WHICH EXCURSION TO CHOOSE IN GERMANY

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Regardless of whether you are going to Germany for the first time or have been here more than once, this country will amaze you to the core. From any German city, you will take away many beautiful photographs, an unforgettable experience of communicating with the locals and sightseeing. Excursions in Germany allow you to get better acquainted with the peculiarities of German culture, the unique mentality of the German people, and excellent local cuisine.

Where can you book excursions

There are several options for organizing an excursion tour, which depend on whether you are in the country or just planning a trip.

Internet. There are many websites where you can choose and book a tour that suits your needs. Tours can be by car and on foot, only their duration, cost and purpose differ. The advantage of this resource is the availability of Russian-language excursions for tourists who do not speak either English or German. Discounts are provided for children, students and other preferential categories.
Hotel. Almost any hotel and hostel, if it does not own its own tour desk, cooperates with several private guides. Check at the reception which tours are offered in the city and the surrounding area, ask for the contact number of the guide. Moreover, you can buy a tour even if you are not a hotel guest. However, it is preferable to book excursion tours in hotels located near the airport and train stations - there their cost will be about 1.5 times lower than in central hotels.
Tour operators. Russian-language tours are especially popular. Nuremberg, Stuttgart, combined tours in Switzerland and Germany - the number of offers is practically unlimited. However, it should be borne in mind that the cost of excursions in travel agencies is approximately 2-2.5 times higher than the prices in local offices and private guides.
Local offices. Most often they are presented by kiosks with tourist products: souvenirs, maps, postcards. You can get a list of available excursions from the seller and, as a rule, order not only sightseeing tours around the city, but also a trip in a non-standard direction. The cost of the tours is negotiable, large groups of tourists are offered big discounts. Tourist offices of this type should be found on the quays, near public transport stops and attractions themselves - for example, near the Zwinger, as well as in all major German cities: Leipzig, Bremen, Aachen and others.

How much do the excursions cost?

The cost of the tour is influenced by such factors as:

the number of people in the group;
type of transport;
the duration of the excursion;
route;
executor of the order.

Usually, the more tourists listen to the guide, the cheaper this tour will cost each of them. Hiking takes longer and is therefore more expensive than bus tours.

There are short sightseeing tours on buses or buses and long detailed excursions with a difficult route - the latter are much more expensive and involve a small number of people in a group.

As for the executor of the order, large tour operators rate their services quite highly, but at the same time guarantee high-quality service, while the cost of services of private guides may be slightly lower if the value of the excursion is dubious.

How to organize an excursion in Russian

Tourists who do not speak either German or English are interested in the question of how to plan their trip and where to find a Russian-speaking guide. In just 2-2.5 hours you can see the sights that interest you and take a break from walking.

It should be noted that most major museums in Germany offer to rent audio guides directly at the time of paying for the entrance ticket - you just need to check their availability with the cashier.

If you want to use the services of a Russian-speaking guide, then the excursion will have to be booked in advance. Some trips involve spending the night in small local hotels; there is practically no free time during the tour.

Features of group excursions

Traveling with a group of tourists is very popular for several reasons:

First of all, they allow you to see all the main attractions in a short time, accompanied by a professional guide.
The cost of such excursions is always lower than individual ones, since a large number of people pay for the services of a carrier and a guide at the same time.
The tourist does not have to look for a company to visit the places of interest - it is “attached” to the paid excursion completely free of charge.
In the case of a group trip, bonuses from travel agents become available, which help to significantly save money.
If the duration of the tour is more than one day, then a representative of the tour desk takes care of hotel reservations, catering and other issues related to the trip.
A group tour is an opportunity to make new acquaintances, share knowledge and broaden your horizons.

However, despite the many advantages, group excursions have their drawbacks. It often happens that an unorganized tourist, who has to be expected, falls into the tour group. Also, personal hostility between members of the same group may arise, which spoils the impression of the excursion.

Another disadvantage is the need to adhere to a collective schedule and the inability to deviate from the plan outlined by the guide. Therefore, before going on a group excursion, you need to decide whether you are ready to put up with the peculiarities of its conduct and get pleasant emotions from what will be offered.

Specificity of individual tours

Personal tours are usually of interest to those travelers who prefer unpopular, little-known tourist destinations. They are chosen by those who draw up a trip plan in advance and cannot fit its details into the framework of standard sightseeing.

The main advantage of an individual excursion is freedom of action. In addition, all attention will be paid only to you: you can ask questions that interest you, communicate with a guide, express your wishes regarding the duration of the route and attractions of interest to you.

In addition, there is no risk of spoiling the experience of the excursion by communicating with unpleasant members of the tour group.

However, there are also disadvantages to individual sightseeing. In particular, the cost of such a tour is several times higher than the price of a group trip, since in this case only you pay for the services of the guide.

However, the opportunity not to depend on anyone during sightseeing most often justifies the funds that have to be spent on it. But there is a risk that you will not like the guide.

Pros and cons of independent travel

Many tourists, wanting to save money, often opt for an independent trip. However, in this case, they will have to face a large number of organizational issues, which will be discussed below.

Going on an independent trip, first of all, it is recommended to draw up its route and carefully plan your stay in each city. If you find it difficult to decide which attractions you are more interested in, get the right travel guide.

Take care of your bus tickets, a network of which is well developed in Germany - if you buy tickets in advance, you can get them at a bargain price.Use the services of carriers https://ecolines.net or https://www.flixbus.ru, which offer low-cost transportation in Europe.

Consider booking accommodation: keep in mind that on popular travel destinations, lucrative options sell out months in advance of your expected travel date.

If you are planning a budget trip, contact the service https://www.airbnb.ru. It should be borne in mind that housing in Dusseldorf, Berlin and Munich is considered the most expensive in the country, and cheaper options can be found in districts remote from the center, as well as in small cities.

And do not forget about the documents - without them, you will simply not be allowed into the country. They should be prepared at least two months before travel. You will need:

international passport;
Schengen visa (visa fee 35 euros);
medical insurance (with coverage of at least 30 thousand euros).

How to plan your travel budget

Make a travel budget based on your financial capabilities and plans. On average, a tourist trip for two people for 6-7 days consists of the following costs:

air tickets (from Moscow and St. Petersburg) - 400 euros;
accommodation in a 3 * hotel - 500 euros;
meals - 250 euros;
travel and sightseeing - 150 euros;
shopping - 200 euros;
other expenses - 70-100 euros.

In Germany, there are special discount cards and coupons that allow you to reduce the cost of an individual travel. These include, for example, the Berlin Welcome Card and the Munich City Tour Card, which provide an opportunity to save money on public transport, shopping and sightseeing.

If housing is too expensive, try couchsurfering or staying in a hostel (12-16 people per room). Keep in mind that all shops are closed on Sunday in Germany, and on weekdays they are open from 08.00 to 20.00.

The main advantage of independent travel is independence:

you will surely avoid financial problems, staff problems associated with the work of a travel agency, and communication with irresponsible people;
you can plan the date of departure and return yourself, the duration of the trip;
places to visit, ways of living and travel, you will also choose yourself, and this allows you not only to save money, but, on the contrary, to organize a luxurious trip;
you do not have to pay for the work of translators, guides and intermediaries, since you will travel and explain yourself.

At the same time, self-organization of a trip involves a certain level of responsibility, because you will have to draw up traffic routes, book tickets, apartments, organize transfers and arrange excursions.

In addition, the language barrier can become a significant obstacle, which will cause difficulties in communicating with native German speakers.

On the other hand, you will accustom yourself to being organized, gain invaluable experience and understand that an elementary English and German phrasebook is quite enough to explain everyday topics.

Where to go

As a rule, tourists are attracted by large cities in Germany, since it is there that you can see a huge number of cultural, historical and other attractions in just two or three days. Russian-speaking travelers prefer such cities as Munich, Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Cologne, since in this case not only the city itself, but also its environs is of interest.

What to see in Munich

As a rule, sightseeing tours to Bavaria begin with a tour of its capital, Munich. This tourist program will appeal not only to adults, but also to young travelers, because the sights of this city will be of interest to visitors of all ages. At the same time, the compact size of the city will allow you to get to know it in one or two days and not get tired at all.

Architecture

Five of Munich's main architectural landmarks are located close to each other.

Start your journey through the city with the legendary Arc de Triomphe, erected in 1845 to commemorate the victory won by the Allied forces over Napoleon's army. Arch address: Leopoldstrasse, 1; you can get to it by buses No. 54 and 154 from the central metro stations Universitat or Giselastrabe.
Visit the New Town Hall, built in the neo-Gothic style - its façade with its characteristic spiers is 100 meters high and makes an indelible impression on visitors to the city (address: Marienplatz, 8). The elevator takes visitors to the town hall platform, located at a height of 85 meters, for only 2.5 euros - from there, the best view of Munich opens up. In the building of the town hall, there is the city tourism office, where you can get the information you are interested in.
One of the most famous churches in Munich is the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, located at Sendlingerstrasse 32, Asamkirche. The white and gold facade of the building, which is made in the Baroque style, is richly decorated with stucco and sculptures, and the interior decoration in pastel colors resembles palace interiors. The church is open to the public from 09.00 to 18.00, admission is free.
A prime example of modern German architecture is the Allianz Arena, located at 25 Werner-Heisenberg-Allee (take the U6 metro line and get off at Frottmaning station). This is the most spectacular stadium in Europe, which is made of pillows filled with dry air. At night, it glows so that it can be seen from the Austrian Alps. The entrance fee is 12 euros for adults and 6 euros for children from 6 to 13 years old.
Blutenburg Castle is a former hunting estate that is now open to tourists. Located at Seldweg, 15, you can get to it on the S2 metro line (you need to get off at the Obermenzing station). The interior of the castle, built at the beginning of the 15th century, has been almost completely preserved. The castle is surrounded by a quiet green area where locals love to walk.

Other cultural monuments

The following attractions are of great cultural value:

Bavarian National Museum. It was founded by the Wittelsbach dynasty at the beginning of the 19th century. The basis of the museum's collection is made up of household items, jewelry, textiles, furniture, a valuable selection of weapons, and other priceless things dating back to the II-XVII centuries. In fact, it includes exhibits that are not included in the funds of thematic museums dedicated to Egyptian culture, painting and sculpture. The museum is located at Prinzregentenstrasse, 3, not far from the Lehel metro station.
The entrance ticket costs 7 euros, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.
Many tourists avoid visiting the city museum (St.-Jakobs-Platz, 1), fearing that the excursion will be boring and uninteresting. However, this is not at all the case. The museum, founded in 1888, offers visitors four thematic exhibitions: Munich, Puppet Theater, History of National Socialism and History of Musical Instruments.
The collections of each section are simply colossal - more than six thousand musical instruments alone are presented here (one of the largest exhibitions in the world). The entrance ticket is 7 euros, children and young people under 18 years old are admitted free.
The "Old Pinakothek" is well-known among all connoisseurs of painting - it is one of the largest art galleries in the world. It contains works by famous masters from the Middle Ages to the middle of the 18th century. In two dozen halls and fifty offices, more than 700 works are exhibited, the cost of which is not undertaken by any specialist to estimate.
The entrance fee is € 4 on weekdays and is reduced to € 1 on weekends. Museum address: Barerstrasse, 27.
Nymphenburg is a palace and park complex, and it is recommended to spend at least 6 hours visiting it. Founded at the beginning of the 17th century, this estate is considered one of the best park ensembles in Europe.On an area of more than 200 hectares, there are not only architectural structures, numerous reservoirs, grottoes, canals and fountains, but also the famous porcelain manufactory, as well as the museum of the stable yard.

The cost of visiting the museums and pavilions of Nymphenburg is 9-11.5 euros, the park complex is open for free visits.

Entertainment

If you are planning to combine a rich cultural program with a good rest, pay attention to the following noteworthy places:

English garden. It is considered a real gem of Munich, where you can take a break from the bustle of the city by one of the many reservoirs or in the shade of century-old trees. You can ride horses in the park, rent a bicycle or a skateboard. There is a pond with an artificial wave in the park especially for surfers. And for those who are interested not only in German, but also in Japanese culture, there is a Japanese garden with a tea gazebo and a beer garden where you can enjoy live beer.
The Hofbräuhaus is one of the world's oldest breweries and brasserie dating back to the early 17th century. Three halls on three floors and a beer garden located outside can simultaneously receive up to 4 thousand visitors. The brewery is located in the very center of Munich at the address: Platzl, 9. The average bill reaches 30 euros per person (there is a children's menu).
In addition to the BMW Museum, Munich houses a motor plant of the same company, its multifunctional center and headquarters. The opening of the museum took place in 1972 and was timed to coincide with the Olympics held in this city. It contains a unique collection of cars (coupes, sedans, roadsters) and motorcycles, aircraft engines and propellers, modern entertainment installations.
The entrance fee is 10 euros for one person and 24 euros for a family of two adults and three children (address: Am Olympiapark, 2).
Munich Zoo is a must-see attraction in this city. It is recommended to set aside at least half a day to visit it. The territory of the zoo is divided into natural zones, in which the living conditions of animals are as close as possible to natural ones. It contains more than 14.5 thousand individuals of 700 different species.
To reach the zoo, take the U3 underground line and get off at Thalkirchen station. An adult ticket costs 15 euros, children under 14 can visit the zoological garden for 6 euros.

Where to go in Berlin

It is recommended to visit the capital of Germany after colorful Munich - this way you can better feel the contrast between the lands of Bavaria and independent Berlin.

Architecture

Everyone, without exception, should visit the main architectural monuments of Berlin, since they can track the process of the formation of the history of the nation.

Many guides and experienced tourists advise starting a walk around the city from the Berlin Wall. The concrete fence with a height of more than three meters has been preserved only partially. Today it is adorned with graffiti on an almost kilometer-long stretch along the Bernauerstrasse.
The Brandenburg Gate is considered a symbol of the city, its hallmark. Erected at the end of the 18th century, this monument was restored after the Second World War and has attracted millions of tourists every year since then.
The Berlin TV Tower, erected in 1969, offers tourists the best view of the city from its 200-meter observation deck. To get an unforgettable experience, it is better to come here before the opening itself - by 09.00, since later there is simply no overcrowding here due to the many visitors. The cost of admission for adults is 13 euros, for children under 14 years old - 8.5 euros. There are two restaurants in the tower, however, reservations must be made in advance.
The photographs of the cathedral, located on the Museum Island above the Spree River, are more reminiscent of postcards from Venice. The Baroque building, which was to become the main church of all European Lutherans, was erected at the very beginning of the 20th century. Outside, the cathedral is decorated with numerous sculptures and stucco moldings, and inside - with stained glass windows and paintings on biblical themes. At the same time, the rich decoration of the cathedral does not put pressure on the person inside, causing bright feelings.

In front of its main entrance, there is a small park with fountains and flower beds. The entrance fee for adults is 7 euros and 5 euros for children under 14 years old.

Other cultural monuments

Berlin's museums can hardly be called uninteresting - the abundance of unique historical exhibits will amaze even jaded visitors, including children, and their solemn architecture will impress most tourists.

Museum Island is a unique collection of five city museums: Old, New, Bode, Pergamon and Old National Gallery. The history of this complex began at the end of the 18th century. In the collections of museums, priceless works of ancient culture (jewelry, weapons, household items), as well as paintings and sculptures from the early Byzantine to the late Middle Ages are presented. Spend at least one day exploring Museum Island to take a leisurely stroll around the complex.
The Reichstag, which is considered a symbol not only of Berlin, but of the whole of Germany, was restored in 1999, as a result of which it acquired its main detail - a glass dome. It is under the vault of this dome from 08.00 to 00.00 that guided tours with audio guides are held for tourists who have registered on the official website of the Bundestag. The entrance to the complex is free for all visitors.
Berlin Picture Gallery. It houses a world-famous collection of works by European artists of the 13th-18th centuries - masterpieces of Flemish and Italian painting, in particular, Botticelli, Bosch, Brueghel, Titian and other masters. At the same time, the futuristic design of the museum premises attracts not only lovers of Renaissance painting, but also connoisseurs of modern architecture. Entrance fee for visitors over 18 years old is 10 euros (address: Matthaikirchplatz).

Entertainment

Those who want to get away from meaningful pastime and relax body and soul should visit the following places:

Tropical Island Water Park is a year-round tropics an hour's drive from the European metropolis. The world's largest water park welcomes visitors around the clock. There are themed areas dedicated to the Amazon, Bali, Thailand, Congo and Malaysia, as well as waterfalls, swimming pools, baths and saunas, a sandy beach and water attractions.
The cost of a day ticket for adults is 42 euros, for children - 39.5 euros. Attractions (€ 5), spa and saunas (€ 49), buffet meals in the restaurant (€ 15 / € 7 for repeated) are paid separately.
AquaDom is the largest cylindrical aquarium on the planet, housed in the Radisson hotel. In "AquaDom" there are more than 1.5 thousand marine inhabitants, which you can get to know while riding the elevator located inside the aquarium. Scuba divers clean the walls of the aquarium daily and feed the fish. The entrance fee is 22 euros for adults and 17 euros for children under 18 years of age.
Berlin Zoo is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of 35 hectares. It is considered the largest in the world in terms of the number of individuals living in it (more than 13,000). The enclosures are designed in such a way as to mimic the natural living conditions of animals as much as possible. The zoo also owns a huge aquarium complex.

An adult entrance ticket will cost 15.5 euros, a child ticket - 8 euros, if you wish, you can pay extra for two for visiting the aquarium.

What to ask for in Dresden

The capital of the Saxon land is famous for its art galleries and ancient architecture. If you are not staying at an apartment, you can also use the services of a hotel guide.

Architecture

This city is worth visiting if only for the sake of its architectural monuments.Unique examples of buildings from the early 13th century and beautiful palace complexes have been preserved here.

Dresden's Zwinger Castle is a beautiful architectural ensemble in the late Baroque style and one of the most famous sights of the Saxon capital. Today, most of its premises are museums: the collection of Dresden porcelain is one of the largest in the world, the Armory with a unique collection of armor and medieval weapons is of great value, and the picture gallery is one of the world's best collections of painting. The entrance fee is 12 euros, it already includes the payment for a Russian-language audio guide.
The cathedral, located on the banks of the Elbe River, is made in the Baroque style. The building is decorated with numerous sculptures, stucco moldings, a chapel and a tomb of the rulers of Saxony adjoin it. Inside the cathedral there is a working musical organ of the famous master Silberman. Admission is free for all visitors.
The Dresden State Opera is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful theaters not only in Germany but throughout the world. The luxurious three-storey Baroque building was designed in the early 19th century by Gottfried Semper. Despite the fires and bombings experienced by the building, classical and modern opera performances and world premieres take place on its stage to this day.
To get to the theater, you do not have to buy tickets for the performance - tours of the opera are regularly held, including for children. The cost of a guided tour ticket is 10 euros for adults and 7 euros for children under 14 years old, a family ticket will cost 24 euros.
Castle Moritzburg seemed to descend to German soil from the pages of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. The architectural complex in the Saxon Baroque style was built in the 18th century. Several small parks are laid out next to it. The interior decoration of the residence includes sculptures, art canvases, a collection of weapons, hunting trophies and even porcelain.
An adult entrance ticket will cost you 8 euros, a child ticket 6.5 euros. Please note that during winter (from November 12 to the end of February) the castle is open one hour less - from 10.00 to 17.00.

Other cultural attractions

The cultural heritage of this city is represented mainly by painting, so tourists come to Dresden to visit art galleries.

There is an opinion that in front of the Dresden Art Gallery all the other sights of the city fade away. Indeed, it is worth visiting this museum complex even if you do not distinguish Rembrandt from Vermeer. It is here that the legendary "Sistine Madonna" by Raphael, the work of Velasquez, Rubens, Durer is located. The entrance ticket costs 12 euros, children under 17 admit free of charge, an audio guide in Russian is attached.
The Gallery of New Masters is an independent branch of the Dresden Art Gallery. It contains more than 2,500 paintings by the best masters of painting of the Romantic era, XX century and contemporary artists. A full entrance ticket will cost you 10 euros, children under 17 can visit the gallery for free.
The Dresden History Museum is an ode to the craftsmanship of gunsmiths. The museum's collection includes more than 10,000 exhibits, including firearms (about 1,400 pistols and 1,600 shotguns) and edged weapons of all kinds - about 2,000 swords, sabers, swords, daggers, as well as historical textiles, shields, and armor. Children under the age of 17 can view the museum's expositions for free, the cost of a full adult ticket is 12 euros.

Entertainment

Entertainment in Dresden is mainly related to cultural attractions.

The monorail suspension road was built on the slope of the Oberlovschitz hill at the beginning of the 20th century. From the windows of the tram, a panorama called "Wonderful View" opens, which includes an overview of the Elbe bend, the old part of Dresden and the suspension bridge. The power of the electric motor of the tram is amazing - in just 4.5 minutes it lifts passengers to a height of 84 meters along a slope of more than 40 °. The cost of a one-way ticket is 4 euros, in both directions - 5 euros.
The Physics and Mathematics Salon is a unique exhibition of more than 2,000 exhibits, such as mathematical instruments and clock mechanisms. The gems of the collection are the 13th century globe of constellations made by Arab craftsmen, the adding machine from Blaise Pascal's personal belongings, and the 16th century clock made in the form of the Earth's orbit. On Monday, the salon is closed, the rest of the time it is open from 10.00 to 18.00. The entrance ticket for visitors over 17 years old is 6 euros.
The Zoological Museum of Dresden is one of the oldest in Europe, it has the largest collection, the oldest exhibits of which are more than 500 years old. Samples of bird eggs, a collection of Palaearctic butterflies and many other amazing exhibits are available from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00 for a symbolic price of 4 euros.
The one-of-a-kind transparent Volkswagen plant makes it possible to evaluate the assembly process of the Phaeton cars. All the walls of the plant are made of transparent ergoglass, so both tourists and curious passers-by can observe the work of the mechanics.

Entrance to the factory is carried out by tickets (4 euros for an adult, 2 euros for children), photography is prohibited here, so you should follow the established rules. Tours are held every hour, you can use the services of a Russian-speaking guide.

What is notable for Hamburg

This port city, which is located in the northern part of the country - in the place where the Elbe flows into the North Sea. It is famous for its parks, embankments and canals. However, in addition to luxurious walking spots, there are interesting historical sights that are worth seeing during a visit to this city.

Architecture

There are many modern architectural buildings in Hamburg, but the more new buildings are erected, the more carefully the residents of the city treat the buildings located in the historical part of the city. Among the buildings erected earlier in the 17th century, the Kunsthalle Gallery, the Museum of the History of Hamburg, and the Museum of Arts and Crafts should be highlighted.

As an industrial city and the port heart of Germany, Hamburg has always been built up with practical-looking buildings that were used as manufactories, industrial workshops, and trade pavilions. It is worth going here in order to enjoy the overall impression of the scale of German shipbuilding and the charm of the northern capital of Germany.

Cultural landmarks

There are not many museums in this city, but they are, and quite famous:

The Kunsthalle Gallery is one of the most famous in Germany. It houses such exhibits as church altars from the early 14th century, medieval engravings, and canvases by Baroque masters - Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya. It is also worth noting the complex architecture of the shell limestone building and the dome attached to it at the end of the 19th century. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00, the cost of an entrance ticket for visitors from 17 years old is 14 euros.
The Hamburg History Museum acquaints visitors with the amazing history of the city, which over 12 centuries managed to turn from a small fortress over the river into the largest port agglomeration. Here are presented amazing exhibits of the pirate era, interactive models of ships and the railway, reproduced fragments of the life of Hamburg: work in the port, merchant houses, ship life. The museum is open seven days a week from 10.00 to 17.00, the entrance ticket for a visitor over 18 years old will cost 9.5 euros.
The Museum of Arts and Crafts is housed in a 17th century building, built in a discreet palace style - its elegant architecture attracts connoisseurs and connoisseurs of the Flemish era.The collection of the museum, numbering over 500 thousand exhibits, presents objects of the material culture of the peoples of Europe and Asia, unique collections of textiles, from canvases from ancient Egyptian tombs to samples of works of modern designers.

The exhibits are divided by epoch (antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism), separate expositions are devoted to the art of Islam, Far Eastern states, Etruscan sculpture, Greek ceramics.

When planning your visit to the museum, keep in mind that it is closed on public holidays and Mondays. The rest of the time, its expositions are available from 10.00 to 18.00 for only 12 euros for visitors over 18 years old.

Entertainment

The harsh spirit of the northern city is conducive to special entertainment, such as exploring large-scale industrial centers or leisurely walks in green areas:

The port of Hamburg is the heart of the Venice of the North, as this city is sometimes called, from which numerous city canals diverge, through which more than 2.5 thousand bridges have been thrown. The history of the port began in the 9th century, but it was officially registered only three centuries later. The dimensions of the river gates are colossal - they occupy a tenth of Hamburg and consist of three hundred berths. Despite the distance from the sea, Hamburg can receive large cruise and cargo ships. For the convenience of visitors, the port area is divided into quarters, the most popular of which is the museum harbor of Sandtorhaven.
The Hamburg Botanical Garden was originally an ordinary vegetable garden established for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Over time, the plantation began to expand at the expense of overseas crops brought to the port, and now it occupies over two dozen hectares. More than 18,000 plants grow here, there are beautiful places for relaxation. There are no cafes or restaurants in the garden, so it is recommended to take water and food for snacks with you. The entrance to the garden is free, round-the-clock, so you can stay here as long as you like.
The Cap San Diego Museum is perhaps the world's most famous interactive maritime museum. Both children and adults are delighted with the cargo ship on which the museum exhibits are located. In the early 2000s, the ship was no longer used for transporting goods, and since then it has been moored in the harbor. The exhibition area includes more than 4 thousand square meters. m, where you can walk freely. There are also hotels on board the ship. All exhibits are allowed to be touched by hands, you can look into all the hidden corners with or without a guide.
An adult entrance ticket will cost 7 euros, children up to 14 years old - 2.5 euros, students can go inside for 4 euros.
Another legendary Hamburg enterprise is the Airbus plant, which assembles the entire line of 320 aircraft models (on average, up to 60 units per month). An excursion to the Airbus plant in Hamburg is carried out with the permission of the company's press service, so you can only get here as part of a tourist group. The company has its own runway, an aviation museum, which displays once functioning aircraft, and assembly shops.

What to like in Cologne

Cologne is the cultural center of western Germany, this city is known for its Gothic architecture and, oddly enough, the specific Kölsch beer, which is allowed to be brewed exclusively on these lands. Tourists making group excursions from Frankfurt am Main in Germany usually go to this city.

Architecture

The Gothic style is quite specific and not everyone likes it, but its scale and grandeur makes an unforgettable impression on almost everyone.

Cologne's calling card is its cathedral, which from a distance gives the impression of a fairytale castle. The scale, history of construction and the relics stored in the cathedral will delight even the most discerning tourists. The entrance to the cathedral is free, you will have to pay 4 euros if you want to go up on foot to the observation deck located at an altitude of 157 meters to see the panorama of the city from its highest point.
The construction of the picturesque church "Big Martin", located on the Rhine embankment, dates back to the 11th century. This is one of the few surviving buildings in the Byzantine style. Its interiors are extremely ascetic, and the observation decks offer a panoramic view of the city. The entrance to the church is free from 09.30 to 19.30.
Cologne's Town Hall Square is always open to the public, as is the famous huge hall for celebrations and city balls. Directly under the square with its unusual architecture is a museum, which displays household items discovered during excavations of ancient Roman settlements that once existed on these lands.
The Church of the Apostles was built at the beginning of the 12th century. Its distinctive feature is the unique stained glass windows dedicated to the apostles and the 67 m high tower, thanks to which this church is the third tallest in the city. Today it is considered the main Catholic church in Cologne, has the title of the Small Papal Basilica. There is a gymnasium in its building.

Other cultural attractions

There are many interesting places in Cologne, but special attention should be paid to the following ones:

Cologne Central Mosque. It was opened in 2021. The building of the mosque in the form of a dome with a height of 36 m with two minarets can simultaneously accommodate up to 4 thousand parishioners. Almost all the walls of the mosque are glass. It is part of a complex that also includes a library, an Islamic Cultural Center and a halal shop. Charitable volunteer work is carried out here, Muslim pilgrimages are organized, a restaurant with a halal menu is open. The entrance to the mosque is free.
The Chocolate Museum is located not far from the chocolate factory - it stands on a separate island on the river embankment and looks like a small glass ship. Its exposition is interactive - visitors can get acquainted with the technology of chocolate production, taste products, try to make them on their own and get acquainted with the principles of trade in sweets. The museum is open seven days a week from 10.00 to 18.00. An adult entrance ticket will cost 11.5 euros, and a family ticket will cost 30 euros (two adults and their own children).
The Perfume Museum is dedicated to the art of perfumery, which in its modern form originated in Cologne. The collection of the museum includes distillation apparatus, vintage bottles, photographs and paintings depicting the history of the development of perfumery. The entrance to the museum is free, it is open to visitors from 10.00 to 19.00 in the building of the oldest perfume factory.

Entertainment

To take a break from the cultural program and just have fun, head to the following addresses:

Cologne Zoo. It covers an area of only twenty hectares, but annually receives over two million visitors. The zoo, opened in the 1860s, has retained its historical appearance, while improving the system of keeping animals. Aviaries, pavilions, pools are designed in such a way as to meet the needs of their inhabitants as much as possible, bringing the conditions of keeping animals as close as possible to their native natural zones. The address of the zoo is Riehler Str., 173. The cost of entrance tickets for visitors over 14 years old is 19.5 euros, for children from 4 to 14 years old - 8 euros.
Fantasyland is an amusement park located in the suburbs of Cologne at Bruhl, Berggeiststrasse, 31-41 (15 minutes by train). The park has been operating for over forty years, the attractions are divided by age qualification. The most popular is the Galaxy light show, which simulates travel through the Milky Way. Official site of the park: https://www.phantasialand.de/en/. Entrance fees are € 47.5 for an adult and € 37 for a child. Birthday people are allowed inside free of charge with a passport or birth certificate.

Finally

Excursion trips to Germany leave a lot of different impressions. You will certainly want to repeat a well-organized trip, and the points that raised questions should be corrected and supplemented. Decide by trial which excursions are best for you - group or individual, visit new places and find good in any experience gained during the trip.

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