Here’s the good news: In general, Germany is not a particularly pricey tourist destination in western Europe, especially when compared to countries like France or Italy. However, you can still find plenty of ways to save and avoid tourist traps and bad deals along the way. To help you plan a fun, budget-conscious trip, we’ve listed our 55 best budget tips for visiting Germany.

Related:
• 10-Day Itinerary in Germany: Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, Munich & Neuschwanstein
• 10 Easy ways to save on your trip to Munich
• 10 Reasons for budget travelers to visit Germany this year

Budget Travel Germany: 55 tips to help you save

This is a “Cheapo Checklist.” We’ve included links through to more in-depth articles, where possible. Be sure to check out the comments at the end for additional tips, and please add your own in the comments at the end!

Germany lights up in the holidays with famous Christmas markets. Photo: Rene S.

Trip timing

Before you hit book on your tickets to Germany, pull out your calendar and follow these tips to guide you through the best time of year to visit.

• “SHOULDER SEASON” SAVINGS: If you can, try to visit Germany in June or September. You’ll find better deals during these months and the weather is still usually very pleasant. If you’re coming for the winter holidays, New Year’s tends to be pricey and full. Instead, why not come in early December and enjoy the Christmas markets that Germany is rightfully famous for.

• KEEP AN EYE ON SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Public school in Germany has five main school holidays: winter holidays, spring break, summer holidays, autumn holidays and Christmas holidays. Summer vacation is usually six weeks and the other school holidays range from a week to two weeks.

During school holidays prices are higher and the Autobahn is jam-packed, particularly at the beginning and end of the vacation period. The actual dates of school holidays are different in each state, so before you go, take a look at the school schedule for the area you plan to visit. A list of the school holidays in each German state can be found here.

• WATCH OUT FOR TRADE FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS: Frankfurt, Hanover, and Leipzig are all big trade fair towns, so if you’re planning to visit any of these cities, be sure you check the trade fair schedule online. If you’re accidentally there during a major one, like the Frankfurt Book Fair, you’ll have trouble finding a hotel room and will pay far more if you do find one.

Most of Berlin’s major trade fairs take place at the Messe ICC in Charlottenburg, so if you’re visiting Berlin when a big exhibition is in town, consider staying in a different part of the city.

• AVOID OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH. Oktoberfest is fun but it attracts huge crowds. Hotel prices in Munich at this time also go through the roof. To enjoy the Bavarian art of brewing paired with a soft pretzel or a Weisswurst with sweet mustard, you’d be better off visiting a beer garden in the summer when the weather is at its best. But the beer garden doesn’t have to be in Munich. Pretty much every town and village in Bavaria has at least one open in the warmer months, so take your pick.

Flying to Germany for less

Although flights are not super cheap from the US to Germany these days, there are deals out there if you know where to look. First off, sign up for these airline newsletters to get good deals to Europe.

• CHOOSE YOUR AIRPORT WISELY: If you’re flying from North America, you’re likely to find the best flight deals into Frankfurt, home to Germany’s largest international airport. However, Frankfurt is five hours away from Berlin and almost four hours away from Munich.

Since train tickets can be pricey and gas is expensive, it may be worth paying a little extra to fly closer to your destination. Be sure to also check out the airports of cities not too far away. For example, you might snag a deal on a flight to Hamburg, which is only two hours away from Berlin and well worth a visit on its own.

Related: Layover in Munich? Hit the beer garden!

• OPEN JAW TICKETS SAVE TIME AND MONEY: Consider flying into one city and home through another. (For example, into Berlin and back home from Munich.) Since you don’t have to circle back to your point of arrival to fly home, “open jaw” tickets can help you save both money and time. Best of all, the flight tickets are often about the same price as simple round-trip tickets.

• TRY A LOW-COST AIRLINE: Consider low-cost airline options from the US to Germany, including Norwegian Airlines and Condor.

• “HUB IT” FOR SAVINGS: Not finding cheap airfare to Germany? Try “hubbing it,” by flying first to any cheap European destination (for example, finding a cheap flight to Dublin on Aer Lingus) and then catching a budget flight from there to Germany (for example, on Ryanair). If your schedule is a bit flexible, you could find some savings.

• AVOID TAXIS INTO BERLIN: Taxis from the airport into Berlin are usually not as expensive as they might be in other European cities. In most cases, you should be able to get where you need to go for under €40. However, that’s a lot when you compare it to the price of a simple public transportation ticket.

Both Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Schönefeld Airport are centrally located, with great public transport connections that should easily get you to your destination. So unless you’ve got a big family or lots of luggage, consider hopping on the bus or train, which will take you straight to the city or a nearby U-Bahn or S-Bahn station.

Want to see the world’s most famous castle? Make sure to plan a visit to Neuschwanstein! Photo: Ole

Building an itinerary for Germany

Before you add every city in Germany to your “to-do” list, take a deep breath and come up with a plan that’s as fun as it is reasonable.

• SLOW DOWN FOR SAVINGS (AND SANITY): To get more out of your vacation, especially if you’re not in the country for very long, it’s best to choose a region to focus on and come back some other time to see the rest.

For example, nearly every tourist visiting Germany says they want to visit “that castle,” meaning Neuschwanstein, made famous by Walt Disney. But if you’re planning to spend your vacation in Berlin, Neuschwanstein is nearly seven hours away (and speaking of Neuschwanstein, Germany has at least 20,000 castles to choose from, and most are not nearly as crowded or expensive as the famous Neuschwanstein!)

• THINK “DAY TRIPS”: Rather than driving to a new destination every day, consider spending two or three nights in each spot and taking day trips. For example, if you’re in Munich, you can easily drive into the Alps, hop up to Nuremberg or cross over into Austria for a visit to Mozart’s hometown, Salzburg.

• GO EAST: Sure, Munich is beautiful and Heidelberg is quaint, but both these cities are also on the pricey side. In many cases, you’ll find better deals in former East Germany rather than the former West.

For example, Erfurt is every bit as quaint as Heidelberg, and the historic Jena and Weimar are both nearby. Berlin is less expensive than Munich, but so is Leipzig, a city with a vibrant arts scene which easily rivals Berlin’s, but provides a more laid back atmosphere than you’ll get in Germany’s capital city.

• CHECK OUT THE NORDSEE AND THE OSTSEE: In the summer, many Germans head off to the Nordsee (North Sea) or Ostsee (Baltic Sea) coast to spend their holidays. Berlin and Munich are always swarming with tourists from around the world, but most of them never make it up to the coast.

If you want to see how Germans like to spend their summer vacation, as well as go off the beaten path, head up to the coast and islands, like Rugen. Although you can still find good deals in the high season, be sure to book far in advance because places fill up fast. And be sure to pack a rain jacket and a sweater or two, even if you’re there in August. The weather on the German coast is famously unpredictable.

Saving on trains and transportation in Germany

We love the high-speed trains in Germany, but you can also take regional rail or opt for a budget bus line and even rideshare options.

• BOOK ICE TICKETS IN ADVANCE: If you plan to take the ICE, Germany’s high-speed train, book those tickets as far in advance as possible for the best rates and to take advantage of sale fares. The closer you get to the travel date, the more expensive the seats.

• CONSIDER A GERMAN RAIL PASS: A single-country German Rail Pass is a good choice for many travelers in Germany. This pass gives you four day’s travel anywhere within the country as well as a few select routes outside of Germany, such as Salzburg.

• BOOK TICKETS THROUGH THE RAILWAY: Book your ICE tickets like the locals, through Deutsche Bahn’s official website. There’s no need to go through a third-party retailer or agency back in the United States. Book tickets directly for the lowest prices, and print off your tickets at home before leaving for Germany.

• BUY REGIONAL TRAIN TICKETS AT THE STATION: Taking slower, regional trains? Unlike the ICE, there’s no need to book those tickets in advance online. Just buy them at the train station. You can also purchase special deals such as the regional day ticket, the weekend ticket and regional day tickets.

• KIDS TRAVEL FREE: Some savings are already there for you to enjoy: Children 15 and under travel free on the ticket of their parents or grandparents.

• GET TO KNOW SOME LOCALS WITH A RIDESHARE: Ridesharing is an inexpensive way to travel in Germany, and a great way to get to know some locals. To see who might be heading towards your destination, take a look at BlaBlaCar.

• BUSES CAN BE CHEAPER THAN TRAINS: Take a look at Flixbus for super cheap fares for travel around Germany — and just about everywhere else in Europe. Perk: Flixbus coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. Sample fare: €15 for Hamburg-Berlin; €30 for Frankfurt-Zurich.

Saving on rental cars in Germany

Before you hop in your rental car for a cruise down the Autobahn, take a quick look at our tips for driving safely and saving on your car reservation. You can also search for dates and compare car rates at European rental agencies.

BOOK CARS EARLY FOR DEALS: As with train tickets, booking early is a safe bet for finding the best car rental prices.

CANCEL IF YOU FIND A BETTER DEAL: Nearly all car rentals are flexible and able to be canceled. So, did you find something cheaper after you booked it? Cancel and rebook!

WATCH THE START DATE: Your car reservation shouldn’t necessarily start on the first day of your trip. It should start on the first day you’re leaving the city you fly into! Pick up your car when you’re ready to drive off from Berlin, not when you arrive.

Related: How to calculate the real rate of a rental car in Europe

BE SMART ABOUT AUTO INSURANCE: Does your car insurance or credit company cover overseas car insurance? Call before taking off to double-check. You’ll be getting the hard sell from the rental car agency, so know in advance. You might also want to consider travel insurance for your trip.

WATCH YOUR SPEED: When driving around Germany, pay attention to the posted speed limits, as well as to the “speed camera” signs. Yes, you have to pay speeding tickets on rental cars!

KNOW THE RULES OF THE AUTOBAHN: Many tourists have dreamed of barreling down the Autobahn at break-neck speeds, but it’s important to know a few basic rules, like not passing on the right. Contrary to popular belief, there is also sometimes a speed limit on the Autobahn (For example: near cities or construction sites). Tickets can be expensive, so watch for signs. Check out our top tips for driving on the German Autobahn.

PARKING IS HARD TO FIND IN THE CITY CENTER: If possible, try to avoid parking in the center of German cities. Parking can be hard to find and be expensive. In some cities, you can find parking in a parking garage, but more often you will need to pay for a Parkscheine, which can be purchased from a large gray box located somewhere near the parking areas marked with a blue square and a white “P.” Make sure to have some coins on you, because these boxes don’t usually accept bills or credit cards.

LEARN A FEW BASIC TRAFFIC SIGNS: Traffic signs in Germany can be baffling for those who didn’t grow up there. Many have lines and shapes and colors that make no sense at all if you don’t know how to read them. If you plan to do a lot of driving during your trip to Germany, you might want to learn a few first by taking a look at the information provided by ADAC, the German AAA. Check out this guide to signage.

• USE PARKING APPS: Many German cities now offer parking apps that can help you find and pay for parking spots more easily. Apps like EasyPark, PayByPhone, or ParkNow are widely used in major cities. These can save you time and the hassle of hunting for a parking meter.

The view from a private balcony at Hotel Pension Bella

Save on hotels and accommodation in Germany

Germany has one of the lowest price points for hotels in Europe. The average rate still averages to under €120 per night! Hotels are our specialty. Check out the best budget hotels in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich. Looking for other cities? Search for great rates at over 47,000 hotels across Germany.

BOOK EARLY FOR POPULAR HOTELS: The best (and most affordable) accommodation options tend to go first, so try to book as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re traveling in the high season.

ROLL THE DICE WITH LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS: Flexible with your hotel options? If you’re willing to gamble a bit, you can often find great deals at the very last minute. This is especially true if traveling during the low season or to less touristy destinations. Here are tips on when to book for the best hotel deal.

RENT A FLAT: Hotels are not your only option, of course. Renting an apartment or staying with locals (through homestays) can offer much more room, kitchens, laundry facilities — and even save cash.

CONSIDER A HOSTEL: Although hostels sometimes have a party reputation, you can find some good deals at quieter places, especially in Berlin. If dormitories aren’t quite your thing, many offer inexpensive private rooms. Discover the best hostels in Berlin.

TRY ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS: Consider unique options like farm stays (Bauernhöfe) or monastery stays. These can offer a more authentic German experience and are often budget-friendly.

Free and cheap things to do in Germany

Germany is an easy place to find entertainment and culture on the cheap, whether you love art, going to the movies or just wandering around a city.

SPEAK WITH PROFESSIONALS: Get guidance from the source! Stop by the tourist information center first thing when you arrive in a city. Pick up maps and find out about museums, events, walking tours, day trips and more. You’ll find them in the heart of every city on the tourist radar: For example, in Berlin, there are six, including one at both airports. In Munich and Heidelberg there is one in the city center and one at the main train station.

SOME OF THE BEST STUFF IS FREE: There’s no ticket necessary to explore city streets or hang out in the park, of course. However, don’t forget that some attractions are free, too. Ask at the tourist information center for free activities, free (or discounted) museum admission, and free walking tours. In Berlin, for example, there is plenty of free music and several free museums, while Munich also has plenty of free things to do.

AVOID THE MULTIPLEX IN BERLIN: In Berlin, Sony CineStar Multiplex on Potsdamer Platz plays movies in English, but prices for admission and snacks are much higher than in the smaller movie theaters in town.

Instead, check out a Yorck Kinogruppe movie theater. This small cinema chain plays many films in OmU (Original mit Untertiteln, which means in the original language with German subtitles). Prices for both tickets and snacks are lower and the atmosphere is more charming. However, they tend towards art-house fare, so if more in the mood for a Hollywood blockbuster, you’ll have to head to Sony CineStar.

CHECK OUT THE BOX OFFICE: If you’d like to check out an opera or a play, it’s worth dropping by an hour before the performance starts. If any tickets are remaining for the performance, you can often purchase them at a heavily discounted price at the Abendkasse (box office).

CULTURE JUNKIE? CONSIDER A PASS: If you’re staying for a few days in a city and want to hit up a lot of museums and attractions, consider buying a tourist sightseeing card or pass. These passes often include free (or highly discounted) admission to popular museums, public transit access, and other discounts. Some popular passes include the Berlin Museum Pass, the KölnCard for Cologne, and the Munich CityTourCard.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE MUSEUM DAYS: Many museums in Germany offer free admission on certain days of the month or during specific hours. For example, many Berlin museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Research these opportunities before your trip to save on cultural experiences.

Save on dining in Germany

Of course, there’s beer (and lots of it), but Germany also has a variety of cuisines, from classic German to international flavors. Eating out can be affordable, and there are plenty of places to grab cheap snacks.

AVOID YOUR HOTEL’S MINIBAR: That stocked minibar in your hotel room will cost you. Instead, head straight to the nearest grocery store for basics, like water, fruit, picnic supplies, and toiletries. In Germany, look for supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl.

FEAST AT LUNCH: If you’re in the city center, many restaurants offer business lunch deals which get you a lot of food for less dough. However, if you’re in a very touristy part of town, seek out places on side streets rather than the main drag to avoid getting had by a tourist trap.

Related: Simple ways to save on dining and restaurants in Berlin

HIT UP THE BAKERIES: In Berlin, dinner prices don’t necessarily go any higher than lunch prices at most restaurants. A good tip: Pick up a sandwich on the go for lunch at one of the scores of bakeries you’ll pass, then go out for dinner in a less touristy neighborhood. Here are 5 bakery treats to try in Munich.

CHECK OUT FARMER’S MARKETS ON SATURDAYS: In many places in Germany, Saturday is still the traditional market day, and sometimes Wednesday too. You’ll usually find these markets on the main squares in towns and every neighborhood in cities. These farmer’s markets are nice for a stroll and fresh produce as well as a tasty, inexpensive lunch.

BE SURE TO ASK FOR “LEITUNGSWASSER”: Unless you specifically ask, it’s not common to get tap water automatically delivered to your table during a meal. If you’d like to have some, be sure to ask for Leitungswasser (tap water), otherwise, the waiter will likely bring you pricey mineral water.

BEER IS NICELY PRICED: Germany is famous for its beer, and it’s always the least expensive alcoholic beverage on the menu. Different regions have different brewing traditions, so try different local brews while you travel around. But don’t forget to sample a glass of German wine, especially if you’re in the Rhine valley, which is famous for delicious Rieslings.

GO EASY ON THE TIP: Know when to tip in Germany. For small stuff (coffee, beer at the bar, etc.) no tip is necessary. In general, you should tip 10% in restaurants — hand the waiter or waitress the tip directly when paying the bill, don’t leave it on the table. Taxi drivers and tour guides should also be tipped around the same amount.

TRY STREET FOOD: German street food is delicious and budget-friendly. Look for currywurst stands in Berlin, döner kebab shops nationwide, and local specialties like Flammkuchen in the southwest. These offer a quick, cheap, and authentically German dining experience.

Shopping

WINTER AND SUMMER SALES: Take advantage of the city-wide annual sales (“Schlussverkauf“) that are held throughout Germany in January and July. These events stretch for weeks in the winter and heat of summer, and nearly every retailer gets in on the action.

FLEA MARKETS: Both Berlin and Munich are well known for their flea markets, which take place all over the city on the weekend. You can find everything here from clothes to vintage toys to DDR memorabilia (in Berlin). Flea markets tend to have their own special flair and sometimes are only held on Saturdays, so be sure to do your research to find out which ones you’re interested in.

Related: Tips for saving big on shopping in Berlin

OUTLET SHOPPING: If you’re looking for brand-name items at discounted prices, consider visiting outlet centers. Popular ones include the Designer Outlet Berlin and Ingolstadt Village near Munich. These can offer significant savings on both German and international brands.

Staying in touch

It’s easier than you think to call and email friends and family back home when you’re in Germany. You don’t even need a special calling plan from your carrier!

SIM SAVINGS: Planning to use your smartphone? We recommend buying a SIM card if you have an unlocked smartphone handy. Calls, emails, and the web will be much , much cheaper. Even if you don’t own an unlocked phone, you can purchase one cheaply in Germany or before you leave. Here’s how it works.

CALL YOUR CARRIER: Not planning to make a lot of calls with your phone? At least call your carrier before leaving home to know how much calls, text, and emails will cost you. Consider getting a special international package to avoid surprises (like AT&T’s “Passport” package). Plus, be sure to set up your phone to avoid data drains.

Related: How to use your iPhone in Europe and avoid a billing surprise

GET ONLINE FOR FREE: Use free Wi-Fi whenever possible. Many cafes and international chains (like McDonald’s and Starbucks) offer free Wi-Fi in Germany, as well as municipal buildings, libraries, parks, and some museums. The BVG, Berlin’s public transportation system also now offers free Wi-Fi. Ask at the tourist information center about free Wi-Fi hotspots in town.

USE MESSAGING APPS: To avoid international calling charges, use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Facebook Messenger for calls and messages when you have Wi-Fi access or unlimited data. These apps are widely used in Germany and can help you stay in touch for free.

Banks and money tips

Don’t forget to bring your favorite credit card with you to earn points. Try to get one without any fees!

USE ATMS: To get the best deal on getting money in Germany, avoid all currency exchange counters and sketchy looking ATMs. Instead, use official bank ATMs to get the best exchange rates.

CALL YOUR BANK BEFORE LEAVING: First, tell your bank and credit card company that you’ll be traveling (to ensure that your card will work abroad). Ask how much you’ll be charged for ATM withdrawals and purchases. You may find that one of your cards has no foreign surcharge.

Related: Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe?

CONSIDER A TRAVEL-FRIENDLY CARD: Travel a lot? Consider a credit card specifically designed for international travel. These often have no foreign transaction fees and may offer travel rewards or insurance benefits.

More information

Want to read more? Check out our top-rated budget hotels in Berlin and Munich, or search hotels in hundreds of cities throughout Germany.
For more tips, visit our Germany guide or read more about 12 easy ways to save in Berlin.

Your tips

Do you have additional ways to save money on your trip to Germany? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Germany Budget Travel Guide: 55 Ways to save on your trip in 2024 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, since service is included in the bill, you still don’t have to fork over the usual 15-20% like you would in The States.

But that doesn’t mean you never have to tip. Tipping is still customary in Berlin, just done in a slightly different way than you might be used to back home.

More Berlin travel tips
• When to visit Berlin (and when not to!)
• 12 Simple ways to keep your budget in check on your Berlin trip
• How to save on Berlin’s top 10 attractions

Advice on tipping in Berlin

Make sure you come across as a “profi” (pro) not a clueless “touri” (tourist) by learning some tips about tipping customs in Berlin before you hit the streets. Here’s our guide to Berlin tipping etiquette.

When not to tip (much)

Although most people won’t turn away an offer of free cash, you certainly don’t have to go around tipping everyone where ever you go. As a rule of thumb, you should still tip the same people you would in the US, although the amounts and the way you do so vary.

Cafes

If you pop into a café for a quick cappuccino or a cold one, you don’t necessarily have to tip. That said, it’s bad form to make your waiter dig into their change purse for five or ten cents. Our tip? Round it up, baby!

When the waiter comes, tell them you’d like to pay whatever the even amount is, for example, €2.50 for a €2.30 latte macchiato. You can also just hand them the amount you’d like to pay and say “stimmt’s so.” Cafes with to-go counters have recently started using American-style tip jars, so feel free to toss in a little of that extra change that’s weighing down your pockets if you feel like it. A lot of Germans haven’t caught on yet, so you’ll likely be showered with gratitude.

That guy pouring your beer? No tip required. Photo: Scott

Bars

Lucky for barflies, bartenders aren’t expecting generous tips to keep those drinks coming. Similar to cafes, you can just round up the bill if you feel like it, but no worries that you’ll suddenly become invisible to the bartender if you don’t.

Clubs

Coat checks in clubs usually cost a couple of euros, and no tip is expected. If you try to tip them, the über-cool coat check might still pocket the cash, but they will probably also scoff at you for being such a yokel.

As a general rule of thumb, the less something costs, the less likely you need to leave (much of) a tip. And don’t worry — if you tip your waitress a measly 20 cents, she won’t secretly spit in your coffee. But if you tip her a euro on a €2 coffee, she’ll think you’re trying too hard or maybe coming on to her!

When to tip

Restaurants

Unless the waiter ignored you forever and then brought you a cold schnitzel and a warm beer forty-five minutes after you ordered (and yes, this still can happen if you run into some old-school Berlin service), you should always tip 5 to 10% at a restaurant, depending on how happy you were with the service.

But make sure you don’t make the clueless “Ami” (slang for American) mistake by leaving the tip on the table. When the waitress comes, do some quick math and tell them on the spot how much you’d like to pay in total, which means the bill with the tip added on top. Most cheaper restaurants in Berlin don’t accept credit cards, but if you are dining at a place that does, you’ll also need to tell them the total you’d like to pay before they swipe the card because the tip can’t be added in later.

And to make sure you have a few euros leftover to tip, check out these simple tips for saving on dining in Berlin.

Taxis

Taxi drivers are notoriously underpaid, so make sure you toss them a euro or two anytime you take a ride.

Budget Hotels

In most budget hotels, it’s likely you’ll be lugging about bags up to your room all by yourself. But if you do run across a helpful porter, be sure to tip him or her a euro per heavy bag. Impressed by the cleanliness of the room? Then leave some “Trinkgeld” (a tip) on the nightstand to show the maid your appreciation. In this case, a euro should do.

Tour guides

Tour guides in Berlin know their stuff, and they’re always up to answering lots of questions posed by curious tourists. Make sure and show your appreciation by tipping generously, especially if you’re taking a free, donations-only tour.

Salons

If you get a chic haircut in Berlin, make sure and stay classy by tipping your hairdresser around 10%. In most hair salons, hairdressers have their own “Sparschwein” (piggy bank) on the counter by the cash register, so ask their name and feed the piggy in appreciation.

Related: The ultimate guide to shopping in Berlin on a budget

Klo Damen: Tipping in bathrooms

In many public restrooms, you tip the “Klo Damen” (bathroom ladies, although sometimes they are also men) 50 cents. Although this is a more a mandatory service charge, you won’t be turned away if you sneak off without putting the change on their tray. But don’t be that person. The bathroom ladies (and men) have a dirty job, and they deserve their tips!

Still not sure?

If you’re still nervous about when and when not to tip, or you’ve experienced some of that old-school Berlin service but don’t want to stiff the server entirely, a good rule of thumb is to stick with rounding up the bill and adding a little on top if the total was higher or you were treated right.

But note in Berlin it’s more normal to undertip that over tip, so make sure you don’t go over the 5-10% tipping range. And one more rule: never just leave the tip on the table!

The post Berlin Tipping Etiquette: Should you tip in Berlin? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But not so fast! Chances are, there are still a few details you’ve forgotten to consider — like choosing the right phone plan for your trip.

Thanks to roaming charges, you can rack up the euros if you use your U.S. plan while traveling in Germany. To avoid the shock of a major phone bill once you’re back home, we suggest buying a German SIM Card during your stay to call and surf like a local.

If you’ve never used a SIM Card overseas, read our guide to using a SIM Card in Europe before your trip. Just make sure to bring your phone along as well as an adapter for your charger! Or consider using another unlocked phone specifically for travel.

This article was updated in November 2021 with new information and prices.

 EuroCheapo is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!

Top Sim Cards for your trip to Germany

Although it’s still fairly easy to buy and use SIM Cards in Germany, it’s unfortunately gotten slightly more complicated. In July 2017, Germany passed an anti-terrorism law that requires all pre-paid SIM Cards to provide an address and ID. But no worries. You don’t have to be an EU citizen — the address of your hotel or hostel along with your passport should work just fine.

If possible, you may want to consider buying the SIM Card ahead of time by doing the ID check online and having the card shipped to your accommodations. If you wait until you arrive, make sure that you have your passport and proof of address ready to buy a card on the go.

Related:

• Top SIM Cards for your trip to France
• Best SIM Cards in Spain for your travels

Once you buy a SIM Card from a German carrier, you’ll get a little chip with a German phone number. Insert this chip into your phone, start the activation process, and soon you’ll be phoning and web-surfing with ease. That said, if you do have any difficulties activating the card, just head over to MediaMarkt or Saturn, Germany’s major electronic store chains, where someone can walk you through the process. But don’t forget to bring your ID and hotel information!

Four ways to activate SIM Cards in Germany:

• Present your ID (passport) online through a video verification process
• Go directly to a mobile (Handy) phone shop or electronics store (Saturn, MediaMarkt)
• Buy the SIM Card from Germany’s three major telco providers: O2, Vodafone, and Telekom
• Present a printed “Post Ident” document at any German post office (Again, to do this, you need your passport and a valid German address.)

Checking phones in Munich. Photo: Karlis

O2, Telekom, and Vodafone have many pre-paid SIM Card options, while resellers use their networks at cheaper prices, so you’ll have many options to choose from.

Here are the two best deals we recommend for budget travelers:

1. Aldi Talk

Cost: €7.99 to €17.99, depending on the plan you choose
Pros: Good deal, easy to use, offers 4G/LTE
Cons: Uses the O2 network, which doesn’t always provide good coverage in rural areas

Aldi Talk is the best deal you’ll find for pre-paid SIM Cards in Germany. They offer many different plans, the cheapest being Paket S, which offers 3 GB data and unlimited telephoning and SMS at €7.99 for 4 weeks. A second option, Paket M, offers 6 GB data, unlimited calls and unlimited SMS for €12.99, valid for 4 weeks. You can also purchase internet access only, the cheapest plan starting at €3.99 for 4 weeks (Internet-Flatrate S, 1 GB data).

If you’re traveling to any other countries in the European Union, the Paket L rate is probably the most ideal. This plan gets you 12 GB data and unlimited calls and texts for €17.99 for 4 weeks and includes EU roaming.

An added bonus is that Aldi Talk is sold at Aldi discount grocery stores, which are very easy to find anywhere in the country. You can either top it off online or buy a recharge voucher at Aldi.

2. Blau Surf M Prepaid

Cost: €9.99 for 4 weeks
Pros: Low-cost, includes €10 start credit
Cons: Charges for calls and SMS

Blau Surf M is also a great option for tourists. This plan offers 3 GB data with LTE for four weeks. Phone calls and SMS cost 9 cents (per minute/per text) within Germany and EU roaming is included. This pre-paid plan gets you a €10 start credit and can be easily topped off online.

A Vodafone SIM Card. Photo: CC

Telekom, Vodafone, O2, oh my!

Although these two resellers will get you the best deals, going with one of the top guns also won’t break the bank. In most cases, their plans cost around the same price as Aldi’s Paket L, but you get less data or bang for your buck. To help you understand the difference, here’s a little run down.

Telekom

Formerly the market leader, Deutsche Telekom (formerly called T-Mobile), Telekom still provides the best coverage in Germany, but it’s on the pricey side. If you plan to stay in major cities like Berlin and Munich, you can easily steer clear of the higher Telekom prices, but if you plan on visiting rural areas, you may want to opt for their plans to make sure you get the coverage you need. Telekom also has the fastest network and EU roaming. Resellers include congstar, ja!mobil, Penny Mobil, and Lebara Mobil.

Vodafone

Vodafone is exactly in the middle when it comes to price, coverage and speed. EU roaming is included, but rural reception can be spotty. Resellers on the Vodafone network include LIDL Connect, Otelo and Lycamobile.

O2

O2 is the cheapest provider in Germany and has greatly improved since acquiring the E-Plus Network. They have great coverage, except in rural areas, and are the only network that has reception in the Berlin U-Bahn train system, which is a big plus if you’re spending a lot of time in the city. EU roaming is included. Resellers include the two we recommended, Aldi Talk and Blau, as well as Ortel Mobile and Ay Yildiz.

Cheapo food for thought

If you really want to save, you might want to consider whether you need a SIM Card at all. You could also just put your phone in flight mode and seek out Wi-Fi at hotspots. There are lots of free Wi-Fi spots all over the country. If it doesn’t work out, you can always hop over to Aldi for that trusty SIM Card.

Have you used SIM Cards in Germany or elsewhere in Europe? Tell us your strategies for saving on your phone bill!

The post The best Sim Cards in Germany to save on your phone bill appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But the neighborhood wasn’t without its charms: To insiders, it was always known as a great place to explore. You could come across amazing finds (with prices to match) at one of its many dusty second-hand stores, as well as a great place to find roomy, dirt cheap apartments.

A lot has changed since then. The dusty old stores have mostly given way to boutiques and artsy cafes; the ones that remain are well versed in terms like “mid-century” and lay in hopes of snagging an expat hipster willing to dig deep into their pockets. Long gone are the days of easy apartment searches and rent prices are today among the highest in the city.

This said, a trip to Neukölln is still a must for every traveler who wants to experience Berlin’s special brand of coolness. Here is our guide to the neighborhood’s best budget-friendly restaurants and bars, complete with several tips on where you can still get a taste for old-school Neukölln. We’ve broken it up into three main districts, Kreuzkölln, Rixdorf, and Schillerkiez.

Related: 10 Day Germany itinerary through Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, and Munich

Kreuzkölln

On the border to Kreuzberg, this part of Neukölln is especially popular with the hip, younger party crowd. The major streets are Weserstrasse, which extends from Hermannplatz, Reuterstrasse, Hobrechtstrasse, Pannierstrasse and Maybachufer, which runs along Landwehr canal, and Sonnenallee, also known as “little Lebanon.”

Food & drink under €10 in Kreuzkölln

With dozens of cafes, bars and restaurants, you’ll find plenty of places to chow down in Kreuzkölln. However, many of the places come and go at the whim of gentrification and prices are on the rise. Here is a list of a few tried and true tips, with good grub for under €10.

Wochenmarkt am Maybachufer
Maybachufer, Tuesday and Fridays, 10 to 6:30

Also known as the “Turkish” or “Oriental” market, this market has many cheap eats on offer mixed in with the produce and textile stands. Be sure and try a Gözleme, a traditional savory Turkish stuffed flatbread, served hot off the griddle.

Mae Charoen Thai Imbiss
Sonnenallee 134

An authentic Thai place with scrumptious curry dishes for €5 and under.

Croissanterie Cocina
Pannierstrasse 56

An old-school Neukölln establishment, this funky café bakes up what some call the best croissants in the city. It also serves great coffee and a small selection of other baked goods.

Fräulein Frost
Friedelstrasse 39

Great ice cream place with exotic flavors mixed in with the basics. Indulge your inner six-year-old and order a Spaghetti Eis, vanilla ice cream shaped like pasta with strawberry sauce and ground nuts posing as parmesan and marinara.

Ä
Weserstrasse 40

One of the first bars to open in what was then the newly dubbed Kreuzkölln, Ä is a smoky, no-frills watering hole that attracts a student-aged crowd. The place gets packed pretty fast, so come early if you want a seat.

Nathanja und Heinrich
Weichselstrasse 44

Here’s another “smoker’s bar” (you’re still allowed to smoke in bars if food is not served) with vintage furniture, a big store front window, exposed brick walls and a youngish crowd.

Soulcat
Pannierstrasse 53

This is a 1950s and ’60s music bar with a vinyl-only policy. Plenty of live music and cheap drinks guarantees an out of sight night for any hepcat.

Karl-Marx-Strasse and Rathaus Neukölln

Although plenty of hipsters abound in this part of Neukölln, it’s not quite as gentrified as Kreuzkölln and is still home to many Turkish and working class German families. When you’re there, be sure to check out Richardstrasse and Richardplatz near the U-Bahn station Karl-Marx-Str.

Known as Rixdorf, this area was once a Bohemian village and still is home to many historic buildings you won’t see the likes of anywhere else in Berlin. Comenius Garten (Richardstr. 35) is a small green oasis dedicated to the teachings of universal scholars. Stroll along the “life cycle” path and think deep thoughts with locals and stray expats alike.

Food & Drink near Karl-Marx-Strasse and Rathaus Neukölln

Café Rix
Karl-Marx-Str. 141

Tucked away in a leafy green courtyard off of gritty, bustling Karl-Marx-Strasse, Café Rix was here way before the hipster invasion and will still be there once they have moved on to the next big thing. Although the food gets mixed reviews and is a bit on the pricey side, it’s still worth it to pop in for a Pils and enjoy this café’s old school, opulent veneer.

Tabibito
Karl-Marx-Str. 56

Don’t let the shabby, run-down, hole in the wall atmosphere fool you: Tabibito serves some of the best sushi in Berlin at a nice price complete with friendly service.

Louis
Richardplatz 5

Another Neukölln old timer, Café-Restaurant Louis cooks up one of the biggest schnitzels in all of Berlin. If you order the largest size, you could easily feed a family of five. A small selection of German and Austrian specialties are also available on the menu.

Sahara
Reuterstrasse 56

Order the scrumptious Sudanese falafel with peanut sauce — perfect for those looking for the same Turkish and Middle Eastern fare you can get all over the city but with a different ethnic twist. Chicken, halloumi cheese and tofu sandwiches and plates also available.

Klunkerkranich
Karl-Marx-Str. 66

Located on the top floor of the parking garage of one of the world’s dowdiest, most depressing malls, Klunker Kranich — part urban garden and part bar with somewhat surly service — is worth it for the novelty and breathtaking view alone.

Take a wander around the Schillerkiez neighborhood. Photo: Sludge G

Schillerkiez and Hermannstrasse

The neighborhood Schillerkiez is located at the top of one of Berlin’s only hills. Although this area is now as hip and gentrified as its downhill neighbor, you’ll find a slightly older crowd and lots of cool, urban families with Dutch design buggy bikes.

Besides the lovely tree-lined Schiller Promenade, namesake of the neighborhood, you’ll also find three parks: Körnerpark, Hasenheide and, the mother of all urban green spaces, Tempelhof Airport. If you’re visiting Berlin in the summer, Hasenheide also has a Freiluftkino (open air cinema) where they often show movies in the original language.

Food & Drink in Schillerkiez

Café im Körnerpark
Schierkerstr. 8

With its fountains and Neo-baroque garden style, Körnerpark — turning 100 in 2016 — brings a stylish flair to the rougher, somewhat less gentrified streets around S-Bahn/U-Bahnhof Hermannstrasse. Although the food at the café is nothing to write home about, it’s still the perfect place for a spot of Kaffee und Kuchen.

From Hanoi With Love
Hermannstrasse 176

A hipster hotspot with tasty Vietnamese food. Expect big portions and low prices.

Zimt und Mehl
Weigandufer 16

This café, popular for breakfast, has fair prices, friendly service, and tables with a view over the canal —what else could you ask for?

Mmaah
Columbiadamm 160

This little snack bar offers several Korean BBQ dishes in different sizes. Order one to go and jaunt around the corner to Tempelhof Airport to feast on bulgogi or mandu while watching the rollerbladers, bicyclist and kite skateboarders roll past.

SchillerBurger
Herrfurthstrasse 7

A popular burger place with several Berlin locations, including one down the hill at Karl-Marx-Strasse 223.

Froschkönig
Weisestrasse 17

A friendly neighborhood smoker’s bar which shows silent films on Wednesdays complete with live piano music.

The post Berlin’s Neukölln Guide: The ultimate cheapo food and drink guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If so, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is definitely where you should head! And you’re in luck — this area will certainly give you plenty of room to explore without depleting your bank account.

Located in Germany’s southwest area, the Black Forest stretches from Baden-Baden, Germany’s own Monte Carlo spa town, to the border to Switzerland, up along the Rhine River and almost all the way to Lake Constance.

Read more on Germany
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Germany
• Tips for driving the Autobahn
• How to score a €1 bus trip in Germany

Exploring the Black Forest region on a budget

Although this region is a great place to visit for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, it also has lots to offer culture lovers, with plenty of castles, museums, and old churches to choose from. Follow our tips to help you save on your Black Forest adventure.

How to Get There

If you’re flying to the Black Forest region from outside of Europe, you have several options. Germany’s biggest airport, Frankfurt International (check out our Frankfurt budget guide), is about 90 minutes by train to the northern portion of the Black Forest. Zurich and Stuttgart also have international airports around two hours away or closer, depending on which part the region you would like to. Two other options to consider, especially if you are traveling from within Europe, are the airports Karlsruhe-Baden Baden and Basel-Mulhouse, which are close to Freiburg. Both of these smaller airports service discount airlines, such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet.

All cities in the Black Forest region can also be easily reached by either train or bus. If you plan on doing quite a bit of exploring, you may also want to look into renting a car.

Ways to save

Be sure to book all airplane, train, and bus tickets as far in advance as possible. Prices can go up considerably the closer you book to the actual travel time. Compare prices between train travel and discount bus lines, such as Flixbus to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Unless you have a specific destination in mind, you may also want to check and see which city is the cheapest to reach, and then go from there.

A map of the Black Forest Region.

Things to do

Although Baden has many quaint cities to enjoy, no trip to the area is complete without a jaunt out to the Black Forest itself. We’ve gathered the following guide with ideas for city trips that include lots of nature nearby.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is home to Germany’s oldest university, which was founded in 1386. But this charming city is more than just a university town. Heidelberg is popular the world over for its baroque-style old town and its romantic setting on the Neckar River. For more, check out our budget guide to Heidelberg.

Philosophen Weg

When in Freiberg, be sure to follow in the footsteps of the great philosophers and poet of the past by taking a hike up the Philosphen Weg (Philosopher’s Path). To get there, take one of the bridges across the river and hike up the switchbacks. It takes a bit of time, but the views are worth it. If you haven’t yet had your fill of hiking, the area also has lots of different hiking trails to explore.

Accommodations: Search more than 150 hotels in Heidelberg

Freiburg

Another of Baden’s famous university towns, Freiburg boasts a beautiful old town with Bächle, cobblestone gutters filled with running water. But watch out! If you fall into one of these gutters, legend has it you’ll marry a local. Just try explaining that to your significant other. For more, check out our Budget Guide to Freiburg.

Beautiful Lake Titisee in the Black Forest. Photo: KR

Schauinsland

Freiburg’s beloved Hausberg (local mountain), Schauinsland offers many hiking trails that will put you in hot pursuit of Hansel and Gretel — just don’t nibble on any gingerbread houses. On a clear day, you can even see the tips of the Swiss Alps from here.

How to get there

Schauinsland is in region 3 of the Freiburg transport network, so it can be easily reached by public transportation. Take a tram in the direction of Gunterstal to the very end, and then switch to the bus by the cable car (Schauinslandbahn). The cable car will take you on a fun trip further up the mountain, but the tickets are a bit pricey (return tickets €12.50 for adults, €9 for children), so you might want to skip it. For more information about hiking trails and transportation, check out the Schauinsland website.

Lake Titisee

Also located in region 3 of the Freiburg transport network, Lake Titisee is a beautiful alpine lake nestled high up and hills of the Black Forest. You’ll find plenty of trails around this lake, which stretches over a mile. Titisee village is a bit of a tourist trap, so no need to check it out unless you’d like to stock up on a bit of Black Forest kitsch and maybe a Cuckoo clock or two.

How to get there

To get there, take the train to Titisee-Neustadt from Freiburg. The trip takes a little under one hour.

Accommodations: Hotels and vacation apartments in Freiburg

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a famous spa town whose thermal waters have offered a relaxing soak since the Roman age. In the 19th century, this town was famous for its luxury hotels, casinos, and horse races, making it a swank playground for Victorian-era celebrities.

Sunset at Schwarzwald Nationalpark. Photo: Achim

Schwarzwald Nationalpark

Baden-Baden is also close to the Schwarzwald Nationalpark (Black Forest National Park), which includes around 40 square miles of forests, glacial lakes, and spacious meadows straights out of a storybook.

How to get there

To reach this national forest by car, take the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest High Road). You can also get there by taking the Line 245 bus to Mummelsee and then either hike the seven miles in or sharing a taxi for €16 to €20. The trip takes a little over one hour.

Freudenstadt

Freudenstadt is located on the other side of Black Forest National Park. This quaint city has an old market square where you can see parts of the foundation of a castle that was never built. The town also boasts a Gothic-Renaissance church and plenty of sunshine year-round. Like Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt is also a wellness town, so feel free to “take to the waters” like an old-school European aristocrat when you visit.

For an affordable place to stay try Hotel Krone or Hotel Gastof Jägerstüble with free breakfast.

The Baden Wine Route

Forget cuckoo clocks — the best of what the Baden region has to offer is its wine and cuisine. If you’re a wine lover, it’s worth checking out a stretch of the Baden Wine Route. This route takes you through the vineyards near many of Baden’s cities, including Heidelberg, Freiburg, and Baden-Baden.

Tips for saving on a trip to the Black Forest

Stay outside of Baden-Baden

Although Baden-Baden is worth a visit, this upscale town is a little on the pricey side for the budget traveler. When opting for a place to stay, you’d probably be better off choosing Freiburg or Heidelberg as your base and traveling from there. If you do want to stay right in town, there are a few affordable options depending on the time of year you book. Search more than 220 hotels for your trip to Baden-Baden.

Eat at bakeries and beer gardens

Besides wine, the Baden region has great bread and regional dishes. To save on meals, why not pick up a little something at a bakery for lunch and have an inexpensive meal at a beer or wine garden for dinner? Some local specialties you should definitely check out include maultaschen (large ravioli usually served with butter and onions or in a soup), spätzle (soft egg noodles, cheese and onions — basically Southern Germany’s tastier and lighter version of mac and cheese), and, of course, the world-famous classic, Schwarzwald Torte (Black Forest cake).

Pick up a tourist card

If you spend several days in either Freiburg or Heidelberg, you may want to look into purchasing a local discount card. Freiburg offers the 3-day WelcomeKarte, which gives you free transportation on all buses, trams, and trains, and includes a free trip on the otherwise pricey Schauinsland cable car. The WelcomeKarte costs €27 for adults and €16 for children 14 and under. Heidelberg also offers the HeidelbergCARD for up to four days as well as the 2-day Family card.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling on one day, the Baden-Württemberg-Ticket might save you some dough. With this ticket, you can travel in the 2nd class wagons of all train in the region for 24 hours. The more people in your party, the greater the savings. For example, tickets for one person cost €24, while a ticket covering five people costs €52. Children 14 and under ride free.

The post Germany: How to explore the Black Forest on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Berlin’s transportation system is truly one of the best in the world. It will zip you through the city at pretty much any hour of the day.

Berlin Public Transit Tips

Here are 10 of our best tips for how to ride the Berlin public transit system like a pro.

1. Know which ticket to buy (and how to buy it)

Unfortunately, this is no easy task. Although the ticket machines all have an English language option, they can still be very difficult to figure out, and the locals waiting behind you are likely to get impatient with any greenhorn taking too long to buy a ticket. To avoid too many nail-biting sessions at the ticket machine, it’s better to know which ticket to buy in advance.

Related: Getting the most for your money with Berlin public transit tickets

Here’s a list of all the single fares and some tips for how to understood what the heck they mean by them:

• Short-trip ticket = up to three stops in one direction
• Single ticket = ticket in one direction, including any transfers, valid for up to two hours
• Reduced = ticket fare for children, students, and seniors
• AB = fare zone for central Berlin and outlying suburbs
• BC = fare zone for outlying suburbs and Potsdam
• ABC = fare zone for all three

If this seems confusing to you, it’s because it is. A better option — and one that will save you some dough — is to buy a ticket that’s valid for a longer period of time. Depending on how much longer you plan to stay, you can either buy a day ticket, a 7-day ticket, or a monthly pass.

(If you’re also interested in visiting some museums, you may also want to opt for the Berlin WelcomeCard, a ticket specifically designed for tourists that includes admission to attractions and covers public transportation.)

The good news? Although tickets are a bit tricky to figure out at first, they’re valid for any form of Berlin public transit. You won’t have to worry about having to buy a separate ticket if, for example, you want to ride both the bus and the U-Bahn.

Familiarizing yourself with the transportation map will help, too. Download the route map here.

2. No credit cards

As is often the case in Berlin, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn ticket machines do not accept credit cards. Unless you have a German bank card, your only option is to pay with cash. Machines accept any coin ten cents and above as well as €5, €10, and €20 bills.

Please note that they will give you your change in coins only, so if you’re buying a ticket for a smaller amount, it’s better to use a smaller bill, so you won’t be overly weighed down with a pocket full of change. Not all machines accept bills, so if you don’t have enough small change, look around until you find the one that does.

3. Stamp it — or be shamed!

Once you successfully buy the ticket you need, there’s one more crucial step you need to take before you hop on the train: Stamp and validate that baby!

Unless you’re riding the bus (more on that below) it’s unlikely that anyone will “control” (ask to see) your ticket, but it’s still very important that you remember to stamp it. To do so, locate a validating box and insert the top of the ticket in the slot that says “please stamp here” (the machines are usually near the ticket machines on the platform).

If you fail to validate your ticket (or, gasp!, board without a ticket), you’ll be riding schwarz (black), which is German slang for fare dodgers.

If you’re caught during one of the checks they do periodically, you’ll have to pay a €60 fine. If you have a ticket but forgot to stamp it, you might get lucky and be controlled by someone who has mercy on clueless tourists, but you may not luck out. Don’t take a chance — stamp it!

4. Know the difference between the U-Bahn and the S-Bahn

If you want to impress someone with your nerdy BVG knowledge, you can tell them U-Bahn stands for Untergrundbahn (underground train) and S-Bahn for Stadtbahn (city train). While “underground” train is clear, we think a better word for the S-Bahn would be Übergrundbahn (above ground train).

Although they sometimes break those rules, both train systems usually stick with the program, the U-Bahn staying underground and the S-Bahn running above ground. Although this means the S-Bahn can make for a more scenic ride, there are other differences. The U-Bahn makes more frequent stops in the city, while the S-Bahn functions more as an “express”. The S-Bahn can more quickly whisk you off to the suburbs.

The U-Bahn also runs more often (every two to three minutes during rush hour) and is generally more reliable. The S-Bahn is sometimes notoriously late — in winter, it’s been known to sometimes even shut down completely.

A bus rolling through the streets of Berlin near Alexanderplatz. Photo robdammers

5. Taking the bus

As we mentioned above, your transit ticket is also valid on the bus. If you have a valid ticket, get on in the front of the bus. Then, show your ticket to the driver.

You can also buy a ticket on the bus. To do so, you’ll need to tell the driver which kind you need, for example, single ticket AB (in German, Einzelfahrt AB (Eyen-cell-fart ah-beh). The fare is the same price and can be paid in coins only. Once you’ve achieved this feat — and don’t take it personally if the driver was grumpy, because they almost always are — the driver will hand you a ticket, which you don’t need to stamp.

6. After 1 a.m. on a weekday? Take the Nachtbus

Berlin is famous for its late nightlife, but the U-Bahn runs around the clock only on the weekends. If you feel like living it up on a Tuesday, you’ll find the U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations shuttered and closed down between around 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Although you could always take a taxi — and luckily they are not as expensive in Berlin as they would be in, say, London and Paris — you’ll still have to dig deeper into your wallet than you might want to pay.

But never fear, the Nachtbus is here to save the day (or, in this case, night). When the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and regular bus lines shut down for the night, the Nachtbus (night bus) takes over, and all for the nice price of a regular ticket.

7. Get used to silence and stony faces

Yes, it’s true. Many Berliners you’ll see on the BVG will look as if they’ve been having a bad day… for the past 20 years. Tourists often find the frowns and silence a little intimidating and spooky, but true Berliners often just don’t see the need for idle chit-chat when they’re on their way from A to B among strangers.

If you’re on one of those trains, filled to the brim but as silent as the grave, be sure you aren’t too loud yourself or people might start giving you dirty looks. And take comfort. They’re smiling… inside.

8. Don’t put your feet or bags on the seats

If Berliners have one pet peeve (aside from giddy American extroverts), it’s riders who put their bags on the seats of a busy train. When the train is not full, you can place your bags there. Be sure to move them right away when more people get on, not just when someone wants to sit down. If not, someone is likely to get annoyed, and Berliners aren’t shy when they’re irritated.

Want to tick them off even more? Put your feet on the seats. That was a joke — don’t do it. In Berlin, it’s just about one of the rudest things a person can do.

9. You’re probably not getting hit on

Some tourists think Berliners stare because they’re silently judging them, and others think it’s because they think they’re hot. Neither one of them are right. Staring is just what you do here, so do as the locals do and stare away.

If the person next to you is also sitting so close you can feel their leg touching yours, it’s also not likely that they’re coming on to you and/or creepy. In general, Berliners aren’t as particular about personal space in crowded spaces, so it’s likely they’ll sit more snugly next to you than you might, um, expect.

10. Get used to being pushed around

Although German has words for “excuse me”, Entschuldigung for example, means “sorry”, it’s unlikely that you’ll hear it too often during your trip. In a crowded place like the U-Bahn, you will get pushed and prodded and sometimes elbowed. Your toes might get stepped on. If you’re very unlucky, it will be strong enough to leave a bruise. Don’t expect an apology, because it’s not coming.

However, even with the occasional push, leg touching and stony face, the BVG is an expansive and efficient transit system. It’s far more reliable than most of the public transportation networks in other countries (including, obviously, the US!).

Enjoy the ride. And seriously — she’s not hitting on you.

Need even more tips?

We have many more posts in our budget guide to Berlin. Check out these 12 simple ways to save on your trip to Berlin, plus this recommended list of budget hotels in the city center.

The post Berlin: 10 tips for riding public transit like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Unfortunately, the adorable town is also the most expensive tourist destination in Germany, even beating out the notoriously pricey Munich. To make sure this lovely city doesn’t take you from prince to pauper, we’ve gathered a few of our best tips for saving on your visit.

Simple Budget Travel Tips for Heidelberg, Germany

Getting around town

By foot

Obviously walking is always the cheapest option. Since Heidelberg, Germany is a small city, it also easily walkable. So slip on a pair of comfortable shoes and stretch your legs while you take in the “real” Disneyland flair of the place.

By bike

Like many cities in Europe, Heidelberg, Germany is a very bike-friendly town, and cycling around is a great way to get to know the city while also squeezing in a healthy bit of exercise. VRNnextbike, a bicycle rental tied to the public transportation system, offers day rentals for €9 once you register (free of charge) on their site. Shorter rides are available, too, from the cheapo rate of €1 per 30 minutes.

There are also several bike rental shops throughout the city, with prices ranging between €12 to €15 for a day rental of a city bike with a cute little basket.

By car

If you’ve come by car, whatever you do, don’t expect to drive your way around the old town. Parking is both hard to find and extremely expensive. A better choice, budget-wise, is to drop your things off at the hotel and then park outside the city center, taking the bus or train back into town.

Save with the HeidelbergCARD

If you’re not in the mood for any extra sportiness or plan to venture outside the city, you should definitely consider picking up HeidelbergCARD. The card can be purchased as a 1- to 4-day pass (from €17 to €21) and covers your rides on all buses, trams and certain trains within the greater Heidelberg area. It is also available as a family pass (€40 for 2 adults and 3 children up to 16).

Aside from transit, the card also grants you special discounts on many guided tours, museum entrance fees, selected restaurants, as well as other perks.

Deep thoughts and postcard views along the Philosophenweg. Photo: Ashley Van Haeften

Free thinking along the Philosophenweg

Luckily, one of the most spectacular things to do in Heidelberg, Germany is also absolutely free of charge. The Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk) is a path through the vineyards once cherished by Romantic German poets, artists and philosophers for its beauty and solitude.

You can still follow the path where these learned souls once tread — now complete with gardens and informational plaques. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with gorgeous views over the Neckar river, Old Town and Heidelberg castle.

If you’re in the mood for a longer trek, you can venture further up Heiligenberg (the mountain) and check out the ruins there, including an 11th-century monastery and the remnants of a 4th-century Celtic hill fort.

Budget places to stay in Heidelberg, Germany

With so many tourists heading to Heidelberg, Germany, hotel rooms don’t usually come at bargain rates. However, there are a handful of budget-friendly places to stay, although many of them are outside the city center. Here are a few favorites:

The Zum Ritter St. Georg is located smack in the city center.

Near the city center

LOTTE
A comfortable hostel near most of Heidelberg’s main sites. Dorms, double and family rooms range in price from €26 to €70 a night.

Steffi’s Hostel Heidelberg
Hostel close to the main train stations. Prices range from €18 per person (10-bed dorm) to €45 (double room for one person). Family rooms available.

Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg

Located in the Altstadt along the famous pedestrian shopping strip, the St. Georg is a four-star hotel in a historic building, offering 37 very comfortable rooms that sometimes come down into surprisingly cheapo-friendly territory. Our searches brought up rooms during the summer for €110.

Search all hotels in Heidelberg, Germany.

The darling little Hotel Scheid.

Outside the city center

Hotel ISG
Located in the suburb Boxberg, Hotel ISG is a friendly budget hotel that features some trendy Bauhaus design touches. Prices for a double room range between €96 – €160, depending on the room and season.

Hotel Restaurant Schied
A nice, quiet hotel located on a hillside in the suburb of Schriesheim. (Note that the hotel is a 30-minute walk up from the tram stop Schriesheim Bahnhof, so the place might not ideal if you plan on hitting the pubs until the wee hours of the morning!) Prices range between €67 for a single room to €112 for a four-bed room.

Shopping, eating and drinking tips

Avoid tourist traps

If you’re hankering for a dirndl or black forest cuckoo clock to bring to the folks back home, whatever you do, don’t buy them on Hauptstraße in the Old Town — everything there is overpriced and sure to be stamped somewhere with “Made in China.” You’ll have better luck finding that unforgettable souvenir if you venture off the beaten path to one the little side streets to the right and left of the main strip.

Do-it-yourself BBQ

In the summer, you should definitely consider having a little impromptu BBQ along the banks of the Neckar river. You can buy a cheap disposable grill at the hardware store Bauhaus, located at Kurfürsten-Anlage 11, just south of Bismarckplatz. From there, it’s an easy walk to Neckarwiese (Neckar meadow) on the northern bank of the river where you can set up the grill. Grill up those sausages and pop open a brewski while mingling with locals.

Everybody’s welcome at the student canteen

Another great tip is the Mensa in Marstallhof (Marstallhof 3), the most beautiful university canteen in Germany, replete with a beer garden! The Mensa is open to the public until 11 p.m., and the bar, which boasts the cheapest beer prices in the city, is open until midnight.

And if you’d like to see where the local students get their groove on, check out Untere Strasse, a street that runs parallel to Hauptstrasse and the river. The street is pack with bars and pubs frequented by the university crowd, including Destille, a funky, authentic pub complete with a fake tree in the middle of the bar.

Share your tips for saving in Heidelberg, Germany

Have more tips about ways to save when visiting Heidelberg, Germany? Please leave a comment below! And if you’re looking for cheapo tips, here are 50 budget travel tips for Germany.

The post Heidelberg, Germany: Simple ways to save on your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, snow hounds on a budget, shouldn’t despair. Europe still has many great destinations where you can speed down snow-covered mountains at lower prices. We’ve gathered our top five spots for budget skiing in Europe, located in five different countries. We’re here to help you plan your next European ski trip, the cheapo way!

Top 5 destinations for budget skiing in Europe

1. Bansko, Bulgaria

Located about 100 miles from Sofia’s airport, Bansko has the longest ski season in Bulgaria, with snow-covered slopes from mid-December to mid-May. The town is nestled at the foot of the scenic Pirin Mountains and features a quaint old town square with stone buildings mixed in with modern lodges and restaurants that have popped up in recent years.

The ski runs are located in two main areas: Chalin Valog (3,600 – 5,250 feet) and Shilgarnika (5,577 – 8,202 feet). Although it does offer one black ski run, this ski resort is more suitable for beginner or intermediate skiers. Snowboarders can try out new tricks at the Balkans’ first snow park, complete with a half-pipe for ripping up the flakes.

Hotels: Rates start as low as $30 for a double room in Bansko. Search for accommodations in Bansko.

2. Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

Slovenia’s best-known ski resort is located a mere four miles from the border of both Italy and Austria, but you can blaze down the slopes here for far less cash. Kranjska Gora, a narrow valley situated between the Julian Alps and the Karavanke, offers nearly 20 miles of ski slopes serviced by 16 ski lifts, as well as breathtaking alpine views.

This family-friendly ski resort has several slopes ranging from around 2,600 to 5,325 feet. Although most of the trails are geared towards the beginner or intermediate skier, the Podkoren trail is more demanding. In fact, some of the world’s best skiers compete on this run every year for the acclaimed Vitranc Cup in men’s slalom and giant slalom races.

Hotels in Kranjska Gora: Rates for four-star hotels start under $70 per night. Search over 250 hotels in Kranjska Gora.

Riding the lift up the trails of Livigno, Italy with the village in the background. Photo: Peter

3. Livigno, Italy

Because of its remote location high up in the mountains of northern Italy, Livigno ski resort is known to locals as “Piccollo Tibet” (Little Tibet). Located near the Swiss border, Livigno makes an excellent alternative for skiers on a budget. Not only are the prices far less than their Swiss neighbors, this area, known as the Spol Valley, also enjoys a duty-free status. This means you can hit the slopes, then shop ‘til you drop, before partaking in a little lively après ski party time. Most suited to intermediate skiers, Livigno does have a handful of black runs as well as a snow park.

Hotels: The village of Livigno is comprised of three original villages that have merged to create a resort town that runs about 2.5 miles long. When choosing accommodation, make sure you have easy access to the ski lift and amenities. Although the village does offer a free ski bus service, the service doesn’t run regularly and stops fairly early in the evening. Search over 500 hotels in Livigno.

Skiing down into the valley at Brauneck Bergbahn. Photo: Sebastian W.

4. Brauneck Bergbahn, Germany

Located just over an hour south of Munich, the ski area on Brauneck Mountain has a lot to offer skiers of all ages and abilities. A family-friendly ski resort, Brauneck has everything from children’s areas with ski schools to cross-country ski trails and World Cup ski runs.

The town of Lenggries has a storybook charm. You’ll find plenty of guesthouses off country roads that serve up local Bavarian cuisine and beer at a nice price. If you want to add some sightseeing to your ski vacation, great sights and cities such as Munich, Salzburg, Oberammergau, Germany’s Romantic Road, and Neuschwanstein are all an easy drive an hour or less away.

Hotels: Find rooms for $100 and up in Lenggries.

Skiers getting ready to hit the slopes of Zakopane. Photo: MoFA

5. Zakopane, Poland

Zakopane is a ski resort nestled in the Tatra mountains, about two hours south of Krakow. An airport transfer bus from both Krakow and Katowice is possible, with prices ranging from $90 for 1 to 3 people. Most lifts in the area offer a pay-as-you-go rate. For beginners, this means lower prices than the more common day pass at other resorts, and more advanced skiers hankering to hit the slopes hard will still pay less than they would at pricier resorts in Western Europe.

Zakopane also boasts plenty of cheap eats and bargain drinks, so be sure and chow down on some pierogi washed down with a Polish Zywiec beer after your day of snowy fun. Check out our guide to Zakopane, Poland’s premier mountain resort.

Hotels in Zakopane: Rooms can be found for $50 and under per night. Search over 1,000 hotels in Zakopane.

Do you have a favorite ski slope that won’t break the bank? Let us know in the comments!

The post 5 Affordable Ski Villages in Europe: The best budget-friendly slopes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Compared to other major European cities, Berlin is also very affordable (at least for now). Like many visitors that came before, you may find yourself smitten and end up staying here far longer than you planned.

Related: 12 Easy ways to save on a trip to Berlin

But when you arrive in Germany’s capital, make sure and avoid the following rookie mistakes. Both your wallet and reputation as a cool, Berlin-worthy traveler will thank you for it.

Berlin mistakes to avoid on your first trip

1. Only focusing on sights, not neighborhoods

Don’t get us wrong. Brandenburg Gate is lovely, Museum Island is picturesque and remnants of the Berlin Wall are both fascinating and historically important. See our guide about saving at Berlin’s top 10 attractions for more information.

Still, what makes Berlin “Berlin” are its incredibly diverse neighborhoods.

Hip yet gritty Neukölln, liberal and multicultural Kreuzberg, old-school West Berlin glamour in Charlottenburg, slick, design-minded Mitte and Prenzlauerberg — this is what makes Berlin truly unique. A stroll down these neighborhood streets is a must for any visitor.

Berlin is also incredibly spread out geographically. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not go even further off the beaten path and check out Soviet-style architecture in Lichtenberg or Marzahn or the posh villas in Zehlendorf or Wannsee. The possibilities are truly endless.

Those euro coins will come in handy in Berlin. Many businesses only take cash. Photo: dskley

2. Not having enough cash on hand

Most restaurants and cafes still don’t accept credit cards. The same goes for many smaller shops and all street markets. Because of this, it’s important to always make sure you have enough cash on hand or ask if they accept cards before you order.

Related: 7 Ways to make your travel dollar ever stronger abroad

And speaking of cash… be sure to also keep an eye on your wallet in touristy areas or when riding the U-Bahn. Like any major city, you should always watch out for pickpockets.

Tipping your friendly Berlin waiter is not required no matter how big the beers are. Photo: stawarz

3. Tipping American style

In Berlin, tipping is seen as an extra “danke”( “thank you”) for attentive, friendly service. If the service was lousy (sadly, this can often be the case in Berlin) it’s perfectly acceptable not to tip. Otherwise, you should always tip a maximum of 10%.

Most people just round up the bill. For example, if the bill was €4.30, you would give the waiter a five and tell them “stimmt so,” which translates loosely as “keep the change.” To prove you’re not an absolute greenhorn, be sure you always personally hand the tip to the waiter when paying the bill; it’s not customary to just leave it on the table.

4. Not checking out the green or the blue

Berlin is one of Europe’s greenest cities. The many parks are the best place to see locals at play. You’ll find parks in every neighborhood in many different shapes and sizes. Some examples of big parks are Tiergarten and Volkspark Friedrichshain and some which are “klein aber fein” (small but nice) are Körnerpark and Viktoria-Luise Platz.

Berlin also has a lot of water: with two major rivers and a system of canals, it actually has more bridges than Venice. Be sure and take a stroll along one of the many shores or a dip in a lake during the summer, both popular pastimes for many Berliners. Schlachtensee, Krumme Lanke and Strandbad Wannsee are all easy to reach by public transportation.

Related: Four great parks in Berlin for sunny weather

5. Only eating traditional German food

Don’t get us wrong, we love a good currywurst or schnitzel. Especially when paired with a few steins of local bier at a lovely beer garden.

But Berlin also has a thriving scene filled with affordable cuisine from around the world. To get a taste of what locals eat in modern Berlin, you need to expand your palate and dive into the local restaurant scene.

Related: Simple tips to save when dining out in Berlin

Keep the lederhosen at home and don’t mind the stares when you step on the subway. Photo: frosch50

6. Taking the gruffness and staring too personally

Berliners pride themselves on being direct and never beating around the bush. Unfortunately, this “directness” can sometimes seem more like aggressive rudeness: It’s not uncommon to see a grandma yelling at someone for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk or two strangers cussing each other out so strongly it would get them seriously beat up in many other parts of the world.

But true Berliners are an outspoken, thick-skinned bunch. They don’t mean such things personally and also don’t take them personally. If you run into such a Berliner Schnauze on your trip, it’s best to keep your cool and maybe give them a little bit of attitude back. A sarcastic comment goes a long way, and they’ll respect you more for it.

Eye contact is also more socially acceptable than it is in the US, so don’t be unnerved if you find people staring at you. Maybe they’re admiring your shirt, wondering where you got that ham sandwich or are simply bored and you just happen to be sitting across from them. Either way, it’s unlikely they’re judging you or think you’re the hottest thing around. It’s just normal to stare, so feel free to stare back.

7. Wearing your dirndl and lederhosen

Although many visitors assume all of Germany is yodeling like crazy at Oktoberfest and constantly donning dirndl and lederhosen, these are actually traditions from the region of Bavaria (in the south of the country). Wearing a dirndl in Berlin would be the same as decking out in full cowboy regalia in Chicago.

Keep that lovely floral dirndl in your suitcase for a trip to Munich. If you wear it in Berlin, you’ll out yourself as a clueless tourist and people will definitely laugh at you.

What was your first trip to Berlin like?

Share your experiences (both good and bad!) in the comments below.

The post Berlin: Avoid these 7 first-time tourist mistakes when visiting appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But perhaps this is the best symbol for the spirit of Warsaw, a modern city where the turbulent past is still visible, a city made up of a juxtaposition of architecture, from Soviet-era monoliths and rebuilt Gothic treasures to modern skyscrapers of glass and steel. Warsaw is certainly never boring.

It’s a city that keeps you on your toes and is a wonderfully cheap travel destination where your dollars will go a long way.

Related:
• More travel tips for Poland 
• A Budget guide to Krakow, Poland

A Budget travel guide to Warsaw, Poland

To help you get the most of your stay in Warsaw, as well as find even more ways to save, we’ve gathered together the following collection of budget tips.

Getting there

By plane

Warsaw’s main airport, Warszawa Lotnisko Chopina (Chopin Airport), is located about 16 miles south of the city center. From Chopin Airport, you can either take the subway system Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM) into town or ride on a regular train (Koleje Mazowieckie) to Warszawa Centralna, Warsaw’s main train station.

You can also hop a bus into the city, but this sometimes takes longer, especially during rush hour. Bus 175 will take you directly to the center of the city and Bus 148 and 188 go across the river to the neighborhoods of Praga, Grochów, and Goclaw. Some bus lines, particularly the 175, are known for pickpocketing, so keep a close eye on your belongings.

Savings tip: Although both train tickets are cheap (under $2), the red SKM ticket is slightly cheaper. A 20-minute ticket from Chopin Airport to Warszawa Centralna will put you back only 3.40 zloty, which is less than a dollar. Purchase tickets at the ZTM counter in the arrivals hall or onboard.

In 2013, Warsaw opened Modlin Airport to service budget airlines, which is farther away from the city. Although you can take an express bus into the city for 33 zloty/(about $9), a train ride is the cheaper option. But please note this will take you twice as long (around two hours as opposed to 45 minutes by bus.)

Arriving by train or bus

Although you can take the train to Warsaw from many locations within Europe, you’ll likely get the best bang for your buck by taking the bus. The best two companies to check out are PolskiBus, a Polish express coach operator, which also offers service from Modlin Airport, or Flixbus. Rates can vary and are usually cheapest if you book at least several weeks in advance.

By car

Another cheap, as well as social option, is car sharing. Check out BlaBlaCar and hitch a ride at a nice price with someone who’s headed for Warsaw.

Tip

To find the cheapest travel options to Warsaw, check out the website omio.com, where you can compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to any destination within Europe.

Getting around Warsaw

Warsaw can be explored easily by foot, but if you need a rest or plan to cover more ground than you feel like walking, the city luckily also has an extensive public transportation network, with trams, buses, a metro system, and trains which will get you basically any place you need to go.

Subway fare & fines

A single fare transfer ticket costs 3.40 zloty/1.70 zloty (for 20 minutes after validation), 4.40/2.20 zloty (for 75 minutes) or 7 zloty/3.50 zloty (for 90 minutes after validation). You can check the Warsaw subway website for more information (in English).

Be sure to validate your ticket immediately after (bus and tram) or before (metro) boarding the vehicle because ticket inspection happens often, and Polish ticket inspectors are known to delight in handing out hefty fines to clueless tourists who didn’t follow the procedure quite right. The same goes for time limits. Fines are high, even if you’re only a minute or two over, so make sure and keep an eye on the time!

A market set up in Old Town Square. Photo: Krzysztof D

Things to do in Warsaw

Warsaw has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing, and luckily a lot of it is free.

Old Town

Take a stroll through Warsaw’s Old Town and check out the colorful, painstakingly restored burgher houses around the Old Town Square (Rynek Starego Miasta).

Old Town is also home to many churches and cathedrals, including St. John the Baptist Cathedral ( ul. Swietojanska 8). Hailing from the 14th century, this cathedral was reduced to a pile of rubble during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and was later rebuilt in a pseudo-gothic style. Be sure to check out the crypts of several Mazovian knights and famous Poles as well as the fragments of Goliath, a German remote-controlled tank used during the war.

The Old Town is also home to the Royal Castle, where you can see artworks, paintings, and period furniture.

Museums and parks

Two great museums focusing on Warsaw’s (sometimes very grim history) are The Museum of the History of Polish Jews (admission: 25/15 zloty (around $4-7) and the Museum of Neon Lights (admission: 10/8 zloty, around $2-3) which exhibits Soviet-era signs.

Pack a picnic and get a bit of fresh air with locals and tourists alike at Lazienki Park, Warsaw’s largest park.

A must-see in Warsaw: The Palace of Culture and Science. Photo: Giuseppe Milo

Palace of Culture and Science

Last but not least, no visit to Warsaw is complete without a visit to the Palace of Culture and Science, Poland’s tallest building and one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe. At 778 feet tall, the building looks a bit like a stunted Empire State Building with a touch of Big Ben added in. Originally dedicated to Josef Stalin, many Poles resented the building, which they saw as a symbol of Soviet domination. However, the skyscraper has since become a symbol for Warsaw.

The best views

Although you’ll get a great view over the city from the viewing deck at the Palace of Culture and Science, it will cost you 20 zloty/$5.25, and will likely be crowded with tourists. Head instead to the Tower of St. Anne’s Church, which is a steal at 6/5 zloty, or Gdanski Bridge, a charming double-decker bridge with a (free view) of Warsaw’s skyline.

Tours

Don’t shell out the bucks for a bus tour, opt for a free walking tour instead. The free tours available include Communist Warsaw, Jewish Warsaw, Alternative Warsaw and Warsaw Street Art. Be sure to tip well!

Cheap eats and drink in Warsaw

Warsaw has a thriving culinary scene and a vibrant nightlife, and many bargains are to be had. If you want to save on dining in Warsaw, avoid most restaurants around Old Town, as they tend to be overpriced and touristy. For lunch, pick up something small at a bakery or a kielbasa from a street vendor.

Here are a couple of our favorites places to eat and drink for less in Warsaw:

Gosciniec
multiple locations

Classic pierogies and hearty Polish fare at a good price await at these restaurants where the staff dresses in traditional folk attire.

Beef‘n’Roll
Nowy Swiat 36

This popular food truck serves up burgers, fries, and beer.

Same Krafty
ul. Nowomiejska 10

The bar in Old Town is great for sipping Polish craft beers. They also have good pizza, burgers and some vegetarian options.

Manekin
ul. Marszalkowska 140

Trendy but still nicely priced, Manekin serves up Polish specialties as well as crepes and pancakes. This restaurant is popular, so you may have to wait for a table — but it’s worth it!

Vege Miasto
al. Solidarnosc 60A

Although traditional Polish food is definitely heavy on the meat, Warsaw also has many great offers for vegans and vegetarians, including this gem.

Miss Kimchi
ul. Zelazna 58/62

If you need a break from pierogi and bigos and like spicy Asian food, Miss Kimchi is the place for you.

Stay central with a room at Oki Doki Old Town Hostel.

Cheap hotels in Warsaw

You won’t have to worry about spending a fortune to sleep well in Warsaw. That said, as a more modern city with a number of business travelers (thanks to a booming economy), you do have to be careful about choosing the right place to stay. If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, hostels are an excellent option in the center of the city.

Search all hotels in Warsaw or check out a few of our favorite budget hotels in Warsaw:

Oki Doki Old Town Hostel
Private rooms from $44

Smack dab in the center of Old Town, Oki Doki is a fun place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Take a seat in the outdoor beer garden or make dinner in the fully-equipped communal kitchen.

Affordable hotel “splurges”!

For a bit of splurge,  you can stay in the center of the city at the 4-star Mercure Warszawa Grand (around $95 per night) with perks like free breakfast and sauna or the 3-star Hotel Metropol (around $80 per night), where all rooms have private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs.

Your Warsaw tips

Have you been to Warsaw? Tell us your best tips for visiting in the comments section below.

The post Poland: A Budget travel guide to Warsaw appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.