The travel season is just around the corner and many people are longing for a break. But who says you have to travel far for that? From historic old towns to idyllic landscapes: these cities are particularly impressive for their prices.
City breaks continue to enjoy great popularity, whether for a short vacation or a long-awaited break. Many travelers are attracted by the opportunity to discover new cultures, explore extraordinary sights and relax at the end of eventful days. But you don't always have to travel to the big cities like Paris, London or Barcelona. Even away from the well-known hotspots, German cities offer plenty of charm and attractions that are waiting to be explored on a city trip.
With the start of the travel season, staycations, i.e. vacations in your own region or in neighboring countries, are increasingly coming into focus. Germany has a lot to offer – from the North Sea coast and historic old towns to the mountainous landscapes in the south. But which cities offer the best value for money for a short break? And how can you make a staycation as affordable as possible? The payment provider SumUp took a closer look at these questions and compared a total of 19 factors, including the safety index score, the average cost of a restaurant visit, the cost of a cup of coffee, as well as green spaces and the number of sights.
With an overall score of 13.55 percent, Regensburg takes the first place among the best German cities for a short vacation. The city attracts visitors with its Gothic cathedral and medieval architecture in the old town. There are over 18 sights per 100,000 inhabitants and a cup of coffee between meals costs an average of €3.13. The three-course menu in the chic restaurant is also comparably priced, at around €50 for two people – a veritable Mecca for gourmets.
Next up is Erfurt, the picturesque city in eastern Germany with medieval charm and lively markets. Here you can find the cheapest coffee, which costs just €2.90, and a meal in a snack bar costs €9.50. Nature lovers will also get their money's worth in Erfurt, as the city has the most green spaces in the ranking at 47.47 percent. There are also almost 70 costume jewellery stores per 100,000 inhabitants in the city.
Leipzig, another city in eastern Germany, follows in third place. The total score is 12.24 percent. Leipzig is the centre of fine and applied arts and is known for its cultural heritage. The six museums per 100,000 inhabitants invite you to immerse yourself in history, while shopping enthusiasts are sure to find what they are looking for in the almost ten vintage stores per 100,000 inhabitants. At the end of the day, you can relax in one of the beer gardens with a beer for an average of €4.00. On a rainy day, head to the movie theatre, where you can buy a ticket for €10.00.
Dresden has idyllic green spaces, covering 39.85 percent of the city area, and a thriving art scene with one art gallery per 100,000 inhabitants and more than two museums per 100,000 inhabitants. As one of the most visited cities in Germany, Dresden boasts a safety score of 67.98 percent, making it a fantastic vacation option for families.
Hanover closes the top five in Germany with a total score of 12.1 percent. The state capital of Lower Saxony offers its visitors a combination of modern architecture, hip districts and a fantastic gastronomic scene. Within the city, you can get from A to B cheaply, as a cab ride of 5 km costs an average of €15.03. There are more than 50 vintage stores per 100,000 inhabitants in the city. This is the highest number among the cities compared.
