Germany city breaks

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Germany city breaks

A land of history, innovation and scenic beauty, Germany holidays take you from the buzzing streets of Berlin to the picturesque charm of Bremen. Visit Cologne's breathtaking cathedral, explore Frankfurt's historic Altstadt (Old Town), or immerse yourself in Munich's famous beer culture. Whether you're into castles, cars or cutting-edge art, Germany city breaks offer something unforgettable in every corner of the country.

Top Germany City Breaks

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to go. Thanks to Germany’s excellent public transport links, it’s easy to get around them all, plus you’ll have the chance to go on daytrips to other cities. For instance, you could spend a full week in Dusseldorf, and catch a train to numerous places including Cologne, Bonn and Dortmund.

Berlin: The country's vibrant capital is a city of contrasts, where historic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall sit alongside cutting-edge art, nightlife and culture. From Museum Island to the trendy streets of Kreuzberg, there's something for everyone.

Bonn: Often overlooked, the former capital of West Germany is steeped in history and charm. Birthplace of Beethoven, it boasts elegant baroque architecture, riverside walks and fascinating museums.

Bremen: A fairytale city with a medieval heart. Bremen is famous for its UNESCO-listed town hall, the iconic Roland statue, and the Brothers Grimm's Town Musicians. The historic Schnoor district is a must-see for its winding alleys and half-timbered houses.

Cologne: Home to Germany's most famous cathedral, a Cologne city break merges history and modern creativity. Enjoy a glass of traditional Kölsch beer, which is also the name of the local dialect - making it a delicious lingo. Take a boat trip along the River Rhine waterfront, and soak up the city's vibrant spirit. And if you’re unlucky with the weather, there’s always the Chocolate Museum.

Dortmund: Known for its football passion and industrial heritage, Dortmund is reinventing itself as a cultural hotspot. Visit the U-Tower for contemporary art, explore its green spaces or experience the electric atmosphere of a Borussia Dortmund match.

Düsseldorf: A stylish city on the Rhine, Düsseldorf blends cutting-edge fashion and art with old-world charm. Stroll along the glamorous Königsallee, discover contemporary masterpieces at the Kunstsammlung, or experience the lively bars of the Altstadt.

Frankfurt: More than just a financial hub, Frankfurt surprises visitors with its charming Old Town, riverside promenades, and world-class museums. The Römerberg Square, with its half-timbered houses, offers a glimpse into the city's rich past.

Hamburg: A maritime city with a rebellious streak, Hamburg dazzles with its historic port, warehouse district (now a UNESCO site with plenty to see and do), and buzzing nightlife. From the stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall to the legendary Reeperbahn area, it's a city that never sleeps.

Leipzig: A place of music and revolution, Leipzig was once home to Bach and played a key role in Germany's reunification. Today, it's a creative powerhouse, filled with vibrant street art, indie cafes and a thriving cultural scene.

Munich: Famous for Oktoberfest, Munich offers more than just beer halls and lederhosen. It's the gateway to Bavaria's Romantic Road, home to stunning palaces, world-class museums, and the picturesque English Garden.

Stuttgart: The birthplace of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Stuttgart is a paradise for car lovers. Beyond its automotive heritage, the city is surrounded by vineyards and offers a mix of modern and historic charm, from the lively Schlossplatz to the futuristic library.

Map of Germany

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20 ℃

Best time to visit: June to September.

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Around 2 hours

Germany is best for...

Families: Marvel at Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway, in Hamburg. Nearly 900 trains pass through models of the Alps, America, Scandinavia and other locales.
 
Football fans: Watch FC Bayern München, one of Europe’s top football teams, play a home match in Munich’s Allianz Arena.
 
Festive Shoppers: Starting in November, explore Germany’s traditional Christmas markets for unique handmade gifts and mulled wine.

Fast facts for Germany

Language: The language spoken in Germany is German.

Currency: The currency used in Germany is the Euro (€).

Local time: Germany is one hour ahead of UK time.

Fly: Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Bremen (BRE), Cologne Bonn (CGN), Dortmund (DTM), Düsseldorf (DUS), Frankfurt (FRA), Hamburg (HAM), Leipzig (LEJ), Munich (MUC) and Stuttgart (STR).

Flight time from UK: Around 2 hours.

Tourist information: Click through to the German National Tourist Board for lots of insider tips!

Visa / health / security etc: Check out all the latest Germany travel advice from the FCDO before your trip.

Getting around Germany

By train: The country has a sophisticated and affordable rail network that includes high-speed trains.
 
By public transport: All major cities have extensive light rail, underground metro and bus networks.
 
By bicycle: Most German cities have a traffic layout designed to be bicycle-friendly, and Cologne and Berlin have multiple cycle lanes.

Events in Germany

Munich Oktoberfest: The 17-day festival opens with a parade in late September. More than six million people arrive for the Oktoberfest beer, Bavarian delicacies and fairground amusements.
 
Gay pride: Cologne hosts one of Europe’s largest LGBT events each year. A week of festivals, parties and political forums ends with a Sunday parade across the city.
 
Cinema spectacular: The film industry’s elite gather every February for the Berlinale International Film Festival, the world's largest, which shows more than 400 films and sells 300,000 tickets.

Germany weather

Temperature: Averages low 20s (°C) in summer, 0-3 (°C) in winter.

Best time to visit: June to September.

Berlin has four distinct seasons, with weeks of snow in winter and hot and muggy temperatures in summer. It can rain year-round, but June and September are drier.

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