberfest is the size of the beers. Most often, a small beer served at Oktoberfest is 1 liter—over double the size of a standard pint (16 oz.) in the United States!  

Best Historical Landmarks in Berlin, Germany 

Berlin is a city of contrasts, where historic landmarks coexist with contemporary art and culture. 

Berlin Wall Memorial: A powerful and educational reminder of the Cold War, the memorial offers insight into Berlin’s divided past. The open-air part of the memorial is free to visit. Take a guided tour to better understand the Wall’s history and hear from folks with firsthand experience of the county’s division. 

Museum Island: Home to five world-renowned museums, Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museums host ancient artifacts ranging from the famous bust of Nefertiti, Byzantine coins, and even several Monet paintings. All of the museums are within walking distance of each other. 

Berlin Hot Travel Tip 

Berlin has a strong public transportation system called the U-Bahn. The Berlin Welcomecard was designed with tourists in mind and includes admission to several museums via the U-Bahn. You can also purchase daily or one-way tickets. Be sure to stamp your ticket once selected, otherwise you can be fined. The U-Bahn is a great way for tourists to explore the city’s many attractions and neighborhoods on a budget. 

Is travel medical insurance required to visit Germany? 

If your visit to Germany will last more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa and provide proof of travel medical insurance. Travel medical insurance provides temporary medical coverage while you’re away from home. It’s designed to protect you in the event of an unexpected illness or injury, providing a range of benefits, including emergency medical and dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), repatriation, and more. Not sure what to look for in a plan? Here’s how to choose the best travel medical insurance plan.. 

If your visit lasts fewer than 90 days, you won’t need to apply for a Schengen visa. While travel medical insurance isn’t required for shorter stays in Germany, it’s highly recommended. Most people assume they’re already covered by their national or domestic health insurance plan, but that isn’t always the case. While your standard health insurance plan provides sufficient coverage at home, most aren’t designed to provide coverage and assistance required for international travel.