The Best German Cities (With a Sidetrip to Prague)
In Germany, every city is different. See for yourself as you visit hearty Munich, elegant Dresden and pulsing Berlin - with a little sidetrip to the Czech Republic’s magical capital, Prague. This trip will take 11 days including flights to Europe and back. You will see Munich (3 days), Prague (2 days), Dresden (2 days) and Berlin (3 days).
After arriving in Munich on the first day and checking in at the hotel, your trip starts at the fascinating German Museum, the second largest science museum in the world. Your first day in Munich will continue with a short walk around the city center, encompassing a number of famous sights such as Munich’s New Town Hall. The day finishes at the Court Brewery to give you an idea as to how exactly German beer tastes like!
On the second day, you will have the opportunity to discover the royal heritage of Munich in the Nymphenburg Palace and the Residenz. The Beer and Oktoberfest museum makes for a little detour to more contemporary times.
The third day is devoted to a trip to Dachau, the nearby town mostly famous for being the site of the first concentration camp. The half-a-day trip can be sobering, so head to the Pinakotheken afterwards and take in some beautiful artworks to soothe your soul.
On the fourth day, you will move to Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. While the journey might be a tad long, you will arrive in Prague soon enough to check out the city center on the first day, namely the stunning Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock among other sights.
Day 5 is devoted to exploring the marvellous Prague Castle complex, including the majestic St. Vitus cathedral. Then you will head to Petřín, an attraction-covered hill and a soothing natural getaway in the heart of Prague. Don’t forget to take the funicular on your way up!
On the sixth day, you will move to Dresden. The Frauenkirche is truly a sight to behold and the planned evening stroll along the Elbe river on Brühl’s Terrace is bound to leave you with unforgettable memories.
The seventh day is devoted to historical sights in the old city and visiting the lively Old Market. The Zwinger gallery is a true highlight of the day – make sure to spend at least half a day there, since the collections are extensive and magnificent.
On Day 8, you will move to Germany’s capital, Berlin. The trip will take you on a short walk around the city centre, but before that, you will visit the Museumsinsel. If you’re history or art buff, consider leaving a day aside for the museums, because each one of them is worth visiting! And after you move on, make sure to visit the Reichstag and its glassed dome that will give you breath-taking sights of Berlin.
The ninth day will take you on a round-trip around Berlin’s sights. The Charlottenburg Palace and the Tiergarten area are true gems, but if you’d like to explore them fully, be ready for quite a lot of walking!
Day 10 will acquaint you with Berlin’s 20th century history. Start your day at the eye-opening Jewish Museum, then carry on to the Topography of Terror documenting the Nazi regime and finally, Checkpoint Charlie, the famous crossing from the Cold War. In the evening, you will find yourself at the Potsdam Square, experiencing Berlin as it is now – fresh, modern and a true European metropolis. The final day is reserved for a trip to the airport, but you are free to add more attractions or days to the trip and customize it.
This trip is good all year round, however the conditions won’t be ideal in winter. Expect snow and temperatures below freezing from late November to late March. The opening hours of some attractions might also be shorter. During the summer, sightseeing may be unpleasant due high temperatures in Prague and Munich.
Day 1: Munich
- A
German Museum
Largest science and technology museum with extensive exhibitions covering aviation, chemistry, physics, transportation, and other technical fields.
- B
Victuals Market
Historic open-air food market and square featuring over 140 stalls with local products, fresh produce, gourmet foods, and a beer garden.
- C
St. Peter's Church
Historic Roman Catholic church featuring Gothic and Baroque architecture and a 91-meter-high tower with panoramic city views.
- D
New Town Hall
Historic neo-Gothic town hall with an observation tower and a mechanical glockenspiel. The building features notable architecture and panoramic city views.
- E
Rathaus-Glockenspiel
Mechanical clock tower featuring life-size figures that reenact historical scenes twice daily, including traditional dances and chimes.
- F
Mary's Square
Central square featuring neo-gothic architecture and a pedestrian-friendly cobblestone layout, known for historic buildings and seasonal markets.
- G
Hofbräuhaus
Historic Bavarian beer hall and brewery dating back to the late 16th century, known for traditional Bavarian cuisine and beer.
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Day 2: Munich
- A
Nymphenburg Palace
Historic baroque palace featuring rococo and neoclassical architecture, extensive gardens, and several museums including a carriage museum and a natural history museum.
- B
Nymphenburg Palace Park
This 180-hectare-large park surrounds a palace of the same name. In this place of relaxation, popular among tourists and locals alike, the…
- C
Residence Museum and Treasury
Historic royal residence and museum showcasing neoclassical and renaissance architecture, royal artifacts, and art collections from the Bavarian Wittelsbach dynasty.
- D
Maximilianeum
Historic neo-Gothic government building housing the Bavarian State Parliament and a foundation for gifted students.
- E
Beer & Oktoberfest Museum
The Beer and Oktoberfest Museum in Munich deals with the history of beer and the Munich Oktoberfest.The museum was opened on 7 September…
- F
Zum Alten Markt
This lovely house with a history is home to a charming, homely and traditional Bavarian restaurant.
- G
Kaufinger Street
You can't miss this place whether you want or not. Kaufinger Street is one of the Munich's busiest streets full of stores and establishments…
- H
Church of Our Lady
Historic Gothic cathedral known for its distinctive twin towers and rich architectural heritage.
- I
St. Michael's Church
Renaissance Jesuit church built between 1583 and 1597 that stands as the largest Renaissance place of worship north of the Alps. It features a massive barrel vault and houses the royal tombs of the Bavarian Wittelsbach dynasty.
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Day 3: Munich
- A
Concentration camp Dachau
Dachau was one of the first concentration camps built by Nazi Germany and the longest running one, opening on 22 March 1933.
- B
St. Ludwig's Church
The Catholic Parish and University Church St. Louis, called Ludwigskirche, in Munich is a monumental church in Neo-Romanesque style with the…
- C
New Pinakothek
The Neue Pinakothek is an art museum in Munich, Germany. Its focus is European Art of the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is one of the most…
- D
Old Pinakothek
The Alte Pinakothek is an art museum located in the Kunstareal area in Munich, Germany.
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Day 4: Munich
- A
Old Town Bridge Tower
This beautiful Gothic tower, which guards one end of the Charles Bridge, had not only defensive nature but it also had a ceremonial meaning.
- B
Old Town City Hall
Old Town City Hall, which was constructed in the 14th century, is notable primarily due to the Astronomical Clock, one of the most famous…
- C
Astronomical Clock
See the oldest astronomical clock still in use in the world with your own eyes. This 600-year-old masterpiece is a must see when in Prague!
- D
Old Town Square
Old Town Square is located in the very heart of Prague and it is the most renowned square in the city.
- E
Restaurant U Pinkasu
Restaurant U Pinkasu is known for its delicious local cuisine and excellent draft beer.
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Day 5: Munich
- A
Golden Lane
Located in the huge Prague Castle complex, Golden Lane is a charming little lane popular with tourists.
- B
Saint Vitus Cathedral
The Prague skyline would look empty without this Gothic miracle, which was founded in 1344.
- C
Old Royal Palace
Old Royal Palace once used to be the seat of Czech kings. As part of the Prague Castle, it now serves representative purposes.
- D
Prague Castle
This castle has been the seat of Czech rulers for almost 1000 years and it is now the official residence of the president of the Czech…
- E
Lesser Town
Lesser Town is one of the most historic districts of Prague with a plethora of Renaissance bourgeois houses, Baroque palaces and narrow…
- F
Petrin Observation Tower
Steel observation tower nearly 60 meters tall, built as a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower, offering panoramic views from an observation deck.
- G
Café Slavia
Take a look at Prague Castle from a café located on a bank of the Vltava river.
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Day 6: Munich
- A
Church of Our Lady
This is definitely the trademark sight of Dresden. The beautiful architecture, its imposing dome, the charming interior - it will simply…
- B
Albertinum
The Albertinum is a modern art museum. The sandstone-clad Renaissance Revival building is located on Brühl's Terrace in the historic center…
- C
Coin Lane
Right next to the Frauenkirche, this charming narrow lane is littered with restaurants of all kind. There are so many options to choose from.
- D
Brühl's Terrace
Be sure to visit the popular promenade located on the bank of the river Elbe which is nicknamed the “Balcony of Europe”.
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Day 7: Munich
- A
Zwinger
Visit the impressive Baroque palace which was originally built as a part of a former Dresden fort.
- B
Old Masters Gallery
The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden, Germany, displays around 750 paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
- C
Semper Opera House
This imposing 19th-century opera house was named after its architect who built in in 1841 and then also oversaw its reconstructions after…
- D
Italian Villages
A complex of several Italian restaurants each set in a different style, ranging from budget to splurge.
- E
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
The majestic 18th-century cathedral is one of Dresden's most prominent sights.
- F
Procession of Princes
An impressive mural, more than 100 meters long made out of 25,000 porcelain tiles depicting the lineage of Saxony princes.
- G
Church of the Holy Cross Dresden
The Dresden Kreuzkirche is a Lutheran church in Dresden, Germany. It is the main church and seat of the Landesbischof of the Evangelical…
- H
Old Market
Dresden's main square is a pulsating centre of social and cultural life as well as a popular shopping area - you can either visit the…
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Day 8: Munich
- A
Berlin TV Tower
A 368-meter tall communication and observation tower featuring a distinctive spherical design and modern architecture.
- B
Museum Island
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a complex of historic museums with art, archaeology, and regional heritage collections.
- C
Unter den Linden Boulevard
Historic boulevard known for its grand architecture, cultural landmarks, and significant historical sites stretching from the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island.
- E
Reichstag Building
Historic government building housing the German Bundestag, featuring a large glass dome and roof terrace with panoramic views.
- F
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Outdoor Holocaust memorial consisting of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern, featuring an underground information center dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
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Day 9: Munich
- A
Charlottenburg Palace
Historic baroque palace originally built as a summer residence for Queen Sophie Charlotte, featuring rococo and neoclassical architectural styles. It functions as a museum showcasing Prussian royal heritage, decorative arts, and extensive gardens.
- B
Kurfürstendamm
Major shopping boulevard known for its luxury boutiques, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. It features retail stores, cafes, theaters, and cultural attractions along a stretch of over 3.5 kilometers.
- C
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Historic Protestant church featuring war-damaged ruins and a modern reconstruction, serving as a memorial against war and destruction.
- D
KaDeWe Department Store
Luxury department store featuring extensive shopping areas with high-end brands and multiple food halls. It is one of Europe's largest and most iconic department stores.
- E
Victory Column
Historic victory monument featuring a tall column topped with a golden statue and an observation deck with panoramic views.
- F
Tiergarten Park
Large historic urban park with landscaped gardens, lakes, monuments, and recreational areas dating back to the 16th century.
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Day 10: Munich
- A
Berlin Wall
Historic monument and open-air gallery featuring the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, adorned with murals and street art symbolizing Cold War history and German reunification.
- B
Jewish Museum
Large museum dedicated to Jewish history, culture, and heritage in Germany with extensive exhibitions and educational programs.
- C
Berlin Wall Museum
Historic museum dedicated to the Berlin Wall and Cold War history, featuring original artifacts and exhibits on escape attempts from East Germany.
- D
Topography of Terror
Museum and memorial documenting Nazi persecution, the SS and Gestapo crimes, and World War II history through indoor and outdoor exhibitions.
- E
Potsdamer Platz
Historic public square featuring modern skyscrapers and architecture, known for its significant World War II history and post-reunification redevelopment.
- F
Sony Center
High-tech architectural complex featuring a distinctive fabric roof, glass skyscraper, and mixed-use facilities including cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants.
- G
Gendarmenmarkt
Historic public square featuring notable architecture including the Deutscher Dom, Französischer Dom, and Konzerthaus. Hosts cultural events and an annual Christmas market known for artistic stalls and festive culinary offerings.
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Day 11: Munich
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