Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Germany

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Hostel dormitories, budget guesthouses, youth hostels, and basic private rooms in budget properties

Food & Dining

$15-30 per day

Supermarket groceries, bakeries, döner kebabs, currywurst stands, self-catering, and occasional inexpensive local restaurants

Transportation

$8-20 per day

Public buses, trams, U-Bahn/S-Bahn with day passes, regional trains, and extensive walking

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museums on certain days, church visits, and occasional paid attractions

Purchase regional day passes for public transport instead of individual tickets (typically 40-60% savings)

Shop at discount supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl rather than tourist-area convenience stores (50-70% cheaper)

Eat your main meal at lunch when restaurants offer 'Mittagstisch' lunch specials (30-50% less than dinner prices)

Book accommodation outside city centers and use public transport to reach attractions (20-40% accommodation savings)

Take advantage of free museum days and city-sponsored free walking tours (can save $15-40 per day)

Buy groceries and prepare some meals yourself, especially breakfast (60-80% savings vs restaurant meals)

Use Deutsche Bahn's advance booking discounts for longer train journeys (up to 70% off regular fares)

Eating only in tourist areas near major attractions instead of residential neighborhoods (typically 100-150% markup)

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the excellent public transport system (300-500% more expensive)

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak season or major events (50-200% price premium)

Not researching free activities and museum discount days, missing significant savings opportunities