Best Places to Visit in Germany, Top Attractions

Germany is a fascinating place to visit. Cities like Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, and Frankfurt ooze culture and history. While the stunning mountains, lakes, valleys, and forests of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony will take your breath away. Plenty of small towns and villages boast impressive castles and cathedrals that will seduce you with their charm. While the gastronomy and beer in every region will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. For the tourist, Deutschland – as the locals call it – spoils you for choice. In fact you could spend an entire month in the country and still barely scratch the surface of all the things to do in Germany. Full of culture, lively locals and great beer, Germany is home to many captivating travel destinations. Whether you're looking to soak up art, architecture and history or imbibe at Oktoberfest, this country appeals to a variety of tourists. Vote for the destinations you love below to help shape next year's ranking. Those wanting to sightsee or experience the arts should head to the larger metropolitan areas such as Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. For those looking for recreational activities, consider a visit to places such as the majestic Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, or the Rhine Valley. Lovely old cathedrals and grand palaces are everywhere. And in the smaller towns and villages, some boasting still-intact original medieval Old Towns, many centuries-old traditions are still practiced, including traditional Christmas markets, festivals, and fairs. Boasting a wide variety of stunning scenery, Germany encompasses everyone’s favorites. From Koblenz & the Rhine Valley to Baden-Baden & the Black Forest, Germany has many delightful tourist spots. If you want to experience the essence of Europe, then you must head to Berlin. Unquestionably, Berlin is one of the best places to visit in Germany. This dynamic and vibrant city is famous for its dining, shopping, and entertainment. It is also home to some renowned galleries and museums. Another tourist city in Germany is Munich. Located on the edge of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is a center of art and trade. One of the must-visit Germany tourist places is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It is one of the Instagram-worthy places to visit in Germany, where everything is a treat to the eyes. Here you can find authentic medieval attractions like Town Hall, Castle Gardens, and Imperial City Museum. If you love strolling, you can head to Brandenburg. Visiting the Brandenburg Gate in Germany is among the top things to do in Germany. If you are on the hunt for some thrill, Europa Park is the place. Jam-packed with over 100 rides and shows, Europa Park is one of the best Germany Tourist spots where the fun never ends. Don’t you want to fulfill your childhood dream of visiting a castle? You sure do. To make your dream come true, you must visit Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle is famed as the “Sleeping Beauty” and charms tourists with its spectacular beauty. Germany has endless tourist attractions. You will fall sort of days to explore the whole of Germany. From Heidelberg Castle to Eltz Castle to Frankfurt Cathedral to Cologne Cathedral and more, take a long vacation to experience the best in Germany.

#1- Checkpoint Charlie Museum
One of the historically significant places in Germany. CheckPoint Charlie is a symbol of the Cold War and represents the separation of East and West. Checkpoint Charlie Allied was a crossing point for members of the military and foreigners. The guardhouse, which once stood here, is now on display at the Allied Museum in Berlin Zehlendorf.  The US Army Guard House is present at a replica crossing and Cobblestone was used to designate the former border site.

#2- Charlottenburg Palace and Park
Charlottenburg Palace was built at the turn of the century and later spread throughout the community and is located in the Citywest district.  Among the best places in Germany, this is not to be missed by those who like visiting places. Designed in Baroque style, it is the best place to hang out amidst beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures.  In it you can see a group of porcelain, jewelry and royal silver in Frederick the Great's apartment.

#3- Gendarmenmarkt
Built in the late 18th century.  Gendarmenmarkt is a major public square and one of the many historic  places in Germany that were destroyed during World War II.  A visit to Gendarmenmarkt may also include seeing a Deutscher Dome in the 18th century and a French cathedral built by François and Huguenet. The Winter Christmas Market that happens in the grounds of Gendarmenmarkt during the winter months fills the air with festive vibes.

#4- Jewish Museum Berlin
This is the largest Jewish museum in Europe and was established in 2001. The museum showcases the history of Jews to new perspectives from the German Middle Ages.  With three buildings, the museum spanned the Jewish era in Germany, which had a profound impact on the psyche of the city of Berlin. Apart from political significance, its design is a rare and distinctive art of architecture.  The Jewish Museum has an extensive structure open to visitors to explore the creativity and sheer work of art while visiting places in Germany.

#5- German Museum of Technology
The German Museum is a museum of science and technology and has a grand collection of historical artifacts.  Founded in 1983 to showcase and celebrate Germany's industrial and technical skills. The museum is one of the most visited places in Germany, the German Museum of Technology is located in the grounds of the former Antiller train yard. There are many protected steam engine locomotives and museum technology including vehicles and aircraft, and an old 1930s train that runs from the museum to the locomotive depot.

#6- Grosser Tiergarten and The Victory Column
Better known as the 'Animal Garden,' Berlin Grosser Tiergarten has been a significant tourist attraction. Primarily known for being a royal hunting reserve for the wild pigs, deer, and other wild animals, it has now been transformed into a public park in 1700. The park presently entertains its visitors with varied monuments and statues, which also includes the popular Statue of Queen Luise. Its surrounding trees and shrubs emancipate a greenery vibe which is rare to find.

#7- Pergamon Museum
This is the most visited of all island attractions, and the museum emerges as the most renowned sightseeing destinations. Popular for three main galleries, each of them occupies a specific wing of the building that includes the Middle East Museum, the Antiquity collection, and the Islamic Art Museum. It is furthermore beautified with varied artifacts which were collected by German archaeologists back during the 19th and 20th centuries. Do not forget to explore the popular Ishtar Gate of Babylon, Mshatta Façade, and the Roman Market Gate of Miletus.

#8- The Humboldt Forum
The former Berlin Palace, The Humboldt Forum, was constructed back in the year 1443. Although it was previously the residence of the Brandenburg princes, however, it was later transformed into a baroque palace fascinating tourists with its five distinct portals and three courtyards. Some of the distinctive artefacts displayed at the museum like a Cuauhcoatl, a vase for chocolate from the Maya, the Barrigon sculpture, and statues of Hindu gods like Vishnu and Nandi. . At present, it is considered as being equal to the leading museums around the world where visitors can explore the largest collections of treasures.

#9- The Brandenburg Gate
Dating back to the 18th century, this monument is one of the most visited places in Germany. Prussian king Frederick William II built this gate in Berlin in a neoclassical style and today, it stands as a symbol of Berlin and German division during the Cold War. The gate is 26 meters high and the beautiful Quadriga statue designed by Johann Gottfried Schadow crowns the wall at the top. When Germany got reunified, this epic gate transformed itself into New Berlin's symbol of unity and today, draws several thousands of tourists every single day.

#10- The Black Forest
Located in the southwest corner of Germany in the federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg is the Black Forest, one of the most alluring and favorite places to visit in Germany. The forest spread across an area of 2320 sq miles and extended towards the northeast for about 100 miles. It's mainly a granite highland forested with sandstone trees and borders with fertile limestone. Visit the most beautiful spot in Germany's Black forest such as the pretty village nestled at the spectacular mountain range in Baden-Württemberg.

#11- Nymphenburg Palace
Situated in the northwest outskirts of the city, the palace was initially the summer residence of the Wittelsbach Electors. The vast palace extends more than 600 meters from one wing to the other, reuniting the entire building in a pool. The magnificent palace is largely vouched for its beauty, furnishings, ceiling paintings, state coaches collections, and more. It is also surrounded by the Nymphenburg Park, which is beautifully adorned with marble statues, hothouses, and more.

#12- Miniatur Wunderland
The model railways and miniature airport attraction in Hamburg, the Miniatur Wunderland is the largest of its kind. Located in the historic district of Speicherstadt, the exhibit comprises 13300 trains created from 10,000 carriages, 100,000 moving vehicles, 130,000 trees, 500,000 lights, along 400,000 human figurines. Tourists to this miniatur wunderland can marvel at the brilliantly crafted landscape models and the live action of flight take-offs and landings that are no less than their real life counterparts in looks and design.

#13- Museum Island
The museum island, designed by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel is situated between the Spree River and Kupfergraben in a 400-meter long canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most prominent places in Germany. The Museum Island was inaugurated in 1830 and is named Museum Island because it is a complex of five prestigious museums - the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum and includes archaeological and art collections.

#14- The Rhine Valley
Do you know you can explore some of the world’s most winsome places in Germany? And to that, The Rhine Valley is one of the popular places in Germany to which you can book a trip of a lifetime. It's totally a unique place with an incredible number of sights to see. Starting from the breathtaking castles, historic towns, mesmerizing mountains, and vineyards, nothing can beat the charismatic beauty of this place. Here you will get opportunities for hiking and cycling along long-distance trails, and bike routes. 

#15- Zugspitze Massif
If you are planning to travel, and explore the scenic region and beauty then go for Zugspitze Massif, Bavaria, one of the top German tourist attractions. Zugspitze is the highest point in Germany known as Germany’s highest ski area. Get exposed to the natural snow on Zugspitze and experience several activities like snowboarding, skiing, etc. Visiting, and reaching by climbing to the top of the mountain is a great thing to achieve in life. Mountaineers, sports enthusiasts, and explorers would have great fun and satisfaction in getting access to Germany’s highest mountain.

#16- Königssee
Königssee is one of the most beautiful natural lakes which flows in the extreme southeast Berchtesgadener land district of Germany. The place is one of the absolute favorites of visitors all across the globe. Basically, the Königssee lake is one of the vital parts of the Berchtesgaden National Park which is also known as Bavaria. Visit the crown jewel of the small town, Schonau, and immerse yourself in the most impressive scenic areas in Germany.

#17- Sanssouci Park and Palace
Sanssouci Park and Palace are monumental buildings located in Potsdam, near Berlin. The palace features the best Prussian version of Versailles as it was built by Prussian King Frederick the Great as his royal palace to stay in summer. Explore the places’ expansive gorgeous gardens, parklands, and some of the smaller palaces with phenomenal architecture.

#18- Berlin Wall Memorial
Today, this wall stands as a memorial to the countless men, women and children who died while crossing the wall at that time. Lauded as one of the finest places in Germany, this Berlin wall is located at the corner of the Ackerstr End of Bernauer Strasse. The Berlin Wall Memorial is locally famous as ‘Gedenkst Berlin Berliner’.

#19- The Rebuilt Reichstag
The building is where the modern-day German Parliament sits and the city’s panoramic views around that the glass dome offers to its visitors are outlandish. Cyrillic graffiti in Reichstag left by Soviet soldiers are still on the walls and whisper untold tales from those days. The building is truly eco-friendly as it generates its energy. The Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant at the roof of Reichstag serves scrumptious food.

#20- Munich Residenz
Serving as the popular seat of government and the residence of the Bavarian dukes, king, and electors, the popular tourist spot today is a massive, magnificent palace to behold. What was a castle previous has been transformed by rulers and further beautified with gardens and buildings. Although much of its part was destroyed during the Second World War, however today, it is still vouched for its importance and prioritized as the administration and cultural purposes.

#21- Frankfurt Zoo
Germany is popular for exotic and nocturnal animal houses where one can see the Kiwis of New Zealand, nocturnal mammals called Aardvarks and Galagos native to Africa, and fossas endemic to Madagascar along with common animals like monkeys, lions, gorillas, rhinos and many more; making it one of the top places to visit in Germany. The crocodile hall, the bat habitat, the aquarium and the Exotarium and Insectarium located within the zoo premises are a sheer delight to visit.