Why Fly to Germany
Germany punches well above its weight as a travel destination. You get world-class museums, brutal history told honestly, incredible food and beer culture, and a train network that actually works. Whether you want to stand at the Brandenburg Gate, wander a medieval Bavarian village, or lose yourself in Berlin's legendary nightlife, Germany delivers without the chaos of overtouristed southern European hotspots. It's also one of the most accessible countries in Europe — well-signed, English-friendly in cities, and easy to navigate even on your first trip.
The country's cities each have a distinct personality. Berlin is raw, creative, and still physically scarred by the 20th century in ways that make history feel real. Munich is polished, prosperous, and proud of its beer gardens and Alps backdrop. Hamburg has serious port-city energy and one of Europe's best music scenes. Cologne, Frankfurt, and Dresden round out a roster of cities you could easily build a two-week trip around without repeating yourself once.
Best Time to Visit Germany
Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) are the sweet spots. Temperatures sit between 10–20°C (50–68°F), crowds are manageable, and you catch events like Oktoberfest in late September without the peak-summer price surge. Summer (July and August) is peak season — festivals are everywhere, long daylight hours are great, but accommodation costs spike and popular spots get crowded fast. Winter is cold and occasionally snowy, but December is worth it purely for the Christmas markets, which are genuinely special rather than just touristy. January and February are quiet and cheap if you don't mind grey skies.
Getting Around Germany
Trains are your best friend here. Deutsche Bahn (DB) connects every major city, and high-speed ICE trains make the Berlin-to-Munich run in about four hours. Book in advance through the DB app or website for the cheapest fares — last-minute tickets get expensive. Within cities, U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter rail), trams, and buses are reliable and affordable. Day passes for urban transit typically run €7–10 and are worth buying if you're moving around a lot. Domestic flights exist but rarely make sense given the train options unless you're crossing the full country quickly. Renting a car is genuinely useful if you want to explore rural Bavaria, the Rhine Valley, or the Black Forest — roads are excellent and the Autobahn is exactly what you've heard.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU citizens enter freely with no visa or time restrictions. UK and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen rules. You'll need a valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid at least three months past your departure date), proof of return or onward travel, accommodation details, sufficient funds, and travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 in emergency medical costs across Schengen countries. Overstaying your 90 days can result in a ban of up to three years from the entire Schengen Zone — don't risk it. Important update: Starting in late 2026, US and UK travelers will need ETIAS pre-authorization before entering — a quick online application with your passport details and a small fee. It's not a visa, but you'll need it sorted before you fly.
Money & Budget
Germany uses the euro (€). Contactless Visa and Mastercard payments are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for markets, smaller restaurants, rural areas, and some public transport ticket machines. ATMs are easy to find — use them over airport currency exchanges to avoid poor rates. For daily budgets, expect roughly €70–100 as a backpacker (hostel bed, street food, public transport), €100–200 for a comfortable mid-range trip (hotel room, sit-down meals, museums), and €250+ for a luxury experience. Prices in Munich and during peak summer or Oktoberfest season run noticeably higher than the rest of the country.
Top Cities to Visit in Germany
- Berlin: The capital is essential — visit the Berlin Wall remnants, the Holocaust Memorial, world-class museums on Museum Island, and stay out late in one of Europe's best nightlife cities.
- Munich: Bavaria's capital balances beer gardens and Oktoberfest with excellent art museums and easy day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alps.
- Hamburg: Germany's second-largest city has a great waterfront, the famous Reeperbahn entertainment district, and a relaxed, port-city confidence that's hard not to like.
- Cologne: The twin-spired Gothic cathedral is genuinely jaw-dropping, and the city hosts one of Europe's wildest carnivals each February.
- Frankfurt: A major flight hub with a surprising amount to offer — riverside museum district, a lively old town rebuilt after WWII, and easy connections to the Rhine wine country.
- Dresden: Heavily bombed in 1945 and carefully reconstructed, Dresden has stunning baroque architecture and excellent art collections at a fraction of the tourist crowds you'll find elsewhere.
FAQ — Flights to Germany
Which airport should I fly into for Germany?
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's main international hub and offers the most direct long-haul connections, including from the US. Munich (MUC) is a strong second option with excellent international links. Berlin Brandenburg (BER) handles a growing number of routes and is the obvious choice if Berlin is your first stop. For city-specific trips, flying into the nearest hub saves time over always routing through Frankfurt.
How far in advance should I book flights to Germany?
For the best fares from the US or UK, aim to book 6–10 weeks ahead for shoulder season travel and 3–4 months ahead for summer or Oktoberfest period (late September). Last-minute transatlantic fares are rarely a bargain. Setting up fare alerts on flight comparison tools is worth doing once you have rough travel dates confirmed.
Is Germany a good base for exploring the rest of Europe?
Yes — Germany's central location and excellent rail connections make it one of the best entry points for a broader European trip. From Frankfurt or Cologne you can reach Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna, and Zurich by train in a few hours. Flying into Germany and using trains to move through neighboring countries is a solid, lower-stress alternative to juggling multiple cheap flights.