10 Days in Germany: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go

There’s no better introduction to Europe than spending 10 days in Germany.

This is, of course, an entirely scientific conclusion, not at all biased by my never-ending affection for Germany. Even after half a dozen trips and spending a couple of months living in Germany, I’m still surprised by what I’ll dig up when travelling around. Germany’s a place that always feels a little like home to me, even if far removed from my “regular” life.

With so many hidden gems scattered throughout the country, figuring out what to do in Germany in 10 days is bound to bewilder and confuse. All of what you’d expect on a trip to Germany is here: fairytale castles, sunny beer gardens, mysterious forests, medieval mountain towns, and modern cities. Unfortunately, you can’t see it all. (At least not without months at your disposal.)

I’ve created this 10-day Germany itinerary with the time-crunched independent traveller in mind. No, it won’t cover Germany in depth. But it’ll provide an introduction to Germany that will leave you wowed and wanting to explore Germany further.

Where to go in Germany in 10 days: A complete 10-day itinerary

Stereotypes only get you so far in trying to explain why Germany is so awesome. Germany is a curious mix of beauty, authenticity, history, and grittiness that’s impossible to explain in a few short paragraphs.

When planning a trip to Germany on a time crunch, I’d always recommend ratcheting your travel plans down to a smaller geographic area. Sure, Germany isn’t massive, but it isn’t small, either. Even with the efficient German transportation system, zipping across the entire country—from north to south or east to west—is difficult without the luxury of time on your side.

On this 10-day itinerary, I’ve focused on the eastern part of Germany. Many of Germany’s most popular travel destinations lie roughly along the Berlin-to-Munich axis.

Focusing on this part of the country will give you the perfect taste of Germany. It’ll showcase everything from Mad Ludwig’s opulent Bavarian castles to leafy beer gardens to festive medieval towns along the Romantic Road.

At the end, I’ll offer suggestions on how to tweak the plan to your interests and how to take your 10 days in Germany further if you’ve got more time to spare.

Berlin

3 Days

Any trip to Germany is incomplete without spending time in Berlin. There’s something intangible about visiting Berlin; it always leaves a lasting impression—good or bad—on anyone who steps foot here.

Twentieth-century history fuses with the present at nearly every turn in Germany’s capital. A visit to Berlin is, at once, a glance at the past and a look towards the future of the nation.

Just don’t visit Berlin expecting a squeaky-clean tourism wonderland. Berlin is a lived-in city with less outward beauty than grit and edge. It’s become one of Europe’s coolest alternative cities, alive with ideas and at the forefront of ever-changing European culture.

What to do in Berlin

Three days is hardly enough to dig into Berlin. But when you’re crammed for time, you’ll have to settle with just scratching the surface of Germany’s most complex city.

Bank on two days in Berlin itself and one day dedicated to a day trip. You’ll still get a good idea of what the city has to offer. (Just don’t blame me if you want to extend your stay a tad longer!)

Stroll down Unter den Linden

There’s no better place to start exploring Berlin than Unter den Linden. Berlin Mitte’s most famous boulevard is named after the Linden trees lining the centre pedestrian path. Unter den Linden stretches from the Berliner Dom to Brandenburg Gate.

Many of Berlin’s coolest attractions lie on and around Unter den Linden. Culture lovers should set aside time for the museums clustered around Museuminsel at the eastern end of the boulevard near the river Spree.

Whether you want to walk through German history at the Deutsches Historisches Museum, peruse Greek & Roman antiquities at the Altes Museum, or sift through Egyptian artwork and artifacts of the Neues Museum, pick up the three-day Museum Pass Berlin for €24 to save some money on your entrance fees.

The private DDR Museum is also worth visiting. Located on the eastern bank of the river Spree, the DDR Museum offers an interactive flashback into East Germany.

Peer into the Cold War psyche at the East Side Gallery

Flanking the eastern banks of the Spree along Mühlenstraße, the East Side Gallery is an open-air art gallery gracing sections of the former Berlin Wall. The over one hundred murals at the East Side Gallery stand as a reminder of the reunification of Germany following the fall of communism in Europe.

Keep your eye out for the East Side Gallery’s most famous artwork: “The Mortal Kiss” by Dmitri Vrubel. The mural depicts a kiss between Leonid Brezhnev, the Soviet leader, and Erich Honecker, the leader of the DDR. 

Don’t forget to peer past the eastern end of the wall to Oberbaumbrücke, Berlin’s famous North German Brick Gothic-style bridge.

Munch down at Hackescher Markt

The old red brickwork of the Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station recalls turn-of-the-century Berlin and provides the perfect backdrop for a hearty lunch. 

Uninterested in the diet of Italian restaurants and steakhouses at the Hackescher Markt main square outside the S-bahn station? Stroll up Rosenthaler Straße to Viet Village. It’s a Berlin favourite for tasty Vietnamese food.

Cruise down the river Spree in the evening

Floating down Berlin’s waterways by moonlight is as relaxing an end to your day as any. The 3-hour evening Berlin river cruise starts at Märkisches Ufer, drifting through the entire city centre of Berlin along the river Spree and Landwehrkanal.

Putter alongside Berlin’s most famous architectural gems and parks, including Oberbaumbrücke, Tiersgarden, Reichstag, the Hauptbahnhof, Bundeskanzleramt, and Mühlendammschleuse.

Escape on a day trip to Potsdam

Of all the day trips from Berlin, none is more worthy of your time than Potsdam. The former Prussian royal capital percolates with grace, springing palaces and gardens upon you as you tread through the city.

On a day trip to Potsdam, your first stop should be Sanssouci Park, home to the stunning palaces of Fredrick the Great. Explore the park to uncover the three main palaces: the mid-18th-century Sanssouci Palace, the Italian Renaissance-style Orangery Palace (Orangerieschloss), and the baroque Prussian New Palace (Neues Palais).

Where to stay in Berlin

Choosing where to stay in Berlin can be challenge. Berlin is one of Europe’s most popular destinations, and the most popular hotels in Berlin book up months ahead. As much as I’ve pulled off seat-of-your-pants travel planning, you’ll want to snatch up hotels here earlier rather than later if you don’t want to be stuck in a dive.

If you want to be close to the action, I suggest staying in or around Berlin Mitte. Here are a few ideas:

How to get to Berlin

Along with Frankfurt and Munich, Berlin is one of the cheapest gateways into Germany. Several carriers, including the German airline Lufthansa offer international flights.

From within Europe, even better deals can be found with discount carriers like RyanAir, EasyJet, or Air Berlin.

From the United States, expect to pay about $450-500 for the cheapest return flights. From Canadian cities, you’ll be doing well if you find flights starting at about C$800.

Dresden

2 Days

The first time I heard about Dresden was while reading Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s Slaughterhouse Five in high school. Reading a work of fiction, I found Vonnegut’s description of the firebombing of Dresden bewildering. As it turns out, it wasn’t so far from reality.

Walking in the fictional footsteps of the oddball Billy Pilgrim years later, it’s hard to believe Dresden was hardly more than rubble following WWII. Of all the resurrected cities in post-war Germany, Dresden might be the most grandiose. The larger-than-life restored palaces and churches of Dresden Altstadt are a sight to behold as the evening sun reflects off the Elbe River.

Give yourself at least two days in Dresden to explore at leisure. Alternatively, you can spend one day in Dresden and leave an extra 24 hours for a day trip to the Saxony hinterlands.

What to do in Dresden

You won’t find as many things to do in Dresden as in a bigger city like Munich or Berlin. But hanging out here isn’t exactly boring, either.

Even with just 24 hours in Dresden, you can meander in the shadows of the masterfully reconstructed Baroque domes and palaces of Altstadt (Old Town). You can also explore the edgy Neustadt (New Town) on your first day without putting up much of a sweat.

Wander around Dresden Altstadt

Most of the postcard-gracing architecture in Dresden lies within Altstadt. What makes Dresden one of the most underrated cities in Central Europe is becoming so engulfed in the ageless streets of Altstadt you’ll forget what era you’re in. (Even if almost everything is only a half-century old.)

On your journey through Dresden Altstadt, keep on the lookout for the 19th-century Fürstenzug on Augustusstraße. It’s the world’s longest porcelain tile mural, depicting a procession of Saxon rulers. Unlike the rest of Dresden Altstadt, Fürstenzug miraculously sustained minimal damage during the firebombing.

Breathe in the view of Altstadt from Frauenkirche

Soaring over the expansive Neumarkt square, Frauenkirche imposes itself on any visitors who lay beneath in its shadows. What’s most surprising is that Frauenkirche, originally consecrated in the 18th century, is still in its teens as it currently stands.

For 50 years after the firebombing of Dresden, the space remained in ruins as a memorial to the Second World War. It wasn’t until 1994, shortly after Germany’s reunification, that a 10-year plan to rebuild Frauenkirche was launched. By 2005, the final restoration emerged. And in grand fashion.

Admission into Frauenkirche to marvel at the intricate and airy interior is free. Ascending the dome for 360-degree views of Dresden will set you back €10.

Marvel at Dresden’s finest architecture at the Zwinger

It’s hard to believe that the Zwinger still exists. Like much of Dresden Altstadt, what you’ll see here isn’t original. Yet somehow, by 1963, less than 20 years after almost complete destruction in 1945, the Zwinger was back swinging in grand style.

There’s no doubt the Zwinger is Dresden’s finest architectural moment—and that’s clearly saying a lot. Built in Roccoco (Late Baroque) style, the Zwinger long ago shed its use as an orangery and festival grounds to become the most popular museum complex in Dresden.

Art and culture fans should pop into the Zwinger’s Old Masters Picture Gallery, a collection of 15th- to 18th-century European art. At the Zwinger, you’ll also find the Dresden Porcelain Collection, an exhibition of mostly East Asian fine porcelain artifacts. Geography and math nerds will love the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments.

Explore the gritty Dresden Neustadt

If you dipped your toes into Berlin’s Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain, you’ll have an idea of what awaits in Dresden Neustadt. Unlike the now unbattered Altstadt, Neustadt is Dresden’s untamed “wild.”

Neustadt is a little rougher around the edges than Altstadt. But it’s got an artsy and creative vibrance that makes it ever so fun to explore.

While Altstadt was levelled in WWII, Neustadt and its 19th-century architecture stayed intact. Despite the misnomer, New Town is actually older than most of Old Town! (Surprisingly, it’s not as uncommon in Europe as you’d think.)

To catch a glimpse of Dresden’s quirky side, wander along Neustadt’s Alaunstraße and Görlitzer Straße. Keep an eye out for the Kunsthofpassage, a series of courtyards springing with artisan shops, tea shops, and wine bars.

Where to stay in Dresden

Thanks to its compact city centre, deciding where to stay in Dresden isn’t much of a challenge. Whether you decide to stay in Neustadt or Altstadt, there’s a good variety of hotels catering to every budget.

Many of the best hotels in Dresden are in Altstadt. Here are a few good options:

How to get to Dresden

The most convenient direct IC and EC trains between Berlin and Dresden take just under two hours to just over three hours. Unless you’re on a tight travel budget, avoid the slow regional trains; they’ll steal the better part of your day in transit.

For more flexibility, consider renting a car. By car, the trip to Dresden from Berlin should take about 2.5 to 3 hours with traffic. (Add more time if travelling during the summer when road construction in Germany gets a little out of hand.)

Nuremberg

2 Days

Nearly every Germany itinerary for first-time visitors skips Nuremberg. I decided to include it for one reason: Nuremberg is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the northern Romantic Road.

Even if you’re not travelling with your better half, waltzing along the Romantic Road is a must for first-time travellers. The Romantic Road’s medieval towns—with their winding cobblestoned streets lined with traditional timber houses—seem straight out of a fairytale, frozen in time.

What to do in Nuremberg and along The Romantic Road

Exploring Nuremberg is worthwhile, but for the quintessential medieval Germany experience, you’ll need to get out of the city. Far easier than travelling the Romantic Road by public transportation is to rent a car. You’ll save yourself a ton of time, operate according to your own schedule, and avoid backtracking with a car.

Road tripping along the northern Romantic Road

Start your trip along the Romantic Road in Würzburg, the northernmost destination on the road. Würzburg isn’t the most painstakingly-restored German town, but its Marienberg Fortress and Würzburger Residence make it worthwhile to throw into your itinerary. And don’t leave Würzburg without picking up (or at least sipping on) some of its famous Franconian wine.

About 45 minutes away from Würzburg, you’ll find yourself in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This delightful town’s timeless Altstadt is perhaps the most famous and best-preserved medieval old town in Germany.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber can become inundated with tour groups in high season. To avoid the bulky crowds, set off early from Würzburg.

From Rothenburg ob der Tauber, continue along the Romantic Road to Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. Both of these well-preserved town centres are worth exploring to take in their ancient churches and medieval half-timbered houses. And with fewer tourists than in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you’ll be able to enjoy Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen with ease.

Take a tour of Nuremberg Old Town

If you only have 24 hours in Nuremberg, focus on exploring the old town. Even if you’ve rented a car, Nuremberg Old Town is best explored on foot. (Parking and navigating the one-way and pedestrian streets with a vehicle can be a challenge.)

Start your exploration of Nuremberg with a climb up to the city’s most famous site: Nuremberg Castle. It’s not often you’ll find such an impressive fortress in the middle of a city this size. While the castle itself is interesting, the views of Old Town from above are what make the trek worthwhile.

The Castle Quarter (Burgviertel) to the south of Nuremberg Castle is the perfect introduction to Nuremberg’s medieval history. Saunter down the pedestrian street Weissgerbergasse and Obere Krämersgasse for traditional German half-timbered architecture. To experience, a typical medieval stone building, check out Füll off Sebalder Platz.

Where to stay in Nuremberg

Choosing where to stay in Nuremberg isn’t as difficult as in other larger German cities like Berlin or Munich. There’s a good selection of hotels in Nuremberg catering to all budgets.

For its atmosphere alone, I’d recommend staying in Altstadt. Here are a few ideas…

How to get to Nuremberg

From Dresden, expect trains to take about 5 hours to get to Nuremberg with a change in Leipzig.

Renting a car and driving the route between Dresden and Nuremberg will cut off some time from the trip. Bank on about three and a half hours with traffic.

Munich

3 Days

Munich might lack the complexity and depth of Berlin. But Germany’s second biggest city is about the simpler pleasures. Walk around Munich’s heart to fuel up at leafy beer gardens and brewpubs, scale up Gothic church towers, and peek into regal palaces and galleries. Munich truly is the German urban travel experience you’ve been waiting for.

(And let’s not forget the chaos of everyone’s favourite festival on the Theresienwiese: Oktoberfest!)

What to do in Munich

Don’t think Munich is all about beer-swilling German dudes in lederhosen. I’m not going to lie and say that you won’t encounter it; this, of course, is Bavaria. And, sure, the countless pop culture German stereotypes apply more to this corner of southeastern Germany than anywhere else in the country.

Choosing to visit Munich isn’t just about spending time in the city. Use it as a base to explore Bavaria further.

With only three days in Munich, you’ll have to be crafty with your travel planning. If you have a couple of extra days, experience Bavaria by planning a couple of interesting day trips from Munich.

Explore Altstadt Munich

Conveniently, many of the best things to do in Munich are located around the Altstadt (Old Town). Start off in Marienplatz, home to the stunning neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). Time your visit for 11 am to hear the Glockenspiel ring its bells. A century-old clock, the Glockenspiel reenacts the story of Duke Wilhelm V’s marriage and a performance of the “cooper’s dance.”

A block southeast of Marienplatz, climb the tower of Peterskirche for an incredible panoramic view of Old Town Munich. On a clear day, you can peer as far off as the Bavarian Alps. With luck, you’ll create a magical vista of Munich for your photo collection.

Other places to seek out in central Munich include Frauenkirche, Munich’s most famous church with its twin domed towers; Viktualienmarkt, a two-hundred-year-old market; and, of course, the world-famous Hofbräuhaus München.

Sip a beer in one of Munich’s famous beer gardens and brewpubs

Don’t end at the kitschy Hofbräuhaus to get your fill of Bavarian beer. Munich’s best beer gardens and brewpubs aren’t always the most convenient ones for tourists.

Fortunately, they’re spread all around the city—this is Munich, after all! No matter where you choose to stay in Munich, you won’t be far from enjoying a great Münchner beer.

A couple of my favourite beer gardens in Munich are the Augustiner-Keller (Arnulfstraße 52), Biergarten Viktualienmarkt (Viktualienmarkt 9), and the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm in the Englischer Garten.

Bad weather? Instead, try the beer halls at Paulaner Bräuhaus (Kapuzinerplatz 5) and Augustiner Bräustuben (Landsberger Straße 19). Both serve great beer and classic Bavarian grub in a traditional setting.

Swoon over Mad King Ludwig’s Bavarian castles

Nothing in Germany will leave you more in awe than King Ludwig II’s fairytale Bavarian castles. Hemmed in by the Bavarian Alps and thick greenery, Ludwig’s three masterpieces—Hohenschwangau Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Linderhof Palace—are only a couple hours from Munich. They’ll make for the perfect day trip.

You’ll need to rent a car if you want to get to all of them in one day. Although public transportation to Füssen, the major town closest to Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle, is convenient, getting to Linderhof Palace is a bit of a challenge without your own wheels.

If you want the full Mad King Ludwig II experience, start off driving from Munich towards Füssen. King Ludwig II spent his childhood at Hohenschwangau Castle, the first castle you’ll encounter off the main road to Füssen.

It wasn’t until after 1864, when Ludwig became king at the age of 19, that his crazy idea for building the nearby and far more famous Neuschwanstein Castle surfaced. He never saw its completion. Meanwhile, King Ludwig II set to work on another project.

Linderhof Palace, located 15 minutes from Oberammergau, was the only building project the Bavarian king saw to fruition. Built in the Late Baroque (Rococo) style among the deep Bavarian woods, Linderhof Palace has an entirely different feel than the Füssen area castles.

Linderhof Palace was King Ludwig II’s favourite palace and where he spent the last eight years of his life. The interior’s as extravagant as you’d expect from a king’s final refuge.

The real eye-opener at Linderhof Palace, though, is the well-manicured gardens set among the shadows of the Bavarian Alps. Be sure to check out the grotto where Ludwig would hole himself away for hours on end to reflect.

Where to stay in Munich

Compared to other cities in Germany, choosing where to stay in Munich can be pricey. Finding a good room within the city centre at a bargain can be tough at times—though not impossible. Here are a couple of recommendations for the best hotels in Munich…

How to get to Munich

The fastest intercity trains jet between Nuremberg and Munich in just over an hour. Trains leave frequently throughout the day, from the early morning hours until about 11:30 pm.

Driving isn’t quite as quick. Expect the car journey from Nuremberg to Munich to take two hours or more with traffic.

More Germany itinerary ideas & places to visit

• Visiting at Christmas? Don’t forget to take in Germany’s famous Christmas markets! Several of the cities listed in this itinerary—Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber—host famous Christmas markets.

• Travelling as a couple? Skip Dresden and continue on from Munich to the Rhine Valley. The romantic Rhine Valley is one of the best destinations for couples in Germany. Visit the quaint towns of Bacharach, Koblenz, Braubach, or Sankt Goar, and enjoy the fine Riesling wines from the Middle Rhine growing area.

Beyond Germany in 10 days: Where to visit next

• Can you hear the Sound of Music? Waltz on to Salzburg, Austria. The hills are alive just a couple of hours away from Munich in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Hang around Mozart’s hometown, let some delectable Mozartkugeln melt in your mouth, and enjoy the scenery of one of Central Europe’s finest cities.
• Need a little more classic European architecture? Move back towards Berlin via Prague. Everyone knows Prague is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. Why not swing back through the Czech Republic via Austria to check it out? Hit up the town of Cesky Krumlov along the way before digging into Prague’s must-sees for a couple of days on an awesome Czech Republic itinerary.
• Craving the mountain air? Slide into Switzerland via Zürich. In only 3.5 to 4.5 hours from Munich, you’ll find yourself in Zürich, Switzerland’s biggest city. From here, it’s not much of a stretch to experience the rest of compact Switzerland, especially Interlaken and the beautiful Bernese Oberland region.
• Looking for a little Gallic soul? Hop over to France via Strasbourg. You won’t notice a vast change crossing over to Strasbourg from Germany. The beautiful Alsatian city is the perfect mix of Germanic and French cultures; there’s no better place to start exploring France than from here.

Things to know before you go

When to go to Germany

Germany is mostly a year-round destination, with each season bringing positives and negatives. Like much of Central Europe, summer in Germany is generally hot, humid, and wet, while winter days can get blustery and chilly. Spring and autumn fall somewhere between mild to warm temperatures.

The best time to visit Germany is in May and October. In both late spring and mid-autumn, temperatures are still warm and comfortable, with less rainfall than the summer. Both of these months also fall outside the tourist high season. You’ll enjoy a better selection of accommodations and awesome flight deals in these shoulder season months.

Do I need travel insurance for Germany?

One thing I’ve never taken a trip without is travel insurance. In Germany, it’s especially important as travel insurance is required for the Schengen Visa. Regulations require visitors to have at least €30,000 in medical coverage for all 26 Schengen states to receive the Schengen Visa.

Even if you don’t need to apply for a visa for Germany, the costs of health care in Germany can add up quickly. In an emergency requiring hospitalization, you could mount insanely high costs, far more than the small cost of buying a travel insurance policy.

Add to that the possibility of trip cancellation, lost or damaged baggage, and theft, and you’ll see why getting travel insurance for Germany makes a ton of sense.

Not sure where to start looking? Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and a range of adventure sports and activities. Unlike other insurance providers, you can also buy—and extend—your coverage on the fly on the road.

Get an instant no-obligation quote at World Nomads.

Getting connected in Germany

Like much of Europe, it’s not hard to find an Internet connection in Germany. In the major cities, you’ll find plenty of free public WiFi hotspots, from hotels and cafés to restaurants and fast food joints.

The problem with public WiFi (not just in Germany) is that it’s not always super reliable or fast. With so many others connecting, laggy connections aren’t uncommon. Not to mention, you’ll often get stuck tethered to a certain location to keep your signal strong and avoid dropped connections.

Far better is to use your own device and rent a 4G WiFi Hotspot for Germany. The rental includes unlimited daily data throughout Germany (and 130+ other countries).

Virtual Private Network

Whether you’re using public WiFi or your own device with a 4G WiFi Hotspot, whenever you connect to the Internet, your data could be at risk. That’s why I always recommend connecting through a reliable virtual private network (VPN).

And for travellers, there’s no better option than NordVPN.

With over 4,400 servers in 62 countries, NordVPN gives you plenty of options to keep your connection safe and quick. Whichever server you connect through, your data is protected using double encryption technology. On top of that, your browsing destinations are never tracked or stored, thanks to their no server logs policy. Keep your Internet secure by checking out the latest NordVPN deals.

Other travel planning resources

• Guidebooks: As much as I rely on technology now, I rarely travel without print guidebooks. Lonely Planet Germany offers one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date travel guides for Germany.
• Phrasebooks: Although there isn’t as huge a language barrier in Germany as in other European countries, speaking German is a fun way to dig deeper into the country. The Lonely Planet German Phrasebook is a good place to start!