20 Traveling to Germany Tips: Your Ultimate Guide for Family Adventures Abroad!
Planning your travel plans for a trip to Germany as tourists ? We’re so excited for you!
Germany offers a perfect blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and incredible food experiences that will make your adventure unforgettable for travelers from all over the world .
From the bustling streets of Berlin to the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria, there’s something magical waiting around every corner.
Before you pack your bags and say “Auf Wiedersehen” to home, it’s super helpful to learn a few insider tips that will make your German adventure smoother and more enjoyable.
We’ve gathered some amazing tips and advice from local media that will help you navigate everything from public transportation to cultural customs.
Germany has some unique quirks regarding air quality and terrorism that might surprise first-time visitors, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the essential know-how!
1) Get your walking shoes ready, Germany loves a pedestrian!
Oh girl, trust us when we say you’ll want to pack your comfiest walking shoes for Germany, especially if you’re planning to explore the many hotels and attractions !
We found out the hard way that Germans absolutely love to walk everywhere.
Many German cities are super walkable with beautiful pedestrian zones where cars aren’t even allowed. It’s actually amazing!
Before our trip, we prepared by doing shorter walks to build up our stamina.
Some travelers even report walking 20km in a single day while exploring!
Don’t forget to grab some quality walking shoes for Europe – your feet will thank you after those cobblestone streets and amazing city tours!
2) Master the public transport system—it’s a lifesaver!
Let’s be real – Germany’s public transportation is totally worth bragging about, but it’s also important to stay informed about the rules from local authorities.
We’ve been there, frantically checking Google Maps while locals zoom confidently past us.
Getting around Germany is super easy once you understand their amazing public transport system.
Trains, buses, and trams connect practically everywhere, even small towns!
Don’t be intimidated by those ticket machines in case of an emergency ! They usually have an English option, phew!
We recommend downloading the DB Navigator app – it’s a total game-changer for planning routes.
Remember to validate your ticket before boarding or risk a fine from the local police . We learned that one the hard way, ladies!
3) Carry cash—cards are not always king here.
While we love the convenience of swiping our cards everywhere at home, Germany is surprisingly old-school when it comes to payment preferences!
Many Germans still carry about 100 Euros in their wallet for daily spending.
Trust us, you don’t want to be that tourist desperately looking for an ATM after ordering a delicious pretzel at a small bakery!
Many small businesses in Germany don’t accept cards, so having cash is essential.
We recommend using a mix of payment methods. Cash is still king in Germany, but don’t carry too much at once!
Get some euros from bank ATMs (avoid those sketchy Euronet ones!) and use Visa or Mastercard where accepted.
4) Dive into a pretzel—they’re as big as your head!
German pretzels are seriously a must-try snack when you’re visiting the museum !
We couldn’t believe how massive these warm, doughy treats actually are when we first saw them.
You’ll find these delicious giants at bakeries, street vendors, and beer gardens all over Germany. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often sprinkled with giant salt crystals.
In Berlin, you can find amazing pretzels, but really they’re popular all over Germany.
We like to pair ours with some mustard or cheese dip for an extra flavor boost!
Don’t worry about looking touristy while munching on these—even locals love their pretzels. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack while you’re exploring German cities!
5) No shopping on Sundays; it’s all about chill time.
One thing that caught us off guard on our first German adventure during the summer was finding all the shops closed on Sundays! Yes, seriously – it’s the law there!
We quickly learned this isn’t a bummer but actually super refreshing.
Germans take their day of rest seriously, and we’re totally here for it! Instead of mall crawling, everyone’s out walking, playing sports, or just relaxing.
If you’re desperate for essentials, don’t panic! Train stations have shops that stay open late.
But honestly? We recommend embracing the Sunday chill vibe like locals do.
Pack your necessities ahead of time and join the Germans for a leisurely day of cafés, parks, and zero shopping stress!
6) Pickpockets are sneaky, so watch your stuff!
Listen up, friends! When we visit Germany, pickpockets can be a real pain in our cute travel bags. These sneaky thieves are total pros at distraction tactics!
We always recommend using a cross-body bag kept in front where you can see it.
And please, please, please don’t store valuables in backpacks where nimble fingers can easily slip in without you noticing, especially if you’re traveling with a child !
Remember that pickpockets typically work in pairs or groups. One person distracts you (so sneaky!) while the other grabs your stuff.
Stay alert, especially in crowded tourist spots!
7) Always bring your own shopping bags—eco-friendly vibes.
Hey mama friends! We learned this one the hard way on our first German grocery trip—they don’t give out free bags!
Unlike our American stores, German supermarkets typically do not provide free bags, so you’ll be stuck awkwardly juggling your groceries!
A simple reusable shopping bag is a great, cheap travel hack that’ll save you from constantly buying bags.
Plus, it’s super eco-friendly which is totally on-brand for Germany’s green mindset.
Trust us, being prepared with your own bags will help you obtain a feel like a local!
We now take foldable totes everywhere we travel—they take up zero space and save us from those “how do I carry all this?” moments!
8) Book train tickets early and score a seat!
Finding your way around Germany’s amazing train system is way easier than you might think!
We’ve learned (the hard way) that booking tickets in advance is a total game-changer.
You can snag those sweet discounted “Sparpreis” fares by booking at least a few days ahead – your wallet will thank you later!
For those long trips between major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, early booking is a must.
We always use the Deutsche Bahn website or app to compare prices.
And trust us, adding a seat reservation is totally worth the few extra euros, especially during busy travel seasons.
Nothing worse than standing for three hours with your heavy backpack!
9) Punctuality is key, don’t leave anyone hanging.
Germans take their time seriously—like, really seriously!
When meeting up in Germany, be punctual and don’t let someone wait. This isn’t just a stereotype; it’s real life over there!
We’ve learned the hard way that German punctuality is not a joke.
When they say “meet at 2:00,” they mean 2:00—not 2:10, not 2:15.
Public transport tends to run like clockwork too, which helps everyone stay on schedule.
It’s considered pretty rude to show up late to appointments or meetings, so we recommend setting those alarms a bit earlier than you think necessary!
10) Wanna blend in? Avoid loud phone calls in public.
We’ve all been there – excitedly chatting away on our phones while exploring a new place. But in Germany, this is a quick way to stand out as a tourist!
Germans typically keep their voices down in public spaces and appreciate when others do too, so it’s always good to exercise caution while chatting .
While you might hear some locals talking loudly on phones in public transportation, it’s not the norm everywhere.
Want to fit in? Save those enthusiastic convos for private spaces!
This simple tip helps you avoid looking like a tourist and shows respect for the local culture.
Be especially mindful at churches, memorials, or quiet public spots where loud laughter might be inappropriate. We promise your Instagram stories can wait!
11) Get your beer belly in check—cheers to strong brews!
Let’s talk about the german one— German beer, friends! When traveling to Germany, prepare your liver for a workout.
German beers have 6-7% alcohol content, which is stronger than your average beer back home.
We recommend learning a few beer-related phrases before your trip. Just make sure you’re actually saying what you think you are!
One traveler thought they were ordering a beer but actually said “I have no legs” in German. Oops!
Stay hydrated between those delicious brews!
We always drink lots of water and eat fiber when traveling to keep our systems happy while enjoying the local beverages.
12) Always keep a 1 or 2 Euro coin handy for those pesky lockers.
Okay, we’ve all been there – standing helplessly in front of a locker at a German train station with no coins in sight!
In Germany, many public lockers require either a 1 Euro or 2 Euro coin to operate.
These coins aren’t just for train stations!
You’ll need them for luggage trolleys at airports, grocery store shopping carts, and (brace yourself!) even public restrooms. Yes, you might have to pay to pee!
We’ve learned the hard way that 50 cent coins might work for toilets on a specific date , but for most lockers, it’s the bigger coins you’ll need.
Pop a few into a separate pocket or wallet compartment so you’re never caught coin-less!
13) Hit the Christmas markets—they’re magical!
OMG, we can’t even describe how enchanting German Christmas markets are! If you’re planning a trip to Germany in winter, you absolutely must experience these fairy-tale wonderlands.
The markets typically run from late November until December 23 in winter , so plan accordingly.
Each city has its own special charm, but we’ve heard that Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Regensburg are particularly delightful!
Bundle up and prepare to sip some warm glühwein (mulled wine) while browsing handcrafted ornaments and gifts. The twinkling lights, festive music, and aroma of roasted chestnuts will give you all the holiday feels!
We recommend visiting markets in different cities if you can. Many travelers tour multiple markets by train in a single trip for the full magical experience!
14) Be an organ donor—carry that green card of life.
Hey mama friends! Did you know that becoming an organ donor in Germany is super easy when you visit ? You can also inquire about consular services while there!
In Germany, you’ll need to carry a donor card if you want to be an organ donor. It’s their way of knowing your wishes.
You must be at least 16 years old to consent to donation, but kids as young as 14 can refuse if they want.
We think it’s such a beautiful way to potentially help others during your travels.
Some credit cards in Germany are even starting to include organ donor status documentation right on them!
15) Skip the small talk—Germans like to get straight to the point
If you’re used to chatty conversations about the weather or traffic, you might be surprised in Germany!
Germans often don’t understand the point of small talk and might look confused if you try it.
We learned this the hard way when we kept trying to be friendly with casual chatter.
Germans prefer meaningful conversations over what they might see as a dishonest waste of time.
Instead, try asking about their interests or jumping into topics that matter.
When Germans like you, they’ll have proper conversations rather than surface-level chitchat.
Don’t take their directness personally—it’s cultural, of course !
We’ve found that once you adjust, conversations become more genuine and time-efficient.
16) Speed limits? Adrenaline junkies, welcome to the Autobahn!
OMG, friends! If you’re a speed enthusiast, Germany’s Autobahn will make your heart race!
Unlike our highways back home, parts of the Autobahn have no general speed limit – yes, you read that right!
But don’t get too excited just yet! We need to tell you that many stretches DO have speed limits, and the recommended speed is actually 130 km/h (about 80 mph).
Remember, the left lane is strictly for passing. Don’t hang out there!
And always stay super alert because the speed differences between cars can be dramatic.
For next-level thrills, check out the Nürburgring track with its 170 corners! Just saying!
17) Dress for the weather—heels and cobblestones aren’t pals.
When we visited Germany, we learned one fashion lesson fast—those cute heels stayed in our suitcases!
Germany’s historic cities have streets that aren’t perfectly flat, making stilettos your worst enemy.
We recommend bringing comfy flat shoes or ones with slight heels.
Sneakers or running shoes are actually super common in Germany, so don’t worry about looking too casual!
Don’t forget a waterproof jacket and umbrella because German weather can change quickly.
We love layering lightweight clothes that we can add or remove as needed.
Trust us, your feet will thank you for choosing comfort over style on those gorgeous cobblestone streets!
18) Try a honey schnaps in the Schwarzwald—sweet adventure!
When we visited Germany’s magical Black Forest (Schwarzwald), we absolutely had to try the famous honey schnaps!
This sweet, golden liqueur is a local treasure you won’t find anywhere else.
Along the Oberkircher Brennersteig trail, we discovered the most amazing thing – hidden bottles of schnapps along the hiking path!
It’s like a grown-up treasure hunt through gorgeous forest scenery.
Many family-run distilleries offer tastings where we enjoyed schnaps paired with traditional German bread and cheese boards.
Trust us, sipping this sweet treat while surrounded by the enchanting Black Forest views is an experience your taste buds will thank you for!
19) Embrace street food—Döner Kebabs for the win!
When visiting Germany, we can’t stress enough how much you need to try their amazing street food!
The absolute star of the show is the Döner Kebab, which has become Germany’s most popular street food.
This delicious Turkish-inspired treat is everywhere in Germany, especially in Berlin.
Think juicy meat (usually chicken or veal) wrapped in a warm flatbread with fresh veggies and yummy sauce. It’s honestly life-changing!
We love how Döner Kebabs are the perfect on-the-go meal while sightseeing.
They’re filling, affordable, and so tasty! Plus, each vendor puts their own spin on this classic German street food.
20) Respect the bike lanes—cyclists rule the roads
OMG, if there’s one thing we learned about Germany, it’s that cyclists are basically royalty there!
In Germany, bikes have dedicated lanes that you absolutely need to respect as a pedestrian.
Never, ever walk in the bike lanes unless you want to face the wrath of an angry German cyclist zooming at you!
They take their cycling super seriously, and you’ll hear those bike bells ringing with caution and attitude if you’re in their way.
We found out that in Germany, cyclists must use these dedicated paths when available. So there are tons of bikes everywhere!
If you’re renting a bike yourself, remember to stay on the right side and follow all traffic rules.
Getting Around Germany
Germany offers fantastic transportation options that make touring this beautiful country super easy!
We’ve tried it all – from sleek high-speed trains to rental cars on the famous autobahn – and can’t wait to share our best tips with you.
Understanding Public Transportation
Let’s be real – Germany’s public transport system is amazing!
The Deutsche Bahn (DB) train network connects practically every city and town across the country and local authorities recommend that we always book our train tickets in advance to save money and definitely recommend reserving seats, especially during busy travel periods.
Don’t forget about regional transportation too!
Most cities have excellent systems of:
U-Bahn (subway)
S-Bahn (suburban trains)
Trams
Buses
We love buying day passes or week tickets for unlimited travel. It’s usually way cheaper than single tickets!
For budget-conscious travelers, long-distance buses are a fantastic alternative to trains.
Companies like FlixBus offer comfy rides with Wi-Fi at super affordable prices.
Driving in Germany
Driving in Germany can be an absolute blast! Who hasn’t dreamed of cruising the autobahn?
While parts truly have no speed limits, many sections do have restrictions, so always watch for signs.
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore adorable villages and scenic routes that aren’t easily accessible by public transport.
We always remind our friends that Germans drive on the right side (same as in the US).
Important driving rules to remember:
Right-before-left rule at unmarked intersections
Zero tolerance for drinking and driving
Always yield to trams
Keep right except when passing
Parking in cities can be tricky and expensive.
We usually look for P+R (Park and Ride) lots on the outskirts and then take public transport into the city center.
One unique option we love is ridesharing through BlaBlaCar for shorter trips between cities. It’s budget-friendly and a great way to meet locals!
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts
Understanding German cultural norms will help you blend in and avoid awkward situations during your visit.
Germans value punctuality, directness, and respect for personal space – mastering these basics will make your trip much smoother!
Dining Etiquette
When eating out in Germany, there are some important rules to follow.
Always make eye contact when toasting (say “Prost!”) – it’s considered bad luck not to!
We’ve learned that dining etiquette is taken seriously here.
Wait for everyone to be served before you start eating.
It’s polite to say “Guten Appetit” before the meal begins.
Keep your hands (not elbows) on the table while eating – not in your lap!
Tipping is different here too.
Instead of leaving money on the table, tell the server the total amount you want to pay including tip when they come to collect. Usually 5-10% is plenty!
Don’t expect free tap water at restaurants.
Germans typically order bottled water (still or sparkling), and servers will charge for it.
Social Norms
Germans love their personal space! We’ve found that standing too close during conversations makes locals uncomfortable.
The German cultural approach to social interactions tends to be more formal at first.
Always be punctual! Being on time is super important in German culture. If you’ll be late, even by 5 minutes, it’s best to call ahead.
When meeting someone, a firm handshake with direct eye contact is the way to go. Using someone’s first name without being invited to do so is considered rude.
Stick with formal titles (Herr/Frau) until told otherwise.
Public nudity in saunas or certain areas of parks isn’t taboo in Germany. Don’t stare if you encounter this – it’s just part of the culture and not considered sexual!
Remember to keep your voice down in public. Germans typically speak more quietly than Americans, especially on public transport.
