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
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.
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Day 2 - 4: Munich (3 nights)
- 📍 Stay: MEININGER Hotel München Olympiapark
- 🕐 Time: 3 nights
- 📖 Full Guide: 10 Unique Things To Do in Munich
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 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)
- 📍 Stay: B&B Hotel Nürnberg-Plärrer
- 🕐 Time: 2 nights
- 📖 Full Guide: Nuremberg Travel Guide: Top things to do and see (via sommertage.com)
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 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)
- 📍 Stay: Cityherberge
- 🕐 Time: 2 nights
- 📖 Full Guide: 10 Best Things To Do In Dresden
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 and Frauenkirche Dresden, 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, hands down one of my favorite places 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 get to Bastei Bridge, you will have to take a train heading in the direction of Schöna or Bad Schandau to the Kurort Lathen Station from 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)
- 📍 Stay: McDreams Hotel Leipzig
- 🕐 Time: 2 nights
- 📖 Full Guide: Leipzig in 72 Hours: A Travel Guide to Germany’s Coolest City (via mondomulia.com)
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, try pronouncing this 3 times 😂), 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 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 Leipzig University.
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)
- 📍 Stay: Hotel Havel Lodge Berlin
- 🕐 Time: 3 nights
- 📖 Full Guide: 12 Hipster Things To Do In Berlin
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, Brandenburg Gate, and Berlin Cathedral, all are worth your visit and easily 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 as I did, you should stay in Kreuzberg, a lovely creative district, 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. You can go and check out some of the street food restaurants around Festsaal Kreuzberg, and if you are lucky, enjoy an event or 2 that are often held there. It's the usual amazing and lively vibe you can come to expect when in Berlin.
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)
- 📍 Stay: ibis budget Hamburg St Pauli Messe
- 🕐 Time: 2 nights
- 📖 Full Guide: Hamburg Travel Guide: Top Things to Do and See (via sommertage.com)
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, Hamburg Rathaus City Hall, and Elbtunnel, an old underground tunnel, that are worth a visit when you are there.
Day 16 - 17: Cologne (2 nights)
- 📍 Stay: Hotel Berg
- 🕐 Time: 2 nights
- 📖 Full Guide: 18 Unique and Fun Things to do in Cologne, Germany (via happytowander.com)
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 massive 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.
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!