GERMANY TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 40+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Germany + What NOT to Do!

Summary

In this travel guide, Christina shares her extensive knowledge of Germany, having lived there for over five years. She covers diverse federal states, suggesting off-the-beaten-path destinations. She advises on year-round travel, highlighting festivals for each season. Accommodation tips include trying local guesthouses and Motel One for budget stays. Cultural insights include greetings, tipping, and the importance of privacy. Public transport is recommended over renting a car, with details on train categories and saving on tickets. Sightseeing tips include city passes and museum days. Practical advice on cash, recycling, and electrical adapters concludes the guide.

Takeaways

• ✈️ Germany is composed of 16 federal states, each with unique attractions, so explore beyond the popular ones.
• 🗓️ Germany offers diverse experiences year-round, with various festivals and events catering to all seasons.
• 🏨 In smaller towns, expect a variety of smaller hotels and guesthouses rather than international chains.
• 🏰 For budget accommodations, consider Motel One, a stylish and affordable German hotel chain.
• 🌐 Learn basic German phrases like 'hallo' (hello), 'danke' (thank you), and 'entschuldigung' (excuse me) to navigate social interactions.
• 🚫 Sundays are quiet in Germany with most shops closed, but restaurants and bakeries usually remain open.
• 💶 Tipping in Germany is different; state the total amount including tip when paying, and expect to tip less than in North America.
• 🚾 Be prepared to pay for public restrooms, which are often very clean due to the fees collected.
• 👀 Germans may stare, which is not considered rude but part of their cultural way of observing.
• 🚶‍♂️ Avoid jaywalking and keep your voice down in public, as Germans value quiet and direct communication.

Q & A

How many federal states does Germany have?

Germany is made up of 16 different federal states.

What are some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Germany recommended by Christina?

Christina recommends exploring places like Schleswig-Holstein for beaches and maritime history, visiting castles and historic cities along Rhineland-Palatinate, and enjoying the beautiful nature in Saxony.

What is Christina's opinion on the best time to visit Germany?

Christina believes that Germany is a great year-round destination, and suggests looking into different festivals and events that occur throughout the year to decide the best time for a visit.

Which German hotel chain does Christina recommend for budget-friendly stays?

Christina recommends Motel One, a chic German hotel chain with small rooms, good locations, and a stylish atmosphere that is often budget-friendly.

What is the general etiquette for greetings in Germany according to the video?

In Germany, it's polite to ask if someone speaks English before initiating a conversation in English. The common greeting is 'Hallo' and 'Danke' for thank you. 'Entschuldigung' is useful for saying excuse me or pardon me.

Why might you encounter closed shops on Sundays in Germany?

In Germany, Sundays are considered a day of rest, so most supermarkets and shops are closed. However, restaurants and bakeries tend to remain open.

How does the tipping culture differ in Germany compared to North America?

In Germany, when you tip, you state the full amount you want to pay including the tip. For example, if you want to give a total of 50 euros including tip, you'll say '50', and they'll give you change for that amount or process it through the card machine.

What is the significance of the term 'Pfand' in Germany?

The term 'Pfand' refers to a refundable deposit on items like cans, bottles, and even glasses at beer gardens and Christmas markets. It serves as an incentive for returning these items for recycling or to prevent them from being taken as souvenirs.

Why might you need to rent a car in Germany according to the video?

You might need to rent a car in Germany if you plan on visiting smaller villages, remote nature spots, or if you want to experience the German Autobahn.

What is the advice for using public transportation in Germany?

The German public transportation system is excellent, and it's generally not necessary to rent a car unless you're visiting remote areas. It's important to validate your tickets, as there's an honesty system in place, and be aware that delays can happen, but compensation may be claimed for significant delays.