City Breaks In Germany: Munich, Berlin And Frankfurt

Berlin

Today Berlin is a creative, dynamic place to visit with museums, theatres, many bars, cubs and restaurants. A city which was at the grim heart of 20th century European history, the Berlin of today has a tendency not to take itself too seriously.

Transport
To reach Berlin by air, you will probably have to make a connection through Amsterdam or Frankfurt. Not many direct flights arrive in the city. The Train service in Germany is extremely efficient, you can get to Berlin from other European countries this way. The bus is also an option.

The city itself has an underground system to help you get around, it is also cycle and pedestrian friendly. The East part of the city is served by a tram.

Weather
Berlin winter is between November and March and can be cold below zero. Throughout the rest of the year, rain is often a possibility.

Attractions & Events

• February brings the worlds second largest Film Festival to Berlin known as the Berlinale.
• 10 days of festival fun with concerts and operas takes place in April for Festage.
• Popular gay festival day, Christopher Street Day is in June.
• Jazz lovers can enjoy JazzFest in August.
• As Christmas approaches the city opens markets throughout the city in November.

Munich

Munich creates images of ledehosen and beer, but this is a very incomplete picture. The city is sophisticated and has many cultural attractions including art galleries and museums.

Transport
European flights are served by the Franz-Josef-Strauss Flughafen in Munich. From further a field you need to make a connection with Frankfurt airport. The train also serves many European cities.

The city is served by buses and underground trains, which make is easy to get around. Munich is also a cycle friendly city.

Weather
You can catch some Munich sunshine during months April – May and also September – October. The coldest time of year is between November and March.

Attractions & Events

• January brings the beginning of Fasching, six weeks of street celebrations.
• The end of Lent is marked by Starkbierzeit, with strong brews consumed.
• The Munich Film Festival is held in June.
• Strangely, in September, you can enjoy the world best beer festival Oktoberfest.

Cologne

These days the city is a beautiful cultured destination with great leisure facilities, pubs and shops. However, during WWII, Cologne was heavily bombed and damaged. After years of restoration work it has been rebuilt to portray the wonderful historic Roman city it use to be.

Transport
Discovering the city is easy because Cologne is well connected to the bus and tram network. Public transport in Cologne is made up by many different routes and lines of buses and rail transport, both light trams and rapid transit Bahn.

The KölnCard is a special pass created for tourists that allows them to travel anywhere within the city for free and it gives a substantial discount for popular tourist attractions like museums, theaters, guided bus tours, sightseeing attractions, and even restaurants and shops.

Weather
The best time to visit Cologne is in the fall (September to November) and spring (April to June). Both are perfect for sightseeing. Summers months (July to August) are warm and pleasant but they tend to get a little humid.

Attractions & Events

• Cologne’s biggest event — the annual Carnival usually takes place in February/March. Cologne’s Carnival is one of the biggest in Europe. Over 1 million people join in the Cologne Carnival celebrations each year!
• The Belgian Quarter is one of the best neighborhoods in Cologne. Full of great shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
• The annual CityLeaks festival takes over much of the art spaces in Ehrenfeld each September for its urban art tours, exhibitions and performances.
• Fun for anyone who has even the slightest interest in chocolate is the Chocolate Museum. They make their own chocolate in the museum and you get a free sample with your entrance ticket.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is not as formal and business like as you might imagine. The city loves art and has many attractions at its museums. And its spectacular skyline is a work of art in itself. What’s more, Frankfurt is Germany’s most cosmopolitan city which adds to its pizzazz.

Transport
Frankfurt can easily be reached from all over Europe and beyond with it’s major airport and train station. The bus is also an option as Frankfurt links with many major cities.

Like most other German cities, Frankfurt has excellent public transport, you are spoilt for choice, which is fortunate as walking is not really an option in the city.

However there are plenty of bicycle lanes for the cyclist.

Weather
Winter here is very cold and often has storms. For the best months come to Frankfurt between June and August.

Attractions & Events

• There are parades held before Lent, the Fastnacht parades take place in February.
• The International Music Trade Fair is held in March.
• You can enjoy Frankfurts famous apple wine all summer with many events being held throughout the city.
• Art and music lovers can enjoy the July riverside with the Museumsuferfest exhibitions.