Where to stay in Germany

Big, affordable cities with hard-edged creativity and a serious café culture.

Germany's cities are easy to use and often better value than their reputations suggest. Trains and local transport are reliable, museums are excellent, and the food scene has moved well beyond stereotypes. Berlin is the obvious first stop for many visitors, but other cities reward the trip; expect cash to be more welcome than in other rich countries, and shops to close on Sundays.