Germany is the land of a thousand possibilities. Don’t expect grey cities and boring museums. Get ready to experience their amazing architecture, magnificent cities, throbbing nightlife, picture perfect villages, castles and, most importantly, festivals!

I was lucky enough to visit many towns and cities in Germany – here is my verdict.

Berlin

Bold, beautiful and extremely influential - Berlin lives up to its world-renowned reputation. Unique in every sense, one can smell it in the fresh, crisp air. The energy is contagious, and the rich history is sure to leave no traveller unsatisfied. The youthful vibe is echoed in its nightlife and street-cafes and traditional foods such as brackwurst are on the lips of every Berliner and tourist.

For a cultural experience, don’t pass up a trip to the Jewish Museum for some tantalising facts and memorabilia. In addition, a segment of the Berlin Wall is visible in the courtyard of the American Embassy.

Munich

Sophisticated, yet coerced with folklore and tradition. The music and arts scene is slightly better than that of Berlin, and the world-famous Oktoberfest is most definitely the highlight for any tourist. This 16-day festival runs from end September to middle October each year. Visitors eat huge amounts of traditional food such as chicken, roast pork, knuckle of pork, grilled fish on a stick, sausages along with pretzel, potato or bread dumpling, cheese noodles, potato pancakes, red cabbage, with Bavarian delicacies such as a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction and Weisswurst (a white sausage). Munich is also famous for its Glockenspiel. It chimes and re-enacts stories from the 16th century, to amuse crowds daily.

Bremen

Good things definitely come in small packages, in the case of beautiful Bremen. Described by locals as a city, but recognised by tourists as more of a town, Bremen is truly a multifaceted city. From medieval buildings to bustling nightlife, you can experience it here! The town musicians of Bremen are probably the most well-known figures associated with the city, and their image adorns many souvenirs across Bremen. In the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, the Bremer Stadtmusikanten never actually make to it Bremen, but when you do arrive in the city, you might enjoy a quick reminder of what the fuss is about. The distinctive Beck’s Beer is brewed in Bremen. A guided tour is offered through the brewery daily. Prost!

Regensburg

This town is one of the best-preserved towns in Germany. It is also an energetic town and is home to a major university. The cultural and entertainment scene is bustling and you are more likely to spot original buildings than post-war replicas. Tucked away from the city centre you will find some neatly lined up houses, all in different colours, straight out of a fairy tale. While you’re enjoying the beautiful, peaceful sights, why not grab melt-in-your-mouth ice cream – as I did – and stroll through this enchanting town.

Frankfurt

Here you will find skyscrapers and restored buildings. Generally a business capital, Frankfurt also has a rich collection of museums and its nightlife is no exception to its Berlin equivalent. Techno beats are very popular on this scene. A good place to start seeing the sights of Frankfurt is from the Main Tower, Frankfurt's highest public viewing platform. At 200m tall, the tower offers spectacular views of the city.

Almost one in three of the people living in Frankfurt do not hold a German passport. No matter where you come from, you will always meet people in Frankfurt who speak your language and a restaurant that serves your favourite food.

Weather in Germany

There is always good weather somewhere in Germany. Depending on the type of holiday you want, you can plan your visits according. Between May and September, skies are sunny, festivals are in full swing and outdoor sports action is on the rise.

Between November and early March, the focus is more on culture and city life. Skies are grey and temperatures drop below zero degrees. The ski-season starts from early to mid December.

Before you go…

Germans people are a fun bunch, with festivals all yea round. Travelling there is inexpensive, although some hotels can knock you back a few Euros. Getting around is no problem at all in this country as the bus and tram systems are very convenient and advanced. Major credit card are accepted almost everywhere. Try to learn a few German phrases before you go, it is always helpful and it puts a smile on the locals’ faces. Auf wiedersehen!

Words: Anzél van der Mescht

About the author: Anzel is currently completing her internship with Hallo Crazy World and Hola Cape Town. She loves the colour purple, laughing, writing and singing loudly. When she travels, she prefers to keep it local, because she hates aeroplanes. Although she has a fear of flying she has travelled to places such as England, Wales, Prague, Germany and Egypt. Her motto in life is "no regrets, only lessons learnt" and she stresses that being young should be an adventure!