World Travel in a Backpack: 2025

They call it Romantische Straße for a reason—and it’s not just because of the dreamy castles and half-timbered houses that look like they’ve fallen out of a storybook. Germany’s Romantic Road is a 350-km stretch of scenic magic running from Würzburg to Füssen, winding through medieval towns, fairy-tale villages, and epic alpine views.

The best part? You don’t need a royal budget to enjoy it.

I drove this legendary route solo in a small rented car, armed with a Spotify playlist, a trunk full of Lidl snacks, and an obsession with charming old towns. Here’s how to do the Romantic Road on a budget—without missing the magic.

The Route at a Glance

Start: Würzburg (wine + baroque palaces)
End: Füssen (castles + mountains)
Total Distance: ~350 km
Recommended Time: 4–6 days
Best for: Culture lovers, history geeks, scenic drive enthusiasts

Budget Travel Tips Before You Hit the Road

Car Rental: Use comparison sites (like Discover Cars or Kayak) for small, fuel-efficient cars. Manual transmission is cheaper!
Fuel: Germany’s fuel is pricey. Use apps like Clever Tanken to find cheaper stations.
Accommodation: Stay in guesthouses, hostels, or even farm stays (look for signs saying Zimmer frei). I did a combination of hostels and camping (the weather was nice).
Food: Bakeries (Bäckerei) and supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or REWE are your best friends.
Parking: Look for free lots outside historic centers and walk in. Many towns charge in the center.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary (Budget-Friendly Stops Included)

This itinerary is for 5 days to keep it affordable, but if you have the budget you can stretch it out to a 7-day road-trip to add a couple more stops or take it slower.

Day 1: Würzburg

Highlights: Würzburg Residence (UNESCO site), Marienberg Fortress, old bridge views
Budget Tips:
- Free views from the fortress.
- Grab a pretzel and local Franconian wine for a picnic by the Main River.
- Stay: Budget hostels or Gasthäuser just outside the center.

Day 2: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Drive Time: ~90 mins
Highlights: Medieval walls, Plönlein (that famous crooked house), Night Watchman tour (€9)
Budget Tips:
- Walk the city wall for free panoramic views.
- Avoid expensive tourist restaurants—opt for a bakery lunch and local bratwurst.
- Stay in a cozy guesthouse or a nearby village like Detwang.

Day 3: Dinkelsbühl + Nördlingen

Drive Time: ~45 mins to each
Highlights: Dinkelsbühl’s colorful houses and medieval vibes; Nördlingen’s town built inside a meteor crater
Budget Tips:
- Nördlingen’s church tower (€3) gives epic views of the perfectly round town.
- Walk the full city wall—it’s completely intact and free!
- Campgrounds available nearby if you’re feeling adventurous.

Day 4: Augsburg + Landsberg am Lech

Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs
Highlights: Augsburg's Renaissance charm, Fuggerei (€8 entry), and peaceful Landsberg's pastel waterfront
Budget Tips:
- Get a day pass for trams/buses in Augsburg.
- Grab a Doner Kebab (under €5) for a filling budget meal.
- Stay in Landsberg for cheaper, quieter accommodations.

Day 5: Schwangau & Füssen

Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs
Highlights: Neuschwanstein Castle (the ultimate fairytale), Alpsee Lake, Füssen’s historic old town
Budget Tips:
- The best view of Neuschwanstein is from Marienbrücke—completely free.
- Skip the guided castle tour if you’re watching your wallet (€19), and enjoy the exterior views and hikes instead.
- Füssen has great budget-friendly hostels and a fun backpacker vibe.

Spain is one of Europe’s most exciting and diverse travel destinations, offering vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and incredible history. While Spain can be luxurious, it’s also an excellent destination for budget travelers and backpackers looking to explore without breaking the bank. This guide covers the best places to visit, cheap things to do, and money-saving tips for backpacking in Spain.

Best Budget-Friendly Destinations in Spain

It's easy to visit the must see places in Spain on a budget. Here's 5 you shouldn't miss.

1. Madrid

Spain’s capital is full of free cultural experiences and affordable eats.

Free Things to Do:
- Visit the Prado Museum for free (Monday to Saturday from 6–8 PM, Sundays from 5–7 PM).
- Stroll through El Retiro Park, a beautiful green space perfect for relaxing.
- Explore Plaza Mayor and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Budget Tip: Stay in a hostel in Lavapiés or Malasaña, two of Madrid’s most affordable and trendy neighborhoods.

2. Barcelona

A city known for its architecture, beaches, and vibrant culture.

Free Things to Do:
- Wander through Gothic Quarter and admire the medieval streets.
- Relax on Barceloneta Beach, one of the city’s most famous (and free) beaches.
- Visit Park Güell for free in the early morning before ticketed hours start.
Budget Tip: Use the T-Usual transport card for unlimited metro and bus rides at a low cost.

3. Seville

The heart of Andalusia, filled with history, music, and delicious tapas.

Free Things to Do:
- Watch free flamenco performances in Plaza de España.
- Walk around the Alcázar gardens without paying for full palace entry.
- Visit Seville Cathedral for free on Mondays.
Budget Tip: Enjoy cheap tapas in local bars—Seville has some of the best free tapas with drinks.

4. Valencia

A coastal gem with a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

Free Things to Do:
- Walk through the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (exterior areas are free).
- Explore Turia Gardens, a massive park built on a former riverbed.
- Enjoy a day at Malvarrosa Beach.
Budget Tip: Stay in budget-friendly hostels near Ruzafa, Valencia’s hip and affordable district.

5. Granada

A historic city with stunning Moorish architecture and an unbeatable backpacker scene.

Free Things to Do:
- Visit the Alhambra grounds without a ticket (entry to Nasrid Palaces requires a ticket, but other parts are free).
- Wander through Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter with beautiful views.
- Hike up to Mirador de San Nicolás for the best sunset view in the city.
Budget Tip: Granada is famous for free tapas—order a drink at a local bar and enjoy a free meal!

Money-Saving Tips for Traveling in Spain

1. Use Budget Accommodation

Stay in hostels, which are cheap and social.
Try Couchsurfing for a free place to stay and a local experience.
Look for budget guesthouses and Airbnb in less touristy neighborhoods.

2. Eat Like a Local

Take advantage of menú del día, a cheap lunch menu available at most restaurants.
Buy fresh food at local markets and make your own meals in hostel kitchens.
Enjoy free tapas in cities like Granada and Seville with the purchase of a drink.

3. Use Public Transport & Walk

Use Blablacar, a ridesharing service that’s much cheaper than trains.
Take budget buses like ALSA or FlixBus instead of expensive trains.
Walk as much as possible—Spain’s cities are pedestrian-friendly!

4. Visit Attractions During Free Entry Hours

Many museums and landmarks offer free entry on certain days or times (check in advance).
Some cathedrals and churches are free outside of mass hours.

5. Travel Off-Season

Visit Spain in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for lower prices on accommodation and flights.
Avoid peak summer months when tourist hotspots are crowded and expensive.

Final Thoughts

Backpacking Spain on a budget is entirely possible with the right tips and tricks. From exploring vibrant cities to enjoying stunning landscapes and indulging in delicious tapas, you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the best of Spain. Plan wisely, take advantage of free activities, and immerse yourself in Spain’s incredible culture without breaking the bank!

Would you like recommendations for specific hostels or budget restaurants? Let me know in the comments!

World Travel in a Backpack

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Driving Germany’s Romantic Road on a Budget