Things to do in Germany
9 destinations in Germany, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
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?
A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.
- Berlin
- About $39 a day on a shoestring, about $225 comfortably.
- Cologne
- About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $225 comfortably.
- Dresden
- About $45 a day on a shoestring, about $235 comfortably.
- Dusseldorf
- About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $247 comfortably.
- Frankfurt
- About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $242 comfortably.
- Hamburg
- About $46 a day on a shoestring, about $238 comfortably.
- Heidelberg
- About $48 a day on a shoestring, about $230 comfortably.
- Munich
- About $61 a day on a shoestring, about $252 comfortably.
- Nuremberg
- About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $230 comfortably.
Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.
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.
Cheap eats in Germany
- Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap in Berlin, Vegetable döner kebab with roasted veggies and herb sauce Plates $4-6
- Imbiss Südstadt (various Döner stands) in Cologne, Classic Döner Kebab Plates $4-6
- Raskolnikoff in Dresden, Hearty goulash soup or pelmeni dumplings Plates $7-12
- Zum Schlüssel in Dusseldorf, Halve Hahn (rye roll with aged Gouda) paired with a fresh Altbier Plates $5-9
- Zum Gemalten Haus in Frankfurt, Handkäs mit Musik (marinated cheese) and Ebbelwoi Plates $6-10
- Dat Backhus in Hamburg, Fischbrötchen (herring roll) Plates $3-6