Munich

No other city in Germany is associated more with massive beer consumption than Munich and the annual highlight of this activity is of coarse the Oktoberfest.  Yet there is so much more to see and do in this Bavarian city !

Top 10 Sights in Munich:

1) Marienplatz
located in central Munich, this plaza was created in 1158 and is a great place from which to explore sights such as the old townhall, the " old Peter ", the new townhall, and the Viktualien market.

2) Frauenkirche (Church) 
Visible from almost anywhere in Munich: this two dome church has become a symbol of the Bavarian capital.

3) Die Residenz
Known in German as " Die Residenz " , this spectacular palace was the former home of the Bavarian monarchy, until its collapse towards the end of WWI.  Built in 1385, the palace has been completely renovated and is an impressive sight to behold. Info.

4) The English Garden
as one of the largest inner city parks in the world, the English Garden offers many opportunities for fun and relaxation.  Here you can visit beer gardens, sunbathe at the lake or go horseback riding.

5) Kaufinger Street
is one of the oldest streets in Munich.  Today it is Munich's main shopping mile and is frequented by many locals and visitors. Its Germany's second busiest shopping zone !

6) Oktoberfest
it is the world's largest and best known public festival.  More than 6 Million visitors each year.  It takes place during the last two weeks of September and the first week of Oktober.  Within 16 days, 7 million liters of beer, almost 500,000 chickens, and 100 Oxen, are consumed.  Info.

7) Hofbraeuhaus ( Historic Beer Hall ) 
A trip to Munich would not be complete without a visit to the world's most famous beer hall - the Hofbraeuhaus.  Built in 1589, the Hofbraeuhaus has been serving beer for more than 400 years.  The beer hall is also infamous as a place for Nazi meetings - some of Hitler's most influential and best known speeches took place here. Info.

8) The German Museum ( Das Deutsche Museum )
1,4 million visitors come to this science museum each year. It is one of the largest and oldest science museums in the world. Science exhibits aren't the only thing you can see here - in the art and musical instruments section the world's oldest harpsichord can be examined. Info.

9) Old Pinakothek
" Alte Pinakothek " as it is known in German is considered to be Munich's most important art museum and is certainly one of the most impressive in Europe. The museum was damaged during WWII, but has been completely restored. Info.

10) New Pinakothek
Across the way from the Old Pinakothek is the New Pinakothek, which has a collection of over 400 works of art from the 18. and 19. century.

Hamburg

The second largest city in Germany ( 2nd to Berlin), Hamburg a.k.a. Venice of the north, abounds with water and bridges. It is for many visitors the most beautiful of the " Big 3" ( Berlin, Hamburg and Muenich ). Bordered by the Elbe river and built around the Alster lake, it's easy to love this historic port city.

The Top 10 Sights in Hamburg:

1) Hamburg's Harbor
This is the Nr.1 Attraction for most visitors. A roundrip steam boat tour is a must and don't forget to visit the museum ship "Cape Anaconda".

2) Historic Merchant buildings - Speicherstadt
This part of Hamburg's harbor has been a historical landmark since 1991. It's the world's largest merchant storage complex. There is so much to see here. You can visit the German customs museum, the spice museum, or the world's largest model train museum.
3) Hamburg's Red Light District - Reeperbahn
The Reeperbahn is Hamburg's amusement and red light district. You'll find many bars, nightclubs and discos here. Beware: while walking around this neighborhood you may run into the " Herbert Street" it is for men only !

4) Hamburg's Town Hall
A spectacular building in downtown Hamburg. This townhall features the architectural style of the Italian and northern German renaissance. Don't miss the striking "Hygieia" fountain in the central courtyard.
5) Hamburg's Fish Market
Every Sunday from 5:00 am you can visit the famous Hamburger fish market, hier you will find live animals, vegetables, art, and ofcoarse very fresh fish !

6) The Hamburg Dungeon
The Hamburg Dungeon is an exhibit somewhere between a haunted mansion and a museum, Hamburg's tumultuous history is reenacted by local actors. This can also be found in the " Speicherstadt " the historic merchant area.

7) The " Michel " Hamburg's largest church The " Michel " was built at the highest point of Hamburg's harbor and has at least a million visitors per year. This church has Germany's largest tower clock and offers a great view if you are willing and able to climb a lot of stairs.
8) The Old Elbe River Tunnel Also known as the Elbtunnel, this is a piece of city history. Opened in 1911 this tunnel is 426 meters below the Elbe river. Many movies were filmed here. You can explore this tunnel on foot or by car - either way an unforgettable experience !
9) The " Jungfernstieg " Centrally located by the Binnen Alster, Hamburg's lake. This is Hamburg's main promenade and shopping mile. You'll find many expensive presents and restaurants here.
10) The Wax Museum Hamburg's wax museum is 125 years old and should not be missed. You can see 130 wax figures. This museum is enjoyable for all ages and can be found on the " Reeperbahn " in the St. Pauli neighborhood.

Berlin

Berlin - City of fashion design and art, "The Wall", this German metropolis offers many reasons for a visit. A city with this much history can hardly be found twice. The enormous selection of museums to match any taste has no equal in Germany. Berlin's nightlife is legendary and its shopping opportunities practically endless.
This city never sleeps - every traveler should visit at least once. Whether for a few days or several weeks. Berlin is worth the trip !

Top 10 sights in Berlin:

1) Alexanderplatz and the Communications Tower

It's 203 meters high and can be seen from most parts of Berlin - the famous " Fernsehturm" or communications tower of east Berlin. From here you can see the entire city. Don't miss Berlin's best view ! It is open daily from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Cost: 8 EUR. Infos

2) Gendarmenmarkt

This is Berlin's most beautiful central plaza, which features a theater and several churches. If you decide to use public transportation your best option is the U6 to "Stadtmitte". 

3) Unter den Linden - Boulevard

This boulevard is of great historical importance - from the Brandenburger Gate to the Palace of the Republic. A must see for every visitor to Berlin. The "Museumsinsel" or museum island is another attraction in this part of Berlin that deserves your attention.

4) Brandenburg Gate

The landmark with the famous quadriga today connects the east with the west of the city. 

5) Sony Center

This is the new focus point of the " Potsdamer Platz" - an amazing industrial tent roof construction that attracts visitors from afar. From the "Panarama Point" one can see the Brandenburg Gate, the "Reichstag", various Government Buildings, the holocaust memorial and lots more. Infos.

6) Reichstag ( Seat of Government )

A true visitor magnet in Berlin, the new "Reichstag" with its glass dome and spiral visitor passageway offers a unique vantage point from which to enjoy Berlin.


7) Charlottenburg Palace
The 18. century royal summer residence and vast park grounds make this a great place to relax.

8) KaDeWe - "Department store of the West"

Berlin's first choice for luxury shopping. Especially the legendary delicatessen section is sure to be another Berlin highlight for gourmets.

9) High Flyer (tethered hot air balloon in central Berlin)

You'll have a terrific view of the city from this balloon - great views especially of the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag. Cost: 19 EUR per person.

10) Sanssouci Palace

This world famous palace and park garden features a Chinese tee house, sculptures and fountains. It was Frederick the Great's summer residence and dates back to the 18. century. Info