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Neuschwanstein Castle
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Neuschwanstein Castle

9.6
4.5/5
1.6k reviews

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the foothills of the Alps in Bavaria, Germany, near the Austrian border and not far from the small town of Füssen. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a tribute to composer Wagner and inspired by the legend of the "Swan Knight" Lohengrin, construction began in 1869. Its fairy-tale appearance—white walls, blue domes, and scattered spires—served as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is perennially regarded as Germany's tourism icon. The castle interior was originally planned to have over 200 rooms, but by the time of the king's death in 1886, only a dozen had been completed, each exquisitely crafted. The throne hall's dome is painted with a star-studded blue night sky, while the floor features mosaic patterns of flora and fauna, with a chandelier modeled after a Byzantine crown hanging high above. The Gothic double bed in the king's bedroom took over four years to carve by more than a dozen sculptors. The relatively large singers' hall in the castle, adorned with murals of "Lohengrin" and "Parsifal," was modeled after the Wartburg singers' hall and still hosts concerts every September. Swan motifs are nearly omnipresent, appearing in murals, door handles, and washstands. Interestingly, this medieval-inspired castle was already equipped with telephones, central heating, hot water, and automatic flushing toilets at the time, making it remarkably advanced for its era. To capture the classic postcard-perfect shot, head to Marienbrücke. This pedestrian bridge, suspended over the Pöllat Gorge, faces the southern facade of the castle and is not far from the bus drop-off point. It gets crowded in the afternoon, so an early visit is recommended. You can take the shuttle bus, a horse-drawn carriage, or hike up the mountain. The hiking route offers a bird's-eye view of the castle, and along the way, you can also see the yellow Hohenschwangau Castle, the old royal palace on the opposite hill. The castle's ending carries a touch of tragedy: Ludwig II built it with his private funds and loans, facing strong opposition from his ministers. On a late night in June 1886, he was arrested in his castle bedroom and mysteriously died days later by Lake Starnberg. Seven weeks later, the castle opened to the public. Today, visiting the interior requires following a guide, and photography is prohibited inside. Live guides provide commentary in English or German, while an audio guide is available for Chinese. Visitor guide To the castle There are three ways to reach the castle: taking the shuttle bus, riding a carriage, or going on foot. Most people choose to take the shuttle bus, then walk a short distance to Neuschwanstein Castle, where there is a viewing platform to overlook another castle—Hohenschwangau. You can also reach the castle by carriage, where you can enjoy picturesque scenery along the way, and the witty carriage driver will share legendary stories that happened here. After disembarking, it's just a short walk to the castle entrance. If you don't want to wait in line for the shuttle bus or prefer outdoor activities, you can also hike to Neuschwanstein Castle. Along the way, you can capture an aerial view of the castle, and there are relatively fewer travelers. Take a postcard-perfect photo of the castle Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) is located near the terminal stop of the uphill bus. This 100 m-high bridge spans between two cliffs, with its floor made of wooden planks that slightly bounce when stepped on. Here, you can capture the famous postcard-perfect shot of Neuschwanstein Castle. If you arrive early before your scheduled visit time, you can first head to Marienbrücke to photograph the beautiful view of Neuschwanstein Castle, as the bridge gets overcrowded after noon. Guided tour To visit the castle interior, you must follow the official guide. The guide provides services in English and German. You can also choose to use an audio guide (available in Chinese). After the visit, you can take a short break at the café inside the castle.

Germany · Schwangau
Munich Residence
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Germany

Munich Residence

8.6
4.7/5
297 reviews

The Munich Residence is located in the heart of Munich's old town, serving as the residence and power center for the dukes, electors, and kings of the Wittelsbach family from the early 16th century until 1918. After centuries of continuous expansion, it evolved from a castle into a large palace complex with ten courtyards and hundreds of halls. The king's building, the old palace, and the banquet hall face different directions, showcasing overlapping styles of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism. Today, it is open to the public primarily as the Residence Museum, the Treasury, and the Cuvilliés Theatre. The palace offers a dense concentration of highlights: the antiquities gallery, built in the late 16th century, is the oldest hall here. Stretching over 60 m long with its vaulted ceiling covered in frescoes, it initially displayed the duke's collection of ancient Roman statues and later served as a royal banquet hall for centuries, standing as a representative Renaissance hall north of the Alps. The treasury houses over a thousand royal treasures of the Wittelsbach dynasty, including crowns and scepters. The Cuvilliés Theatre is one of Europe's best-preserved Rococo court theaters, with its ornate tiered loggias. Mozart's opera "Idomeneo" premiered here in 1781, and concerts are still frequently held. During the visit, also watch for the shell-decorated grotto courtyard and the ancestral gallery lined with family portraits—both located along the route to the antiquities gallery and easy to miss if not paying attention. The noses of the bronze lions in front of the gate have been polished shiny by travelers, as local legend says rubbing them brings good luck—worth a try when passing by. The palace was severely damaged in World War II, and most of the exquisite halls seen today were meticulously restored to their original postwar state. The entire tour route is quite long, so allocating most of a day is recommended for a thorough visit. After exploring, you can take a leisurely stroll in the adjacent court garden.

Germany · Munich
Museum Island
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region

Museum Island

8.4
4.7/5
474 reviews

Museum Island is located in the center of Berlin, a museum complex at the northern end of Spree Island, with the river flowing around both sides. In 1999, this complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the southern end, the Altes Museum faces the Berlin Cathedral across the tree-lined Lustgarten. Moving northward, the Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Pergamon Museum are lined up in order, with the Bode Museum completing the island's tip. These five buildings, constructed in different eras with distinct styles, form a continuous riverside ensemble, allowing visitors to explore a complete exhibition route on foot. Each museum has its own strengths. The Altes Museum in Berlin, completed in 1830, features a neoclassical facade designed by architect Schinkel, supported by rows of stone columns. Its grand domed hall primarily houses ancient Greek and Roman artworks. The Neues Museum suffered severe damage during World War II and intentionally retained some war scars during its 2009 renovation. It now hosts the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, with the painted bust of Queen Nefertiti as its star attraction. The Alte Nationalgalerie focuses on 19th-century paintings, showcasing both Caspar David Friedrich's romantic landscapes and works by French impressionists like Manet, Monet and Renoir. The Pergamon Museum is renowned for full-scale reconstructions of ancient structures, with the Pergamon Altar, Market Gate of Miletus and Ishtar Gate of Babylon as its signature exhibits. The Bode Museum combines sculpture collections, Byzantine art and hundreds of thousands of ancient coins within a Baroque building. When not visiting exhibitions, strolling on the island is equally delightful: street musicians often perform in the gardens, offering a perfect chance to rest and listen before walking to the bridge to admire the unique urban scenery of five museums lining the riverbank. △The Pergamon Museum is undoubtedly one of the most popular museums and also one of the world's renowned archaeological museums. The solemn and majestic gray building exterior easily evokes associations with various ancient architectures. Upon entering through the central gate, the left side houses the ancient Roman and Greek collections, while the right side features the ancient Near East exhibition. The second floor is dedicated to Islamic culture. The museum's crown jewel—the Pergamon Altar—is not to be missed. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, this 9.66 m high altar features exquisitely carved deity figures on its base. Additionally, the Market Gate of Miletus from the 2nd century BCE and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon are also highly worth seeing. △The old museum in Berlin opened in 1830 and is a historic museum on Museum Island. This museum follows the neoclassical architectural style, with its facade supported by 18 parallel columns. The main hall inside is spherical, topped by a striking large circular dome. The old museum displays a rich collection of ancient Greek and Roman art treasures. △At the old national art gallery, you can admire masterpieces by impressionist masters such as Manet, Monet, and Renoir. △The Bode Museum is located on the outer side of Museum Island, built between 1898 and 1904. This Baroque-style building features a triangular layout and houses three unique small museums: the German Byzantine Art Museum, showcasing various artistic masterpieces from the Byzantine Empire; the Coin Museum, displaying 500,000 ancient coin exhibits; and the Sculpture Museum, which houses Germany's premier collection of medieval sculptures. △The new museum in Berlin was built in 1855 and was severely damaged in the bombings of World War II, leaving it in ruins. After reopening in 2009, it serves as the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, featuring exhibits such as the bust of Nefertiti, wife of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten, and other artworks from the Akhenaten period. Additionally, the new museum displays unearthed artifacts from prehistoric times, ancient history, and the Stone Age. △Besides visiting museums, strolling and relaxing on Museum Island is also a great choice. The lush Lustgarten offers a beautiful environment, and street performers playing lovely music add to the charming scenery. When tired, you might as well sit down and enjoy it.

Germany · Berlin
Marienplatz
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Germany

Marienplatz

7.8
4.8/5
783 reviews

The square was built in 1158 and is one of the larger and more important squares in Munich. Because both the New Town Hall and the Toy Museum Munich are located around the square, Marienplatz is known as Munich's city living room. It is now a transportation hub in Munich, as well as a place for cultural activities and leisure for citizens. The FC Bayern Munich football team also celebrates their victories here. Square architecture No matter the time, Marienplatz is always bustling. If you want to explore Munich properly, Marienplatz is a great starting point. Marienplatz is not large, but you can see Munich's historical heritage and cultural accumulation everywhere. The architectural complex on the square is well worth seeing: in the center of the square stands the Column of St. Mary, topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary. She holds a scepter in her left hand and cradles the Holy Child in her right, looking holy and dignified. The magnificent Gothic building on the north side of the square is the New Town Hall. At 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, you can enjoy the interesting puppet dance at the Town Hall Tower. The bronze statue fountain on Marienplatz is the Fish Fountain, which faces the entrance of the New Town Hall. The eye-catching onion-domed building to the northwest of the square is the Church of Our Lady. You can climb the tower to overlook the entire city of Munich, and it is also a great place to photograph Marienplatz. The pointed building to the northeast is the Toy Museum Munich.

Germany · Munich

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What travelers say about Germany

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ZKofficialOctober 27, 2026
5.0
Neuschwanstein Castle is a breathtaking fairy-tale destination that looks straight out of a dream! 🏰✨ Nestled among the beautiful Bavarian Alps in Germany, this magnificent castle captivates visitors with its enchanting architecture, dramatic mountain views, and romantic atmosphere. Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, it offers unforgettable scenery in every direction. Exploring the castle feels like stepping into a magical world filled with history, beauty, and royal charm. It is a paradise for photographers, history lovers, and adventure seekers. Neuschwanstein Castle is truly one of Germany’s most iconic attractions and a must-visit destination for every traveler! 🇩🇪❤️

Neuschwanstein Castle

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Anonymous userOctober 1, 2026
5.0
If you are a fan of BMW and car, it is very interesting to learn the history and progress of BMW with so much information to learn.

BMW Museum

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Jason EggJuly 1, 2026
5.0
The Munich Residence is one of the most impressive historical attractions in Munich. The palace is beautifully decorated with grand halls, elegant rooms, and detailed artwork that show the wealth and history of the Bavarian royal family. I enjoyed walking through the different sections of the palace, especially the lavish rooms filled with paintings, chandeliers, and antique furniture. The museum was well organized, and there was plenty of information about the history of the building and its former rulers. The peaceful courtyards also provided a nice place to relax during the visit. Overall, the Munich Residence offers a wonderful mix of history, art, and architecture. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in culture and royal history, and I would gladly visit again.

Munich Residence

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Kiss YuYuMay 8, 2026
5.0
50-word scenic spot review This place boasts beautiful scenery, a tranquil and clean environment, and convenient transportation with excellent facilities. A stroll through the area is pleasant and relaxing, and every snapshot is a masterpiece. It's definitely worth a visit for a leisurely trip.

Museum Island

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MissLiLiJuly 1, 2026
4.0
Worth going especially you are a fan of automotive. I work for automotive industry so it is kinda relevant to me. Boys can spend hours in the museum!!

Mercedes-Benz Museum

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133***21August 14, 2026
5.0
Bayern Munich's home stadium lives up to its name. Although it's not large, it has a rich history. I also visited the Bayern Munich club museum, which has so many trophies that it's almost overflowing.

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Mohamed khalielOctober 26, 2026
4.0
Marienplatz is the beating heart of Munich, where Bavarian charm, stunning architecture, and vibrant city life come together beautifully! 🇩🇪✨ From the magnificent New Town Hall to the famous Glockenspiel and charming surrounding streets, every corner feels like a postcard. 🏛️❤️ If Munich is on your travel bucket list, this magical square is a must-visit! Who would you love to explore it with?

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YeeMon_OoJune 3, 2026
5.0
The Cologne Cathedral is a jaw-dropping masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The moment you step out of the central train station, its colossal twin spires tower over you-the sheer scale of it is completely overwhelming and beautiful.Inside, the experience is just as incredible. The massive vaulted ceilings, the stunning, intricate stained-glass windows, and the historic Shrine of the Three Kings are unforgettable. For an extra adventure, you can climb the hundreds of steps up the South Tower for a spectacular panoramic view of Cologne and the Rhine River. It is an absolute must-visit landmark that easily deserves a perfect rating!

Cologne Cathedral

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_TI***waApril 9, 2026
4.0
This is the place where you go to see a lot of famous, and some unique, Porsche vehicles. An incredible variety! I was impressed with the placards provided for each with information and background about the vehicle. It is largely a huge historical showroom. The technical displays, I thought could have been a bit more engaging. If you're keen to try the Michelin-rated steakhouse here, give some time for navigating there (it was not obvious). If you drove (as I did), Don't forget to remember your plate - you'll need it to pay for the exit (prior to exiting). Nice system....but one that seemed misunderstood by some others attending...Taunted my friends by proving that Porsche DID sell a diesel vehicle (the tractor) ....once upon a time ;)

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Anonymous userJanuary 21, 2026
4.0
You can get few free chocolate and get knowledge of chocolate history and production but there are not so interesting bc there are not enough interactive spots just only history

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What are the must-do things in Germany?

Don't miss these attractions in Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle, BMW Museum, and Munich Residence. If you like Food & drink, try Elbphilharmonie Tour with a Störtebeker Beer. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Tropical Islands Berlin: One Day Ticket.

You can give Elbphilharmonie Tour with a Störtebeker Beer and Frankfurt's trending La Cevi restaurant reservation service a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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