10 Free Activities in Germany

Germany is a versatile country, and just because you're on a tight budget doesn't mean you have to miss out on any of the fun. Check out these affordable activities to enjoy your free time without spending a lot of money.

Germany is a unique country full of culture and history. As a tourist, almost everything costs money, and you also have to make sure you have enough to eat during your trip. Fortunately, there are also free things you can do to keep yourself busy.

These free activities cover a wide range of activities that are suitable for any lifestyle. Read on to discover 10 free things you can do in Germany!

1. Karaoke on Sundays at Mauerpark

Every Sunday, karaoke takes place at Mauerpark in Berlin. It's an experience you shouldn't miss. The tradition began in 2009, and now thousands come to watch strangers perform in what they like to call the "Bear Pit."

The crowd supports everyone, good or bad, and the same goes for dancing. Several people even go through the crowd selling cold drinks – everything is taken care of.

2. Visit BMW Welt

BMW Welt is a facility you can visit near their official factory in Bavaria. It showcases BMW's past, present, and future. Tickets to BMW Welt are free, but if you want to visit the museum, you have to pay a small fee. It's the perfect place for any car enthusiast, as you can see new and old vehicles. There's so much to see and do, with the most notable being the BMW Vision iNEXT, where you can take a virtual ride to learn more about their technological advancements.

3. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge

This bridge is located in Cologne, and it might seem ordinary until you take a closer look. It's adorned with locks placed by lovers since 2009.

You can immortalize yourself here with your partner after buying and decorating a lock – don't forget to throw the key into the Rhine afterwards. Even if you don't have a special someone, it's still fun to stroll across the bridge and enjoy the creativity of others expressing their love.

4. Visit the Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is a monument in Berlin that served as the dividing line between East and West Germany. Visitors used to climb to the top for a view of the other side of the wall. Today, it serves as a reminder of the past and a symbol of unity.

You can also visit the Holocaust Memorial while you're here. It serves as a thoughtful reminder of what happened during the Holocaust. Both places are free to the public, so there's no reason not to visit these important historical landmarks.

5. Visit an Outdoor Farmer's Market

Farmer's markets all over Germany offer visitors a variety of fruits, vegetables, freshly baked goods, and souvenirs. It costs nothing to visit them, but don't be surprised if you're occasionally tempted to buy something.

6. Sign up for a Guided City Tour

There are free guided walks in many of Germany's major cities. These aim to educate guests about the historical significance of the area and promote some of their shops to support the economy.

Some of the cities offering tours include Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich. There's so much to learn. Such a tour can also help you plan the rest of your vacation, as you'll surely discover places along the way that you'll want to visit.

7. Visit St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Frankfurt

The Imperial Cathedral has been rebuilt several times due to a fire and the destruction during World War II.

You can take a free tour of the place where emperors of the Roman Empire were crowned. There is also a museum on-site, but entry costs 2€ if you want to go inside.

8. Visit a Variety of Museums

There are free museums throughout the country covering a variety of topics. One of these museums is located in Berlin and is called the German-Russian Museum. The museum explores the events of World War II and the relationship between Germany and Russia.

There are many exhibits with artifacts from this time to see, as well as a Soviet T34 tank outside the museum. A quick search will give you a list of all the free museums in your area - some have specific days of the week when admission is free.

9. Visit the Neuengamme Concentration Camp

This is a lesser-known concentration camp, but it is just as serious and somber as the others. Admission is free, and there are no tours, but you can view the various exhibits. It's best to visit the museum first before exploring the grounds, as it closes before the rest of the area.

10. Walk Along the Rhine

Several guided tours take you along the Rhine River. You can see old villages, tourist attractions, and shop and eat to your heart's content. There are also several trails where you can explore the natural surroundings instead of the bustling city life.

It's also wonderful to explore the trails to various castles hidden from the public eye, but giving you a better insight into the area and its immense historical value.