10 must try experiences & unique things to do in Germany You Should have

October 22, 2025

What else can you do in Germany besides historical sites? Let’s find out 10 10 must try experiences & unique things to do in Germany you should have when visiting this beautiful country!

Are you planning a trip to Europe and wondering: “What to do in Germany?” Don’t worry, this country has dozens of interesting experiences waiting for you to discover. From ancient castles that seem to come out of fairy tales, to colorful amusement parks or sunset cruises on the Rhine River. Each city and town in Germany has its own color, its own story that fascinates visitors.

Join Living Nomads to discover 10 unique experiences that cannot be missed when traveling to Germany!

Unique things to do in Germany: Join the Oktoberfest Festival in Munich

Location: Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany
Time: Late September to early October

Every autumn, Munich is resplendent in the bustling atmosphere of Oktoberfest – the largest beer festival on the planet, taking place from September 20 to October 5 at Theresienwiese. For 17 consecutive days, the whole city turns into a giant beer garden, attracting more than 6 million visitors to enjoy premium draft beer, grilled sausages, Bavarian roast meat, soft and fragrant pretzels and countless delicious German dishes.

The festival opens with the bustling sound of brass instruments, colorful traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen costumes, and vibrant live music from folk bands. In particular, the highlights such as the traditional parade, the opening ceremony with the opening of the beer keg by the mayor, the outdoor music performance at the foot of the Bavaria statue or the exciting shooting competition always make the atmosphere become passionate.

Eurail German Rail Pass

It only takes a few minutes for visitors to travel from the center of Munich to the festival area by U-Bahn or S-Bahn. In addition, if you want to experience the local flavor on a budget, try camping overnight to celebrate Oktoberfest with international friends. Oktoberfest is a cultural adventure with a strong German flavor, leaving unforgettable memories in the hearts of every visitor.

Explore Traditional Christmas Markets

Location: Many major cities such as Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg
Time: Late November to December 23

Germany’s winter covers the cities with a brilliant fairy tale coat, when traditional Christmas markets open simultaneously from late November to December 23. The markets in Cologne, Munich and Nuremberg stand out, bringing a cultural experience rich in German identity. This is also the occasion that German people look forward to the most, like a brilliant highlight in the cold winter.

Coming to Cologne, you will be amazed by the space of the Cathedral lit up by more than 150 sparkling stalls. In the sweet cinnamon scent and the ringing bells, visitors sip hot Glühwein, enjoy crispy Reibekuchen and take a ride on the green train to visit the Port market or the unique Angel market at Neumarkt.

In Munich, Marienplatz Square comes alive with bright lights, music from outdoor concerts and the aroma of grilled sausages, fresh gingerbread and fragrant wine.

Nuremberg is an ideal destination for those who love the old-fashioned. Christkindlesmarkt – one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, attracts visitors with exquisite handicraft stalls, traditional lebkuchen cakes and typical Nuremberger sausages. Note, to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere, bring cash, keep warm and come early to avoid crowds.

Visit Famous Art Museums

Location: Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt

Museum Island, Berlin | unique things to do in Germany

Famous for its rich cultural history, Germany owns many famous art museums spread across major cities such as Berlin, Dresden and Frankfurt. Each museum is a door opening to the treasure trove of human heritage – where the past, art and creativity intertwine in a fascinating way.

In Berlin, the Pergamon Museum on Museum Island is an architectural and cultural masterpiece. The three main exhibition areas include Greek antiquities, Near Eastern and Islamic art, with the highlight being the majestic 2,200-year-old Pergamon altar. Coming to Frankfurt, art lovers cannot miss the Museum of Modern Art (Museum für Moderne Kunst), which displays the pinnacle works of Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein… The unique triangular building located in the middle of the old town is a space to explore visual art from the 1960s to the present.

inside jüdisches museum berlin jewish museum berlin25 — | unique things to do in Germany

Berlin Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)

In Dresden, a city famous for its rich cultural heritage, art museums such as the Old Masters Gallery in the Zwinger Palace are treasure troves of classical art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. With a system of deeply invested museums, Germany is an ideal destination for art and history lovers who want to slow down, deeply appreciate and preserve delicate moments through each work.

Take a Countryside Bike Tour

Location: Rural areas like Bavaria, Rhine Valley

If you are looking for a truly local, peaceful and poetic activity in the heart of Germany, a bike tour through the countryside of Bavaria or the Rhine Valley will be a memorable adventure. There is no need to rush, each turn of the wheel will take you past cobblestoned village streets, cool pine forests, colorful flower fields and ancient country houses covered with vines.

In Cologne, visitors can start their cycling journey along the banks of the Rhine, where summer festivals are often held on the riverside lawns. If you come in August or early autumn, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional market, where locals sell regional products, such as rye bread and apple wine. In Munich, a half-day bike tour takes you through large parks such as Englischer Garten, ancient bridges and historic, tree-lined streets.

Munich Half Day Bike Tour

On the Main Road, Elbe Road or along Lake Constance, you also have the opportunity to stop at farms, enjoy local products and explore regional culture – all at the leisurely pace of the cycle. This is a great way to feel the peaceful, slow but profound Germany.

Cool things to do in Germany: Traditional German Cooking Class

Location: Many big cities such as Berlin, Munich

Cuisine is a part of the soul of German culture. Famous for its rich, regional dishes, participating in a traditional German cooking class is a great experience to immerse yourself in local life in a close and emotional way.

Cooking classes often take place in cozy kitchens in big cities such as Berlin, Munich. Here, you will not only learn how to make grilled sausages, pretzels or crispy golden schnitzel, but also listen to the story behind each ingredient, how Germans preserve and develop their native cuisine over many generations.

Berlin Icebar Ticket with free drinks

The special thing is the “real-life” experience: you choose the ingredients yourself from local markets, knead the dough, bake the bread and share the results in a meal with a German family feel. It is that rustic yet sophisticated feel that gives visitors a feeling of closeness and warmth as if they were living with the locals.

If you are looking for a unique experience, away from the usual tourist path, then a cooking class is the ideal stop. Don’t forget, you have many high-quality cooking class options on Klook, carefully selected and honestly reviewed by the tourists who have participated.

Visit a Traditional Brewery

Location: Bavaria, Cologne

In Germany, beer is considered a part of the national identity, a cultural pride that has been brewed in wooden barrels since the 11th century to the present day. If you are a lover of the distinctive fermented flavor or simply curious about the spiritual life of the German people, then the experience of visiting a traditional brewery is a must-try.

Bavarian Beer Experience in Munich

In Bavaria – the “beer mecca” of Germany – breweries are both production sites and living historical structures, preserving memories of how Germans carefully use malt, hops and pure spring water to create flavors that cannot be found anywhere else. The most interesting point of this tour is the visual and taste journey: you can see the craft beer brewing process with your own eyes, listen to the sharing of skilled workers and try a glass right on the spot.

The feeling of sitting in an ancient beer cellar, sipping rich beer and chatting with beer lovers from all over the world is what makes this activity memorable. With many unique breweries in Cologne or Munich, this experience has become a “must-try” on the list of anyone who sets foot in Germany. Refer to book guided brewery tours and the privilege of enjoying free draft beer through Klook.

Scenic River Cruise

Berlin, Germany | cool things to do in germany

There is nothing more poetic than letting yourself drift on a gentle cruise along the majestic Rhine River, especially the section from Bingen to St. Goar – known as the “valley of castles”. The journey is like a fairy tale movie quietly unfolding before visitors’ eyes, with the scenery on both banks covered with vineyards, medieval watchtowers and pretty little towns with German characteristics. We suggest you visit Marksburg Castle – the only intact fortress on the Rhine, before or after the cruise.

(Free eSIM) Frankfurt to UNESCO Rhine Valley: Castle River Cruise

K-D, the largest cruise company in the region, is a great option, with flexible schedules, starting at around 25 euros, and a 20% discount if you show your train ticket. The trains usually depart from Bingen or Rüdesheim (west) and dock at St. Goar or St. Goarshausen (east), allowing you to combine train travel, town exploration or riverside dining.

If you are going on a weekend, start early from Bonn, stop by Braubach to visit Marksburg around 1:00 PM, then board the boat at 4:00 PM from St. Goarshausen to Rüdesheim. The schedule is just enough to feel the beauty of the Rhine as the sunset colors each hill and tower top.

Have Fun at Europa-Park

Address: Europa-Park-Straße 2, 77977 Rust, Germany

Located in the town of Rust, southwest Germany, Europa-Park is Europe’s leading entertainment paradise – where every step takes you to another country, every game is a heart-pounding beat. With more than 100 activities, 20 areas with national themes such as France, Italy, Russia, Greece … Europa-Park is an inspiring playground for the whole family.

The 2025 festival season is even more special when the park celebrates its 50th anniversary. Visitors will enjoy a vibrant parade, brand-new shows and a series of exciting events throughout the year. Don’t miss the Silver Star roller coaster – the tallest and fastest track in Europe, or a trip through the frozen world in Scandinavia.

From Freiburg, Strasbourg or even from big cities like Stuttgart, you can easily travel by train or private car. Entrance tickets range from 57–75 euros depending on the season and age, it is recommended to book online in advance to avoid queues. If you have time, stay a night in one of the hotels right on the premises to enjoy the night view like coming out of a Grimm fairy tale. Why not spend a whole day having fun at Europa-Park and capture the moments of bonding and endless laughter?

Watch a Bundesliga Football Match

Location: Stadiums in Munich, Dortmund, Berlin

Bundesliga, Germany’s top football league, is the ideal destination for sports lovers. Matches take place at famous stadiums such as Allianz Arena (Munich), Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund) or Olympiastadion (Berlin). This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the passionate atmosphere of the fans and witness the top teams such as Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund in action.

The Bundesliga matches are always fast-paced and full of drama. The season usually lasts from August to May of the following year, with matches on weekends and some special matches on weekdays. The Bundesliga clubs are all strong, promising to bring attractive performances and no shortage of surprises.

FC Bayern Munich Match Tickets at Allianz Arena

To get to the stadiums, visitors can easily travel by train or public transport from major cities in Germany. This is an opportunity for visitors to watch the top football matches live and enjoy memorable moments in one of the most attractive tournaments in Europe.

Relax at Spas and Hot Springs

Location: Baden-Baden, Wiesbaden

source: baden-baden.com | cool things to do in germany

If you are looking for a place to relax and recharge after many long days of exploring, Baden-Baden is a destination not to be missed. Located in southern Germany, where the Black Forest mountain range and lush green forests meet, the city of Baden-Baden owns many long-standing spas and hot springs.

Coming to Baden-Baden, you have the opportunity to relax in natural hot spring pools such as Friedrichsbad or Caracalla Spa, which offer an authentic spa experience, combining classic and modern styles. Moreover, the spas in Baden-Baden focus on health and beauty recovery, helping you enjoy a peaceful space to reduce stress and recharge.

Known as the most beautiful spa town in Europe, Baden-Baden offers visitors wonderful moments of relaxation. Whether you just want to soak in the warm waters or take part in a deep treatment, Baden-Baden is definitely the ideal destination for you to rejuvenate and enjoy the slow life.

FAQs About Things to Do in Germany

When and where is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest takes place every year from late September to early October in Munich, Germany.

Which cities are famous for their Christmas markets in Germany?

The most famous are Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden, and Munich. These cities hold traditional Christmas markets that attract visitors from all over the world.

How to join a bike tour in Germany?

You can sign up for a bike tour in Germany through local travel agencies or book online at Klook. These tours usually have a guide who will ride the bike with you.

Do you need to book in advance to visit a brewery?

Yes, many breweries require reservations to visit, especially during peak tourist seasons. You should check and book in advance through the brewery’s website or through Klook tours.

Is Europa-Park suitable for children?

Of course! Europa-Park has many play areas for children and tours specifically for children. This park offers many interesting activities for the whole family.

When coming to Germany, you will not lack interesting experiences, from participating in the famous Oktoberfest festival to visiting ancient castles, classy amusement parks or enjoying unique culinary culture. Germany offers visitors countless unique activities, suitable for both relaxing and adventurous trips.

“Pocket” the great activities above, if you are still wondering what to do in Germany!

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