Day 1: Arrival in Berlin
Start your journey with Berlin, Germany’s capital and possibly its most historically rich city. Depending on what time you arrive, take it easy after your flight. Head to your hotel, drop off your bags, and grab a coffee to wake up.
If you have some energy, start with walking around the historic center. Make sure to check out Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of the city. Then make your way east to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The memorial is somber, but it’s important to see.
Don’t rush. You have a full week ahead of you. You can either rest tonight or join a pub tour if you feel like mingling with fellow travelers.
Where to Stay:
Try to stay around Mitte, which is central and can be a convenient base. Hostels like Generator Berlin or hotels like Motel One Berlin offer good options.
Day 2: Exploring Berlin
Today, dedicate your time to exploring Berlin’s highlights. Start your day at the Berlin Wall Memorial. You’ll get a glimpse into what divided the city during the Cold War. Have a look at the mural-covered East Side Gallery to see how artists have turned history into incredible street art.
Grab lunch at one of the falafel shops—Berlin has a large Middle Eastern food scene because of its immigrant communities. With something quick to eat, you can continue exploring Berlin’s Museum Island. If you like history, make sure to check out the Pergamon Museum, which is home to ancient artifacts from around the world.
In the evening, consider joining a free city tour or just continue wandering around and getting more familiar with Berlin’s vibe.
Where to Eat:
Check out Konnopke’s Imbiss for some currywurst or Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebab for a cheap and tasty meal.
Day 3: Day Trip to Potsdam
After a couple of days in Berlin, take a break from the city and head to Potsdam for a slower pace. Potsdam is only a 45-minute ride by train and it’s famous for its palaces. The most famous one is Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great. Walk through the extensive grounds and the old Dutch Quarter for a scenic, peaceful day.
You can easily dedicate the entire day to Potsdam. Make sure to return to Berlin in the evening, as tomorrow you’ll be heading to your next destination.
Getting There:
You can catch a direct train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof. It’s cheap and quick.
Day 4: Train to Dresden
In the morning, take the train south to Dresden. The ride is about 2 hours. Upon arriving, drop off your stuff and head out to explore the small but beautiful city.
Dresden was heavily bombed in World War II, but much of it has been rebuilt, and it’s known for its baroque architecture. Start at Zwinger Palace, a beautiful complex housing several museums. Walk around, enjoy the gardens, and pop into the museums if you’re into art and ceramics.
Next, visit the restored Frauenkirche. This Lutheran church stands as a symbol of Dresden’s ability to rebuild. Afterward, take a walk by the Elbe River or sit at a riverside café.
Where to Stay:
Lollis Homestay Hostel is a good option if you’re backpacking. Otherwise, consider Aparthotels Munzgasse, which offers apartment-like stays.
Day 5: Explore Dresden’s Surroundings
After getting a feel for Dresden, escape to Saxon Switzerland National Park for a day of fresh air. This park is famous for its sandstone rocks and hiking trails. Bastei Bridge offers one of the most famous views in eastern Germany.
Catch a bus or train to the park and spend the day hiking, taking photos, and enjoying the natural scenery. Afterward, head back to Dresden for a cozy night, or extend the day to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Getting There:
The easiest way is to take a train to the Kurort Rathen station, then hike from there. You can also catch a direct bus from Dresden.
Day 6: Travel to Munich
It’s time to head to a new region—Bavaria. Take the morning train to Munich, about 4 hours from Dresden. Munich is known for its beer culture, beautiful churches, and lively atmosphere.
Start by exploring the Marienplatz, the main square with its Old and New Town Halls. At certain times, you can watch the famous glockenspiel performance here. Afterward, visit Fraunkirche and climb one of the towers for panoramic views of Munich.
For lunch, go to Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s largest outdoor market. It’s a great place for fresh food and snacks.
In the late afternoon, relax with a beer at a beer garden. Hofbräuhaus is the most famous one, but it’s quite touristy. You can also visit Augustiner-Keller for a more authentic experience.
Where to Stay:
Wombats City Hostel is a popular budget option. If you prefer more privacy, try Hotel City Munich.
Day 7: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip
End your week with a trip to one of the most iconic places in Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale-like castle served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and is incredibly picturesque.
To reach it, take a train from Munich to Füssen, then a bus to the foot of the castle. The hike up is about 30 minutes, and the views are worth it. Be sure to book tickets in advance if you want to tour the inside.
If you’re short on time or prefer to stay in the city, you can also visit the English Garden, one of Europe’s biggest city parks. Either way, spend your last day enjoying the beauty of Bavaria.
Getting There:
Take the train from Munich Hbf to Füssen. It takes about 2 hours. Don’t forget to check the return train schedule so you don’t miss the last ride back to Munich.
End of Your Trip
After enjoying Neuschwanstein or spending the day soaking up Munich’s atmosphere, relax and prepare for your journey home.
Germany is a country full of history, cultural sites, and natural beauty, and you’ve just scratched the surface. If you have more time, consider staying longer in Munich or heading east towards Salzburg or Vienna.
Safe travels!
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