How do I save money on my trip to Germany?

Overall, Germany is not an expensive country to visit. Yes, river cruises are expensive. There’s plenty of high-end cuisine throughout the country. Frankfurt, the capital of finance, will cost you a pretty penny too. But those are exceptions to the rule. If you’re looking to save a few euros, here are some tips for saving money in Germany:

Eat at the street vendors. Throughout Germany, you’ll find cheap outdoor sausage vendors. These quick eats will only cost you a couple of euros.

Eat cheap ethnic food. Some of the best and cheapest food in Germany is the Turkish and Middle Eastern food. You can get a lot of meals for under 5 EUR. It’s delicious, filling, and cheap.

Take the free tours. The bigger cities in Germany have free walking tours. They are a good way to see the city, learn about the history, and get your bearings without spending money. Sandeman’s has some of the best free walking tours. Just make sure to tip your guide! A tip of 5-10 EUR per person is usually enough

Book your train early. Trains in Germany are expensive but you can get a saver ticket that is around 40-50% off the standard fare if you book at least a week in advance. These tickets have limited availability, so be flexible with your travel plans.

Rideshare. If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). You save money and get to spend time with locals. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible).

Couchsurf. While accommodation in Germany is pretty cheap, if you want to get some local insight into the country, you should Couchsurf. Not only will you save money on accommodation but you’ll meet locals who can help get you off the tourist trail and show you around!

Recycle. Most tin cans and glass bottles you buy in Germany are recyclable and you’ll get some money for handing them to a Pfandautomat at a local supermarket.

Avoid major holidays. German holidays are of course fun but if your goal is to save money, think twice before going to Munich during Oktoberfest. The accommodations prices significantly rise during that period and even beer prices can be upped too.

Head to the market. Flea markets in Germany are an interesting place to explore, you’ll probably be able to find some things to bring back home as a souvenir. Farmer’s markets on Sundays are also great – the prices are often cheaper and regular supermarkets and malls are closed on Sundays anyway.