Discover the Beauty of Germany

Germany is a captivating country known for its rich history, stunning scenery, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. From bustling cities to picturesque towns in the Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest, whether you’re a history buff, foodie or just looking to explore someplace new, Germany has plenty to offer. Explore historical sites, indulge in German cuisine, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of tradition and modernity that is Germany. Let’s explore the two most popular destinations, Berlin and Munich.
Image of the Brandenburg Gate in Germany
Image of the Brandenburg Gate in Germany

Take a stroll Under der Linden from Brandenburg Gate.

Berlin, the capital of Germany, offers a unique blend of history, culture and modernity. Explore its rich history with a stroll east down Under der Linden from Brandenburg Gate. Check out the many UNESCO sights along with the Cathedral on Museum Island and then continue on to Alexanderplatz, one of the centers of this once-divided city with its famous TV tower offering fabulous views and where you can try the famous currywurst. South of Unter der Linden, don’t miss the Gendarmenmarkt square and historic Checkpoint Charlie.
To the west of Brandenburg Gate, visit the Reichstag with its unique transparent dome, the Tiergarten (the massive Central Park of Berlin) with its signature Victory Column and the Berlin Zoo. South of the Tiergarten is Kufurstendamm (Ku’damm), the heart of old West Berlin, where excellent shopping and restaurants can be found. Further west is stylish Charlottenburg where you can visit the largest surviving royal palace in Berlin. And just a short train ride away are the hidden treasures of beautiful Potsdam and San Souci palace or the sobering reminder of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
Image of the roof of a church in Munich.
Image of the roof of a church in Munich.

View of Liebfrauenkirche catholic church in Munich.

Munich is the capital of, and gateway to the many sights of, Bavaria. Munich itself is very walkable with a pedestrian downtown core, the center of which is Marienplatz. Here you can see and hear the Glockenspiel in the Neues Rathaus (new town hall) at 11 a.m. and noon each day, and 5 p.m. during the warm months. Other notable sights in the city core include the Altes Rathaus (old town hall), Frankenkirche with its signature dome topped towers, as well as Burgersaal and Michaelskirche, two other beautiful churches, and Karlstor and Isartor, the old gates to the city.
To the north of Marienplatz, you will find the Residenz, the former residence of the kings of Bavaria, as well as the impressive collections of the city’s museums. Of course, no visit to Munich is complete without a visit to a beer hall of which Hofbrauhaus, east of Marienplatz, is the most famous. If the weather is good, don’t miss the chance to poke around Viktualienmarkt, south of Marienplatz, and grab a sausage and beer while shopping with the locals. For a truly unusual sight, wander over to Eisbachwelle in Englisher Garten to watch the surfers on the river.
Image of four servers holding beers during Oktoberfest.
Image of four servers holding beers during Oktoberfest.

Visiting during September and early October is the perfect time to celebrate Oktoberfest.

Situated in the heart of Bavaria and with Germany’s wonderful transportation system, there are also a wealth of day trips from Munich. To the south are the Alps with beautiful scenery and picturesque towns such as Oberammergau, the home of the Passion Play since 1634. Not to be missed are the beautiful palaces and castles of King Ludwig, Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof and of course the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Salzburg, Austria, home of Silent Night, Mozart and the Sound of Music is only a couple of hours away by train. Similarly, the history and sights of Nuremburg are only a little over an hour away to the north by train and home of my personal favorite German sausage.
Munich celebrates Oktoberfest in late September and early October so please be aware the city can be very crowded at that time. Another magical, but busy time, to visit Germany is during the Advent season when every town swings into the Christmas spirit with a Christkindlmarkt.

Germany is an excellent destination for travelers of all interests and backgrounds. With welcoming locals, delicious food, stunning scenery, and efficient transportation, Germany is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel Again, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
Image of Costco employee Steve Stringfellow in a Europe town with the ocean in the background.
Image of Costco employee Steve Stringfellow in a Europe town with the ocean in the background.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Steve Stringfellow, a Costco Travel employee and travel enthusiast. One of his favorite European getaways is to wander Germany by car, particularly during the Christmas market season.