What You Need to Know

You will find pork as a standard item on most menus. It is prepared in many different ways, and just about every part of the animal is eaten. Specialities include Rippchen mit Sauerkraut (pickled ribs of pork) and Bratwurst (grilled sausages) are the most popular snack. For dessert you cannot go past the world famous Black Forest Gateau. The national drink is beer - Germany has over 1,200 breweries. In Frankfurt, try the local cider (Apfelwein). Tap water is safe to drink.

Best Buys:  Clocks, music boxes, beer steins, cameras, porcelain and local costume items such as lederhosen, dirndls and Tyrolean hats.

Other helpful tips:  There is usually a charge to use public restrooms. Some are staffed; others have a slot machine on the door or at the entrance. Have coins ready (10c, 20c or 50c pieces). Toilet signs may be a man or woman symbol, the initials ‘WC’, or ‘Herren’ (gentlemen) or ‘Damen’ (ladies).

Famous for:  The Berlin Wall, Oktoberfest, Rhine wines & Oberammergau