Spending next week in Germany, but don't want to miss Obama's inauguration next Tuesday?

Don't worry: Germans love to get together and watch public events in bars, restaurants, or movie theatres, and since Barack Obama's inauguration is eagerly anticipated in Germany, you will find plenty of options to celebrate this historical event.

One of the fanciest and bigggest events will take place in Munich, where you can join the Inaugural Ball 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel, organized by the California Association of Germany and the Munich International Ski Club. After watching Obama taking the oath of office, round up the evening with an elegant Gala dinner, live music, and dancing until midnight.

When: January 20th; doors open at 4.30 p.m.
Where: Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel Ballroom, Arabellastrasse 6 (Subway U4)
Cost: 75 Euro per person (includes Welcome Drink, Gala dinner, and dancing); you have to register in advance

More Munich Travel Tips:
Munich's Best Sights
Recommended Munich Hostels

If you want to save money on public transportation and sightseeing in Berlin, the Berlin Welcome Card might be the right thing for you.

This special pass allows you unlimited travel on the Berlin public transportation system (called BVG), and gives you discounts on many museums, monuments, and events.
You can buy the Berlin Welcome Card for 48 or 72 hours, and starting January 15th, it is also available for 5 days.

• More about the Berlin Welcome Card

Have you used the Berlin Welcome Card or other city passes in Germany? Let us know what you think and if they are their money's worth.

When John Lennon said "I was born in Liverpool, but I grew up in Hamburg", he probably referred to the Reeperbahn, Hamburg's buzzing nightlife hub and home to one of the biggest red light districts in Europe.

It was here at the Reeperbahn that the Beatles started their international career in the early 60s, and you can still visit some of the music clubs where the Fab Four wooed their German fans.

Read all about Hamburg's legendary nightlife mile in our Guide to the Reeperbahn.

More Hamburg Travel Tips:
2 Day Travel Guide for Hamburg
The Best 5 Bars in Hamburg

There are many ways to discover Germany; by train, bus, bike or even by foot. You can also rent a German car and fly down the Autobahn.

Even if you've never been to Germany, you've probably heard about the famous German freeway and have imagined what it's like. A friend just told me the other day that he always thought the Autobahn was one long road through Germany, where you could drive as fast as you wanted!

Here are two important facts you need to know when taking the Autobahn:

• Even though there are some sections where you can drive as fast as you feel is safe, many parts of the Autobahn do have speed limits, so watch out for signs.
• You can only pass another car in the left lane. The right lane is for slow vehicles and overtaking cars in the right lane is illegal.

Find out more about German rules of the road, speed limits, and important street signs in my article Driving Tips for Germany and get helpful information on Renting a Car in Germany.

Have you driven in Germany and have stories or tips? Share them with us in our comment section below.

(Photo by Andreas Levers)