Best places to visit in Germany

Germany is moderately priced for Canadians. It is cheaper than Switzerland and Scandinavia but slightly more expensive than Eastern Europe. A budget traveler can manage on CAD $90 to $120 per day. Mid-range travelers should budget CAD $150 to $220 per day excluding flights.

You need at least 7 days to see the highlights of Germany but 10 to 14 days gives you a much more comfortable and enjoyable trip. Germany is a big country with lots of regional variety, so more time always pays off.

Yes, Germany is very safe for tourists. It consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe. Standard travel precautions apply: watch your belongings in busy tourist areas, stay aware in crowded spaces, and keep copies of your documents.

No. English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. In smaller rural towns, some locals may not speak much English, but basic communication is usually possible. Learning a few German phrases like 'Bitte' (please), 'Danke' (thank you), and 'Entschuldigung' (excuse me) goes a long way.

Munich is often recommended as the best starting city for first-time visitors because it is very visitor-friendly, has excellent public transport, beautiful sights, great food, and serves as a perfect base for day trips to Neuschwanstein and Salzburg. Berlin is a close second, especially if you are more interested in history and contemporary culture.

May, June, and September are the sweet spots. The weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and prices are reasonable. Avoid mid-July and August if you hate crowds, and avoid December if you want to see attractions at their least crowded (though Christmas markets are magical).

No. Germany's train network is excellent and connects most tourist destinations. A car is only useful if you want to explore very rural areas like the Black Forest countryside or smaller villages along the Romantic Road. For most first-time visitors, trains are the better option.

Absolutely. Germany's Christmas markets are some of the most atmospheric experiences in all of Europe. Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden, Erfurt, and Rothenburg all have outstanding markets. Outside of December, January and February are quiet and affordable, though some outdoor attractions and castle tours operate on reduced schedules.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bacharach, Meersburg on Lake Constance, Quedlinburg in the Harz region, Bamberg in Bavaria, and Goslar are all exceptional small towns. Each one has a distinct character and most tourists skip them entirely, which means they are wonderfully peaceful even in peak season.

Yes. Germany has more castles than almost any other country on earth, with over 25,000 castle sites scattered across the country. Neuschwanstein is the most famous, but Heidelberg Castle, Eltz Castle on the Moselle River, Hohenschwangau Castle, and Lichtenstein Castle are all stunning and worth visiting. Many are free or very affordable to explore from the outside.

Leipzig, Dresden, Nuremberg, and Erfurt are significantly cheaper than Munich and Hamburg. Accommodation, food, and entertainment all cost less in these eastern and central German cities, and they are genuinely fascinating destinations that most tourists overlook.