One thing I always do when traveling around Europe is to learn a few basic phrases in each language.
Being able to say “I’m sorry, I only know a few words in German (or whichever language), do you speak English?” will open lots of doors for you as many folks will speak at least some English or direct you to someone who does. This will often lead to an opportunity to learn about local delicacies and attractions not included in the usual tourist guides.

Seeking out the places the locals recommend for food and drink will often lead to some special experiences.

If you like beer, German and Czech beers are legendary for good reason.
You’ll find that every region of Germany has a “local brew” and they are all worth trying. Many of them excellent. The usual offerings are a Pilsner, a dunkel (darker lager), and a Hefeweizen from each brewery. In larger cities you’ll find the day drinkers at the Kolsch houses sipping small flutes of low alcohol kolsch beer. Many of them have a large outdoor Biergarten area to enjoy your suds with a view of the town plaza or cathedral.
Czech pilsners are legendary for a crisp bitterness.

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