Visiting Germany: My Best Tips for Artsy & Independent Travelers
I'm Carol Cram, novelist and arts travel writer, and founder of Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2,700+ novels inspired by the arts. Artsy Traveler contains affiliate links for products and services I personally use and recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the Disclosure for more information.
On my first epic round Europe trip when I was a teenager, I only visited Munich, where I was impressed by the massive Deutsches Museum and how the bombed-out historic center of the city had been thoughtfully and precisely restored.
A few years later, I cruised down the Rhine from Bonn to lovely little Bacharach with an American boyfriend, then repeated the journey in 2012 with my husband. Surprisingly, not much had changed, apart from the guy.
On that same trip, Gregg and I were invited to a friend’s birthday party with her German relatives in Cologne. Many (many) glasses of Kölsch (beer that is a specialty of Cologne) were consumed, and we learned a lot about living and working in Germany.
Music lies at the heart of Germany’s artistic identity, and it’s one of my personal draws. This is the country of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, and music plays a central role in two of my novels. Attending a classical music performance in Germany ranks among my favorite artsy travel experiences anywhere.
This post is part of my Visiting Europe series, where I share my best tips for artsy and independent travelers exploring Europe’s most culturally rich destinations. You can find the full series here.
Table of Contents
Germany Highlights at a Glance
These highlights showcase why artsy & independent travel in Germany is so rewarding, especially for travelers who seek unique cultural experiences.
- Explore some of Europe’s best museums on Museum Island in Berlin.
- Attend first-rate classical music concerts in Berlin, Leipzig, Hamburg, and Cologne.
- Take a boat trip down the Rhine where castles brood on hilltops and the Riesling goes down easy.
- Discover amazing art from antiquity to the avant-garde at museums such as the Ludwig Museum in Cologne.
- Honor the horrors of World War II at numerous thoughtful memorials.
For an in-depth exploration of artsy highlights in Germany, check out Best Artsy Sightseeing in Germany.
Favorite Places in Germany
The map below pinpoints my top ten favorite places in Germany.
If you’re planning a trip to Germany, consider including these places in your itinerary. I suggest focusing on three areas: Berlin and cities close by such as Dresden and Leipzig; the Rhine Valley and Cologne; and Munich with a day trip through Bavaria. If you have time, also visit Hamburg, which has a wonderful art museum (Hamburger Kunsthalle).
Practical Tips for Artsy & Independent Travel in Germany
Here’s where I cover some of the basics of artsy and independent travel in Germany, including when to visit, events, transportation, accommodations, and food.
When to Visit Germany
The weather in Germany is not its selling point. It’s a continental climate and so fairly warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Rain and grey skies are often a constant, particularly in northern towns such as Hamburg and Berlin.
But since so many of the artsy attractions such as concerts and museums are indoors, you can enjoy a visit to Germany at any time of year.
Winter is a great time to tour the Christmas markets, some of the most famous being in Stuttgart, Dresden, and Berlin.
Check Events and Exhibitions
Before you visit Germany, check online for exhibitions and performances. Also be on the lookout for local festivals. Checking exhibitions and performances is essential for if you’re interested in cultural and artsy travel in Germany, especially in Berlin and Munich.
Getting Around Germany With or Without a Car
Germany is quite easy to drive around, although I have experienced some of the worst traffic jams of my life in Germany. Roadworks are common, as are detours (at least in my experience driving across Germany).
A car is great if you want to tour the Rhine Valley and southern Germany. If you mostly want to visit cities, consider sticking with public transit.
Take the Train!
Germany has an extensive rail network. Trains are fast, efficient, and on time. For artsy and independent travelers, city-hopping by train makes a lot of sense.
Small Group Tours
Consider home-basing in cities such as Munich and Berlin, and then taking small-group tours to explore the countryside.
For example, this tour from Munich is a convenient way to see King Ludwig II’s castles if you don’t have a car:
Safety in Germany
Germany is a safe country to travel in. I’ve traveled solo in Germany and never worried. Just use common sense, and always take a taxi or a ride share if you can’t easily find public transit, especially at night in cities.
Where to Stay for an Arts-Focused Germany Trip
When choosing accommodation in Germany, opt for hotels in the center of cities rather than on the outskirts. You may pay more, but you’ll be within walking distance of museums and concerts and good restaurants. Staying outside a city in an often nondescript suburb can be dreary.
Expect to pay €200 or more for a centrally located, good-quality hotel room in most of Germany’s larger cities.
For specific accommodation recommendation, check out Where to Stay in Germany: My Best Picks.
Eating Well in Germany: Local & Exotic
Of course, sample German specialties such as wiener schnitzel and spaetzle accompanied by a flagon or two of beer. German food is hearty and flavorful, but it is heavy.
For an occasional change, take advantage of Germany’s multi-cultural society and seek out ethnic restaurants. I’ve had excellent Indian food in Berlin and tasty Ethiopian food in Cologne. Read reviews and explore.
Why Germany Belongs on Every Artsy Traveler’s Itinerary
Germany’s blend of music, museums, and cities offers the artsy and independent traveler plenty of opportunities to enjoy new experiences. Here are more posts about Germany on Artsy Traveler:
- Best Artsy Sightseeing in Germany
- Booming Berlin: A Cultural Deep Dive
- What to See in Cologne & the Rhine Valley
- Favorite Regions in Germany
- Where to Stay in Germany: My Best Picks
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Carol M. Cram writes novels inspired by the arts; runs Artsy Traveler, an arts-focused travel blog, and Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2,700+ novels inspired by the arts; and hosts The Art In Fiction Podcast. She has also authored 60+ textbooks on computer applications and taught at Capilano University for over two decades. Carol lives with her husband, artist Gregg Simpson, on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, BC.
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