7 Days in Germany Under $1,200

For those on a limited budget but want to plan a trip to Europe, Germany in March is a great option.

Embarking on a journey through Germany is a venture into a country where history intersects with modernity, and landscapes shift from picturesque alpine villages to bustling metropolises. From the heart of Bavaria in Munich, where the scent of traditional pretzels wafts through the air, to the medieval charm of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of yesteryears, Germany offers a mix experiences. The best part is it can be done on a limited budget.

Price per person based on 2 people can be as cheap as $1,200, but to splurge on a nicer hotels the cost comes in around $1,600 per person (includes roundtrip airfare, hotels, and transportation). The For those on an even tighter budget, there are plenty of cheaper hotels and hostels. I have stayed in plenty of hostels and they provide you a central place to stay at usually half the price. See below for recommendations for each budget.

Note: All pricing is accurate at date of post, but is subject to change as hotels/airlines frequently update pricing. Pricing is usually accurate for 24-72 hours, may be longer especially for hotels.

What to do in the Germany

Germany is a large country and full of cute towns and beautiful green hills all throughout the countryside. Below is my recommended itinerary for your first trip to Germany. You can absolutely move at a faster pace and spend only 2 nights in Munich or one in Nurenberg, but I enjoy spending more time in cities to really get to experience more than just the main tourist sites/areas.

Day 1 - Fly into Munich
Day 2 - Munich
Day 3- Munich (Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or Stay in Fussen)
Day 4 - Head to Nuremberg
Day 5 - Nuremberg
Day 6 - Spend the night in Gothenburg
Day 7 - Head to Munich and fly home

My top recommendations for Central/Southern Germany are are:

Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Tour- While visiting southern Germany a must visit is Neuschwanstein Castle, if you are renting a car you can go independently but it is also great to take a guided day trip to get all of the history.
Visit the local beer halls in Munich. If you are a beer lover (even if you are not), another top thing to do is visit the beer halls. This 3 hour tour of the beer halls is an interesting and fun way to explore this German tradition.
Taking a food tour is always a top recommendation, no matter the country
Take a walking tour, I love history and highly recommend this Third Reich & WWII Tour Walking Tour

Flight from Chicago to Munich

There are a number of affordable flight options to Munich in May. One of the cheapest options is from March 5th - March 11th on Delta and KLM. The cost is under $520 per person (currently $597 for basic economy and $767 for main cabin).

Hotel Recommendations

The hotels below are my recommendation in the three cities in Germany.

MUNICH

King's Hotel Center: Located in downtown Munich, close to the train station, this 3 star hotel offers a lot for your money. It has a very classical interior, with Free WiFi, air conditioning and a four-poster bed in every room.
Cost: From $122/night in March

Hotel Deutsche Eiche: In an optimal location in the centre of Munich, less than 700 feet from the Viktualienmarkt, tradition unites with modern times at the restaurant, hotel, and bathhouse and cordially welcomes you. You can reach the trendy Glockenbach district with its countless possibilities for going out, the Marienplatz, and the banks of the Isar River with just a few steps.
Cost: $162/night in March

Unsölds Factory Hotel: Located just outlide of old town and the English garden, this 4 star hotel is a great option. The hotel has modern decor and nice sized rooms as well as nespresso pods for the room. There is also an outdoor patio where guests can relax after a day of exploring the city.
Cost: $115/night in March

NURENBERG

Sorat Hotel Saxx Nurnberg: This hotel is located right in the center of Nuremberg with all of the main sites nearby. The rooms are well sized and offer a great place to relax. The hotel also has a breakfast buffet and other amenities.
Cost: $96/night in March

Hotel Victoria: Located on the edge of the Altstadt, in the most picturesque part of Nuremberg: it's just a short walk to the Hauptmarkt, and a little farther to the Imperial Castle. There was plenty of choice for restaurants, shopping and historic sites in walking distance. The Handwerkerhof is right next door, and offers a wonderful shopping experience.
Cost: $145/night in March

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER

Villa Mittermeier Hotellerie: Located just outside the city wall, this hotel is still close to everything and an easy place to base your visit to the city. The rooms are beautifully decordated, clean and larger than others.
Cost: $62/night in May

Burg-Hotel Relais du Silence: For a splurge in Rothenburg, try out the Burg-Hotel Relais du Silence and book a valley view room. Burg-Hotel Relais du Silence is located in Rothenburg Old Town, and near the train station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Franconian Heights Nature Park and Steigerwald Nature Park, while Imperial City Museum and German Christmas Museum are nearby as well.
Cost: $256/night in March

Getting Around Germany

There are two main ways to get around Germany, either by train or by renting a car. Trains are relatively cheap and run frequently, so if you are looking to mainly stick to the towns and do small organized day trips to other areas, trains are a great option.

If you want to drive around and visit smaller towns and not be locked into a schedule I recommend renting a car. It is relatively cheap, and Germany is a relatively easy country to drive in.

Total Cost of Transportation: $250 for a rental care plus gas and insurance (recommend buying insurance through the rental company when you book for international trips). Car rentals for the week can be as cheap as $230, but for a small SUV around $330 total. The estimated price per person is around $250 to leave room for tolls and gas.

Budget Breakdown - $1,200

For those with a tight budget, you can do Germany for under $1,200 (this includes flights, hotels and transportation). See below for the budget breakdown:

Roundtrip Air Fare: $600
Unsölds Factory Hotel$371 (3 Nights - Munichl): $186/person
Sorat Hotel Saxx Nurnberg: $208 (2 Nights - Nurnberg): $104/Person
Villa Mittermeier Hotellerie:$62 (1 Nights - Rothenburg): $31/person
Transportation: $250

Total Cost : $1,171

Budget Breakdown - $1,600

For those with more room within their budget, you can stay at some great hotels and still come in under $1,700 (this includes flights, hotels and transportation). See below for the budget breakdown:

Roundtrip Air Fare: $770 (Main Cabin)
Hotel Deutsche Eiche:$524 (3 Nights -Munich): $262
Hotel Victoria $310 (2 Nights - Nurnberg): $155/Person
Burg-Hotel Relais du Silence $256 (1 Nights - Rothenburg): $128/person
Transportation: $250

Total Cost : $1,565

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