Almost like at home: Expats and their happy places

New to Germany and no idea where to go? Expats reveal their favourite places.

Christina Henning , 07.01.2026

Happiness is dancing and meeting new people. © iStock / FG Trade Latin

Olena from Ukraine

“My happy place is the upper town in Marburg - the historic centre that extends over castle hill. It is unique with its many half-timbered houses, gables and narrow streets. As I live there, I can explore and enjoy it every day. It makes me happy just to be there.

Sofiia and Olena are Erasmus students who live in Marburg. © Fazit

There are some installations relating to German fairy tales in the streets because the Brothers Grimm studied in Marburg. It’s fun to discover the characters and get to know German culture better.”

Marburg’s upper town boasts many half-timbered houses, some of which date back to the 14th century. © Marburg Stadt und Land Tourismus GmbH

William from Italy

“Visiting a German Christmas market makes me happy. I like being surrounded by lots of people and to see them so happy. Because I’m not from Germany I enjoy mingling with people and hearing them talk. Another thing I can recommend is a trip to Main Tower in Frankfurt am Main. I love the view over the city from there.”

William is happiest when there’s lots going on around him. © Fazit

The city’s most beautiful sunset can be enjoyed from the viewing platform of the Main Tower in Frankfurt am Main. © picture alliance / Caro | Bastian

Mohamad from Syria

Dancing to Balkan music puts Mohamad in a good mood. © Fazit

“My happy place depends entirely on my mood. If I want to have fun, I always go to a particular Balkan nightclub in Frankfurt am Main. I love the vibe and the music, which is so great for dancing to. Even though I don’t understand the words, I really feel the music. But Berlin is also a great place to be happy. I can’t think of anything that I couldn’t do in Berlin. I’m often there, and every night there’s something new to discover.”

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Nik from Ukraine

Nik finds it easy to switch off and relax in Esslingen in Baden-Württemberg. © Fazit

Esslingen - a happy place: the town boasts a historic centre and small bridges and canals, not to mention vineyards. © picture alliance / imageBROKER | Markus Keller

“My happy place is the town of Esslingen in Baden-Württemberg where I’ve been living for a year and a half. I like the cosy atmosphere there, the architecture and how everything looks - and the people who live there. I feel almost like at home there.”