HOW TO PLAN A 5-DAY GERMANY TRIP
Planning 5 days in Germany itinerary can be tricky, with so much to explore in this amazing country! The key to making the most of your time is to focus on certain places that interest you.
Given the country´s size and the sheer amount of activities and attractions, 5 days in Germany is not enough to see all the country has to offer.
This 5-day Germany itinerary focuses on some of the most iconic and beautiful cities in Northern Germany. No, I am not biased just because I am from here – as a Bremen patriot I might love my hometown but I can still make a proper judgment – and I think Bremen, Hamburg, and Berlin are all good places to add to your itinerary.
If you – for whatever reason – prefer visiting Southern Germany, then check out my Bavaria itinerary or my itinerary for 10-14 days, where you will find some other destinations. But hear me out or better read me out: after finishing reading this itinerary, you can still decide which regions you want to visit!
I have your back – whether you want to visit Northern Germany for 5 days or Southern Germany.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product (at no extra cost to you) after clicking on my link. More about it here.
READY TO FIND OUT ABOUT AN AMAZING 5-DAY ITINERARY FOR GERMANY?
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 5-DAY NORTHERN GERMANY TRIP
- Learn some basic words in German – While English is widely spoken in Germany, it’s always helpful to learn some of the basics in German. A few simple phrases will go a long way in getting around the country.
- Pack comfortable shoes – With so much to see and do in Germany, you need a good pair of walking shoes!
- Visit local festivals – There are plenty of cultural events taking place throughout the year, from summer festivals to Christmas markets. Check out what’s happening when you’re there and join in the festivities (many of them are even free)!
- Stick to public transport – I might have a love-hate relationship with the “Deutsche Bahn” but I still think, public transportation is the best mode of transport for this itinerary.
- Spend time in a beer garden – A must-do for visitors, spending an afternoon enjoying some traditional German beers in a beer garden is an essential part of any visit to Germany!
- If you think about Dirndls or Lederhosen representing German traditions, I have to disappoint you. Here in the north, it is not part of our culture – for this, you would actually really need to go to South Germany/Bavaria.
- Don’t forget the European plugs – The sockets in Germany are different from those in the UK, so make sure to pack an adapter for all your devices.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, however, it is a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case of an emergency.
- Stay safe and mindful of your belongings while traveling around Germany.
➡️ GET YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR YOUR GERMANY ITINERARY HERE
5 DAYS IN GERMANY – NORTHERN GERMANY
This 5-day itinerary for Germany provides a great overview of some of the country’s most iconic cities and attractions. From Berlin to Hamburg and Bremen, there is plenty to discover and explore in this amazing country.
So make sure you plan your trip carefully so that you can get the most out of your time in Germany! Enjoy your trip!
2 DAYS IN BERLIN
Berlin is one of the most vibrant cities in Germany and a must-visit destination.
Start your 5-day journey by flying into Berlin, the capital of Germany, and arguably its most beautiful city. It’s a cosmopolitan city that is home to some of the world’s best museums, galleries, and parks.
With 5 days in Germany, I’d recommend spending two days here if you want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the main attractions. From Checkpoint Charlie to a stroll through the Tiergarten – there’s plenty to do in Berlin!
There are also many great restaurants, cafes, and bars.
THINGS TO DO IN 2 DAYS – BERLIN
Here are some great suggestions for how to make the most out of your time in Berlin:
- Visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate, which is a symbol of a reunited Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Take a stroll through Museum Island. Museum Island in Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses five world-famous museums with collections spanning from ancient artifacts to modern art.
- Tour the Reichstag, home to Germany’s parliament. The Reichstag building in Berlin is a symbol of German democracy and has been the home of the German Parliament since 1894. It was severely damaged by Allied bombing during World War II and later refurbished in a modernist style after reunification.
- Shop ‘til you drop in the famous Kürfürstendamm – The Ku’damm, or Kurfürstendamm is a boulevard located in Berlin and known as one of the most fashionable shopping streets in Europe. It’s also home to many bars, cafes, boutiques, and even theaters.
- Admire the views from atop the Berlin TV Tower. The TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany, standing at a height of 368 meters. It was constructed between 1965 and 1969 and has become an iconic symbol of Berlin’s skyline.
- Take a Magical Mystery Tour and experience iconic sights like Checkpoint Charlie. It was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It was located in the Friedrichstraße intersection in the Mitte borough of then-divided Berlin.
- Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. The memorial is a reminder of Germany’s turbulent past. It serves as a stark reminder of the division between East and West during the Cold War, as well as the human cost of such divisions. The memorial features original pieces of the wall, authentic guard towers, and a visitor center with exhibitions and information about life in divided Berlin.
- Check out my Berlin travel guide for more info.
Berlin is a city of culture, history, and energy. With two full days in Berlin you can get a great overview of the city and experience its many attractions – so make sure to plan your 5-day Germany itinerary accordingly to ensure that you make the most of your time in this amazing city!
WHERE TO STAY IN BERLIN
LUXURY: Treat yourself to the ultimate 5-star luxury with a stay at Berlin’s famous Adlon Hotel. Located close to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, you won’t find better facilities anywhere else – there’s even an exquisite double Michelin star restaurant and shopping arcade for your convenience!
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL ADLON HERE
MID-RANGE: Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz, right in the heart of bustling Berlin is just a short stroll away from the vibrant shopping and business hub surrounding the iconic Potsdamer Platz Square. It’s the perfect spot for both fitness enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT GRIMM´S HOTEL AM POSTDAMER PLATZ HERE
BUDGET: Discover the charm of Berlin at Jasper’s Boutique Hotel, located just a short stroll away from the historic Berlin Wall Memorial! Offering seamless express check-ins, cozy rooms, an in-house restaurant, and a lively bar.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT JASPER´S BOUTIQUE HOTEL HERE
FROM BERLIN TO HAMBURG
The fastest and quickest way to get from Berlin to Hamburg is via train. The fast train connection takes you there within 2 hours (no need to change trains). If you are on a budget, you can take local trains which will take a bit longer and you will have to change trains.
By car, it takes about 3-3,5 hours.
2 DAYS IN HAMBURG
Two days in Hamburg is enough to get a real feel for the city and explore its many attractions. Visit the historic port of Speicherstadt, known as the world’s largest warehouse district, and take a boat tour along the river Elbe.
Hamburg is a unique and vibrant city full of culture and history. With two days to explore, you can easily see some of its most iconic sights and attractions – from the historic port of Speicherstadt to Planten un Blomen Park and Miniatur Wunderland.
This list includes the top activities in Hamburg in 2 days:
- Take a boat tour along the River Elbe
- Climb St Michael’s Church tower for beautiful views of Hamburg
- Visit Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway exhibition
- Explore the historic port of Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district
- Spend some time in Planten un Blomen Park for a breath of fresh air
- Try some local beer at one of Hamburg’s many breweries
- Check out the Reeperbahn red light district and the Beatles-Platz
- Stroll along Alster Lake and enjoy its beautiful views
- Here is my Hamburg winter guide
Whether you’re interested in exploring its many museums or sampling some of its delicious local beer, Hamburg offers an unforgettable experience. So come and explore this amazing city – you won’t be disappointed!
WHERE TO STAY IN HAMBURG
LUXURY: Discover a luxurious oasis in the heart of Hamburg at the magnificent 5-star Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, nestled alongside the serene Alster Lake. Pamper your taste buds with exquisite gourmet delicacies and rejuvenate your senses at our opulent spa and state-of-the-art fitness club. Let us make your stay an unforgettable experience!
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT FAIRMONT HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN
MID-RANGE: Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown is just a short 5-minute stroll from the bustling Hamburg Central Train Station!
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HENRI HOTEL HAMBURG DOWNTOWN
BUDGET: The Reeperbahn area is 4 km away from prizeotel Hamburg-City while the Rathaus Town Hall is 20 minutes on foot! If you’re looking for something closer, reach downtown’s bustling docks in no time within a 5-minute drive.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT PRIZEOTEL HAMBURG-CITY
FROM HAMBURG TO BREMEN
The fastest and quickest way to get from Hamburg to Bremen is via train. The fast train connection takes you there within 90 minutes (no need to change trains).
By car, it takes about 1,5 hours.
1 DAY IN BREMEN
One day in Bremen is not enough to get a taste of all its wonderful attractions but you´ll get a good glimpse of what Germany´s most amazing city has to offer (NOOO, I am not biased).
Start your morning with a walk around Bremen’s historic city center and explore iconic sights like the Roland Statue, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Town Hall.
With so much to do in such a short amount of time, one day in Bremen is an unforgettable experience!
Here are some great suggestions for how to make the most out of your time in Bremen:
- 1. Explore the iconic sights in Bremen’s historic city center, such as Roland Statue, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and Town Hall. The Roland Statue and the town hall are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- 2. Visit the world-famous Schnoor Quarter and wander through its cobblestone streets
- 3. Explore the history of Bremen City Hall
- 4. Take a trip along the Weser River and admire its beautiful skyline
- 6. Enjoy some delicious local cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants
- 7. Shop at the Böttcherstrasse market, with its unique shops and boutiques
- 8. Climb the St. Petri Dom tower for stunning views of Bremen
- Check out my post with more tips on what to do in Bremen
Bremen is a beautiful and vibrant city located in northern Germany.
WHERE TO STAY IN BREMEN
LUXURY: Discover a serene oasis in the heart of Bremen at the one and only 5-star hotel in the city, Parkhotel Bremen, nestled within the lush Bürgerpark. It is a 30-minute stroll to Old Town and or 15 minutes to the Bremen Main Train Station. You can also take a bus to the hotel.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT PARKHOTEL BREMEN
MID-RANGE: For a lovely 4-star hotel right in the heart of Bremen, pick the Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen. This hotel offers free use of its gym and sauna and it also features a stylish atrium bistro and more.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT RADISSON BLU
BUDGET: This more budget-friendly – and super modern – prizeotel Bremen-City is located between the train station (5 minutes by foot) and the city center (15-20 minutes by foot). Its convenient location makes it easy to get around.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT PRIZEOTEL BREMEN-CITY
USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN GERMANY
When using public transportation in Germany, remember a few key tips to make sure you have a pleasant experience.
First, always plan your journey ahead of time so that you know which bus or train you need to take. Second, purchase tickets in advance and make sure to validate them when you board the bus or train. Third, always be aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions in busy areas such as at night.
No, this is last and most important: plan for the possibility of delayed or even canceled trains – if you have to be at the airport at 3 pm (because your plane leaves at 5 pm), make sure to take trains to arrive at 12 or 1 pm if it is a long-distance flight. I could tell you about my misfortunes with traveling with the German railways, but I better not because you might get scared.
But following these tips will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience when using public transportation in Germany.
DRIVING TIPS FOR GERMANY
Roads and streets are normally in good condition in Germany – however, you might experience a lot of traffic! Especially if there is construction work on the highways!
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Obey speed limits and don’t tailgate
- Don’t use your mobile phone while driving
- Always wear a seatbelt (all passengers)
- Make sure all of your lights are working
- Pay attention to no-parking zones
- Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists
- Follow all road signs and markers
- Watch out for animals crossing the road
- Don’t drink and drive!
- Avoid driving in unfamiliar areas at night if possible
- Keep a first-aid kit and warning triangle in your car
- Carry a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration with you at all times
- Familiarize yourself with the different types of road signs
- Make sure your car is regularly serviced and inspected to ensure safety on the roads
- Have a map or GPS device with you at all times to help with navigation
- There are no tolls on German highways (or any roads) for cars/van (just for trucks)
- Be aware of the rules and regulations regarding toll roads before traveling
- Make sure to carry sufficient amounts of cash to pay for parking or tolls
- Check for any traffic restrictions before driving in a city or town center
- Follow the instructions of traffic police if you are stopped for any reason
➡️ GET YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR YOUR GERMANY ITINERARY HERE
WRAPPING UP: PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTHERN GERMANY IN 5 DAYS
So there you have it – a 5-day Germany itinerary filled with incredible sights and attractions that will guarantee an epic and memorable trip. From Berlin to Hamburg to Bremen, this quintessential German tour offers something for everyone. So book your tickets and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Gute Reise!