Points of interest Germany: Tourism & Monuments

Practical information : Sightseeing Germany

To be booked

For major exhibitions, it's a good idea to have a ticket when booking. The same goes for major concerts, operas and certain theatrical creations, especially in Berlin, where you should buy your tickets in advance on the Internet.

Budget & Tips

Many museums offer one free day a month, although this is not fixed at national level. So be sure to check museum websites to plan your visit. It's also possible to discover most German cities on free walking tours, where the guide is tipped whatever amount seems fair to you.

Main events

Beethoven Festival in Bonn. Every autumn, his native Bonn celebrates Beethoven. Stars and young artists interpret the master in classical, swing and jazz styles. The program also includes exhibitions, readings, films and premieres. Further information at www.beethovenfest.de.

Berliner Festspiele. From mid-March to early June, Berlin comes alive with music, theater, dance, literature, art and film. The Berlin Festivals (Berliner Festspiele) enrich the capital's cultural scene with festivals, programs and exhibitions. A forum for artists from all over the world. Further information at www.berlinerfestspiele.de.

German Horticultural Show Society. In spring, amateur gardeners and urban planners don't miss the German Garden Show (Bundesgartenschau, BUGA). The first horticultural exhibitions in Germany date back to the ^18th century, when explorers such as Alexander von Humboldt brought back exotic plants discovered on their expeditions. Further information at www.bundesgartenschau.de.

Kieler Woche. "Let it all go! In June, the Kieler Woche, or Kiel Week, is one of the world's great racing yacht competitions and a major gathering of traditional rigs, accompanied by one of Europe's biggest folk festivals. Further information at www.kielerwoche.de.

Oktoberfest. " O'zapft is! " begins the traditional drill that opens the Oktoberfest beer festival on Munich's Theresienwiese in October. One of the world's most popular festivals. Countless visitors feast for two weeks, gulping down barrels of beer and singing along. Further information at www.oktoberfest.de.

Christmas markets and illuminations. Beautiful in town and country.

Guided tours

In Berlin and other major tourist cities, you'll find guides to heritage, history, local gastronomy, markets and culture in various languages. They are available at museum entrances, and you can book them at the tourist office or directly with the agencies. These are often very enriching. Bus tours are less so. You might as well take a city bus and a paper guide - you'll save money!

Smokers

In Germany, smoking is strictly prohibited in many places, including all public buildings such as administrations, offices, cinemas, theaters, universities, hospitals, airports and railway stations. Bars, cafés, restaurants and nightclubs also ban smoking indoors. Smokers have reserved areas or must go outside to smoke. Of course, the most important rule is that cigarette butts must be disposed of in ashtrays, not in the street.

What's very local

Germans often prefer cash to credit cards, and carry large sums of cash with them. Even in big cities, you'll still find shops that refuse to accept credit cards. So always bring cash with you when you go out.

Tourist Attractions & Monuments Germany

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

CHÂTEAU DE SANSSOUCI

BRANDENBURGER TOR - BRANDENBURG GATE

CHARLOTTENBURG PALACE

PARK SANSSOUCI

FRAUENKIRCHE - OUR LADY CHURCH

HOLOCAUST-MAHNMAL

PERGAMONMUSEUM - PERGAMON MUSEUM

THOMASKIRCHE (ST. THOMAS CHURCH)

KULTURFORUM

MUCA

MUSÉE DE L'ALLEMAGNE

MEDIEVAL CRIME MUSEUM

OFFICE DE TOURISME (DRESDEN INFORMATION GMBH)

DEUTSCHES SPIONAGEMUSEUM - MUSEUM OF ESPIONAGE

OFFICE DU TOURISME DE LEIPZIG

NIGHT WATCHMAN - LE VEILLEUR DE NUIT

OFFICE DE TOURISME (GARE CENTRALE)

WIES CHURCH

KARL-MARX-ALLEE

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