Know before you go : Germany Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Germany, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Germany is a country located in central Europe. It shares borders with 9 countries: France, Luxembourg, Belgium,Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. It is bounded by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to the north.

The capital is Berlin, which is also the largest city in the country. Berlin is known for its vibrant culture, complex history, and iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall remains.

Famous for its medieval towns, castles, forests, and rivers, Germany offers a wide range of experiences – from cultural cities like Munich and Hamburg to nature spots like the Black Forest and Bavaria. Its cuisine is equally famous, with sausages, pretzels, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and great beers.

As of 2025, Germany covers approximately 357,600 km² and has a population of around 84 million people.

The best time to visit Germany and Berlin is usually May to September, when the weather is pleasant and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C.

Note that there will be more people in July or August, the peak tourist season. Also, expect higher prices and more people, especially in major cities like Berlin and Munich, during the big festivals such as Oktoberfest.

We visited Berlin in early August, and we had a wonderful weather, a tiny bit more crowds than usual but the city was very lively and there were a lot of outdoors activities

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The currency in Germany is the Euro (€).

Credit and debit cards are usually widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and most shops, especially in big cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. However, cash is still king in Germany, and many smaller cafés, bakeries, or local markets only accept cash. If you need to withdraw money, prefer the banks such as Sparkasse rather than alone ATMs in the street, and always choose to be billed in euros rather than your home currency to avoid conversion fees.

Germany is moderately priced compared to other Western European countries. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around 15–20€ per person, while a traditional currywurst or döner kebab is usually less than 10€.

Entrance fees for monuments and museums vary: the Berlin TV Tower (24€), Pergamon Museum (12€), or the Neuschwanstein Castle (18€), while many landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate or the Reichstag Dome are free to visit.

Accommodations also depends on the region: in Berlin or Munich, you can expect to pay around 80-130€ per night for a mid-range hotel or Airbnb for two people, while in smaller towns prices can drop to 60-90€. But note that big cities like Munich during Oktoberfest tend to be more expensive.

Clothing: Germany has a temperate seasonal climate, with warm summers and cold winters. In summer, pack light clothing along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as temperatures can reach 25–30°C, especially in cities. In spring and autumn, bring layers and a jacket, as mornings and evenings are cooler. Winters can be cold, often around 0°C or below, so a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes are essential.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities or for hiking in Bavaria.

Adapter: Germany uses Type C and F outlets (the standard in most of Europe). If you’re traveling from the UK, US, Canada, or elsewhere, you’ll need a plug adapter. A power bank is also handy to keep your phone charged while traveling.

There’s a lot to bring back from Germany!

Traditional Items: Germany is known for its beer steins (traditional beer mug made out of stoneware), cuckoo clocks (especially from the Black Forest), and Christmas ornaments. In Berlin, you’ll also find souvenirs made from fragments of the Berlin Wall.

Food & Drinks: Germany is a great place to bring back food souvenirs! You can pick up sausages (Wurst) in vacuum packs, mustards or sauerkraut jars. Sweet options include marzipan, Haribo gummies, and chocolate from Ritter Sport. Beer lovers can bring back local craft beers or classic regional brews, while those who prefer spirits can try Korn schnapps or herbal liqueurs like Jägermeister. If you stop by a grocery shop, you can make a little detour to the tea and infusion aisle, as there is a gigantic choice of fruity, herbal or classic teas.

The official language of Germany is German. In big cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, as well as in most tourist areas, most people speak basic English, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and major attractions.

Here are a few basic German phrases that might come in handy:

• Hello: Hallo – [HAH-loh]
• Thank you: Danke – [DAHN-keh]
• You’re welcome: Bitte – [BIH-teh]
• I (don’t) understand: Ich verstehe (nicht) – [iH fer-SHTAY-eh (niHt)]
• Sorry: Entschuldigung – [ent-SHOOL-dee-goong]
• My name is…: Ich heiße… – [iH HAI-seh…]
• Yes / No: Ja / Nein – [yah / nine]

These phrases will help you connect with locals and show appreciation for the culture – even just a few words can go a long way!

If you’re traveling to Germany from Europe, EU roaming usually applies, so you should have data without extra charges. If you need a local SIM, providers like Telekom, Vodafone, or O2 offer prepaid options. A SIM with plenty of data costs around 10-20€, and they’re available at airports, convenience stores, or phone shops.

For city trips in Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, you don’t need a car – public transport is excellent, with subway, trams, buses, and regional trains covering all major areas.

However, if you plan to explore the countryside such as Bavaria, the Black Forest, or the Romantic Road, renting a car is best. Check platforms like Kayak or Rentalcars for good deals.

There’s a lot to see in Germany! You can spend a few days exploring cities such as Berlin or Munich, visiting castles, or enjoying the stunning countryside with its castles and lakes… You definitely won’t be bored!

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Germany :

That’s it for my Germany travel tips !

I have also made detailed posts about the best four days itinerary in Berlin and restaurant recommendations in Berlin.