The best places to travel in Germany as a student
Germany offers so much for students both inside and outside the classroom. With excitement and intrigue around every corner, it’s time to explore this diverse country providing new experiences, natural beauty and a long history for students to discover.
From bustling major cities and incredible hiking trails to the vibrant arts and music scene and world-renowned festivals like Oktoberfest, Germany is a traveller’s dream, offering something for everyone.
Not only does Germany offer accessible travel throughout the whole country, but it is also a gateway to international travel for students eager to explore neighbouring European hotspots like the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
Discover some of the best places to visit in Germany and gain an overview of how to travel as a student in Germany.
As a student, it’s your job to find the best study spots in the city that inspire productivity, but we’re here to help. We have listed some of our favourite places to study in Berlin for you to check out.
So, whether you work best by locking yourself in a study room and not leaving until the assignment is written or enjoy a sun-kissed study session surrounded by nature, find your favourite study spot today.
Why is Germany a top travel destination for students?
It is no surprise that Germany is a popular destination for students. With a world-class education system, low cost of living and a wide range of opportunities for graduates, Germany is one of the most attractive study destinations in the world.
Many students also consider Germany to be an extremely accessible country in which to travel and explore. This attracts like-minded students looking to gain a high-quality education and opportunities to travel during semester breaks.
With an extensive transport system connecting every corner of the country, students can easily explore the student-friendly cities and hidden gems that Germany treasures. Use this guide to pick up some student travel tips and join the thousands of students currently exploring Germany’s charm and beauty today.
Germany travel guide for students
The beauty of Germany lies in its diversity, which suits the needs of all travellers. Whether you are on the hunt for the country’s most historical spots or just want to know where to find the finest stein of German beer, we have you covered.
Check out our favourite student travel destinations in Germany!
Top student-friendly cities in Germany
According to Study in Germany, there were 458,210 international students in Germany during the 2022/23 academic year. This gives you an idea of how student-friendly Germany is. With most universities based in major cities, students enjoy the many benefits of living in student-centred cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt.
Here are five student-friendly cities in Germany:
Berlin
The vibrant city of Berlin is known as Germany’s hip capital. Boasting some of the best nightlife in Europe, Berlin is the place to be for an unmatched student experience, surrounded by history and culture and surprisingly affordable for a capital city.
Munich
Munich brings the Bavarian charm to South Germany and is known around the world as the ‘gateway to the Alps’. As well as attracting adventurous students, Munich is also home to the Oktoberfest and the famous Bayern Munich football team.
Hamburg
With a rich maritime history, Hamburg is a famous port city in Germany. The city in north Germany has a multicultural population and offers students a wealth of recreational activities with over 100 music venues.
Cologne
The West German city of Cologne is a welcoming city boasting beautiful architecture. The rich arts scene speaks to the city’s culture with hundreds of galleries to check out.
Frankfurt
The modern city of Frankfurt is the economic heartbeat of Germany. As the financial hub, Frankfurt is home to many business professionals and has a multicultural population. It is also home to the beloved Frankfurter!
Must-do student trips: Germany
With so much to see and do as a student in Germany, it can be hard to know what to prioritise. We have listed our top four attractions in Germany that are perfect for students to check out.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is an annual two-week festival in Munich that celebrates Bavarian culture and Germany’s love for beer. Usually taking place from late September to early October, thousands of people travel from around the world to experience a taste of German culture.
Berlin International Film Festival
Another unmissable event is the Berlin International Film Festival. Also known as Berlinale, it is one of the world’s largest outdoor film festivals, screening hundreds of films at multiple venues in the city.
Cologne Carnival
This week-long festival in Cologne attracts over two million visitors every year who dress in the red and white colours of Cologne and enjoy street parties, parades and much more. It is commonly known by locals as the fifth season of the year.
Dresden Striezelmarkt
Germany is well-known for its festivities around the Christmas period, and if you can only go to one Christmas market in Germany this year, make sure it’s the Dresden Striezelmarkt. It is considered to be the first Christmas market in the world, dating back to the 1400s.
Student travel tips: Travelling on a budget
We know that money can be a restraint to travel as a student, despite the opportunities to pursue part-time employment in Germany. However, by travelling on a budget, you can see the best of Germany without breaking the bank.
So, what are some student travel tips to stretch your budget?
- Take advantage of student discounts
As a student in Germany, you are entitled to discounts on various things from high-street shops to gym memberships. You can benefit from discounted prices on public transport which is an effective way to travel on a budget. Buying tickets in advance and using discounted travel cards will ensure you maximise savings on Germany’s efficient public transport network.
- Stay in affordable accommodation
Another way to save money while travelling around Germany is by utilising affordable accommodation options. Whether it’s a night in a hostel or a short stay in an Airbnb, don’t blow your budget on a luxury stay!
- Eat cheap
Throughout Germany, there are cheap eats with vendors selling local cuisine from bratwursts to schnitzels for reasonable prices. Choose to eat and drink on a budget to save money for more activities.
- Free and affordable attractions
Students can certainly enjoy Germany on a budget. Whether it’s by joining a free walking tour or doing popular activities at off-peak hours, be smart with the tours and attractions you choose to do.
Affordable travel spots for students in Germany
While we’re on the topic of travelling on a budget, find out where you can visit for a budget-friendly trip while studying in Germany. There are plenty of cheap places to visit in Germany, check out our top picks below:
- Dresden
Dresden is one of the most underrated cities in Germany. For that reason, it is a great pick for a budget-friendly trip with cheap accommodation to explore the city’s rich history.
- Leipzig
Like Dresden, Leipzig is in Saxony and offers low-cost activities to suit student budgets. The city offers a cheaper alternative to other major cities in Germany but still has great nightlife and many entertainment options.
- Nuremberg
Bursting with history, the Bavarian city of Nuremberg also offers budget-friendly accommodation and dining options for students. The city is exciting, diverse and definitely worth a visit.
- Heidelberg
The picturesque town of Heidelberg is a favourite among tourists for its idyllic setting on the Neckar River. Students will be pleased to know this popular tourist hotspot is surprisingly affordable for a weekend retreat.
Cultural and historical attractions in Germany
Germany is known for its rich history. From small towns like Quedlinburg to major cities like Berlin, every place has its own fascinating history to be discovered.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Germany that capture the history and culture of the country:
- Museums Island Berlin
Berlin’s Museum Island is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most important museum sites in Europe. Boasting five world-famous museum buildings built between 1824 and 1930, Museum Island is home to artwork and exhibitions that attract millions of people every year.
- Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany has many famous castles and palaces in every state which attract visitors from around the world. One of the most famous castles is Neuschwanstein Castle in south Germany. This 19th-century castle is said to be the real-life inspiration for the castle in Disney’s ‘Cinderella’.
- The Rhine Valley
Arguably the most beautiful attraction in Germany, the Rhine Valley offers natural beauty and historical castles. From the Rhine Gorge to local vineyards, the Rhine Valley is a cultural hotspot with a rich history.
- The Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall is an obvious spot for those fascinated with history. The Berlin Wall Memorial, created in 1998, commemorates the division of Berlin and the deaths that occurred there.
Hidden gems for students to discover in Germany
As well as the mainstream tourist attractions, Germany is home to hidden gems, which students can explore. Germany has many quaint towns that have maintained their medieval charm and Gothic architecture. If you are hoping to get a real taste of local history and culture in Germany, you should check out these German towns and cities:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Bavaria
- Bamberg – Bavaria
- Regensburg – Bavaria
- Trier – Rhineland-Palatinate
Hiking in the Black Forest
If you are after nature trails and scenic views in Germany, look no further than the Black Forest. Just like the Black Forest gateau, it is very dense! The mountainous region in southwest Germany is an adventurer’s dream with hiking and cycling trails, mountains, waterfalls, gorges and so much more.
The Black Forest is known for its traditional villages with its famous farmhouses, spas and cuckoo clocks, which have been produced there since the 1700s.
This region is a gateway to exploring the Bavarian Alps, the Rhine River and Lake Constance, which is the third biggest lake in central Europe.
Time to explore!
Germany is a wonderful country with attractions everywhere you look. Whether it’s inside an art gallery or on top of a mountain, use this guide to discover the best places to visit in Germany.
Remember our student travel tips to maximise your money. Travelling on a budget can be done easily if you plan your trips, eat and drink cheap, utilise free tours and activities, take advantage of student discounts and, most importantly, travel with an open mind.
Now you know the places to visit in Germany as a student, it’s time to turn this dream into a reality by joining us at Gisma University of Applied Sciences. Explore our extensive list of accredited programmes in the fields of business, engineering and technology and join us in Potsdam or Berlin today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cities in Germany are great for students to visit?
There are many student-friendly places to visit in Germany, including major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne and Frankfurt.
Are there any affordable travel destinations in Germany for students?
Yes, Germany offers a variety of affordable student travel destinations including Dresden, Leipzig, Nuremberg and Heidelberg which all offer unique, yet affordable, experiences. Follow our student travel tips to maximise your budget.
What are the top historical sites in Germany that students should see?
Germany is an amazing country for those interested in history. From Berlin’s Museum Island and the Berlin Wall Memorial to the hundreds of castles and palaces such as Neuschwanstein Castle that are steeped in history, Germany has many historical sites to enjoy.
Where can students find cultural experiences in Germany?
There are many places to visit in Germany which offer cultural experiences such as the Cologne Carnival and Oktoberfest in Munich. Students in Berlin can also attend the Berlin Film Festival and all students in Germany can visit the famous Christmas markets scattered around the country.
Where can students experience the local nightlife in Germany?
Germany is famed for its nightlife which is a bonus for students who enjoy partying until the early hours. Berlin’s world-famous techno music scene leads the way but other cities boasting excellent nightlife are Hamburg, Leipzig and Frankfurt which should all be on your list of student travel destinations.
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