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Unmapped.

COUNTRY GUIDE

Germany

Cities with very different characters, close enough to know more than one.

Studying, working or staying for a few months: Unmapped helps you find your city, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.

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The Berlin skyline at dusk with the Fernsehturm and the Berlin Cathedral dome
Fernsehturm and skyline, Berlin. Photo: Tom Kühnel / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

BASICS

Before you go.

Language
German
English is common in the big cities, at universities and in many workplaces, less so in smaller towns.
Currency
Euro (€, EUR)
Cards and phone payments are widely accepted, but some bakeries, bars and small shops still prefer cash.
Time zone
Central European Time, UTC+1
Summer time (UTC+2) runs from late March to late October, as in the rest of the EU.
Power
Type C and F plugs, 230 V
The standard European round-pin plug.
Getting online
eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
Easy to set up. Coverage is good in cities and can drop on some train routes and in rural areas.
Emergency
112 · 110 police
112 for fire and ambulance, 110 for the police. Both are free to call.

GETTING AROUND

Easy to move, once you know how.

  • Long-distance trains

    ICE and Intercity trains link the major cities, usually centre to centre. Book ahead on busy routes and leave some room for connections.

  • Regional trains and city transit

    Regional trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses cover the cities and their surroundings. A monthly ticket for regional transit across the country makes daily travel simple.

  • Intercity coaches

    Long-distance buses connect many cities and smaller towns, and are a slower alternative that also reaches places off the main rail lines.

  • Bikes and cars

    Many cities are easy to get around by bike. For the Alps, the coast or the countryside, a car gives you the most freedom.

CITIES TO EXPLORE

Where to start.

A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in Germany through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.

BerlinHamburgCologneFrankfurt am MainMunichStuttgart
Featured cities in this guide. You can explore any city in Germany in Unmapped.

GOOD TO KNOW

Small things that help.

  • Cash still helps

    Cards work in most places, but some cash avoids surprises at bakeries, kiosks and markets.

  • Quiet Sundays

    Most shops close on Sundays. Shops in stations and airports are the usual exceptions.

  • Bottle deposits

    Many bottles and cans carry a deposit (Pfand). Return them at the machines in supermarkets to get it back.

  • Sorting rubbish

    Paper, packaging, glass and general waste usually go in separate bins. Check the labels before you throw something away.

  • Every city is different

    Dialect, food and the rhythm of the day change from north to south and east to west. Berlin is not Munich, and neither is Cologne.

  • English varies

    Many people switch to English easily, especially in cities. A few words of German are appreciated and help with everyday errands.

UNMAPPED IN GERMANY

Arrive knowing someone.

Open your next city before you land, then use it every day you're there.

  • Meet people before you move

    Open Berlin, Frankfurt am Main or Munich before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.

  • Ask the City Chat

    Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about neighbourhoods, coworking spaces or where to watch the game.

  • Join or host something

    Find meetups and day trips, or host your own, like a lake day near Munich, a run along the Alster in Hamburg or a dinner in Cologne.

  • Travel together

    Share your route from Hamburg in the north to Stuttgart in the southwest, or post a Buddy Plan for a weekend trip, a class or a concert.

FAQ

Questions about Unmapped in Germany.

Can I use Unmapped outside the big cities?

Yes. You can explore any city in Germany through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The cities on this page are just a few places to start.

Is Unmapped useful if I move here to study or work?

Yes. Open your new city before you arrive, see who is new or local there and use the City Chat to ask your first questions.

Can locals use Unmapped too?

Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.

Do I need to speak German?

No. Unmapped is in English, and City Chats are a good place to ask for help or to find a language exchange.

Can I host something myself?

Yes. Any member can host an event or start a project, and anyone can share a trip or a Buddy Plan.

Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.

Sources & information

Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Tom Kühnel (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

GERMANY WITH UNMAPPED

Explore Germany with Unmapped.

Find your city, meet people there and join or start something. Available on iPhone and Android.

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