Hello dear, are you planning to travel to Germany in a short time? Then we are here to help you with massive information about your trip.
Germany is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and modern vibrancy. So the tourists from all over the world are attracted to explore Germany.
[ NB: In this article we cover most of the beautiful places that represent Germany. We try to find out the best places to visit & how to move from one place to another. Besides, we try to give you an idea about the transport costs & find out some budget friendly hotels for you.If you want to use hotels, please check their website for pricing and pre booking. We don’t describe the places more. You will find about the places in our other articles. ]
If you follow the article, we hope you can utilize every moment of your valuable time. But you have to be an energetic person as it is going to be a continuous 14 days journey & have to travel to a lot of places in a short time. So let’s start.
Day 1: Arrival in Berlin
Begin your adventure from Berlin, the capital of Germany. After arriving at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), you should go to Berlin Hauptbahnhof by taking the “TXL” bus. The approximate ticket price is typically around €2.90. Then settle into one of the many budget-friendly hotels located nearby.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- Meininger Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- A&O Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin-Hauptbahnhof
- B&B Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
As soon as you are done with your luggage drop-off, take a rest in your room. After relaxing, get ready for visiting Berlin’s fascinating attractions.
First of all you must visit Germany’s one of the most historical places, Brandenburg Gate. The Brandenburg Gate is located about 1.5 kilometers east of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. It’s a pleasant walk through the city center, taking around 15-20 minutes. You can follow Unter den Linden boulevard, which leads directly to the Brandenburg Gate.
From there you can head to the Reichstag Building, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Berlin on the glass dome. The Reichstag Building is located just to the northwest of the Brandenburg Gate, within walking distance. The walk typically takes around 10-15 minutes. For lunch & dinner you will find many local restaurants nearby. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional dishes like curry wurst, schnitzel, or käsespätzle, washed down with a refreshing German beer in your menus.
Day 2: Berlin’s Historical Core
The next day let’s go deeper into the history and heritages of the city.
In the morning you can go to the Berlin Wall Memorial, where you can learn about the division of the city during the Cold War.
The Berlin Wall Memorial is located about 2 kilometers northeast of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. If you want to walk, it typically takes around 20-25 minutes. Use Google Map for the best route. Alternatively, you can take bus line 142 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to the Berlin Wall Memorial. The cost for a single bus ticket is around €2.90 & the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Complete your journey within lunch time. After lunch, come back to your room and take a rest.
In the afternoon, you can go to Museum Island which is a world-class cultural scene of Berlin. There are five world-renowned museums in Museum Island:
- Altes Museum (Old Museum)
- Neues Museum (New Museum)
- Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery)
- Bode-Museum
- Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum)
The Museum Island is located approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. You can go there by walking that takes 15 to 20 minutes. Use google map for the best route.
In the evening, you must experience Berlin’s legendary nightlife by walking on Berlin’s roads as long as you like.
Day 3: Berlin to Potsdam
Today we suggest you visit the nearby city of Potsdam. The city is famous for its stunning palaces, parks, and gardens, including the opulent Sanssouci Palace.
It is located just a short train ride away. To travel from Berlin to Potsdam by train in the morning, use any of the Regional trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB). The ticket price is approximately €3.50 to €5.00. We recommend you to check the current ticket prices on the Deutsche Bahn website before purchasing. The distance between Berlin and Potsdam is approximately 25 kilometers & the journey will take around 25-40 minutes.
After arriving in Potsdam, spend the morning exploring the grounds of Sanssouci Palace, the former summer palace of Frederick the Great. You can walk through the luxurious gardens with fountains, statues, and splendid terraces in the palace and then stroll around the beautiful historic city center of Potsdam.
In the afternoon, you should return to Berlin and take some time to relax in Tiergarten, the city’s largest and most beloved park. The park is located southwest of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. You can take the S-Bahn train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Tiergarten station, which is located near the park’s southern edge. The single ticket price is around €2.90.
Then go back to your hotel room & prepare for an overnight train journey to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. For going to Munich there are some trains at night. You should look for overnight train options such as “D 252” service, “EN 491” service. Both are operated by Deutsche Bahn. The “D 252” service typically departs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof at around 10:00 PM. And the “EN 491” service departs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof at around 11:00 PM. The price of a single ticket is approximately €40 for a seat to €120 or more for a sleeper cabin.
Note that the ticket prices can differ based on demand and availability, so you should check the Deutsche Bahn website to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on ticket prices and availability for your desired travel dates. Additionally, booking in advance can often result in lower costs compared to purchasing tickets closer to the travel date.
Day 4: Munich’s Bavarian Charm
After arriving in Munich Hauptbahnhof in the morning, check into one of the many budget-friendly hotels located nearby.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- Smart Stay Hotel Station
- Hotel Munich City
- Euro Youth Hotel Munich
- Pension Belo Sono
- Wombats City Hostel Munich:
As soon as you are done with your luggage drop-off, take a rest in your room.
In the afternoon, you can dedicate your time to know the historic part of Munich by walking through Marienplatz, which is the city’s main square. The Marienplatz is located approximately 1 kilometer southeast of Munich Hauptbahnhof. Here, you can ascend the New Town Hall to see the panoramic views of the city.
For dinner, you can go to the traditional Bavarian beer hall at Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich’s oldest and most famous beer halls. Don’t miss the traditional dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels. You should skip beer as you are on a tour.
Day 5: Fairytale Day Trip to Neuschwanstein
This morning we suggest you visit the one & only Neuschwanstein castle. No trip to Bavaria would be complete without visiting the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein.
To travel from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Neuschwanstein Castle, you should take a regional train (usually operated by Deutsche Bahn) to Füssen. The journey typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. The ticket price is around €20 to €30 for second class and €30 to €40 for first class. After arriving in Füssen, you’ll need to transfer to a bus to reach the village of Hohenschwangau, where Neuschwanstein Castle is located. Buses are available at the Füssen train station and will take you to Hohenschwangau in approximately 10-15 minutes. The ticket price is around €2 to €3. From Hohenschwangau, you can take a shuttle bus, which runs regularly between Hohenschwangau and the castle entrance. The cost of the shuttle bus is around €2.60. You can take a guided tour to visit the castle.
After exploring the castle, you can walk through the charming streets of Füssen.
Before returning to Munich, don’t miss the region’s famous pastries, such as apple strudel or kaiserschmarrn, at a local bakery or café.
This day we do not have much time to visit another place and so you should relax in your room and enjoy a drama or any other you want.
Day 6: Munich to Nuremberg
This morning you should say goodbye to Munich. It’s time to go to the historic city of Nuremberg. You should wake up early in the morning and then go to the Munich Hauptbahnhof. From there you must catch the train to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. You must check the current ticket prices and availability on the Deutsche Bahn website. The second class ticket price is around €30 to €60.
After arriving at Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof, check into one of the city’s budget-friendly hotels.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- A&O Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof
- Leonardo Hotel Nürnberg
- ibis Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof
- Novotel Nürnberg Centre Ville
- Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg
Once you’ve dropped off your bags, you must take a rest in your room.
In the afternoon, you can spend your time exploring Nuremberg’s rich history and culture.
We suggest you visit Nuremberg Castle, a sprawling fortress complex that offers panoramic views of the city below. The Castle is located on a hill overlooking the city center. It’s possible to walk there from Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof, although it involves an uphill climb. The walk typically takes around 15-20 minutes.
After spending some time there, you can go to the historic Old Town (Altstadt) of Nuremberg on foot, where you can walk through the wonderful streets lined with medieval buildings, churches, and market squares.
For dinner, don’t miss the city’s traditional food, Nuremberg sausages. The sausages are a popular culinary attraction in Nuremberg. The sausages are made from pork and seasoned with a blend of spices, including marjoram; these sausages are typically grilled or pan-fried until they are crispy and golden brown. They are often served as a delicacy in sets of three or six with sauerkraut, mustard, and a side of bread.
Day 7: Nuremberg to Heidelberg
Wake up in the early morning & say goodbye to Nuremberg. We suggest you go to the city of Heidelberg this morning.
To travel from Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof, you can use direct trains that run between Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof and Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof, operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB). The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. The price for a one-way ticket (second class) typically ranges from around €40 to €70. However, prices may be lower if you book in advance or choose a saver fare option. You should check the current ticket prices and availability on the Deutsche Bahn website for more accurate information.
After arriving at Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof, you must check into one of the city’s budget-friendly hotels.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- Hotel Ibis Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof
- B&B Hotel Heidelberg
- Hotel Ibis Budget Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof
- Hotel Monpti
- Leonardo Hotel Heidelberg City Center
Once you’ve settled in, you must take a rest in your room.
In the afternoon, you should explore Heidelberg’s most iconic landmark, the majestic Heidelberg Castle. As the castle is located high above the city, it offers panoramic views of the Old Town, the Neckar River, and the surrounding hillsides. You can take a bus from Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof to a stop near Heidelberg Castle. Bus line 33 serves the area and the ticket price is around €2 to €3. The ride typically takes around 10-15 minutes. You should skip walking as the Castle is located high above the city & the 14-days nonstop tour has a tiredness issue.
After visiting there, you can take a walk along the picturesque Neckar River, where you can admire the city’s historic bridges, quaint riverside cafes, and charming riverside promenades.
Before the sunset, you should go back to your hotel room. For dinner, you can go to one of Heidelberg’s traditional restaurants. Be sure to try local foods like schnitzel, käsespätzle, or flammkuchen.
Day 8: Heidelberg to Cologne
This morning we suggest you go to the city of Cologne, located along the banks of the Rhine River in western Germany.
You should catch a train from Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof to Cologne Hauptbahnhof in the early morning. There are several train options available for this route, including high-speed trains (ICE) and regional trains. Generally, the ticket price is around €30 to €80. But it’s best to check the current prices on the Deutsche Bahn website. The ICE trains are faster but may be slightly more expensive. The distance between Heidelberg and Cologne is approximately 260 kilometers & the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
After arriving at Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof, you must check into one of the city’s budget-friendly hotels.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- Station Hostel for Backpackers
- A&O Köln Hauptbahnhof
- Hotel Cristall Köln
- Hotel Terminal
- Weltempfänger Hostel
Once you’ve checked in, you must take a rest in your room.
In the afternoon, you can explore Cologne Cathedral. The Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture and its twin spires that dominate the city skyline, making it one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. The Cologne Cathedral is approximately 1 kilometer from the Cologne Hauptbahnhof. The walking typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Use google map for the best route.
In the evening, you can visit the Rhine River. The river is located near the cathedral, so you won’t have to walk far to reach it. Once you reach the riverfront, you’ll find several boat tour operators offering Rhine River cruises. You shouldn’t miss the journey by boat where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Cologne’s skyline.
For dinner you can enjoy Cologne’s traditional foods like Himmel un Ääd, Kölsche Kaviar, Halver Hahn etc in nearby local restaurants.
Day 9: Cologne to Hamburg
This morning we suggest you go to the city of Hamburg, situated along the banks of the Elbe River.
To travel from Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof , you should use an ICE train from Cologne Hauptbahnhof. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. The ticket prices start from around €30. You will get more information about tickets from the Deutsche Bahn website.
After arriving at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, you must check into one of the city’s budget-friendly hotels.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- Generator Hostel Hamburg
- Hotel Europäischer Hof
- A&O Hamburg City
- Hotel Fuerst Bismarck
- Hotel Continental Novum
Once you’ve checked in your hotel, you must take a rest in your room.
In the afternoon you should go out to explore Hamburg’s unique attractions. You can start your journey with a visit to Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway exhibition. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers long from the Hauptbahnhof and takes around 15-20 minutes while walking. Use google map for finding the best route to get there.
In the evening, experience one of the most famous districts in Hamburg – Reeperbahn. This city is famous for its wonderful nightlife, bars, and legendary music venues. If you fancy music, vit, or a dance, Reeperbahn will not let you down, giving you the taste of the unforgettable night in Germany’s most vibrant city.
Some traditional foods in Hamburg that you can taste for your dinner are : Fischbrötchen, Aalsuppe, Birnen, Bohnen und Speck, Labskaus, Rote Grütze etc.
Day 10: Maritime Hamburg
This morning we suggest you explore the historic Port of Hamburg. The port is known as “Gateway to the World,” and is Germany’s largest seaport. Though it is a commercial port, it is also a wonderful tourist spot.
To go there by bus, you have to ride HVV Bus Line 111 from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof and have to depart at Fischmarkt which is near the Port of Hamburg. The ticket price is around €2-3 & the journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
In the afternoon, you can go to the Planten un Blomen park, located in the heart of the city. You should immerse yourself in its stunning gardens, peaceful ponds, and a variety of flowers. The park is located close to the Fischmarkt. You can go there by walking in around 10-15 minutes.
In the evening, you can enjoy the nightlife of the city. For dinner you should try local foods at any local restaurants.
Day 11: Hamburg to Dresden
This morning we suggest you go to the city of Dresden, in the state of Saxony.
To travel from Hamburg to Dresden by train, you have to take an Intercity Express (ICE) train from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to Dresden Hauptbahnhof. Which is operated by Deutsche Bahn(DB). The ticket price is around €30 to €100 & the journey can take around 4 to 4.5 hours. The distance between the cities is approximately 390 kilometers.
After arriving at Dresden Hauptbahnhof, you must check into one of the city’s budget-friendly hotels.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- A&O Dresden Hauptbahnhof
- Ibis Budget Dresden City
- IntercityHotel Dresden
- Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz
- ibis Dresden Zentrum
As you have made a long journey, you must take a rest in your hotel room after checking in.
In the afternoon, enjoy your time by exploring Dresden’s historic city center. You can start your journey with a visit to the Zwinger Palace. The Palace is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture. The Zwinger Palace is approximately 1.5 kilometers from Dresden Hauptbahnhof. You can go there by walking which can take about 15-20 minutes.
In the evening, you can dine in Dresden’s picturesque Altstadt. You’ll find there a wide selection of restaurants and cafes serving traditional German cuisine and international specialties. Don’t forget to try the local dishes like Saxon potato soup, roast pork with sauerkraut, or the city’s famous Eierschecke dessert, accompanied by a glass of regional wine or beer.
Day 12: Dresden to Leipzig
This morning we suggest you go to the city of Leipzig, in the state of Saxony.
There are frequent train connections between both cities. You have to take a train from Dresden Hauptbahnhof to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours & the ticket price is around €20 to €40. The distance between these two cities is approximately 120 to 150 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken.
After arriving at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, you must check into one of the city’s budget-friendly hotels.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- MEININGER Hotel Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- A&O Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- Ibis Budget Leipzig City
- B&B Hotel Leipzig-City
- Five Elements Hostel Leipzig
After checking into your desired hotel, you must take a rest in your room.
In The afternoon, immerse yourself in exploring Leipzig’s vibrant city center. You can start your journey with a visit to St. Thomas Church, where the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach is buried. The Church is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Hauptbahnhof. You can go there by walking which will take around 15-20 minutes.
From there, you should go to the Bach Museum, where you can learn more about the lifestyle of this musical genius. The Museum is approximately 300 meters from the Church. Use google map for finding the best route.
In the evening, immerse yourself in Leipzig’s classical music scene with a visit to one of the city’s many concert halls, opera houses, or chamber music venues. Whether you’re attending a performance by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Leipzig offers a wealth of cultural experiences for music lovers of all ages.
For dinner, you should try local foods from any local restaurant nearby.
Day 13: Leipzig to Frankfurt
This morning we suggest you go to the city of Frankfurt, located in the state of Hesse.
To travel from Leipzig to Frankfurt by train, you have to take a Deutsche Bahn train from Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. You can check the train schedules, ticket prices on the Deutsche Bahn website. The distance between Leipzig and Frankfurt is approximately 400-450 kilometers & the journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. The ticket price is around €30 to €80.
After arriving at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, you must check into one of the city’s budget-friendly hotels.
Here are some budget friendly hotel names for your idea:
- Hotel Excelsior Frankfurt
- IntercityHotel Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof Süd
- Hotel Europa Style
- Savoy Hotel Frankfurt
- Mercure Hotel Kaiserhof Frankfurt City Center
As you have made a long journey, you must take a rest in your hotel room after checking in.
In the afternoon enjoy your time by exploring Frankfurt’s historic city center.You can start your journey with a visit to the Römer, the city’s medieval town hall and one of its most iconic landmarks. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Hauptbahnhof. You can go there by walking which typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. From there, you must visit the Frankfurt Cathedral, which has stood for over a thousand years. The Cathedral is very close to Römer. You just have to walk 5 minutes to reach there.
In the evening, you should go to the Main Tower. It is located about 1.5 kilometers east of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. You can go there by walking 15-20 minutes. There you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Frankfurt skyline from the observation deck. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the Main Tower offers stunning views of the city and its surrounding countryside, providing the perfect backdrop for your final evening in Germany.
Day 14: Frankfurt Departure
Oh dear! 13 days gone!! It’s time to say Goodbye Germany.
On your final day in Germany, we suggest you not to travel anywhere. Today you should take some time to explore Frankfurt’s bustling shopping district on Zeil shopping street. You can visit many shops, boutiques, and department stores,to purchase any last-minute shopping or gifts before your departure.
As your journey comes to an end, check out of your hotel and make your way to Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve created during your 14-day exploration of Germany’s iconic landscapes and cities, knowing that you’ve experienced the very best that this enchanting country has to offer.
Some Special Tips-
10 German words you must learn before traveling in Germany:
Hello: Hallo
Bye: Tschuss
Please: Bitte
Thanks: Danke
You’re welcome: Bitte schon
Excuse me: Entschuldigung
Yes/No: Ja/Nein
Good Morning: Guten Morgen
Do you speak English?: Sprechen Sie Englisch?
I’m sorry: Es tut mir leid
NB: If you want to minimize your cost, you can avoid hotels & use dormitories to stay. We will discuss that in our other article. Don’t look for your native foods. As it is not available there, the price will be higher than the local foods.