Where is best place for American to visit in germany?

Question

This will be my first trip and will only spend about 3 days as we are going to other country also. Which city is best for tourists.
I like historic sights and other cultural things. would like to try some german food. Not into shopping more for sightseeing.
Which cities are safer and is there good public transportation for getting around.

TorstenB
I would love to stay 3-4 weeks in your country but unfortunately I have a job here and no unlimited funds for traveling overseas. such is life.

Answer 1

Munich is great for a first timer and the view of the Alps is awesome. There are day trips to King Ludwig's castles and you could even take a day trip to Salzburg, Austria. There are plenty of historic things to see in Munich and the town square is wonderful. I've visited Germany every year for the past 6 years and always make my way down to the Bavarian area because it's so pretty. The train system in Munich is very easy and the bus line is also simple.
Be sure to travel outside whatever city you decide on, the countryside and small towns are wonderful too. And yes, it is much safer than the US and the Germans are warm and friendly.

Answer 2

Looking at your question and what you like, I would suggest Cologne/Koeln. Munich, or other places in the South. Americans picture Germany a certain way and basically, that is the Southern and/or BAVARIAN way. The country has many different regions with very different vibes and cultural differences, comparable to say, NYC vs Texas, or California vs The American South.

Generally speaking, the 'fairytale' Germany people imagine exists in the South and along the Rhine. If you like castles, vinyards, traditional German food, river cruises, historic routes and Gemuetlichkeit, go to Cologne, Mainz, Heidelberg, Munich/Muenchen, Rothenburg, or the Black Forest region. Look up the
"Romantic Route".

If you're interested in city life, modern Germany, nightlife, shopping, clubbing, cafe culture, WW2 and general history, go to Berlin.

Personally, I like the North with cities like Hamburg, Hannover, Celle, Luebeck, the North Sea coast and the islands but I would NOT choose this area for a first-time trip to Germany, it's something for the second or third trip.

As for SAFETY... Germany is safe, period. You won't ever feel unsafe, even late at night. It's a whole different world from the USA in these regards, which probably can be applied to most of Europe in general. Public transportation is very good just about anywhere and, other than in many American cities, the general public actually uses it which means that you don't have to fear for your life there either. ;)

You might like to check out this site for some more pointers: http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/bestof.html

Enjoy your time in Germany! =]

Answer 3

I lived in Germany for 2 years and there are alot of very cool places to visit. Heidelberg is a huge city with castles. Garmisch has a castle, also a very nice ski resort and beautiful mountains. Stuttgart and Munich has the Oktoberfest in late September and first week of October. I visited Konstanze, Germany also. You can visit Lake Konstanze which is very historic and a major place for hiking and camping. Those are just a few places I think off the top of my head. All these places are extremely safe for Americans and public transportation in germany is probably the best in the world. Hope you have fun.

Answer 4

Blue has given you a very good and detailed answer. I would add, as some others have suggested that you visit Munich in Bavaria since that is what most Americans expect of Germany(but, all the girls are not named Heidi). Also Bavaria is in the south of Germany and the people are friendly there.
As far as safety; In Germany you will be safe. I have lived here for 20 years and while there is crime is it nothing compared to the US. And, you must know that German cities have life in them, theaters, museums, restaurants, bars, all kinds of activities going on plus Real People actually live in these cities. So with that kind of activity safety is important.
In all major German cities there is excellant public transportation for getting around.
German food? Do you mean schitzel with noodles? Do not be surprized at the number of McDonald's you will see in Europe. In regards to German food most German restaurants have thier menu on display outside by the front entrance. So you can check out before hand what they have to offer. Then on the front door you will see stickers of the Credit Cards they accept. In Major cities most credit cards are accepted, but be prepared because many do not. Munich has many tourist visitors so that should not be a problem, and many places have their menus in more than one language.
Good Luck and have a fun trip!

Answer 5

Hate to be seen as jumping on the band wagon but, for such a short trip, it just has to be Munich. Great city, small enough in the center to walk around and get to know a little even in a short time but with world class art treasures and wonderful old buildings (don't miss touring the Residenz.)

And all around the most fantastic scenery:- the lakes, the Alps, 'mad King Ludwig's castles (if you go to Neuschwanstein be there in the very early morning to beat the crowds), beautiful old towns and villages (Landsberg, Oberammergau, Fuessen) and baroque and rococo abbeys and churches.

Hope you have a great trip, wherever you decide to go.

Answer 6

It depends on what you want to see. Heidelberg, and Munchen are great large cities. They have Rhine Rivers cruises that are great if you like castles and history. Linderhofe is nice countryside. Zugspitz for mountain beauty and skiing. Resorts on the Boden See are great in the Summer and Fall. Stuttgart and Augsburg have great historical districts, and for Beer Fests I think the Canstadter Fest outside of Stuttgart is best. When I was there Berlin was bad, but that is probably different now.

Answer 7

If you are interested in American history in Germany, you may want to visit Berlin. As you i'm sure you know, the Americans occupied part of Berlin after WWII and there are still lots of Americans living there.

Since the wall fell, Berlin has also changed tremendously and there are many places to visit: many museums, Potsdamer Platz, Brandeburg Gate, the "old" east Berlin, T.V. Tower, Reichstag, Tiergarten, etc. etc.

Answer 8

If you want to see the best Place in Germany you must be Travel to
Berlin the Capitol City.

Answer 9

Heidelberg, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt/M.

Answer 10

Sorry, but what to heck you can see in my country (Germany) for lousy 3 days????? Whenever I am visiting a foreign country, I always stay for 3-4 weeks, or longer!