Discover Germany on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: Cologne
   1 hour (17.4 miles) from Düsseldorf

   Visit the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic landmark of Germany. Enjoy a walk along the Rhine River Promenade and explore the traditional German breweries and restaurants.

2. Day 2: Berlin
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   5 hours (442 miles) from Cologne

   Explore the city's landmarks, such as Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, and Checkpoint Charlie. Visit Museum Island, home of the Pergamon Museum.

3. Day 3: Dresden
   2 hours (117 miles) from Berlin

   Stroll around the Altstadt (Old Town) and visit the Zwinger Palace and Green Vault. Relax at the Brühl's Terrace and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Elbe River.

4. Day 4: Munich
   5 hours (277 miles) from Dresden

   Marvel at the Nymphenburg Palace and the Munich Residenz. Enjoy a stroll around the Marienplatz Square and visit the New Town Hall and the famous iconic Glockenspiel.

5. Day 5: Frankfurt
   4 hours (233 miles) from Munich

   Explore the city's hotspots including Römerberg, Frankfurt's historic city center, and Goethe-Haus Museum. Satisfy gastronomic cravings with Frankfurt's famous apfelwein and participate in a brewery tour at Applewine Wagner or Apfelwein Wagner.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Cologne Cathedral (1-2 hours, free)
• Rhine River Promenade (1-2 hours, free)
• Pergamon Museum (2-3 hours, €19)
• Green Vault (1-2 hours, €12)
• Marienplatz Square (2-3 hours, free)
• Glockenspiel (15 minutes, free)
• Goethe-Haus Museum (1-2 hours, €7)
• Apfelwein Wagner Brewery Tour (1-2 hours, €18)
Total Estimated Costs: €56 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, spend an additional day in Berlin and visit the famous Berlin Wall or take a day trip to Potsdam Palace. If you have less time, consider skipping Frankfurt and spending another day in Berlin or Munich. Transport within Germany can be expensive, so consider purchasing a German Rail Pass to save money on train travel.