Central Europe
History at every turn, world-class beer, and cities that never sleep.
Germany is bigger and more varied than any single image of it — medieval old towns and glass skylines, Alpine lakes and North Sea flats, and a capital that turned its scars into the most creative city in Europe. Berlin is the front door for most: cheap for a Western capital, riotously fun, and heavy with 20th-century history. Beyond it lie beer-hall Munich, fairy-tale castles and the Rhine. Efficient, affordable in parts, and endlessly rewarding.
What things cost: Germany is mid-range and, in Berlin especially, a bargain for a Western capital — a proper meal and a good beer cost far less than in Paris or London. Munich and the south run dearer. When a zone below says 'low', that means low for Germany.
Berlin
Cologne
Hamburg
Munich
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
For ten autumn nights the city's landmarks — the Brandenburg Gate, the cathedral, the TV Tower — become canvases for spectacular projections and light art. Free to wander, and a magical, mild-weather reason to visit off-season.
Berlin · Landmarks citywide
Some of Germany's best Christmas markets, led by the magical one right below the cathedral spires — chalets of Glühwein, crafts and roasting chestnuts across seven themed markets. Festive, atmospheric and easy to hop between.
Cologne · Cathedral & citywide
Marienplatz and the old town fill with the twinkling stalls of one of Germany's loveliest Christmas markets — a giant tree, mulled Glühwein, roast almonds and Bavarian crafts, with brass carols from the town-hall balcony. Cold, glowing and thoroughly festive; wrap up and wander.
Munich · Marienplatz & the old town
The 'fifth season' — Cologne's wildest week, when the whole city dons costumes, drinks Kölsch and floods the streets for parades, parties and the giant Rose Monday procession. One of Europe's great street festivals; book beds far ahead.
Cologne · Across the city
One of the 'big three' film festivals — ten days of premieres, red carpets and the Golden Bear awards across the city in deep winter, and unusually open, with plenty of public tickets. Berlin at its most glamorous, in its coldest month.
Berlin · Potsdamer Platz & citywide
The 'strong beer season' — a boozy Lenten tradition when the breweries tap their potent, dark, double-bock beers in the halls, with brass bands and a rowdy, local atmosphere. Munich's best-kept festival secret: all the beer-hall fun of Oktoberfest, but for locals and far less crowded.
Munich · The beer halls (Nockherberg & others)