So, you’ve booked your flight to Germany. Wunderbar! You’re picturing pretzels, beer gardens, fairytale castles and that perfect Instagram shot of you pretending to push over the Brandenburg Gate. But before you dust off your lederhosen and attempt your best “Guten Tag”, let’s talk travel hacks.
Germany is glorious, but it’s also full of quirks, rules and cultural curveballs that can catch even the most intrepid traveller off guard (like showing up at a restaurant at 4pm and expecting to get dinner, rookie mistake). So, grab a notebook, a stein of pilsner and let’s dive into 10 top tips to conquer Germany like a pro and not a confused tourist in socks and sandals.
1. Cash is King (Cards are Peasants)
💶 Yes, it’s 2025. No, Germany didn’t get the memo.
While contactless cards are making inroads, many places like small bakeries, market stalls and even some restaurants, still prefer good old-fashioned cash. Don’t assume you can tap your way out of trouble.
💡 Hack: Always carry some euros (and coins) in your wallet. It’ll save you the embarrassment of being that hapless tourist waving a card while everyone else pays cash like it’s 1995.
2. Sundays are for Napping, Not Shopping
🛍️ Germany takes its Sunday rest seriously.
Forget your shopping plans. Nearly everything except restaurants and tourist attractions shuts tight. Even supermarkets slam the doors shut.
💡 Hack: Do your shopping on Saturday. On Sunday, embrace the local lifestyle and go for a walk, enjoy a leisurely brunch or nurse a hangover in a biergarten.
3. Don’t Jaywalk — Germans Don’t Mess About
🚦 Think you can just cross the street when it’s red? Think again.
Germans are sticklers for the rules and jaywalking is a big no-no. Expect glares or even a scolding from a pensioner if you dare defy the little red man.
💡 Hack: Wait for the green light, even if the street looks empty. It’s all part of the Teutonic rhythm of life.
4. Be Punctual — Even the Trains Are (Sometimes)
⏰ Being late in Germany is as bad as forgetting your towel at a sauna.
Germans pride themselves on punctuality and being five minutes late is basically a national crime. And yes, even though the trains have been known to run fashionably late these days, you should still aim to be on time.
💡 Hack: Set your watch five minutes ahead. And don’t dawdle. Germans will be halfway through their beers while you’re still figuring out your route.
5. Know Your Table Manners and the Seating Rules
🍽️ Want to make friends? Don’t just plonk yourself anywhere.
In traditional beer halls and some casual spots, it’s common to share tables with strangers. But there’s etiquette: greet the table with a polite “Guten Tag” or “Hallo” and always ask if the seat’s free before sitting.
💡 Hack: When raising a toast, always make eye contact. Not doing so is said to bring seven years of bad sex and that’s not a holiday souvenir you want to bring home.
6. Bring a Bottle Opener and an Open Mind
🍺 That lovely bottle of beer you bought? Yeah, it probably doesn’t have a twist-off cap.
Most German beers require a bottle opener and trust me, trying to lever it open with your teeth or the edge of a table will only get you funny looks.
💡 Hack: Pack a small bottle opener or buy one as a souvenir. It’s practically essential kit for any German picnic or lakeside beer session.
7. Don’t Expect Air Conditioning — You’ll Sweat it Out
🌡️ Heatwave in Germany? Hope you like sweating.
Air conditioning is a rare species in Germany. Hotels, restaurants and even trains can feel like saunas in the summer.
💡 Hack: Pack a handheld fan, dress in layers and book a hotel that at least promises a desk fan. Or just embrace the sweat consider it a local custom.
8. Sparkling or Still? Know Your Wasser
💧 Ordering water in Germany is like navigating a minefield.
Say “Wasser” and you’ll get sparkling unless you specify “still” (stilles Wasser). And no, tap water is not a given, most Germans drink bottled water.
💡 Hack: Ask for “Leitungswasser” (tap water) but don’t be surprised if you get a side-eye. Germans think tap water is fine, but ordering it at a restaurant is practically a radical act.
9. Sunday Strolls Are a National Sport
🚶 Germans love their Spaziergang (walk).
On Sundays, entire families take to the parks and forests for a bracing walk, rain or shine. It’s like a national pastime, complete with sturdy walking shoes.
💡 Hack: Join in! Find a local park, grab a pretzel and blend in. You’ll feel virtuous and a bit German at the same time.
10. The Rules Are Real — Follow Them
⚠️ Germany is a land of Ordnung (order).
Whether it’s recycling, bike lanes or using quiet hours properly, rules are respected. Try to keep up.
💡 Hack: Read the signs, watch the locals and when in doubt, ask. Germans are usually happy to explain why you shouldn’t put glass in the wrong bin — they’ve been waiting their whole lives to do so.
✨ Final Stein Thoughts:
Germany is a delight — orderly, efficient and full of unexpected charm. With these hacks in your backpack (next to that bottle opener), you’ll navigate the land of sausages and schnitzel like a seasoned explorer.
So, whether you’re sipping a Radler in Munich or getting lost in the Black Forest, stay curious, stay polite and don’t even think about crossing the street on red. Prost to a brilliant adventure!
