Top 10 Things to Do in Germany

Location: Munich, Bavaria 

Germany is one of the great brewing nations of the world and taking time to indulge in some of the world’s finest beers is often at the top of lists of things to do in Germany.  

The most popular way to do this is by joining Munich’s Oktoberfest, which takes place from late September and lasts for two whole weeks, attracting approximately six million visitors to the Bavarian capital every year.  

Forget your books for a few days and get into the spirit of Oktoberfest – you’re likely to find a large part of the German student population doing the same, along with many of your lecturers too. 

Location: The River Rhine, running through Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Offenburg and Freiburg 

During Germany’s summer months, from May to September, something special happens on the River Rhine. In the summer nights, the Rhine, one of Europe’s longest and most important rivers, is lit up by a dramatic blaze of fireworks, shedding light on the convoy of boats which makes its way up the river as the public wander along the water’s edge to watch. 

These spectacular riverside fireworks displays are known as the Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames) and there are a number of dinner cruises which operate during the event, where you’ll often find the best views of the fireworks, set against a backdrop of castles, palaces, picturesque villages and a beautiful riverside landscape. 

Location: Bayreuth, Bavaria 

If you’re able to get tickets (waiting lists are long), the Wagner Opera Festival is one of the ultimate things to do in Germany for theatre and opera lovers alike. Head for the city of Bayreuth in north-east Bavaria to witness the famous festival, which takes place every year from late July to August. 

Festival performances take place in Bayreuth Festspielhaus, a custom-built theatre that composer Richard Wagner himself helped to design. People wait five to ten years for tickets to the Wagner Opera Festival, but try your luck by turning up on the day – you may be able to secure a returned ticket. 

Location: Würzburg to Füssen 

Stretching from Würzburg in the north of Bavaria to Füssen in the south, the 300-plus kilometers of Germany’s Romantic Road is another of the most famous things to do in Germany.  

A historic and scenic trade route, the Romantic Road takes visitors past medieval walled towns, alongside vineyards, past palaces and castles, and through quaint villages, all providing an excellent insight into the region's history, art and culture. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, hiking trails, German cuisine or a few ski slopes, you’re likely to find it all along the Romantic Road! 

Location: Worms, Western Germany 

Don’t be put off by the name – of either the festival or the city. Head to the city of Worms in Rhineland-Palatinate (Western Germany) in late August to celebrate the traditional Baked Fish Festival (Backfischfest) – the biggest wine, food and folk festival on the banks of the Rhine.  

Dedicated to the Fishermen’s Guild, Germany’s oldest such organization, the Backfischfest includes activities such as a lantern procession, a tug o’ war competition, jousting, and the traditional housewives’ afternoon. 

Location: Cologne (and around Germany) 

Each year, at 11 minutes past 11 on 11 November (the time and date of the truce that ended fighting in World War I in 1918), carnival season is declared open – and there is no better place to join in the revelry than in Cologne (Köln). In one of Germany’s most popular student cities, the streets come alive during Karneval, with processions, concerts and colourful costumes. 

Traditionally coinciding with Easter celebrations, the week-long street festival is timed to fall between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday in the Lent calendar and has thus become almost as important a date in the party calendar as Oktoberfest. One of the top things to do in Germany at Eastertime, the Cologne Karneval is just one of many similar festivals happening up and down the country. 

Location: Hamburg 

Not only is it Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg is also the country’s wealthiest city. Its identity is bound up in a maritime history which has successfully secured Hamburg’s place as the world’s third-busiest port, after London and New York.  

Perhaps not quite as well-known as German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich, Hamburg is certainly well worth a visit, if only to take in the completely different feel it has. There are the buildings shaped like ocean liners, the artificial river beaches, gothic warehouses and fish markets. Visit Hamburg and find out why almost 1.8 million people call this German city home. 

More things to do in Germany: 

• Why not challenge yourself to run the Berlin Marathon? 
• Visit Trier, the oldest city in Germany. 
• Sample currywurst – a German street-food specialty! 
• Take a break from studies for some kaffee und kuchen (coffee & cake). 
• Visit Frankfurt, the birthplace of influential writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). 

This article was originally published in November 2010 and was updated on August 2022.