Germany On A Budget: 5 Essential Tips

Germany is one of the most popular countries for visitors to travel to in the world with an average of around 40 million people per year, and there are a lot of reasons why. Germany has plenty of historic places for people to visit, some of the best infrastructure in the world, and some of the best culture, too.

Germany is also one of the more affordable countries to visit and is easily accessible. Many people have put off a trip to Germany because they think it can be quite pricey, but there are plenty of ways to save if you have ever wanted to visit Deutschland. Here are five essential tips to follow if you want to visit Germany on a budget.

Pick The Right Airport

If you’re flying in from another country, there are certain airports that are going to be cheaper than others. Frankfurt is the fifth cheapest with an average round-trip cost from the United States of just over $1,000. Those that fall into the three-figure category include Hamburg, Berlin Tegel, and Dusseldorf. If you want the cheapest round-trip flight to Berlin, though, then make your way to Berlin-Schonefeld.

It’s much smaller than some of the other airports, as Frankfurt and Berlin-Brandenburg are far and away the largest. However, there are plenty of destinations that offer cheap flights to SXF. There aren’t any direct flights from the United States, but plenty of connecting flights from places like London, Barcelona, and Istanbul. If you want to fly nonstop, though, there are a few cities in the United States that fly direct to Germany including Atlanta, Detroit, New York City, and even Denver.

Visit in Winter

There are certain places that lose their charm during the winter and make people not want to visit, but Germany isn’t one of them. Perhaps it’s because Germany isn’t really known for exotic beaches or a tropical atmosphere, but Germany in the winter is just as fun as Germany in the winter. There is a major price difference between the winter and summer months, so traveling during those months are going to save you hundreds.

December and January are exceptionally cheap, with February being the cheapest month to travel. If you’re from the northern United States, you won’t feel out of place visiting Germany in the winter, either. In fact, on average, Germany is actually a little bit warmer than certain states with an average low of 23 at its coldest and an average high of 41 (Fahrenheit). Sure, it’s not the most ideal situation, but it’s by far the cheapest way to see Germany.

Take Advantage of Public Transit

All of the major cities within Germany have great public transportation systems, and Berlin in particular is among the best. Berlin has consistently ranked in the top 10 of best public transportation cities thanks in large part to the Berlin U-Bahn. This rapid transit system is similar to that of New York for those who are more familiar with the United States, and it can turn into a party.

On weekend nights, you might find yourself swept away into the middle of a party while on the U-Bahn. As for the cost, you can get a reduced rate that’s lower than two Euros per trip. At most, you’ll still be paying less than four Euros per trip, and that’s if you’re taking the longest route possible. If you want to see everything, then a 24-hour ticket can get you anywhere you want to go for just 10 Euros with unlimited rides.

Skip The Hotels

There are going to be plenty of hotel options throughout Germany, but those are usually going to be the go-to for business travelers only. For tourists who want the full German experience without having to break the bank, there are other fantastic options. House and apartment rentals are available through sites like Airbnb and VRBO while there are also top-end hostels where you can meet other travelers.

A good hostel in Germany will only cost about 30 Euros per night. Also, Germany is consistently ranked toward the top by tourists for having some of the best hostels in the world. Between large houses and even castles, German hostels are a sight to behold compared to even some other developed countries. 

Street Food

When you’re on vacation in Germany and want to worry about making sure that your wallet doesn’t get too thin, you have to not worry about keeping yourself thin. The cheapest dining options in Germany are going to be the endless street food vendors who charge a fraction of what it will cost at a sit-down restaurant.

Fans of bratwurst will find countless options that are all competing to be the lowest price, while other great foods like kumpir and pretzels are just the tip of the iceberg of what to expect. The carbs might make you feel weighed down, but the cost will be worth it.