Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Germany
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $43-110 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in 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
Currency: € Euro (EUR)
Money-Saving Tips
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)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
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