Here’s a first-time route through Germany’s best-known cities, balancing historic sights, neighbourhood wandering and memorable food. I’ve kept each day geographically focused and used trains for the longer journeys.
Budget
About €1,100–€1,900 per person, excluding international flights; includes mid-range lodging, meals, local transport, intercity trains and sightseeing.
Best time to visit
May–June or September for pleasant walking weather and fewer peak-summer crowds.
Berlin: Mitte and the historic centre
Start with Berlin’s central landmarks, all linked by an easy walk through Mitte.
Morning
Visit the
See Berlin’s landmark gateway, then walk about 10 minutes to the .
FreeMorning
Explore the Reichstag
Visit the parliamentary building and its glass dome; advance booking is required. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the .
FreeAfternoon
Reflect at the
Walk about 15 minutes from the Reichstag to this striking memorial in the heart of Mitte.
FreeAfternoon
See
Walk about 20 minutes via Unter den Linden, or take a short taxi ride, to explore the island’s museum quarter.
About €12–€24Evening
Dinner near
Walk about 15 minutes from to this lively cluster of restaurants and courtyards.
About €20–€35
Berlin: Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain
Spend the day with Berlin’s street art, riverside paths and relaxed food scene.
Morning
Walk the
See the famous open-air murals along a preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall; allow time to wander the riverside path.
FreeAfternoon
Explore Kreuzberg’s food stalls
Take the U-Bahn or taxi about 15–20 minutes from the to ; check opening days before you go.
About €10–€25Afternoon
Stroll along the
Walk about 10 minutes from the market to a leafy canal stretch, ideal for a slower afternoon.
FreeEvening
Dinner around
Walk about 15 minutes from the canal to Kreuzberg’s busy restaurant and bar strip.
About €20–€40
Dresden: Old Town
Take the train to Dresden and explore its compact, beautifully restored historic centre on foot.
Morning
Travel to Dresden
Take a direct train from to , usually around 2 hours. From the station, the Old Town is about 10 minutes away by tram or taxi.
About €20–€60Afternoon
Visit the Frauenkirche
Explore Dresden’s celebrated church in the Old Town; from it’s about 20 minutes on foot or a short tram ride.
FreeAfternoon
Walk the
Enjoy views over the Elbe from this riverside promenade, about 5 minutes on foot from the Frauenkirche.
FreeEvening
See the Semperoper
Walk about 10 minutes along the river from to the opera house; check the schedule for performances or tours.
About €15–€120
Dresden: art and the Neustadt
Pair a grand art collection with an easy evening across the river in Dresden’s creative quarter.
Morning
Explore the
Wander the palace courtyards and gardens, then visit a museum if one suits your interests.
About Courtyards free; museums €14–€16Afternoon
Visit the
Walk about 10 minutes from the to this renowned treasury; timed tickets are recommended.
About €14Evening
Dinner in
Cross the Augustus Bridge and continue about 20 minutes on foot, or take a tram, to this lively neighbourhood of independent restaurants and bars.
About €20–€40
Munich: Altstadt
Ride the train to Munich and spend the rest of the day among the Old Town’s main squares and markets.
Morning
Travel to Munich
Take a train from to München Hauptbahnhof; journeys are typically around 4.5–5.5 hours, sometimes with a change.
About €25–€80Afternoon
See
From München Hauptbahnhof, walk about 15 minutes or take the S-Bahn to Munich’s central square.
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Walk about 5 minutes from to the outdoor market for Bavarian snacks and produce.
About €5–€20Evening
Dinner at
Walk about 10 minutes from to this historic beer hall; it can be busy, so arrive early.
About €20–€40
Munich: museums and the English Garden
Combine central art and green space, with a short transit hop between the two.
Morning
Explore the
Spend the morning with European paintings in Munich’s museum district; check current exhibition and ticket details.
About €7–€10Afternoon
Relax in the
Take a tram or taxi about 15–20 minutes from the museum district to this vast city park.
FreeEvening
Watch the surfers at the
Walk about 20 minutes through the to see surfers on the Eisbach; follow posted safety guidance and keep clear of the water’s edge.
Free
Munich: Nymphenburg and a relaxed farewell
Finish with a palace visit and a gentle final evening back in the city centre.
Morning
Visit
Take a tram or taxi about 25–35 minutes from the centre to the former royal summer residence; allow time for its gardens.
About €8–€15Afternoon
Return to the Old Botanical Garden
Ride a tram or taxi about 20 minutes back toward the centre for a quiet garden break.
FreeEvening
Take a final stroll through the Altstadt
Walk about 15 minutes from the Old Botanical Garden toward the Old Town, choosing a nearby restaurant for a farewell meal.
About €20–€40
Good to know
Getting around
Book intercity trains early for the best fares, and check journey times and engineering notices before travel. Local day passes can be worthwhile if you expect several rides.
Planning
Reserve the Reichstag dome and popular museum or palace tickets ahead of time. Museum opening days and entry prices can change, so verify details close to your visit.
Food
Markets and beer halls are casual options, but popular places can be crowded at meal times. Carry a little cash, as some smaller vendors may not accept cards.