Best Places to Visit in Germany

Germany has become one of my favorite study and travel destinations in the past decade due to many reasons. Germany has grown to be a favorite destination among students, among all other reasons, because Germany offers free education or minimal tuition fee.

Germany is a paradise for people who love to dive deep in history especially learn more about the Nazi party and World War II. In addition, Germany offers one of the best technologies in the world anyone could ever ask for.

Germany is full of diverse cultures and lively locals, offering some great beer and an astonishingly well-developed railway system, which reaches even the most remote mountain village. In addition, Germany is home to many captivating travel destinations.

There are so many places and cities to explore in Germany. We will tell you about the top five cities you shouldn’t miss while studying in Germany.

1. Berlin

Telegraph Magazine tagged Berlin as the “most fun city in the world” for many reasons. The US takes pleasure in New York City, London is the heartbeat of England, Paris is the love of France, the following suit, Berlin is unquestionably one of the charming, and the city basks in a cultural renaissance in the world.
The German capital offers a gorgeous art scene, museums, excellent public transportation, the cheapest capital city compared to any Western European country to live in, coupled with a dynamic nightlife, offering free education, and many more. Berlin is also home to electronic music. The nightlife in Berlin is something everyone should enjoy at least once while in the city.
Apart from the most-sought tourist destination in Europe, Berlin is a non-conformist city and a haven for subcultures. In addition, Berlin is known as one of the most liberal cities for minorities in all of Europe.
In Berlin, there’s something for everyone.
Top 6 must-visit places in Berlin:

1. The Brandenburg Gate — Berlin’s most famous historic landmark, a symbol of unity and peace once a divided nation. The Neoclassical gate design was inspired by the Propylaea in Athens Acropolis and was commissioned by King Frederick Wilhelm II in 1788. The gate served as a “blocked gate” and the chosen site for demonstrations by West Berliners.

2. The Rebuilt Reichstag — In 1894, the Rebuilt Reichstag served as the German Empire’s Imperial home. In 1993, the palace was burned down and was not used again until after the reunification of Germany. In 1999 after a significant restoration, the castle finally became the home of the German Parliament.

3. Museum Island — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, located between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben in a 400-meter-long canal. Here you will find the treasure of old city museums, including the Old Museum (Altes Museum), house the Crown Jewels, and other royal jewels built-in 1830.

4. Berlin Wall Memorial — Originated in 1961 when East Germany sealed off that half of the city to prevent citizens from fleeing to West Germany. The wall was torn down in 1989. Extended 155 kilometers, the four-meter-high wall dissected 55 streets and possessed 293 observation towers and 57 bunkers. Today, only small stretches of the graffiti-covered travesty remain, including a 1.4-kilometer stretch preserved as part of the Berlin Wall Memorial.

5. Gendarmenmarkt — The picturesque 17th-century square is one of Berlin’s largest squares, and is dominated by three historic landmark buildings: the Konzerthaus, the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom), and the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom). The square is now utilized to host numerous public events each year, including classical concerts at the Konzerthaus theater in the summer. In addition, the court converted to a famous Christmas Market in December.

Other Places to visit: Berlin Cathedral Church, Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden and Botanical Museums, The Nikolai Quarter, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, The Humboldt Forum, Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin’s Television Tower), and many more.

2. Munich

Munich was the home of the Nazi Party, and the city has so much to tell you about the dark time in history. But, today, Munich is one of the most lively cities of Germany and the capital of one of the world’s largest Volksfest (Beer Festival) — Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest has been held in Munich since beginning in 1810. Generally, the fest starts on a Saturday in late September and lasts for 16 to 18 days.

Apart from offering the world’s biggest beer booze festival, Munich has many things to offer to every sort of traveler. Art, History, Architecture, and Culture die-hard fans have stunning city palaces and country castles to explore. Adventure junkies can try out Munich’s famous urban sport — river surfing.

In December, the places are swapped with the Christmas market. While in summer, the 300-hectare English Garden comes alive with all summer fun activities.

Best places to visit in Munich:

• Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus — Munich’s central square is hosting numerous events almost every day.
• Walk or Bike in the Englischer Garten — The English Garden, the most gorgeous and most extensive garden in Germany. The garden was designed in 1785 as a military garden; today, the garden attracts numerous walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
• Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens —Originally the summer residence of the Wittelsbach Electors in the 17th century.
• Munich Residenz — The seat of the dukes, electors, and kings of Bavaria for centuries. The Munich Residenz is one of Europe’s most glorious palaces.
• The Olympic Park — Home to the 1972 Summer Olympics, now converted into an event and recreational center. Significant events are hosted here, including the summer Tollwood Festival.
• Viktualienmarkt — The best place for locals to buy vegetables, flowers, bakery items, and many more. The locations are a haven for food lovers, whether hogging on food or buying raw stuff to cook. Above the market stands a colorful maypole, a traditionally dressed figure representing the various crafts and trades practiced in this part of town in the early 1800s.
• BMW Museum — Here, car fans will find the finest example of almost all the models the company has made, including sports cars, racing models, and motorcycles.
• Tierpark Hellabrunn (Hellabrunn Zoo) — Home to more than 19,000 animals from 757 species are held in open space replicating the wild inhabitant.
• Frauenkirche — the Cathedral Church of Our Lady
• The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan

3. Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial capital of Germany, offering the most diverse culture in Germany. Frankfurt is growing to be a prosperous city year by year and provides ample possibilities to work, education, and career growth. In addition, the presence of numerous international expats makes Frankfurt locals speak English fluently.

Frankfurt is occupied by around 50,000 students from different parts of the world and home to some of the best Universities in Germany, offering high-quality qualifications recognized worldwide.

If you are into history and love visiting museums, visit — Museum District: Museumsufer on the south and north banks of the River Main. You will find a collection of some 16 separate museums and many of them of international standing.

While you are in Frankfurt, do not miss The Hauptwache — literally translated as the “Main Guard.” Located in the middle of the city and one of Frankfurt’s busiest pedestrian areas. The architecture is famous for its mix of fine historic buildings and modern structures.

Best places to explore other than museums — Römerberg: Frankfurt’s Old Town Center, The Old Opera House, The Palm Garden, Frankfurt Cathedral, Eschenheim Tower, and many more.

4. Dresden

Located close to the Czech border in eastern Germany, Dresden is a haven for architecture enthusiasts. The city features a remarkable amount of facades and skyscrapers adorned with incredible architectural details.
It is hard to believe that in the past, Dresden suffered the double blow of almost destruction in World War II, followed by 45 years of postwar neglect under the Soviet regime. Nevertheless, the Dresden you will witness now has risen from its ashes and has become Europe’s most fantastic Baroque city.
The Dresden University of Technology is the largest university and one of the ten largest universities in Germany.
Best places to explore in Dresden — Dresden Frauenkirche, Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, Semper Opera and Theaterplatz, Stroll along Brühl’s Terrace, and many more.
Do not miss — Cruise the Elbe on a Paddlewheeler. The cruises range from 90-minute tours of the city and its surroundings. Witness the marvelous architecture and soak in breathtaking views.

5. Heidelberg

Heidelberg is the home of Germany’s oldest university — Heidelberg University, which was founded in the 14th century. Heidelberg attracts nearly four million visitors each year because the city offers the most picturesque riverside location, gorgeous old buildings and bridges, and the castle ruins overlooking the town center. The city also offers excellent dining and entertainment experiences.
Best places to explore in Heidelberg — Heidelberg Castle, Hauptstrasse and the Altstadt (Old Town), Karl Theodor Bridge, The Philosophers’ Way, Schloss Schwetzingen, Königstuhl — The King’s Seat, Heiligenberg, Heidelberg Zoo, and Germany’s Oldest Botanic Garden, The German Pharmacy Museum, and many more.

Other things to do in Germany:

1. The Carnival Season

The Carnival takes place during the weekend and through Mardi Gras just before Ash Wednesday.

Mardi Gras is also known as “Fat Tuesday,” in French, which marks the start of the Christian Lent season leading up to Easter. Lent represents the 40 days Jesus wandered the desert praying and fasting after he was baptized.

For a truly remarkable carnival party, go to Cologne, you will experience firsthand the warmth of this city. People celebrate the carnival with an explosion of colors, decorated floats, all kinds of dazzling costumes, bizarre setups, street dancers, and marching bands.

2. Berlin Film Festival

One of the most glamourous events in the world — The Berlinale (Berlin Film Festival). You need to book the tickets way in advance before the event takes place. An incredible number of film projections, up to 400, are held for the festival’s duration, making it the world’s largest film festival based on public attendance.

3. German Food

Germany is a paradise for gastronomy. Germany has over 1500 various types of sausages served with sauerkraut, and potato salad, exquisite soups, and stews, along with you can choose among hundreds of different kinds of bread. Then, at the end of the meal, wash it all down with the best beer in the world.
German cuisines have shaped the country’s agricultural tradition, and many immigrants have made the country home over the centuries.
 

4. The Black Forest

The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. The area is mainly a granite highland with rounded summits. The northern part covers forested sandstone, bordered to the south by a narrow band of lower and more fertile limestone.

The Black Forest is a haven for hikers and for those who love to be surrounded by nature.
 

5. Visit the oldest city in Germany — Trier

Trier is the oldest city in Germany, founded by Romans in 15 B.C, located about 10 miles east of Germany’s border with Luxembourg. The city is filled with ruins from the Roman era — including St. Peter’s Cathedral, Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine, and the Imperial Baths.
Trier also offers one of the beautiful old town’s colorful market squares. Do not miss taking a scenic boat tour along the Moselle river.

6. Bachfest Leipzig

A delightful annual event for lovers of classical music and the great baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Every summer, the festival takes place at the historical venue of ‘Thomaskirche’ in Leipzig, where Bach served as the ‘Kapelmeister’ (the German word for a person in charge of music-making​) last three decades of his life.

Each year the festival features the most outstanding music performers and classical gathers from all over the world.

7. Frankfurter Buchmess (Frankfurt Book Fair)

Frankfurter Buchmess (Frankfurt Book Fair) serves as the most significant event in the global book-publication calendar, with nearly 7500 participating exhibitors representing 110 countries. Frankfurter Buchmesse offers an incredible array of colors for the eyes and a real treat for book lovers.

The fair dates back to 1476 — shortly after the mechanical movable type got invented by Gutenberg in the nearby Mainz. It is also an essential venue for negotiating book-related business deals such as licensing fees and international publishing rights.
 

8. Festival Medieval

Germany is full of history bluff; thus, if you’re a historic love thing with an affection for all things medieval, this one’s for you. All kinds of medieval paraphernalia on display with the obligato fire shows, dungeons, archery tournaments, medieval music, bizarre-looking characters like beggars and witches, and whatnot; entertaining time-travel into a past shrouded in mysteries and myths.

Final Thoughts:

Do you want more? Well, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria. Switzerland, France, Luxembourg. Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark — 9 bordering countries of Germany. The best getaway for you to explore nine gorgeous European countries in addition to Germany.
Whether you are from India or any part of the world, you will never regret your decision to rediscover Germany. If you’re open to learning new things, you’ll see Germany with an entirely new perspective, enjoy new adventures while dwelling in history, and fall in love with all medieval periods.
You can also read – What Students should keep in mind before travelling