Unless you’re planning to visit the country’s atmospheric Christmas markets, it’s best to visit Germany between mid-April and early October, keeping in mind that May and September are peak season. Highs in July and August tend to be in the 70s, save for the cooler southern border, but temperatures in the 80s are normal, and air conditioning remains rare outside of higher-end hotels.

One of the safest parts of Europe, since 2017 most crime rates have fallen to levels not seen for at least 25 years. Some of the country’s cities are among the safest on the continent, and the violent crimes rate is 1/6 that of the US. Although Germany is generally cosmopolitan, isolated parts of East Germany (which get few visitors) have a reputation for racism. Theft is rare, but pickpocketing is a concern in some major train stations, especially in Frankfurt. Making the Hitler salute, even as a joke, is not tolerated, and every year a few drunken tourists are arrested for making this mistake.

Although stereotyped as heavy, German cuisine is as remarkably diverse as the country itself. Germany is at the center of Europe’s organic foods movement, and food for vegans and other people with special dietary needs is common. Only France has more Michelin-starred restaurants than Germany. In Berlin, all eateries must label all allergens present in food. Fish burgers are most popular in northern Germany, which is also home to Lübeck, the world capital of marzipan. While Berlin is associated with Currywurst, a hotdog in ketchup with curry powder, we recommend the city’s most popular food, the Döner Kebab, a fusion of Turkish and German cuisines similar to Shawarma, a cheap and filling form of fast food. Bavaria in the south is famous for pretzels and Weisswurst, a white veal and pork sausage whose skin is removed before eating, traditionally served with sweet mustard and pretzels. Germans abroad often say they miss their bakeries more than anything else, and we recommend visiting a bakery in each region you visit, to soak up their varied bread and pastries. Sausages are popular street food, and sandwiches are rarely served in restaurants, but are popular at home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

German transportation in all its many forms is modern and effective, although the rail system has more delays than it used to thanks to failed cost-cutting measures. Cities generally have useful transport apps, ticket machines in English, and allow you to use one ticket to take all forms of transport (including regional trains making stops within a city) for a certain amount of time. In Berlin, a one-time transit ticket covers travel in one direction for two hours. Cities generally have large streetcar networks, as well as subways (“U-Bahn”) and light rail (“S-Bahn”). Taxi apps aren’t so common, other than Uber in Berlin and Munich. Major cities are linked by regular, high-speed trains.

Tipping isn’t obligatory, but it’s common. 5% is what is generally expected at hotels, restaurants and cafes. If you had exceptional service, 10-15% should suffice. When dining, you can round off the bill or tell the waiter how much of a tip you want to give. Locals tend not to leave tips on the table.

Germans, especially the young, tend to have good knowledge of English, especially in cities and more touristy areas. Even in more remote areas, you can always find someone who speaks enough English to make themselves understood. We’ll also be happy to help you get around the language barrier.