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A Week in Germany: Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Friday, December 22: Berlin

Start your trip in Berlin, the vibrant capital city of Germany. In the morning, explore the historic Brandenburg Gate and take a stroll through the beautiful Tiergarten park. In the afternoon, visit the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall covered in colorful murals. As the evening sets in, head to the trendy neighborhood of Kreuzberg for affordable street food and a lively atmosphere.

  • Brandenburg Gate: €0, 2 hours
  • Tiergarten: €0, 2 hours
  • East Side Gallery: €0, 2 hours
  • Kreuzberg: €10 for street food, evening
Saturday, December 23: Munich

Travel to Munich, a city known for its rich history and festive atmosphere. Start your day by exploring the famous Marienplatz and witnessing the Glockenspiel show. In the afternoon, visit the English Garden, a large public park, and enjoy a picnic by the lake. As the evening approaches, head to a traditional beer garden for a taste of Bavarian culture.

  • Marienplatz: €0, 2 hours
  • English Garden: €0, 3 hours
  • Beer garden: €15 for food and drinks, evening
Sunday, December 24: Cologne

Visit Cologne, home to the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and a vibrant Christmas market. In the morning, explore the cathedral and take in its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, wander through the festive stalls of the Christmas market and indulge in delicious local treats. Spend the evening attending a Christmas Eve service in one of the city's historic churches.

  • Cologne Cathedral: €0, 2 hours
  • Christmas Market: €10 for treats, 3 hours
  • Christmas Eve church service: Free, evening
Monday, December 25: Hamburg

Head to Hamburg, a city known for its maritime history and vibrant nightlife. Start your day by exploring the historic Speicherstadt district, with its picturesque canals and red-brick warehouses. In the afternoon, visit the Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway exhibition. As the evening sets in, enjoy a stroll along the famous Reeperbahn, known for its entertainment venues and lively atmosphere.

  • Speicherstadt: €0, 2 hours
  • Miniatur Wunderland: €16, 3 hours
  • Reeperbahn: €10 for food and drinks, evening
Tuesday, December 26: Dresden

Visit Dresden, a city renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture. Start your day by exploring the Zwinger Palace, home to beautiful gardens and art collections. In the afternoon, visit the Frauenkirche, a symbol of resilience and restoration. As the evening approaches, wander through the Striezelmarkt, one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets.

  • Zwinger Palace: €0, 2 hours
  • Frauenkirche: €0, 1 hour
  • Striezelmarkt: €10 for treats, evening
Wednesday, December 27: Nuremberg

Travel to Nuremberg, a city known for its medieval architecture and Christmas traditions. Start your day by visiting the Nuremberg Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of the Old Town and visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market, one of the most renowned in Germany. As the evening sets in, try some traditional Nuremberg sausages.

  • Nuremberg Castle: €0, 2 hours
  • Nuremberg Christmas Market: €10 for treats, 3 hours
  • Traditional Nuremberg sausages: €5, evening
Thursday, December 28: Frankfurt

End your trip in Frankfurt, a city known for its modern skyline and bustling financial district. In the morning, explore the historic Römerberg square and visit the Frankfurt Cathedral. In the afternoon, take a walk along the scenic Main River promenade. As the evening approaches, indulge in some traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) and hearty German cuisine.

  • Römerberg: €0, 2 hours
  • Frankfurt Cathedral: €0, 1 hour
  • Main River promenade: €0, 2 hours
  • Apfelwein and German cuisine: €20, evening

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Germany on a shoestring budget, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. In Berlin, visit the RAW-Gelände, a former industrial area turned creative space filled with street art, bars, and clubs. In Munich, escape the city's hustle and bustle with a visit to the peaceful Nymphenburg Palace and its expansive gardens. In Hamburg, explore the alternative neighborhood of Sternschanze, known for its unique shops and trendy cafes. In Dresden, take a boat trip along the Elbe River to enjoy beautiful views of the city's skyline. In Nuremberg, visit the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds for a deeper understanding of the city's history. And in Frankfurt, don't miss the Palmengarten, a stunning botanical garden perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Check out Kayak for hotel and flight prices.

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