Cheap 5-Day Germany Road Trip from Berlin to Hamburg and Magdeburg

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Berlin, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Berlin and begin your adventure in Germany.

Berlin is a popular cheap holiday destination in Germany with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Germany, Berlin is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

A cheap, budget vacation in Berlin should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Berlin, try some of our top recommendations.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Restaurant Maximilians Berlin. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,853 customers.

A Mano is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,451 customers.

Dreh-Restaurant Sphere im Berliner Fernsehturm has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,375 reviews.

BrewDog Berlin Mitte offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,557 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Berlin, check out Zur Gerichtslaube. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,868 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Berlin Icebar. Berlin Icebar offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,292 reviews.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Germany!

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the region of Hamburg, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Hamburg, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Berlin and Hamburg.

Journey into the unknown at Potsdamer Platz, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable square has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 60,213 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a recommended place to visit. This holocaust memorial is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 45,332 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Berlin is Alexanderplatz. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 212,589 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Berlin offers an experience you will remember.

East Side Gallery is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Berlin. This art museum promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 53,795 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Berlin Wall Memorial. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 40,977 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

After soaking in Berlin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Hamburg. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 8 min. When you arrive in Hamburg, it's time to take a break from the road.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the region of Hamburg. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Hamburg, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Savor the culinary delights of Hamburg, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the region offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

You could check out estancia steaks, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,416 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Hanoi Deli Rathaus is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,380 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Heimathafen. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Heimathafen has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,912 customer reviews.

After dinner, visit Le Lion • Bar de Paris and experience the nightlife in the region of Hamburg. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,224 customers.

You can also hang out at Das Feuerschiff LV 13. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,935 customers.

Locals recommend NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe, so definitely check it out too. NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,360 bar-goers.

A road trip vacation in Berlin can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Germany!

Day 3 of your road trip across Germany is another proof that cheap holidays in Germany can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Hamburg and Magdeburg.

Kick off the day at Planten un Blomen, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 21,983 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit St. Pauli Piers. St. Pauli Piers is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,128 reviews.

Elbe Tunnel is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,570 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Miniatur Wunderland. This museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 87,297 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Elbe Philharmonic Hall, a famous concert hall in Hamburg. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,649 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Hamburg, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Magdeburg may take around 2 hours 54 min. Upon your arrival in Magdeburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While exploring Germany is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Magdeburg has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Magdeburg on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the region.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Magdeburg has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Magdeburg is BERNER & BROWN - Tapas • Bar • Cavaria • Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 668 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Magdeburg, Sen Viet BBQ & Soup is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 669 diners.

After dinner, visit La Bodega Magdeburg to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Magdeburg, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,962 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like PETER PANE Burgergrill & Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. PETER PANE Burgergrill & Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,221 customers.

Magado is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Germany!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Potsdam and Berlin. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Berlin.

Set your GPS to Potsdam and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 23 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Potsdam beckons with new experiences!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Berlin. This car ride takes around 48 min.

Berlin offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Germany. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Berlin offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Germany.

YOSOY TAPAS BERLIN is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,116 customers.

Delhi 6 Restaurant - Berlin is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,923 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Restaurant Trattoria Portofino, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,371 reviews.

If you’re up for getting a drink, consider going to KASCHK by BRLO. Around 1,635 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Locals of Potsdam also enjoy the drinks at Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe. This place is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,661 customers and is one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is Gaffel Haus Berlin - Kölsches Konsulat. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Germany!

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Berlin.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Berlin’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Germany. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Berlin.

For example, Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,263 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, Alt-Berliner Wirtshaus is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,238 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is SOY. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,248 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of Germany and your fun memories in Berlin.

You’ll then say farewell to Berlin. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!