15 Best Things to do in Germany

Looking for a list of the can’t-miss activities in Germany? You’ve come to the right place!

Germany is one of those destinations that appeals to all kinds of travelers. From fairytale castles and charming old towns to powerful history and buzzing cities, there’s a bit of everything here. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed trying to plan the perfect trip, you’re definitely not alone.

After exploring different parts of the country, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Germany. Whether you’re interested in WWII history, scenic day trips, food tours, or unforgettable cultural experiences, this list covers it all — and then some. Let’s get into it!

Things to do in Germany 

1. Learn about WWII history

Germany’s history during World War II is powerful and still very present today. And of course, there’s no better place to understand it than in the country’s capital, Berlin. Berlin was at the center of the Third Reich, and we think it’s really worth exploring with an expert guide while you’re here, because it gives you a much deeper understanding than you’d get from museums or reading alone. To help you choose, we’ve included both full-day and half-day options in Berlin, plus a tour in Munich, where the Nazi movement first began.

Berlin full day 

If you really want to dive deep into Berlin’s WWII history, this private full-day tour is the ultimate way to do it. It’s a comprehensive experience that covers both the rise and fall of the Nazi regime, along with the broader impact it had on the city and the world.

With a full-day tour like this one, you’re not rushing between sights. Instead, you get time to explore key locations like the former government district, memorials, and sites tied to Hitler’s final days, while your guide connects everything together with context and storytelling. 

What makes a private tour like this stand out is how tailored it feels. We love being able to ask questions and go at our own pace, as it really lets us engage with the history instead of just passively listening. If you’re looking for a deeper, more complete understanding of Berlin’s past, this is easily one of the most worthwhile experiences you can book.

Berlin half day

If you’re short on time but still want a really meaningful experience, we think that this half-day WWII and Third Reich tour is perfect. In just a few hours, you’ll cover many of Berlin’s most important historical sites, including locations tied to Hitler’s leadership and the final days of the war. You’ll hear about how the regime rose to power, what daily life was like during this period, and how it ultimately came to an end.

Walking tours like this are especially impactful because they tie stories to real places. For example, you’ll visit the ruins of Himmler’s SS and Gestapo HQ while you hear about the major events that unfolded here. It’s dark at times, but absolutely fascinating.

This option is ideal if you want a strong overview without committing a full day. It’s super informative and a great introduction to Berlin’s past.

Munich

While Berlin is where the story ends, Munich is where it begins. This walking tour focuses on the early days of the Nazi movement and how it rose to power in the city. 

We did this tour, and we found it absolutely fascinating. As we explored Munich’s historic streets, we visited key locations tied to Hitler and the Nazi Party, including beer halls where early meetings took place! The tour also looks at resistance efforts and how the city remembers this period today, which adds a really important layer of perspective. 

We found that having a guide made such a huge difference. As we explored, Sam provided so much context to places we might have walked straight past otherwise. I might have zoned out during history lessons at school, but this tour definitely held my attention! If you’re interested in the origins of WWII history, this tour is a fascinating and worthwhile addition to your Germany itinerary.

2. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle 

As far as we’re concerned, Neuschwanstein Castle is an absolute must-visit in Germany. It really does look like it belongs in a fairy tale – and no, I’m not exaggerating! The castle was actually used as the inspiration for the Disney logo – how cool is that?

Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, with lakes, forests, and mountains all around it, Neuschwanstein Castle is easily one of the most famous sights in Germany. We’ve visited the castle before and can confirm that seeing it in person is every bit as impressive as the photos make it look.

The castle is roughly a 2-hour drive from Munich, so we recommend booking this full-day tour. Transport is included, and you get skip-the-line access to the castle, which saves a lot of hassle on what is already a pretty long day. 

The castle itself was commissioned by King Ludwig II, and your guide will teach you a bit more about him, which will make your visit even more interesting. He was known for being incredibly extravagant, so the elaborate, over-the-top interiors definitely make more sense when you understand his character! 

What really makes the visit special, though, is the setting. The views around the castle are absolutely beautiful, and if the weather cooperates, you’ll get some incredible photo spots looking back at the towers and the surrounding landscape. Actually, one thing we love about this tour is that it gives you more time at the castle than any other options we’ve seen, so you’ll have plenty of time to fully enjoy its spectacular beauty.

3. Visit a Concentration Camp Memorial 

Now, Germany’s history isn’t always easy to face, but it’s an important part of understanding the country today. Visiting former concentration camps like Sachsenhausen and Dachau offers a powerful, first-hand insight into what happened during the Nazi era. These experiences are often emotional and confronting, but they’re also very educational, and it’s important not to forget what happened here.

Dachau Concentration Camp from Munich

Not far from Munich is the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, one of the most important and sobering places you can visit in Germany. Dachau was the first and longest-running Nazi concentration camp, and visiting it gives you a much deeper understanding of this dark chapter of history.

We chose to visit on a guided tour, which made a huge difference. Our guide gave us a clear and respectful overview of the site, taking us through the former prisoner barracks, guard towers, and prison cells, while explaining what life and death in the camp looked like. We also saw the gas chamber and crematorium area, and learned more about Dachau’s role within the wider concentration camp system.

This is not an easy visit, nor should it be. But we do think it’s an important one. Going with a guide adds so much context and helps you understand the scale and significance of what happened here in a way that a textbook never could.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp from Berlin

Nowadays, Berlin is a really vibrant city, but it’s impossible to ignore its past. Just outside the city is Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, and visiting it gives important context to everything you see in Berlin.

We chose to visit on this guided tour, which we’d definitely recommend. Getting there is straightforward by train, and once you arrive, having a knowledgeable guide makes a huge difference. Ours handled the subject with real care, walking us through the site and explaining what happened here in a clear and respectful way.

During the tour, we saw the former barracks, prison cells, and execution areas, and learned about the thousands of people who were imprisoned here between 1936 and 1945. It’s a difficult place to visit, but an important one. It’s definitely not something that you do lightly, but it’s certainly one of the most meaningful experiences you can have in Berlin.

4. Taste your way around Germany on a food tour

Germany might not always get the same hype as Italy or France when it comes to food, but as far as we’re concerned, it really should! From hearty Bavarian dishes to Berlin’s multicultural street food scene, there’s a lot to discover here, and a food tour is easily the best way to do it. It takes all the guesswork out of where to eat, and it’s the best way to avoid overpriced tourist traps.

We’ve tried several food tours throughout Germany, and we’ve found that they generally mix traditional favorites and local specialties, and offer a bit of history along the way! We’ll dive into our favorites below:

Berlin

We firmly believe that if you only do one food-related experience in Berlin, it should be this small-group food tour! The tour takes place in East Berlin, which was once the Soviet-occupied side of the city, so there’s a lot of history woven in as you walk through neighborhoods like Friedrichshain. These days, it’s one of Berlin’s trendiest areas, with tons of street art and a completely different vibe from the more traditional parts of the city.

Of course, the food is the real highlight. You’ll try a mix of local favorites like currywurst, pastries, and Berliner doughnuts, along with dishes like flammkuchen and a proper kebab. There’s even a local beer included, which feels very on-brand for Berlin. Our guide, Francesco, was also hilarious and had us laughing the entire time.

We were so stuffed by the end of this tour, and it definitely helped us with ordering food during the rest of our time in Berlin. No wonder this tour has 1,200+ 5-star reviews!

Munich

If you’re keen to discover traditional German food, this Munich food tour around the famous Viktualienmarkt is a great pick! This historic market has been around since the early 1800s and is packed with stalls selling everything from sausages and cheeses to fresh produce and baked goods – yum.

On the tour, you’ll wander through the market with a local guide, stopping to try classic Bavarian dishes like weisswurst, pretzels, and regional cheeses. Plus, you’ll also get a drink or two along the way as your guide shares stories about the market and the city’s food culture. 

Viktualienmarkt is super atmospheric, but it can be difficult to know where to start, so we really appreciate this tour because it makes visiting so much easier. It will also make sure that you don’t miss out on any must-try dishes, and your guide will share even more recommendations for the rest of your trip.

Hamburg

Hamburg’s food scene feels a bit different from other major German cities, and this tour through the Sternschanze district gives you a great taste of it. This area is known for being one of the city’s most creative neighborhoods, with a mix of trendy cafés and local favorites.

As you walk through the district, you’ll stop at a handful of spots to try different dishes, from classic German street food to more modern, global flavors. It’s a fun way to get a proper snapshot of what locals actually eat, and along the way, your guide will share insights into the neighborhood’s history and culture. If you like the idea of discovering a city through its food while exploring somewhere a bit less touristy, we think that this is a really great option!

5. Beer tours

Germany and beer go hand in hand, so joining a beer tour is one of the best ways to experience the local culture! From traditional Bavarian beer halls to modern craft breweries, each city has its own take on Germany’s famous brewing scene. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a full-on beer lover, these tours are a fun and easy way to try the best of it, and we’ve had a blast sipping our way through the country.

Munich Oktoberfest beer tour

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, so if you’re going to do a beer tour anywhere in Germany, this is the place! We had so much fun on this Bavarian beer and food tour. The entire evening was a blast, and our guide, Sara, told us so many crazy tales about the city’s beer hall culture.

The experience started with a visit to the Oktoberfest Museum, where we got a bit of background on Munich’s world-famous beer scene. From there, we headed to the iconic Hofbräuhaus, which is one of the city’s most famous beer halls. This was my favorite stop, and I think it’s a must-visit for anyone going to Munich! 

Then we soaked it all up at a traditional restaurant where we chowed down on sausages, pretzels, and cheese, as well as even more beer! This tour was a blast, and considering how much food and beer we got, I don’t think we could have done it much cheaper on our own.

Berlin craft beer tour

Berlin might not be as traditional as Munich when it comes to beer, but its craft beer scene is definitely worth exploring! We had such a fun evening on this tour, and it ended up being one of our favorite nights in the city.

The experience takes place in Friedrichshain, which is one of Berlin’s trendiest neighborhoods. It’s packed with cool bars and street art, and we found that this tour was a great way to dive headfirst into that creative energy. Along the way, we stopped at a few local microbreweries, trying a mix of classic and more experimental beers while learning a bit about how Berlin’s brewing scene has evolved.

There was also a stop for flammkuchen, which was perfect to soak up the drinks! Then, the tour wrapped up at RAW Gelände, a former industrial site that’s now full of bars, beer gardens, and art spaces. It’s a great place to hang out after and keep the night going – cheers!

Cologne Kölsch Brewery Tour 

Cologne might not be as famous as Munich for beer, but it has its own unique brewing tradition that’s a ton of fun to experience! Kölsch is a light, crisp, and slightly fruity beer that’s brewed exclusively in Cologne and traditionally served in small, tall glasses. Trying some is a must while you’re in town, and we think that this Kölsch brewery tour is the ideal way to go about it.

The tour takes place in Cologne’s Old Town, where you’ll hop between a few traditional brew houses with a local guide. Instead of big production breweries, these are classic beer halls where Kölsch is actually served and enjoyed. Along the way, you’ll try several glasses of Kölsch as your guide shares stories about the city and some of the quirky traditions you’ll notice inside the breweries. You’ll also learn how things work here, because ordering beer in Cologne is a little different than anywhere else in Germany! 

6. Explore Germany’s top cities on a bicycle

One of the best ways to explore Germany’s cities is by bike. It’s easy and also super efficient, because it lets you cover way more ground than you would on foot! Most cities here are bike-friendly, too, so taking a bike tour is a great way to explore like a local. 

Berlin

Berlin is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, so it just makes sense to explore it this way. Germany’s capital is quite spread out, so a bike tour requires a lot less energy than walking between all of the major sights!

We had a lot of fun on this bike tour, especially because it included a stop at an awesome local beer garden! Over 5.5 hours, we cycled past some of Berlin’s biggest landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and sections of the Berlin Wall. Along the way, our guide stopped regularly to share stories and give context, so it didn’t feel rushed or surface-level.

This tour really helped us to get our bearings in Berlin. Traveling around by bike allowed us to understand how the city’s different areas connect to one another, and we think it’s perfect for your first day here! 

Munich

Munich is easily the most charming of Germany’s large cities, so hopping on a bike here is a total pleasure! Plus, the city is incredibly flat and easy to navigate, which makes this tour suitable for pretty much everyone.

This bike tour takes you through Munich’s historic center, passing major sights while also weaving through parks and quieter streets. One of the highlights is riding through the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world, before stopping at a traditional beer garden.

It’s a great mix of sightseeing and local experiences, which makes it feel more personal than just ticking off landmarks. We like the fact that you get a feel for how locals actually live in the city, rather than just ticking off the main tourist spots. No wonder this tour has 500+ rave reviews! 

Hamburg

Hamburg is a bit more spread out than other German cities, so exploring it by bike is a really smart move. We like this popular bike tour because it helps you cover the main highlights without spending hours getting from place to place.

You’ll ride through a mix of historic and modern areas, including parts of the harbor, canals, and lively neighborhoods that give the city its character. Hamburg has a very different feel from Berlin or Munich, and this tour does a great job of showing that contrast.

The pace is easy, with plenty of stops along the way, so it never feels too intense. It’s more about enjoying the ride and taking in the atmosphere than rushing between sights. If you want a well-rounded introduction to Hamburg that’s both active and easygoing, we think this is a great way to do it.

7. Visit the historic sights of Berchtesgaden and the Eagle’s Nest

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines incredible scenery with powerful history, we think that this one really stands out. The Berchtesgaden region is absolutely beautiful, but it also played a significant role during WWII, which makes visiting feel both scenic and meaningful.

This full-day tour from Munich takes you deep into the Bavarian Alps, where you’ll visit the famous Eagle’s Nest. Perched high on Kehlstein Mountain, this building was originally used by the Nazi Party and offers sweeping views across the Alps today. The journey up is part of the experience, with a special bus ride and elevator built into the mountain to reach the summit.

Along the way, you’ll also learn about the wider Obersalzberg area, which was once a key site for Nazi leadership and decision-making. You’ll also visit the Documentation Center, which is a museum built on the site of Hitler’s former mountain retreat. It offers an honest and detailed look at how the Nazi regime operated, with exhibits that explain the rise of the party and daily life under the regime, as well as the impact it had across Europe.

I think that a big part of what makes this experience so memorable is the contrast. One moment you’re surrounded by peaceful alpine views, and the next you’re learning about a complex and difficult part of history. But don’t just take my word for it – you can read hundreds of positive reviews here!

8. Learn about the Berlin Wall and the Cold War

Berlin is the defining city of the Cold War, so if you’re interested in this period of history, this walking tour is one experience you really shouldn’t miss! The city was once divided into East and West by the Berlin Wall, which became one of the most powerful symbols of the entire conflict.

This tour took us through some of the most important Cold War sites across the city, and it really helped us to understand what life was actually like during that time. We visited places like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, and other key locations tied to the division of the city, while our guide explained how Berlin became the frontline of global tensions between East and West.

What made this experience stand out was how much context we got. It was so much more than just seeing what remains of the Wall, because we learned about how people lived alongside it for decades and the incredible escape stories that came out of this period. We found that walking through these sites really brings history to life in a way that’s hard to replicate anywhere else!

It’s also super interesting to understand how the division of Berlin has shaped the city’s character and continues to impact the culture here today. If you want a deeper understanding of Berlin beyond WWII, this tour is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

9. Stay in a story-book worthy castle

We think it’s pretty cool that Germany has thousands of castles scattered across its landscape, but what’s even cooler is that you can actually stay in many of them! Of course, staying in a castle-turned-hotel is a novel experience, but it’s also a great chance to relax and soak up some history. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below:

Burghotel auf Schönburg

This castle hotel is perched high above the Rhine River, and it looks like something straight out of a storybook! The views over the Rhine Valley are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset, and the surrounding vineyards only add to the atmosphere. Inside, the rooms feature antique furniture and historic details, but this place still feels warm and welcoming rather than stuffy. 

Hotel Schloss Waldeck

Schloss Waldeck is a medieval castle overlooking Lake Edersee. Its location alone makes it special, but it’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding nature and hiking trails. The rooms are comfortable and elegant, and the castle grounds are perfect for wandering around with a coffee or a glass of wine. We think this is perfect for a peaceful, romantic escape!

Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection

This beautifully restored castle sits right on the Moselle River and feels very polished and regal! It features grand staircases and antique mahogany furniture. There’s also a spa on site, and the bathrooms really do feel fit for royalty. This is every inch a five-star stay! 

10. Go wine tasting in the Rhine Valley 

If you’re in Frankfurt and want a change of pace from the city, heading out to the Rhine Valley for a wine tour is such a good idea. This region is known for its beautiful vineyard-covered hills, historic villages, and excellent white wines, so we find that it makes for a pretty dreamy day trip.

This tour picks you up from Frankfurt or Mainz and takes you into one of Germany’s best wine regions without you having to figure out any of the logistics yourself. This is especially important with a wine tour, because drinking and driving is obviously a big no-no, and let’s be honest, no one wants to be the designated driver! 

Along the way, you’ll visit two or three wineries, where you’ll get to taste a generous range of local wines and learn more about the region’s winemaking traditions. Riesling is most definitely the star of the Rhine Valley, but when we visited, we also enjoyed sampling other regional varieties, including Pinot wines. And on this tour, there are also cellar visits, vineyard stops, and plenty of gorgeous views throughout the day. 

We also appreciate the fact that there’s a regional lunch featuring cheese, charcuterie, baked goods, and more, so you definitely won’t be drinking on an empty stomach – that never goes well! And if you choose to purchase wine along the way, your tour guide can help you arrange the shipping back to your home country – how handy is that?

11. Explore the Romantic Road and Rothenburg

If you want to see Germany’s fairytale side, this day trip along the Romantic Road is the perfect pick. You’ll get to Munich for medieval towns and castle views, so it’s basically like diving headfirst into a storybook!

The first stop of the day is Harburg, which is home to one of the best-preserved castles in southern Germany. You can explore the grounds and, if you want, join a guided tour inside the castle. It’s a fun way to break up the drive and adds an extra dose of history before the main event.

That main event is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which truly looks like it was made for a postcard. This beautifully preserved medieval town is full of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, little shops, and old city walls you can still walk along. It’s so cute! Once you arrive, you’ll have free time to grab lunch and explore at your own pace.

I think what makes this tour work so well is how easy it is. The Romantic Road is absolutely worth seeing, but figuring out transport on your own would be a bit of a hassle. This way, you can just sit back and enjoy visiting two historic highlights in one day.

12. Discover history and hidden gems in Germany’s top cities 

Germany’s biggest cities each have their own personality, and one of the best ways to get a feel for them is on a private tour with a local guide. These tours go beyond the main landmarks and help you uncover the history, culture, and hidden corners you’d probably miss on your own. If you want something a little more personal than a standard sightseeing tour, we think that these tours are a great place to start.

Munich

If you want to get a feel for Munich beyond the usual tourist checklist, this private tour is such a great option. Instead of following a fixed route, the whole experience is tailored to your interests, so it feels much more personal than a standard city tour.

After booking, you fill out a short questionnaire, so your local host can shape the walk around what you actually want to see. That could mean the big sights like Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Hofbräuhaus, and St. Peter’s Church, or it could lean more into hidden corners and places you’d never think to visit on your own. We love that flexibility, especially in a city like Munich, where there’s so much more to see beyond the obvious highlights.

Another thing that makes this one stand out is how helpful it is at the start of a trip. The guides are great at sharing restaurant tips and local recommendations you’ll actually use throughout the rest of your stay – you could say that this tour is worth its weight in gold! 

Hamburg

If you want to see a lot of Hamburg in a short amount of time, this private SUV tour is a really great option. The city is quite spread out, so being able to cover the highlights in a comfortable vehicle makes a huge difference, especially if you’re short on time or aren’t up to walking for hours.

What makes this tour stand out is that it’s led by a local guide who is also a former policeman, so you get a really interesting insider perspective on the city. The route is flexible, but it can include major highlights like the Alster, Speicherstadt, HafenCity, the Elbphilharmonie, St. Michael’s Church, the Reeperbahn, and the Alter Elbtunnel. There are also some fun little extras along the way, like local snacks, drinks, and stops for things like chocolate or souvenirs! 

I also love that it’s completely private, so the pace feels much more relaxed and personal than a standard group tour. You can ask questions, make small adjustments, and focus on the parts of Hamburg that interest you most.

Cologne

If you want to get to know Cologne beyond the obvious sights, this private walking tour is a great way to do it. It’s designed to feel less like a formal guided tour and more like exploring the city with someone who actually knows it well, so it feels very friendly and relaxed.

One of the best things about this tour is that it’s tailored to you! Beforehand, you connect with your local guide and chat about your interests, so the walking route can be shaped around what you actually want to see. That might mean focusing on the cathedral and Old Town, digging into Cologne’s Roman history, or wandering into more local spots that tourists usually miss out on. 

We definitely think that this type of tour is especially helpful at the start of a trip. Your guide will deliver tons of insider restaurant suggestions and tips for lesser-known spots to visit to ensure that you really get the best out of your time here.

13. See the Heidelberg Castle from Frankfurt 

If you’re based in Frankfurt and want an easy day trip to somewhere a little more romantic, Heidelberg is a fantastic choice. This riverside city is one of the prettiest in Germany, and it boasts an amazing hilltop castle that looks down over the red-roofed Old Town and beyond.

We wanted our trip to Heidelberg Castle to be as easy as possible, so we booked this tour. It made everything super simple because transport and the itinerary were taken care of for us, so all we had to do was rock up and enjoy the day! 

After the drive from Frankfurt, we headed up to Heidelberg Castle, which is truly a sight to behold! It’s a gorgeous red sandstone structure and although it’s partly in ruins, we think that just adds to its charm! The views from the terrace over the city are absolutely beautiful, and you’ll get to see the huge wine barrel inside, which is one of the castle’s most famous features.

After that, there’s time to explore Heidelberg itself. The Old Town is full of cobbled streets and lovely little corners that are just nice to wander through. We went and checked out the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Renaissance-style Haus zum Ritter, and we walked across the iconic old bridge.

We had such a great time on this tour. It was a really easy way to explore one of Germany’s most charming cities, and it made a really nice change from the skyscrapers and fast pace of Frankfurt. No wonder it has so many 5-star reviews – read them here!

14. Escape the cities and explore Baden-Baden and the Black Forest

If you want a break from Frankfurt and fancy seeing a completely different side of Germany, we think that this day trip is the perfect option! It takes you to Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and Strasbourg, so you’ll be swapping the cosmopolitan vibes of Frankfurt for lush green mountains and old-timey German architecture.

Baden-Baden is one of Germany’s best-known spa towns and has been drawing visitors for centuries thanks to its thermal baths and grand architecture. It’s one of Europe’s oldest wellness hubs, so it feels very polished, with beautiful parks and historic buildings all around. It’s a world away from Frankfurt, that’s for sure, and on this tour you’ll visit the spa house and pass by the famous Kurhaus Casino.

From there, the tour heads into the Black Forest, which pretty much epitomizes traditional Germany. You’ll stop at the beautiful Lake Mummelsee, and even have time to check out the local souvenir shops selling the area’s famous cuckoo clocks! 

Finally, the tour will take you across the French border to stop in Strasbourg, where you’ll admire the colorful half-timbered houses of the Old Town and visit the beautiful Gothic cathedral. You’ll even get to hop on the “Petit Train” for a scenic ride around town. It’s so much fun – you can’t fail to be charmed by this experience.

We think that this tour is an excellent way to experience a more traditional and scenic side of Germany while staying in its modern financial capital. Admittedly, it’s a long day, but we think it’s worth it for the epic scenery and classic German charm! 

15. Spend a day in the UNESCO-listed city of Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic city just outside Berlin, known for its grand palaces, landscaped gardens, and royal past. It was once the residence of Prussian kings, which is why you’ll find impressive sites like the Sanssouci Palace scattered throughout the city. So if you’re into history, you should definitely consider taking a trip here, and it can easily be done in just half a day.

We like this Potsdam tour because it offers a very different perspective on Germany without needing to plan a full day trip yourself. It’s only a short drive from Berlin, but it feels much quieter, with lots of elegant buildings and green spaces to explore.

The main stop is the Sanssouci Palace, built as the summer residence of Frederick the Great. It’s not huge, but we actually like that about it because it’s easier to take in all of the details without feeling rushed. It also feels a lot more personal than some of the grander palaces we’ve visited in Europe, and you can actually imagine someone living here! Plus, if you’re visiting in warmer months, the gardens are very impressive.

Another thing we like about this Potsdam tour is that you don’t just see one landmark and leave. The route includes places like the Dutch Quarter, with its distinctive red-brick houses, and the Glienicke Bridge, which has a pretty interesting Cold War backstory. It really does take you through several layers of German history in just a few hours! We’d go for this if you’re looking to break up your time in Berlin with something a little different. 

Thanks for reading!

Germany is a destination that really surprised us with just how much it has to offer. One day you’re walking through storybook towns and castles, and the next you’re diving into powerful history or exploring a buzzing modern city. It’s that mix that makes traveling here so memorable. Hopefully, this list has helped you narrow down your must-dos and made planning your trip a whole lot easier.

If you’re still building out your itinerary, be sure to check out our other Germany guides for more ideas on where to go, what to do, and where to stay next. Or here are some of our favorites for even more travel inspiration!

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