10 budget travel tips for Germany

As the most populous country in Western Europe, Germany might not be the first place that comes to mind for budget travel. However, with its vast size and diversity, there are always smarter ways to stretch your euros.

From free festivals and hands-on experiences on organic farms to maximizing the value of Germany’s excellent transportation options, there are numerous ways to explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank.

Continue reading for the best budget-saving strategies in Germany.

Daily Expenses

• Hostel room: €25-€40 (dorm bed, shoulder season)

• Basic double room: €90-€250

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €110-€190 (entry level, shoulder season)

• Public transport ticket: €9 (daily, in cities like Berlin, Munich, Cologne)

• Coffee: €2.50-€0

• Sandwich: €4.50-€8

• Dinner for two: €50-€60 (at a modest restaurant, including a drink)

• Beer/pint at the bar: €4-€6

• Average daily expenses: €150-€250

Make sure to book your flights well in advance

Flying to Germany can be one of your largest expenses, especially if you’re traveling from the USA or beyond. To potentially lower your fare, consider flying midweek, during early or late hours, and outside of peak season (May to September). Frankfurt often has slightly cheaper flights compared to Berlin due to its numerous connections.

Time your visit for the shoulder seasons

Germany's peak travel season coincides with the summer school holidays in July and August, when warm weather brings higher prices and increased demand. Conversely, winter months from November to March see some attractions and hotels close, although prices drop almost everywhere except at ski resorts. Keep in mind that Christmas is significant in Germany; while winter is generally less expensive, demand for accommodations can spike in the two weeks leading up to Christmas.

Curious about the best times to visit Germany based on your interests? Keep reading.

Obtain a Deutsche Bahn rail pass

Germany boasts an unparalleled rail network, often providing the most economical way to explore the country. Deutsche Bahn, the national rail service, offers affordable rail passes that grant unlimited access to its network as well as services from partner operators like Bayerische Oberlandbahn and Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn.

Choose between a consecutive pass, valid for three, four, five, seven, ten, or fifteen consecutive days, or a non-consecutive pass, which allows the same number of days to be used anytime within a month. Discounts are available for couples traveling on a twin pass and for youth aged 12 to 27 who qualify for discounted passes. Download the DB Navigator app for tickets, maps, and schedules at your fingertips.

Rent an RV to combine your transportation and accommodation costs into one package

Germany is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe for RV rentals, with many companies competing for your business. Longer rentals often come with discounts and tax waivers, and prices are lower outside the peak summer season, particularly between October and April. Companies like Motorvana and Motorhome Republic consolidate reliable rental options available in over 50 locations across Germany, including near all major airports.

Organize your itinerary to experience Germany's diverse festivals

Throughout the year, Germany is alive with festivals celebrating food, drink, music, and the arts, with holidays and summer months being especially vibrant. For instance, from May to September, you can enjoy free music and affordable white wine and Sekt (sparkling wine) at Berlin’s Rheingauer Weinbrunnen (wine fountain), where crowds gather in the lively Rüdesheimer Platz. Late September and early October bring the delightful Güldener Herbst festival in Erfurt, which showcases early music in its sacred spaces. Cologne’s Karneval is another highlight, known for its energetic parades and parties leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Visit during spring or summer for hiking or camping adventures

With forests covering 32% of its land, Germany stands as one of Europe’s top hiking destinations. Over 200,000 kilometers of clearly marked trails traverse mountains, national parks, and biosphere reserves, complemented by a fantastic network of Wandergastgeber (hiking-friendly hosts) who simplify accommodation and logistics.

The enchanting pine forests and fairy-tale log cabins of the Black Forest are legendary, while the Bavarian Alps and Baltic Shore offer stunning contrasts. The peak camping season runs from May to September when Germany’s 1,200+ well-kept campsites welcome visitors. It’s wise to book in advance during warmer months, particularly around school holidays.

Eager to explore Germany's amazing hiking trails? Save this guide featuring six top recommendations.

Experience the Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) at no cost

Although accommodation and flight prices soar during Christmas, the enchanting experience of Germany’s Christmas markets remains free. Famous Weihnachtsmärkte can be visited in Frankfurt’s charming Altstadt (one of the largest markets, documented since 1393) and near Aachen’s renowned cathedral. Cologne’s Christmas market features over 160 stalls in the Domplatte and Roncalliplatz, drawing around five million visitors each year.

Explore Germany’s Turkish communities for affordable, tasty meals

Few European nations, including the UK, have embraced Turkish cuisine as enthusiastically as Germany. With approximately 2.5% of the population either born in Turkey or with Turkish ancestry, you can easily find a gözleme (stuffed flatbread), tavuk şiş (chicken skewer), or Adana kebabı (rich, smoky minced lamb kebab) nearby.

Recommended spots for excellent Turkish cuisine include Fes Turkish BBQ in Berlin’s trendy Kreuzberg district, Orkide Döner in the vibrant cultural hub of Essen, and TÜRKITCH Köfte & Kebap, with several locations in Munich.

Gather supplies for picnics and self-catering at local markets and delis

Germany boasts outstanding produce, especially charcuterie, preserves, dairy, and bread. Fresh-food markets and Feinkostläden (delicatessens) are plentiful, particularly in larger cities. Noteworthy spots include Münstermann, a historic deli and bistro that began in 1885 as a simple egg stall in Düsseldorf's market square; the diverse delis and food stalls at Hanover’s expansive Markthalle; and the elegant Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus in Munich’s charming Altstadt (old town).

Participate in a volunteer program to truly experience local life

This could involve working on an organic permaculture farm, aiding in the restoration of a historic train station, or helping to construct a new cultural center in a rural area—there are many projects seeking visitors to assist.

In exchange for your efforts, you’ll receive accommodation and meals, an opportunity to dive into German culture and language, and the chance to make new friends. Websites like Workaway and Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) are excellent resources to begin your search.