A budget travel guide to Weimar, Germany
Bach, Goethe, Schiller, Nieztsche — these famous names are but a few in a long list of leading German artists, composers, and intellectuals who once lived in Weimar, the historical center of the German Enlightenment.
Located in the former East German state of Thuringia, Weimar is an absolute must for anyone interested in German culture and history. But even if you’re not the biggest history buff, Weimar still wows travelers with its beauty: its city center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was dubbed the European Capital of Culture in 1999.
Weimar budget travel guide
Whether you choose to combine the trip with a visit to nearby Jena and Erfurt or opt to visit Weimar alone, be sure you don’t miss out on this jewel. To help plan your visit as well as find ways to save, we’ve put together this Weimar budget travel guide.
Getting there
Weimar can be reached easily by train, bus, and car from any major city in Germany. The exact length of the trip varies depending on which kind of transportation you choose.
From Berlin
For example, if you take the train from Berlin to Weimar, the trip will take a little over two hours, and the tickets will set you back anywhere from €19-54 one-way, depending on when you book.
A bus ride with a company like Flixbus is a little cheaper than the train — usually between €20-29 from Berlin to Weimar each way — but it can take as long as seven hours if the bus has a stopover in another city.
Related: A guide to riding Flixbus, Europe’s largest budget bus service
Our tip: Book a ride on BlaBlaCar, a car share service. With an average price of €11 one-way and a driving time of 3.5 hours, this option is the best both in terms of price and length. Plus you’ll to get to know some locals as they speed down the autobahn.
If you would prefer to take the train, be sure to book far in advance to secure the best rates.
Sightseeing and attractions
Weimar is truly a culture lover’s delight. Two of Germany’s literary masters, Goethe and Schiller, once called this beautiful city home. Check out the stately Schiller Residence and then hop over to Goethe’s more modest vineyard cottage, where the poet and playwright lived in the late 18th century. If you want to know more about these heavyweights of German literature, Weimar also boasts the Goethe National Museum and Goethe and Schiller Archive.
If castles and green spaces are more your speed, Weimar won’t disappoint. Weimar is home to several major parks, villas, and castles, such as Belvedere Castle, the baroque summer residence of Duke Ernst August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.
If you also admire modern architecture and design, be sure to stop by the Bauhaus Museum. It features over 200 exhibits on the history of the Bauhaus movement and classics from this important design era.
To get a historical glimpse into the darkest chapter of Germany’s history, a visit to the nearby Buchenwald concentration camp is also possible.
Related: 10-Day itinerary in Germany to Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg & Munich
Tips on how to save
If you plan to bask in culture during your trip to Weimar, you should think about buying a Weimar Card for extra savings. Valid for 48 hours, the Weimar card allows you free entry to Weimar’s museums and historical buildings as well as free travel on all city buses. The card costs €27.50.
Food and drink
Although Weimar has plenty of fine dining fetching a higher price, there are plenty of great cheap eats across the city. As the home to Bauhaus University, Weimar is a Cheapo’s dream with many bars and cafes catering to thrifty students where you’ll find bargain basement prices.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Altweimarische Bierstube
Frauenplan 13, 99423 Weimar
This cozy, no-frills beer pub — where the owner also doubles as the waiter — is a good place to sample regional food from Thuringia. The friendly service is a big plus.
Zum Siechenbräu
Ferdinand-Freiligrath-Straße 17, 99423 Weimar
Located a bit away from the city center, this small restaurant boasts rustic charm and local cuisine at a nice price. Open from 5 pm to midnight.
Creperie du Palais
Am Palais 1, 99423 Weimar
This inexpensive creperie offers both sweet and savory options as well as German Flammkuchen. It’s a great spot for lunch or a heartier dinner. Open 11 am to 11 pm.
Café d’Este – Villa Haar
Dichterweg 2a, 99423 Weimar
When you take a stroll through Goethepark, be sure and drop in at Café d’Este. Located in the stately Villa Haar, this café has great cakes — not to mention a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.
Fritz Mitte
Schuetzengasse 8, 99423
A “Frittenbude,” this snack bar specializes in tasty fries with different sauces to choose from.
Labyrinth Hostel has two of our favorite qualities: central and cheap!
Cheap hotels in Weimar
Weimar has a host of budget hotels that would make any Cheapo happy. Check out over 100 hotels in Weimar. Here is a list of highly-rated hotels that average around €50 per night:
Studio Altbau
William-Shakespeare Str. 1
A wonderful B&B offering rooms with views of the city.
Pension am Theater
Erfurter Str. 10
All 14 rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Labyrinth Hostel Weimar
Goethestr. 6
A well-located stay with cheap private and shared rooms in central Weimar on Goetheplatz Square.
Apartments Röhrstraße
Röhrstraße 20
Modern accommodations with free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, and flat-screen TV.
Your Weimar budget travel tips
Have some advice about ways to save when traveling to Weimar? Share your tips, or ask a question, in our comments section below!
About the author
I’ve heard that Weimar is really an amazing place to visit, and i am on a budget so thanks for sharing!
Sure thing. Hope you make it over there someday. 🙂