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.

The only city in Germany to have an American-style skyline, Frankfurt boasts Germany’s fifteen tallest skyscrapers. But don’t be fooled. Frankfurt is more than a mere stopover or a banker’s paradise. The city is well worth a visit on its own.

Budget travel guide to Frankfurt

To help you discover Frankfurt’s hidden highlights, we’ve gathered this budget guide together with travel tips as well as clever ways to save.

Getting there

By Plane

Because of its immense size, you can often find nicely priced international and domestic tickets to Frankfurt Airport. Search for flights to Frankfurt for the latest deals.

Once there, you can easily take the train or bus into the city center. Hop on the Bus 58, 61, 62, 72, or 77 and buy your ticket directly from the bus driver. Tickets cost €4.35 and the trip takes about 30 minutes. If you’d prefer to take the train, catch the S8 or S9. The train costs a little more (€4.65) and takes ten minutes longer than the bus. Purchase your ticket from a ticket machine and make sure to stamp it before boarding, otherwise, you’re risking a €50 fine if you’re caught by a ticket controller.

By Train

You can also easily reach Frankfurt by train from anywhere in Germany or Europe. The largest train station is Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station), which is located near the city center. If you choose this option, make sure you book a ticket to Frankfurt (Main) or Frankfurt am Main. This is the city’s official name and means “Frankfurt on the Main River,” which is an important distinction because Germany also has a city called Frankfurt Oder (Frankfurt on the Oder River) located in the former East.

Related: 4 Easy ways to save on train travel in Germany

By Bus

Taking the bus to Frankfurt is usually the cheaper but much slower option — bus travel can take as much as twice as long compared to the train. If you’re not in a rush, check out prices with economy bus companies like Flixbus or Eurolines.

Related: Riding the budget bus lines in Germany

Tips on how to save on travel:

Train and bus tickets are more expensive the closer you book to your travel date, so make sure you buy the tickets as far in advance as possible. Airfare is most expensive during the summer holidays, so try to travel offseason if you can.

Getting around town

With buses, trains, and trams to choose from, Frankfurt has an extensive public transportation system. Local transportation is run by Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV), which also offers service to nearby cities, like Wiesbaden, Duisburg, and Darmstadt. For travel within Frankfurt, press the red button marked “Stadtgebiet Frankfurt” (city area Frankfurt) on the ticket machines. Single fare tickets (Einzelfahrt) within Frankfurt cost €2.75 for adults and €1.55 for children. If you plan on using public transportation several times, then you may want to opt for a day ticket (Tageskarte), which costs €5.35 for adults, €3 for children, or €11.30 for a group of up to 5 people. Prices for outer lying areas and cities vary depending on the zone.

Another option is exploring Frankfurt by bike. Both Deutsche Bahn and companies like Next Bike offer bike rentals at a low fee all over the city. Simply download the app or find a bike at one of the docking stations, and you’ll be biking down the city streets before you know it.

Of course, the cheapest transportation is your own two feet. Luckily, Frankfurt is a relatively small city, so unless you plan to explore outside the city center or want to rest a little, you can easily walk just about anywhere you want to go.

For something different from the typical business hotel, stay at Hotel am Berg.

Budget hotels in Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s focus on business and banking is both a blessing and a curse when trying to find a place to stay. There are plenty of hotel rooms in Frankfurt thanks to all of the people traveling for work, but the majority of them are corporate-style accommodations with either a high price tag or little character. Read through our Frankfurt neighborhood guide to find out which location is best for you.

At EuroCheapo, we try to find locally owned places that keep prices in check. For plush rooms next to the train station, Hotel Europa Style is a good choice for budget travelers. For something with a little more charm, check into Hotel am Berg where each room has its own eccentric style and a private bathroom. If you want to tap into the young energy of Frankfurt, Five Elements Hostel is a good place to start with private rooms starting under $100. Browse through our catalog of affordable hotels in Frankfurt.

More Frankfurt hotel advice:
• Frankfurt hotels with rooms under $100 per night
• Search hostels with dorms and private rooms in Frankfurt
• Best hotel values in Frankfurt

Tip: Also check the calendar before you book because if you decide to visit during one of the huge trade shows (like the Frankfurt Book Fair), prices will be through the roof.

Free and cheap things to do in Frankfurt

Like many German cities, Frankfurt was largely destroyed in the Second World War. However, Frankfurt’s Altstadt (old town) has since been lovingly restored. Take a stroll around Römerberg Platz (Römerberg Square) where you’ll see both the Rathaus (city hall) and many Medieval style buildings. Across the Main River, you’ll find Sachsenhausen, a great district with lots of shops and restaurants as well as Frankfurt’s claim to fame, Äppelwoi Kneipen (traditional cider taverns).

Römerberg Platz makes a fun place to explore in Frankfurt. Photo: Dan

Churches

Frankfurt has several beautiful churches, like the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (Domplatz 1), which boasts a gruesome relic: pieces of St. Bartholomew’s skull. On Römerberg Platz, you’ll also find the Alte Nikolaikirche, a late Gothic era Protestant church. St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche) on Paulsplatz was a protestant church that played a significant role in German history. In 1848, the National Assembly met here and where they worked on and drafted a united Germany’s first constitution. Church services are no longer held at St. Paul’s. Instead, the building is used as a venue for various events, the most famous being the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, which is awarded annually at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Museums

And don’t forget about Frankfurt’s most famous son, the eighteenth German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The house where he was born is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The Frankfurter Goethe-Museum is located at Großer Hirschgraben 23-25. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm. Admission price: adults, €7, students, €3, children 6 and under free.

If you’re a museum person, then head over to the Museumsufer (Museum Riverbank) on Schaumainkai. The Museumsufer is home to fourteen museums, including the impressive Städel Museum, one of Germany’s most important art museums, with works by the likes of Botticelli, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Gerhard Richter. Additional museums in the area include the Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum), the Museum der Weltkunde (Ethnological Museum), and the Historisches Museum (Frankfurt History Museum). Even if you’re not a culture hound, the Schaumainkai is still worth a stroll. If you’re in town on a Saturday, be sure to come by the street and check out Frankfurt’s largest flea market.

Christmas Market

If you enjoy the holiday markets in Europe, Frankfurt has one of the best. The Frankfurt Christmas Market has a long history dating all the way back to 1393!

Eating and drinking on a budget

When in Frankfurt, a meal in an inexpensive Äppelwoi Kneipe is simply a must. Unique to Frankfurt, these cider taverns serve up your average German pub fare, heavy on the meat and potatoes, with several Hessen specialties, like Handkäse, a type of soft cheese often served with onions and cumin, Äpfelwein (alcoholic cider), and Frankfurt’s beloved Grüne Soße (green sauce), a creamy sauce made with seven different herbs. The cider is a little sour side, but you can also order is süß gespritzt (sweetened with a little orange Fanta) or opt for one of the many beers the taverns have on tap if cider isn’t really your thing.

We picked a few of our favorite Äppelwoi Kneipen:

Gaststätte Atschel
Wallstraße 7

Äpfelwein Wagner
Schweizerstrasse 71

Äpfelwein Dax
Willemerstraße 11

Another Frankfurt institution is the Frankfurt Kleinmarkthalle. This popular market hall first opened its doors in the late 19th century and is a great place for a cheap lunch or tasty snack. The Kleinmarkthalle is located at Hasengasse 5-7 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm. Closed on Sundays and holidays.

If you’re more in the mood for pizza, check out Pizzeria 7 Bello (Niddastraße 82).

Gute Stute (Kölner Straße 42) is a funky dive bar a little off the beaten path. The name translates as the “good mare,” and the bar comes complete with a life-size stuffed horse and wagon wheel décor.

You can also hop into a Lidl or Aldi discount supermarket for snacks and picnic food.

Tip: Try to avoid the bars and restaurants located directly on Römerplatz or other places in the old town because they’re likely to be touristy and pricier than locations in regular neighborhoods.

The Frankfurt Book Fair draws thousands of people from around the world. Photo: actua

Additional ways to save

Held in the fall, the Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest trade fair for books in the world. Prices for hotels go up in price and fill up quickly, so try to avoid the city at this time unless you are specifically interested in visiting the fair.

If you plan to use public transportation a fair amount and visit a lot of museums on your trip, you may want to consider picking up the Frankfurt Card. This card gets you free public transportation, including to and from the airport, and up to 50% discount on many museums in the city as well as several other perks. You can purchase either an individual 1-day ticket (€10.50) or a 2-day ticket (€15.50) or a group ticket for up to five people (1-day ticket, €22; 2-day ticket €32).

More tips for Germany:
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Germany
• A 10-Day itinerary through Germany on a budget

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

Although Frankfurt is Europe’s largest financial center and attracts business travelers with mighty expense accounts, the city can be surprisingly affordable to budget-conscious travelers. EuroCheapo’s new Frankfurt section includes recommendations for 31 affordable places to stay in central Frankfurt, from 1-star to 3-star hotels, with a couple of youth hostels thrown in for good measure.

Playing with German aesthetics at the Hotel am Berg

Fun options

Among the hotels in Frankfurt that we recommend are some fun and unusual options.

For example, the Hotel am Berg is a two-star “eccentric” pension situated in an old-world villa, where each room is decorated in a style that represents a different period in German aesthetics. Rooms have the look of the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s–replete with period wallpaper and furnishings. According to the receptionist our reviewer spoke to, “Every room is special.” Indeed they are!

Best of all, room rates are very affordable, running about €100 for a double with private bath. (Some very Cheapo singles with shared bath are available for a deliciously cheap €32!)

You know what to expect at the Ibis.

Surprise-free options

For those looking for a more “standard” experience, Frankfurt has no shortage of surprise-free hotels that offer clean rooms and efficient, professional service. One such option is the Hotel Ibis Centrum, situated a 10-minute walk from the main train station near the lovely waterfront.

The Ibis Hotel chain, which our reviewer referred to as the “Starbucks of European business hotels,” does a great job of providing affordable two-star accommodation that is perfectly nice, if unwaveringly standardized. Rooms, equipped with air conditioning, TV, telephone and private bath, run about €79-100 for a double.

Trendy, simple rooms at the Five Elements Hostel

Super cheap options

If you’re not hostile to the hostel option, we’ve got a few suggestions for you, as well. Take the Five Elements Hostel, located in the Red Light District very near the front door of the train station.

The Five Elements offers a whopping 188 beds in cheapo-friendly dorms (€18-39), singles with shared bath (€26-64) and doubles with private bath (€36-74). Aside from the bare basic guestrooms, the hostel offers a trendy “rec” room and lounge, guest kitchen, organized events and even a nightly pasta meal (served at a very cheapo-friendly price).

More options

For many more sleeping options, check out our new guide to budget hotels in Frankfurt. Also, make sure to swing by our city guide to read articles about getting around Frankfurt (including Metro, bus and tram info), getting in from the airport and Frankfurt budget tips (including information on popular museums, ticket prices and discounts).

Special thanks to C. H. Kwak, our contributing editor who visited and inspected these (and many more) hotels in Frankfurt to find the best affordable options.

The post EuroCheapo Launches a Guide to Hotels in Frankfurt appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.