The Best of Germany

By Birge Amondson, About.com Guide to Germany Travel

Deciding what to see and do on your Germany vacation might seem overwhelming. There are many highlights, so where to start? Right here - plan your vacation with our recommendations for the best of Germany. In this section, expect no less than Germany's best attractions, destinations, sights, restaurants, scenic drives, shopping, and more.

1. Best Sights and Attractions
2. Best Free Things to Do
3. Best Festivals
4. Best Scenic Drives

5. Best Bars and Clubs
6. Best Things to Do With Kids
7. Best Shopping

Best Sights and Attractions

Here are our top picks of sights and attractions in Germany that no traveler should miss.

• The Best 10 German Cities
• The Best 10 Sights and Attractions
• The Best German Castles
• The Best Breweries

• The Best 10 Sights in Munich
• The Best 10 Sights in Frankfurt
• The Best 10 Sights in Hamburg

Best Free Things to Do

Traveling on a budget in Germany? Don't worry, you won't miss out on anything; here are the best free things to do on your vacation, including many famous landmarks, sights, and attractions in Germany.

• Best Free Things in Berlin
• Best Free Things in Munich
• Best Free Things in Cologne
• Best Nude Beaches in Germany

Best Festivals

There's no better way to get to know a country than by taking parts in its festivals. Here are the highlights on the German festival calendar:

• Overview: The Best German Festivals
• Oktoberfest in Munich
• Carnival Celebrations
• Berlin International Film Festival
• Largest Wine Festival in the World

Best Scenic Drives

Germany offers many beautiful scenic drives. Our top picks lead you through great scenery and you'll find impressive sights and monuments along the way.

• Guide to Romantic Road
• Guide to Fairy Tale Road
• Guide to Castle Road
• Guide to the Wine Road

Best Bars and Clubs

If you are a night owl, Germany is the perfect place for you. Many German clubs and bars don't close until dawn, and having a great night out doesn't break the bank either.

• Best Clubs in Berlin
• Best Bars in Hamburg
• Nightlife Mile and Red Light District in Hamburg

Best Things to Do With Kids

Traveling with kids to Germany? You will find plenty of family-friendly attracions that your Kinder will love; here are some of the highlights for kids and the young at heart in Germany:

• Great Things to Do in Berlin With Kids
• German Fairy Tale Road
• Colorful Carnival Celebrations

Best Shopping

Shop 'til you drop in Germany: Here are the best shopping streets in Germany; just remember that shops close between 6 and 8 p.m. and are usually not open on Sundays. Happy hunting!

• The Best Shopping Streets
• The Best Designer Outlet Stores
• The Best German Souvenirs and Presents
• Best German Christmas Markets
• Best Munich Shops to Find a Dirndl