When people talk about traveling in Germany, the picture of locals wearing dirndls and lederhosen (Bavarian traditional clothes), with one hand holding a gigantic beer stein while slap dancing away to German folk music, comes to mind.
Unfortunately, that representation of Germany as a whole is a little misleading because the portrayed culture you often see only represents one part of Germany (Bavaria). There is so much more to Germany than that, and with this guide, I will suggest a 2-3 week itinerary for solo travelers that will allow you to see Germany in all its wonderful angles.
- Germany 2 - 3 Weeks Itinerary Map
- 2 - 3 Weeks Germany Itinerary
- Germany Travel Video
- Why Visit Germany?
- When to Visit Germany?
- How to Get to Germany?
- How to Get Around Germany?
- What to Pack for Germany?
- Further Reading for Germany
Germany 2 - 3 Weeks Itinerary Map
2 - 3 Weeks Germany Itinerary
Day 1: Frankfurt (optional 1 night)
Frankfurt is probably the cheapest place in Germany to fly to and from, so that is why our journey begins here. To be honest, Frankfurt is not much of a tourist city, and since you only have 2 weeks, I would suggest skipping it and going straight to Munich. Of course, if you have some time to spare, you can explore Frankfurt either when you arrive or on your way out of Germany.
If you are interested in exploring Frankfurt, I would suggest that you spend the day at the city's old town square, Römerberg. Be sure to check out the City Hall, Frankfurt Cathedral, and hang out at the Fountain of Justice while you are there.
- German Highlights (12 days)
- German Vista (8 days)
- Highlights of Germany (12 days)
Day 2 - 4: Munich (3 nights)
10 Unique Things To Do in Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, home to centuries-old buildings and its unique Bavarian heritage, from which the cliché culture portrayed in movies originates. Marienplatz is where all the centuries-old buildings are located. You can spend an hour or two walking around the area and enjoying the vibe of the city while immersing yourself in the beautiful architecture of Munich.
The best place to get a view of the city is from St. Peter’s Church in Marienplatz. Be sure to hike up there and get the feel of the city with a 360° view from the top. Since the tower is centrally located and high enough, you will be able to see the best of Marienplatz in one go from here. I would recommend going early in the morning when the sun is still hovering on the horizon.
There are also several parks where you can picnic and simply have a nice morning stroll through nature, away from the city, such as Olympic Park and the English Garden.
If you are looking for a day trip, you can visit the Nymphenburg Palace, which is a royal residence of former rulers of Bavaria. The place is massive in scale, with a large garden full of statues surrounding the lavishly decorated interior and baroque-style exterior of the palace. You can easily spend an hour just strolling around the garden of this palace.
Another big tourist attraction near Munich is the Neuschwanstein castle, located an hour away from the city. In order to go there, you will need to book a ticket online from here and then take a train to Füssen on the day of your tour to reach the castle. I would highly recommend booking the ticket in advance, especially if you are visiting during the high season.
Day 5 - 6: Nuremberg (2 nights)
From Munich, you can take a bus to Nuremberg, where you will be able to see German history up close. The Imperial Castle is the best place to start your journey in Nuremberg. The castle was built hundreds of years ago, and the surrounding area is concentrated with historical buildings, some of which have been converted into museums where you can learn about the medieval history of Germany.
My favorite structure in the Imperial castle has got to be the Sinwell Tower, where you can go all the way up to the top and have a 360° view of Nuremberg.
Nuremberg is also famous for its Christmas market, and if you are traveling around the end of the year, you will be able to experience one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Even in October, I was able to see a market fully packed with people buying and hanging out in the square.
If you are interested in the dark history of the Nazi regime in Germany, you should also visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. There is a museum in the unfinished remains of the Congress Hall of the former Nazi party rallies where a permanent exhibition titled "Fascination and Terror" is held.
The exhibition is concerned with the causes, connections, and consequences of Nazi Germany. The museum is uniquely created and shows how Nuremberg played an important role in the Nazi Regime. Hitler once agreed that Nuremberg was the "most German of German cities."
Day 7 - 8: Dresden (2 nights)
Dresden is a place full of surprises. Located in the eastern part of Germany, the city is not as popular as Berlin or Munich, but it has quite a lot to offer. From the Baroque-style architecture to the nature surrounding Saxony Switzerland, one full day is barely enough to experience what the area has to offer.
Visiting the old town, you will find many attractive Baroque architectures, from the beautiful gate of Georgenbau to the stunningly massive Dresden Cathedral, all of which are located in the same area and can be easily walked in a few hours. Spend some time and explore the old town, and you will see why this is one of my favorite cities of all.
You can also go on a half-day hiking trip to Saxony Switzerland National Park and hike to the Bastei Bridge, one of the stunning locations in Germany. To tell you the truth, I did not expect to see such nature in Germany. The Bastei Bridge is definitely worth a visit if you like nature.
In order to hike to the Bastei bridge, you will have to take a train heading in the direction of Schöna or Bad Schandau to the Kurort Lathen station from the Dresden Neustadt station. From there, you have to go into the town and cross the river with a ferry, and then follow the path to the start of the hike.
Day 9 - 10: Leipzig (2 nights)
Leipzig is one of the lesser-known cities that usually flies under the radar for most tourists, but the city offers many unique experiences for travelers who seek to get away from the usual tourist traps and see Germany from a different perspective.
First, you should visit the Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal), a monument commemorating Napoleon's defeat at Leipzig, which was a crucial step towards the end of the war. It is one of the most impressive monuments I have seen so far and is among the highest in Europe, standing at 91 meters. Best of all, there is a viewing platform at the top where you can climb up 500 stairs and enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
The monument is a little further out of the city, so if you want to spend your time in the city, you can hang out at the Altes Rathaus, a historical old town of Leipzig. Around the old town, you will find many interesting architectural structures to explore, such as St. Thomas Church and the futuristic-looking building of the University of Leipzig.
Here is an insider tip for you: if you want a nice panoramic view of the city, head over to Panorama Tower near the old town. Pay 3 EUR to the restaurant, and you will be able to access its rooftop platform and get a nice photo of Leipzig from above.
Day 11 - 13: Berlin (3 nights)
Another of my favorite cities, Berlin, is given the title "the creative capital of Europe", and it was not a mistake. Berlin is a city that appeals to all types of people, whether they are party-goers, adventurers, or hipsters. The usual tourist places to visit in Berlin are the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Cathedral, all reachable via metros.
For museums, if you are interested in the history of World War 2 and East Germany during the repressive DDR reign, I would recommend you visit the Topography of Terror museum and DDR museum, respectively. These museums will give you a detailed look into Germany under the Nazi and Soviet occupations that followed.
The Topography of Terror museum is free and focuses on the cruelty of the Nazi party, mainly about Himmler and his plan of extermination. It is a truly gripping experience but a must if you are into history.
There are no better ways to learn more about East Germany under DDR reign than a visit to the DDR interactive museum in Berlin. The museum showcases many aspects of what it was like to live in East Germany, from being eavesdropped on by the government with their intelligent surveillance program to the movement that eventually took down the Iron Curtain.
If you want to go full-on alternative like I did, you should stay in the Kreuzberg area (Jetpak Alternative, the hostel I recommended) and hang out at Kastanienalle Street where all the cool cafes and second-hand shops are.
Flutgraben Canal is also a great place to find something to eat. A restaurant I would recommend is White Trash Fast Food, with Western-style food and an amazing vibe.
Moreover, if you are looking to go out at night, check out Urban Spree and align your visit with their event schedule for a nice night out. Located by the Spree river, this artistic space is dedicated to urban cultures through exhibitions, art, DIY workshops, and concerts. You can always find events every Friday night here.
Day 14 - 15: Hamburg (2 nights)
Hamburg is a city located by the River Elbe and home to the second largest port in Europe, so the best place to visit is the Warehouse District (Speicherstadt) located there. Speicherstadt stretches over 1.6 km along a canal, and with its unique red-brick buildings crisscrossing the canals along the side, it makes the area the perfect place to walk around and admire the architecture.
There are also places like the Miniatur Wunderland museum, the Hamburg Rathaus City Hall, and the Elbtunnel (an old underground tunnel) that are worth a visit when you are there.
Day 16 - 17: Cologne (2 nights)
Cologne is a cultural capital located on the Rhine River. Home to one of the oldest universities in Germany, Cologne is considered a university city, which in turn brings out a lively vibe that you usually get from a creative and young population. One of the most famous landmarks that defines the city is the giant Cologne Cathedral. Despite its size and interior, you can also climb up to the top of one of the towers and get a 360° view of the city from above.
You can also indulge yourself in the old town of Cologne and try some of the local finest beers like Kölsch or go on a tour around the Chocolate Factory and fulfill your childhood dream of Willy Wonka.
Why Visit Germany?
With perfect harmony between the old and the new, efficiency and creativity, and antiquity and modernity, Germany is a country that offers many things for all kinds of travelers. Museums for history buffs, creative cafes for hipsters, lively local events for party-goers, and mountains for adventurers - no matter who you are, you will find a place to belong in Germany.
When to Visit Germany?
July and August are the best times to visit, with the perfect summer temperature, a high chance of clear days, and a livelier environment throughout the country, with lots of people outside and outdoor activities to participate in. However, since it is the high season, everything is more expensive, and the cities are much more crowded than in other months.
April - June and September - October are also great times to visit if you are looking to avoid crowds and keep your costs low since these are shoulder seasons, and the weather may become a little unpredictable.
How to Get to Germany?
If you are coming from outside of Europe, you can find plenty of cheap flights to Frankfurt via Skyscanner or Expedia.
If you are already in Europe and are on a budget, you can also take a bus from anywhere with Flixbus for only a few EUR.
How to Get Around Germany?
Flixbus is the best option when it comes to traveling to different cities in Germany. It is cheap, reliable, and very well-connected throughout Western Europe. There are also many discounts and promotions that could save you a fortune, so keep an eye out for their 1 EUR bus tickets.
When it comes to traveling in big cities like Berlin and Munich, metros are the best option. They are fast, relatively cheap, and cover a wider area than buses or trams. Download metro maps here: Berlin | Munich
Daily Budget
Traveling here will typically cost you more than visiting most other countries. You can expect to spend around $45 - $65 USD per day per person, including food, accommodation, and transportation.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Germany?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Germany:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Germany
I hope you found this guide helpful in your trip planning. If you want to read more about Germany, I have written a few more travel guides, all listed here:
- Are you traveling to Germany as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
- Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe can be extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
- Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
- Berlin, the creative capital of Europe, has so much to offer that you can spend a week there without getting bored. If you are heading that way, be sure to check out my hipster travel guide on the top 12 things to do in Berlin.
- Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and the embodiment of the rich culture we often see of Germany in the media. If you are planning to visit Munich, check out: 10 Unique Things to Do in Munich.
- Dresden is one of those underdog cities that have the level of creativity as Berlin, but the cost of travel is lower and the number of tourists is fewer than in other famous cities in Germany. Visit my travel guide on the Top 6 Things to Do in Dresden page for more information.
- If you are going to Cologne, watch out for your bag, as I had my bag snatched from the train station there. Read about my experience getting my bag stolen in Cologne and how I dealt with it here.
- Have a long layover in Frankfurt and looking for a place to sleep comfortably? Napcaps sleeping pods are great for that. Check out my review here: Sleeping in Napcabs at Frankfurt Airport: A Traveler's Review.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- You can also watch my Germany travel video here: "Alone in Germany" travel video.
- To see all the articles about Germany, visit Germany Travel Guide page.
- Looking for a place to go after Germany? How about France, Switzerland, or Poland? Visit our France travel guide page, Switzerland travel guide page, and Poland travel guide page for more.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Western Europe Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
5 Comments
Hello,
I really like your block because the explanation is very good. The pictures are really beautiful I really like it. I would like to go there because I want see the sightseeing and the nature in Germany. I want to see the beautiful mountains and the lakes. I want to make pictures of that. Discovering Israel would be a pleasure.
Hope to see and read more of you,
Elsa
Hey Elsa, Thank you for the kind comments! Glad you like the post! Germany is definitely a one-of-a-kind country with so many friendly people. It's impossible to express how much I enjoyed the place. I hope you will be able to travel there soon!
Hello,
Your blog has greatly simplified my life. I am excited to plan a 21-day trip to Germany from July 1 to 21. My journey begins in Frankfurt, and I will be returning to LA from the same city. Regrettably, this cannot be altered. I really appreciate the itinerary you posted, but since I have three weeks at my disposal, I was wondering if you could offer suggestions on places where I could extend my stay or add one or two more destinations. Your assistance is highly valued. Thank you.
Hey Penny, If you can make it to Heidelberg, I think you are going to love the castle there. You can also spend a little longer in cities like Berlin and Dresden, 2 of my favorite cities here, and just hang out. There are quite a lot to do in these 2 cities. I hope this helps! :)
Hello Pete,
I don't know how to express my gratitude for your amazing post. My husband and I are planning our belated honeymoon trip to Germany this winter during the Christmas market season. Finally, due to the pandemic, we can make our long-awaited honeymoon a reality. With a 2-week journey ahead of us, I've been feeling overwhelmed, but stumbling upon your post/blog has been a blessing.
We plan to start our journey in Munich and end it in Frankfurt, where we'll depart for home. Since our trip is shorter than your experience/suggestions, we're wondering which part of the city we should skip, or which cities you strongly recommend for our itinerary. We're seeking a fulfilling experience that includes historical, cultural, scenic, and CARS (my husband's interest) aspects. Thank you in advance!