Your first week in Germany: a city-by-city primer

Your first week in Germany is equal parts logistics and discovery. Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt all reward the same approach: sort housing and transport first, then let the city teach you its rhythm.

Berlin — Raw, grey, creative — utilitarian layers.

Munich — Alpine edge, beer gardens, proper coats.

Frankfurt — Business hub, sharp tailoring, fast trains.

Germany is a functional-wardrobe country. Berlin's winters are grey and damp, Munich's are crisp and cold, and everyone cycles or takes the tram in between. The kit leans technical: water-resistant shells, hard-wearing denim, insulated layers that don't scream outdoorsy.

Wherever you base yourself, arrive with a documents wallet at hand and a power bank charged — the first 48 hours are a lot of queues, keys and maps.