Things to do in Germany

Places to visit in Germany

• Things to do in Berlin city, culture, food
• Things to do in Cologne city, culture, food
• Things to do in Dresden culture, city
• Things to do in Dusseldorf city, culture, food
• Things to do in Frankfurt city, culture, food
• Things to do in Hamburg city, culture, food
• Things to do in Heidelberg culture, city, relax
• Things to do in Munich city, culture, food
• Things to do in Nuremberg culture, city, food

Best time to visit Germany

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Berlin

January through March and November (excluding Christmas) are the cheapest months to fly to Berlin, with round-trip fares from major US hubs often 30-45% lower than summer peaks. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional $50-100 compared to Friday or Sunday travel.

Cologne

January through March and November (outside Carnival in February) are the cheapest months to fly to Cologne, with round-trip fares from US hubs often 25-40% lower than summer peak; flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) shaves another 10-15% compared to weekend departures.

Dresden

January through March and November are the cheapest months to fly to Dresden, with transatlantic fares running 25-40% lower than summer peaks; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently save another 10-15% versus weekend travel.

Dusseldorf

Flying to Düsseldorf in January-February or mid-November (outside Karneval and Christmas market season) typically yields the lowest fares, often 25-40% cheaper than peak summer or holiday periods. Mid-week departures on Tuesday or Wednesday shave an additional 10-15% off round-trip prices versus weekend travel.

Frankfurt

January through March (excluding trade fair weeks like Messe events) and mid-November offer the lowest airfares, often 30-40% cheaper than peak summer or December trade fair season. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional 10-15% versus weekend travel.

Hamburg

January through March are the cheapest months to fly to Hamburg, with fares often 25-40% lower than summer peak; flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) can shave an additional 10-15% off round-trip prices compared to weekend travel.

Heidelberg

Fly in January through early March or mid-November for the lowest fares, off-peak transatlantic tickets to Frankfurt can run 25-40% cheaper than summer peak (June-August) or the Christmas market season (late November-December). Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently show the best round-trip pricing.

Munich

January through March (excluding Carnival) and November offer the cheapest flights, often 30-40% below peak summer and Oktoberfest (late September) prices. Flying midweek-Tuesday or Wednesday departures-can save an additional 10-15% versus weekend travel.

Nuremberg

The cheapest months to fly into the region are January through March (excluding Christmas/New Year) and late October to mid-November, when transatlantic fares can run 25-40% lower than summer peak. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) also typically saves $50-100 per ticket compared to weekend departures.

Is Germany expensive?

It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.

Free things to do in Germany

• Berlin: Tempelhof Field Stroll, cycle, or picnic on the vast runway of a decommissioned Cold War airport turned public park.
• Cologne: Walk the Rhine Riverbanks Stretching promenades on both sides offer skyline views, street performers, and sunset strolls at zero cost.
• Dresden: Walk the Brühl's Terrace This grand riverside promenade nicknamed 'the balcony of Europe' offers sweeping Elbe views with zero cost.
• Dusseldorf: Rhine Promenade Walk A gorgeous flat riverside path stretching through the heart of the city, perfect for people-watching and sunset views.
• Frankfurt: Museumsufer riverbank walk Stroll the south bank of the Main past 12 world-class museums, street art, and sweeping skyline views, free any day
• Hamburg: Alster Lakes Stroll Walk or jog the scenic promenades around the Binnenalster and Außenalster, Hamburg's green lungs in the city center.
• Heidelberg: Stroll the Philosophenweg Panoramic hilltop views of the castle and old town with zero admission cost
• Munich: Surf the Eisbach Wave Watch or photograph fearless surfers shredding a standing river wave in the middle of a city park.