From beer gardens to stunning castles and architecture, Germany offers some of the best free-time activities. Check out some of our favorites below!
| Destination | Our Suggestion | Important Info |
Cologne |
Cologne Cathedral Our stop in Cologne is just long enough for you to get a quick bite to eat and take a look at the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. It is a World Heritage Site and Cologne’s most famous landmark. For four years, 1880-84, it was the tallest structure in the world, until the completion of the Washington Monument followed by the Eiffel Tower. It has the second-tallest church spires and because of its enormous twin spires, it also presents the largest facade of any church in the world. Those looking for a different perspective can climb the towers. |
FREE – $ Hours: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm; closed during church services and special events; tower climb open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Location: Cologne main square. |
Heidelberg |
Heidelberg Castle A visit to the famous Heidelberg Castle is included in your itinerary. If you’re up to it, take a taxi to Heidelberg’s Old Town after dinner. The best way to enjoy is to simply wander around and see what you find. The Old Town doesn’t cover a particularly large area, so there’s no chance of you getting lost. The best starting point for your exploration of the Old Town is probably Bismarckplatz. From Bismarckplatz walk down the pedestrian Hauptstrasse (high street). Ask your tour director about Heidelberg’s nightlife. |
FREE Hours: Accessible 24/7! Location: Heidelberg Old Town. |
Munich |
English Garden One of the oldest English-style landscape gardens and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, the Englischer Garten is a must visit while in Munich. Visit the Chinese pagoda with adjoining beer garden, the Monopteros Greek temple, a river and a boating lake. Visitors can also attend a traditional tea ceremony in the Japanese tea house. |
FREE – $ Hours: Dawn to dusk, Beer garden open 10:30 am – 6:00 pm Location: Accessible by U-Bahn: S 1,2,4,5,6,7, and 8 to “Marienplatz.” |
| Marienplatz Marienplatz, Munich’s main square was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. Once a market, it is now a major tourist attraction. People marvel at the gothic facade of the town hall. Your tour director will take you to hear the bells in the town hall tower. The ringing of the bells is accompanied by a ‘glockenspiel’ depicting a medieval dance and the wedding of Duke William V and Renata von Lothringen. |
FREE Hours: Accessible 24/7! Location: Munich’s main square. |
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| BMW Museum For a BMW enthusiast it is one of the highlights of a visit to Germany. Since its opening in 1973, the BMW Museum has been a place that documents the history of BMW and places it in the context of the present and future. The stated aim of the museum is to fascinate visitors with exciting topics about mobility, communication and society. |
$ Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; closed on Mon. Location: Accessible by U3 Olympiazentrum station. |
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Berlin |
Museum Island One island, 5 museums! Located in the Northern part of Spree Island in the historic heart of Berlin, you’ll find Museum Island – home to the Pergamon, Bode, Neues, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Altes Museums. The individual museum buildings, each of which faces a different direction, are connected to form one large, unified whole. |
FREE – $ Hours:10:00 am – 6:00 pm; open until 8:00 pm Thursdays; closed on Mondays. Location: Northern part of Spree Island in the heart of Berlin |