There’s a lot to discover during 48 hours in Hamburg—let’s get to it!

Saturday

9:00 AM: Hamburg’s most popular attraction

Beat the crowds by showing up early at Miniatur Wunderland, the model railway display to end all model railway displays. This  incredibly detailed model world is the city’s most visited spot, and attracts over 1 million people a year. Plan at least two hours to take in all the intricate details in this magical attraction. (For much more about this, including a video, check out our previous post on the wonders of Miniatur Wunderland.)

11:00 AM: Quick tour of the warehouse district

Meander over the bridges and through the alleyways of the Speicherstadt, the brick waterfront warehouse district where Miniatur Wunderland is located. These modest facades now store the world’s largest selection of Persian-style carpets, as rug dealers fleeing Afghanistan with their inventories in the wake of recent wars have joined the Iranians long resident here.

11:30 AM: Strolling through Deichstrasse & Michel

Cross back over to the city and stroll through the Deichstrasse on your way to the Michel (also known as St. Michael’s Church), which has become one of the symbols of Hamburg. The Deichstrasse is Hamburg’s oldest street; its half-timbered houses are the only ones that survived the fire of 1842, which broke out at its northern end.

12:00 PM: Concert and a view from the church tower

The Michel holds a short prayer service, followed by an organ concert, daily at noon. Entrance to the gorgeous yet understated church is free, but you’ll want to pay for a ticket to climb the Michel’s tower (€4) to get the best views over the entire city. Because the tower also has an elevator, this is a fantastic option for those with limited mobility or traveling with children.

1:30 PM: Lunch in Schanze & Karo

Walk along the Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse and Millerntordamm until you reach U3-St. Pauli. From here, you can catch the subway two stops northward to Sternschanze, where you can grab lunch at your restaurant or cafe of choice in the unique Schanze- and Karovierteln. Not sure where to go? You can check out recommendations for the area here.

Note: If you’re inspired by the picks in that article and would like to do some shopping in these neighborhoods, note that Saturday is the only day to do so, as stores in Germany are generally closed Sundays. The area’s many unique shops offer a full afternoon’s worth of happy perusing, as well as plenty of cafes to grab a seat for relaxing and soaking up the neighborhood. It’s easy to tack on the following ferry ride at the end of your shopping, or, if you prefer, to your Sunday afternoon.

3:00 PM: Ride a ferry across the Elbe

Head down to Landungsbrücken and hop on the Cheapo harbor cruise (okay, it’s a ferry) plying the Elbe River to Finkenwerder and back (#62, departures every 15 minutes). The city’s ferries are the same price as a regular public transportation ticket; if you’re getting around town with a day ticket or HamburgCard, you ride for free. Plan at least one hour for your round-trip ride.

3:45 PM: Cafe break along the harbor

Depart the ferry at Neumühlen/Övelgönne for an afternoon refreshment break. Exit the ferry platform area and walk westward toward the sand beach. Take off your shoes and keep strolling westward on the beach; you’ll eventually reach the classic Strandperle beach cafe, an excellent spot to enjoy a beer or coffee while soaking up the sun and some of the best atmosphere Hamburg’s harbor has to offer.

4:45 PM: Back to Landungsbrücken before a night on the town

Pick up the ferry again and head back to Landungsbrücken. From here it’s a quick hop on the S-Bahn to Altona train station, where you can pick up picnic ingredients at Lidl (the discount grocery store) and start our Cheapo’s night out in Hamburg itinerary! This plan guides you through some of the best and most affordable of Hamburg’s night life, with options for both early birds and night owls.

Sunday

Breakfast at the Fischmarkt

The morning begins with breakfast at the Fischmarkt, either 5:00 AM for true night owls or 8:00 AM for the early birds (although the earlier you can plan to be here, the more fun you’ll have at the Fischmarkt). Night owls will want to head back to their hotel and sleep it off—they can simply push the following itinerary back as necessary.

The dramatic Dockland building has a rooftop terrace open to the public. Tobias Mandt

9:00 AM: Climb up a rooftop terrace for free

From the Fischmarkt, take the ferry one stop westward to Dockland/Fischereihafen. Climb the outdoor steps of the ship-shaped Dockland office building for a fantastic (and free!) view of Hamburg’s harbor from the building’s modern rooftop terrace. 

9:30 AM: Fun boat trip

Catch the ferry back to Landungsbrücken, then take the S-Bahn eastward to Jungfernstieg. From here, you can hop on the Alster boat trip of your choice: the Alsterkreuzfahrt (€12, departs quarter past every hour, 2-hour round trip) and Alsterrundfahrt (€14.50, departs every half hour, 1-hour round trip – limited service also in winter) are crowd pleasers, aren’t too long and are relatively inexpensive. With the former, it’s possible to disembark 1-2 stops before arriving at Jungfernstieg, if you’d like to enjoy a stroll along the Alster shoreline.

11:15 AM: Explore city hall

Make your way to Hamburg’s Rathaus (city hall), an impressive neo-renaissance structure finished just before the turn of the 20th century. In order to see the highlights of the interior, you’ll need to join an English-language tour, offered at a quarter past every hour (between 10 AM and 4 PM Sundays) for just €4.

12:00 PM: Meal break in Sternschanze

From the U3-Rathaus station, catch the subway to Sternschanze for brunch or lunch. Early birds or night owls who didn’t make it there the night before might head to Erikas Eck for gigantic portions of German classics (not the best option for vegetarians).

1:30 PM: Relax in a botanical garden or museum

Spend the afternoon lost in Hamburg’s lovely Planten un Blomen park. There are numerous gardens to explore, a free “old” botanical garden (open Sundays from 10 AM to 5:45 PM in summer, 3:45 PM in winter), water-spray games that are fun for kids and adults alike, regular concerts and events (check the schedule here), and even surprises like a radio-controlled boat rally! If you missed it on Saturday, catch the water organ concert at 2, 4 or 6 PM.

If the weather’s bad, a trip to one of Hamburg’s many excellent museums might be in order. You can find a basic list (in German) of all current exhibitions on in the city here. Further information in English can be found on each museum’s website.

Final bite before heading home

Before catching your train onward or to the airport, stop by Lades, just a short walk from Hamburg’s main train station, for some of Hamburg’s best Döner Kebap (under €4) or rotisserie chicken and sides (under €6) and many varieties of tea on offer for just €1. If you’re spending the evening, try the Flammkuchen at Jimmy Elsass (open from 6 PM Sundays).

The post Weekend in Hamburg: A budget-friendly itinerary appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s our quick guide to introducing yourself to Amsterdam — without paying too much for the experience!

Friday night

Get saucy

You’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal station with just enough time to check in and have a night out. Do not take the taxi to your hotel unless you’re ready to spend €20 on the ride. At €2.75 for a one-hour ticket, trams are a better option in general for Amsterdam transit.

Note: If you haven’t yet found a place to stay in the city, swing by our guide to central budget hotels in Amsterdam. We’ve inspected, reviewed and chosen our favorite hotels that are all within walking distance of the sights mentioned in this itinerary. (Read more in our Amsterdam guide.)

Amsterdam’s Red Light District at dusk. Photo: Qiou87

Amsterdam Friday nights as a first timer basically demands a visit to the Red Light District. Take in all the eye candy by wandering through the oldest part of the city. Aim for streets like “Oudezijds Voorburgwal” and “Oudezijds Achterburgwal,” and all the alleyways in between. The Red Light District is safe and secure, more of an attraction than seedy streets. (Still, here’s a quick guide to scams to avoid when visiting.)

Enjoy a night cap at one of the many old sailor Dutch “brown cafes” off Nieuwmarkt or Zeedijk, the oldest street in the city. I’d recommend a micro brew at De Prael, a local brewery where each beer is named after a late great Dutch celebrity. A midnight stroll through the romantic Jordaan canal district is a top-notch way to end a first night out (for free!).

NOTE: For cannabis smokers, try to refrain from coffeeshops in the Red Light District. They’re all over priced and geared towards the uneducated pot smoker. Save your “down time” for later in the visit when you’ve got all the “must sees” checked off the list. (Coffee confusion? Read our article on the difference between coffeeshops and cafes.)

Pedal off on a bike tour. Photo: Hans S

Saturday

Bike it, and build around one idea

The best way to see Amsterdam is by bike, so rent one at least for a day. These bikes are easy going, fun and simple to use. Even the less-coordinated pedal pushers will love it. The streets were made for biking here. It’s healthy, it’s safe, and it beats being dragged around in a tram all day. Get to know the local bike safety rules, and pedal off!

For a daily dose of history, go for a guided bike tour. There are many to choose at competitive prices (€15 to €25 for a few hours).

If you do decide to ditch the bike idea, at least check out a walking tour. Tours are great for wrapping your head around new cultures and getting your bearings in a new city. Check out New Amsterdam Free Tours for stellar guides working on a tips only basis (tours at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm daily from Dam Square).

By afternoon you’ve seen the city life, and it’s time to step indoors. You can’t see the Anne Frank Huis, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt Huis and Heineken Experience all in one day. So pick one that tickles your fancy most, and build your afternoon around it.

Anne Frank and free activities in the Jordaan

Since we’re strapped for time and in a Cheapo frame of mind, let’s say your pick is Anne Frank House, located on Prinsengracht just next to the magnificent Westerkerk (West Church). Don’t go right in the middle of the day, as it will be far too crowded. Instead, first spend some time walking down the canal towards Noorderkerk (North Church).

Between these two churches are a plethora of (free) pit stops. The Cheese Museum has an endless supply of free samples fresh from the farms. Next door, the Tulip Museum is an adorably quaint look-see of everything tulip.

Another block down is the Go Gallery, a fun and creative look at the city’s latest urban artists. And music and photography lovers will dig the Rock Archive’s collection of stunning black and white posters of rock legends.

Coffee breaks on the canal are best on the P96 café boat, but authentic and cozy brown cafes dot the Prinsengracht with charm and character. By the time you’ve arrived at Noorderkerk you’ll be in the thick of Saturday’s organic food market. Look for fresh oysters, baked goods, exotic herbs and pressed juices. It’s also a good spot for trinkets and postcards.

When it’s time to hit the Anne Frank Huis, make sure you buy your Anne Frank House tickets online. It’s the only way to get in now.  Here are some more time-saving tips for visiting Amsterdam.)

Give yourself at least an hour inside to get the full experience of this incredible and emotional piece of important history.

Cheap music and drinks at Mulligans Irish Bar. Photo: Illustir

Free music for the night out

Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are the hotspots for going out at night. This is when your wallet can run amok, so keep it cheap by finding quick eats. Places like Wok 2 Walk for Asian food, Maoz Falafel, and pizza joints are everywhere. Choose these over burgers and fries for a healthy meal, satisfying for both your tummy and wallet. (Read more about cheap eats in Amsterdam.)

Get a taste of nightlife on the cheap by checking out live music spots. Mulligan’s Irish bar has nightly live music at Rembrandtplein, but my pick is Jazz Café Alto at Leidseplein. It’s exciting, energetic, small and intimate; well worth the €5 for a Saturday night.

Other places like Bourbon Street Blues (€5) and the Last Waterhole (€1) keep the party going with live tunes until 4 am! But if relaxing is your forte, a brown bar on Nieuwmarkt can dish out a cold Heineken as you people watch from one of the many outdoor terraces overlooking the square.

Sunday

Wrap up with a canal cruise, coffeeshop, and cultural cuisine

It’s your last day in Amsterdam, and you’re exhausted from a busy Saturday. Take it easy this morning by opting for a lazy canal cruise (€12 to €16+) to float you around the center. Boat tours really give visitors a chance to step back and marvel at the funny facades of Amsterdam’s buildings. And it’s a way to be active while giving your body a rest!

Lunchtime is the best time to dine out on the cheap, menus offer lower prices and restaurants aren’t as busy. Thai Bird on Zeedijk has excellent lunch deals, while Burgermeester spots are great for healthy, hearty burgers. Outdoor markets like Albert Cuypmarkt, and Albert Heijn grocery stores have many options to go, and all-you-can-eat sushi is best at Sumo on Leidseplein and Vijzelstraat.

Or you could grabs a coffee or tea and experience one of Amsterdam’s fine “coffeeshops.” Stay out of the Red Light District or pay too much for bad quality. If you’re looking for the classic setting and decent cannabis, you’ll love places like De Dampkring. The more experienced smokers will want to try Grey Area. Whatever you decide, be responsible, and never mix cannabis with alcohol.

Early dinner?

Café Klos on Kerkstraat has the best ribs in town with a cozy brown bar ambiance. Not far is Café de Zotte, a Belgian beer bar that locals love for their selection and steak. Be ready to pay about €20 for a plate, but it will always include a salad and frites!

Those curious about Dutch cuisine should try stamppot at Moeders, down the Rozengracht West from Westerkerk. Crazy for pancakes? I’d say the Pancake Bakery on the Prinsengracht has the best setting and selection (although I recommend two additional pancake joints here). And spice lovers who want to turn up the heat can find Indonesian, Thai and Chinese dishes along Zeedijk, Amsterdam’s Chinatown. Dishes at these spots can range from €10 up.

Come back!

End your weekend with a bird’s eye view of the city from OBA, the free public library just by Amsterdam Centraal station. Soak it in, grab your bags, and hop on the train. We’ll see you again!

The post Weekend in Amsterdam: The perfect first trip for budget travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Friday AM: Boats and beaches of the Elbe River

Cheap boat rides can be found along the Elbe River areas of Altona, Elbstrasse, and Landungsbrücken. They cost as much as a bus ride (about €1.60) and stop at many ideal places for eating, drinking, and sunning on the sandy beaches around the Elbe River. The Alster lake area is another option for organized boat tours.

Friday PM: Watching the St. Pauli Football Team

Snag tickets to one of the most raw, gritty, and hardcore soccer teams in Europe, the St. Pauli Football Team. St. Pauli has it all: a loyal fan base who love to party, sponsors like Hamburg’s signature Astra beer, and a skull-and-crossbones logo. It’s the “Harley Davidson” of European football.

Tickets range from €7-50. Check here for more information. The stadium is located near Feldstrasse, an area rich in World War II monuments, vintage shops, and a Saturday yard sale market.

Saturday AM:  Walking through Sternschanze

Stroll along the hip and bohemian Sternschanze neighborhood for a taste of Hamburg’s café terrace vibe and culture. Streets are lined with interesting boutiques, cheap eats, and bargain bars with a classic décor. A large park, the Planten un Blomen, is nearby – grab an ice cream and do some people-watching in the sun.

Saturday PM: Partying on Reeperbahn

Spend a night out on the Reeperbahn – Hamburg’s main party strip. See the blend of sailor roughness mix with trendy locals at the bars, music venues, clubs, and wurst stands. Beatle-maniacs should try out the nightlife around Grosse Freiheit, the street where the four “mop tops” made their European debut on stage and at parties.

Sunday AM: Stroll through the fish market

A Sunday morning in Hamburg is incomplete without a trip to the lively and exciting Fischmarkt. Located directly on the harbor from Reeperbahn S-bahn station, stroll around the dozens of seafood and produce stands. The market is action-packed with amusing characters and partygoers still out from Saturday night. Stop by anytime between 5 AM to noon.

Sunday PM: Historic Hamburg and the harbor

Spend the rest of Sunday walking along the Elbe River and surrounding harbor. Old harbor vessels permanently dock along the walkway as museums and cafés, and the surrounding area is a historic part of Hamburg undamaged from World War II.

The post Hamburg: A cheap weekend to-do list appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.