For an average traveler, here are two budget tiers for a 7-day, 6-night classic two-city independent trip (Berlin + Munich + Neuschwanstein Castle)👇
💰Comfort Tier (most people choose this; it's more cost-effective when traveling as a pair): Approx. CNY 12,000 per person
Round-trip airfare 4,500 | Schengen visa + insurance approx. 700 | 6 nights hotel (per person) 2,000 | Domestic high-speed rail + city transport 1,500 | Dining + attraction tickets + miscellaneous expenses 3,300
💰Economy Tier (hostels + simple meals, dining out less): Approx. CNY 8,000 per person, suitable for students.
⚠️Peak season (June–September, Christmas): Airfare and hotel prices will rise, so increase your budget by 20%. We recommend booking 2–3 months in advance.
🇩🇪7-day, 6-night comfort itinerary | Berlin → Munich → Neuschwanstein Castle, a relaxed pace without rushing
Day 1 Arrive in Berlin
Afternoon: Land in Berlin, check in, rest, get familiar with local transport, and buy a Berlin transport pass.
Evening: Take a walk at Potsdamer Platz, find a casual local spot for dinner, and soak in the Berlin nightlife atmosphere.
Food: Try currywurst with fries, a simple street food snack.
Day 2 Berlin cultural tour
Morning: Brandenburg Gate📌, Victory Column, Reichstag Building (must book in advance).
Afternoon: Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, see the classic graffiti murals, stroll, and take photos.
Evening: Explore the Hackescher Markt area, which has many unique shops and restaurants. For dinner, try schnitzel with mashed potatoes.
Day 3 Berlin → Munich (ICE high-speed train, approx. 4 hours)
Morning: Pack leisurely, take the high-speed train to Munich, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Afternoon: Arrive in Munich, check in, stroll around Marienplatz, see the New Town Hall, and visit the Viktualienmarkt, which has tons of food stalls.
Evening: Find a Bavarian beer hall, experience the local vibe, and try some beer—drink responsibly.
Day 4 Munich city tour
Morning: Nymphenburg Palace; the palace and the back garden are huge, and a slow walk is very therapeutic.
Afternoon: BMW Welt + Olympic Park. Don't miss this if you like cars. You can rest and relax on the park lawn.
Evening: Stroll through the Old Town, eat Munich white sausage (Weisswurst), and pair it with a pretzel.
Day 5 Munich → Füssen (Neuschwanstein Castle) day trip
Morning: Take an early train to Füssen, visit Neuschwanstein Castle first (book tickets in advance!). Take photos of the panoramic castle view from Marienbrücke, and visit Hohenschwangau Castle on the way.
Afternoon: Walk around Alpsee Lake; the water is clear, it's not crowded, and it's great for photos. Explore the colorful old town of Füssen.
Evening: Take the train back to Munich and get some rest; there's a lot of walking today.
Day 6 Munich leisure day
Morning: Deutsches Museum, one of Europe's largest science and technology museums. It has so much content that you could spend a long time there if you like science. If you don't want to visit a museum, you can have a picnic in the English Garden instead.
Afternoon: Free time. You can go shopping or rest at a street-side café, order a slice of Black Forest cake, and have a coffee.
Evening: For dinner, we recommend Bavarian roasted pork knuckle; the skin is crispy, served with sauerkraut, and it's a signature local dish.
Day 7 Return from Munich
Morning: Pack leisurely and buy some souvenirs (bread, chocolate).
Afternoon: Head to the airport and prepare for your flight home.
🍻Must-eat food list in Germany
▪️Bavarian roasted pork knuckle: Crispy skin, tender and juicy meat, served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes—a signature dish of the south.
▪️Currywurst: A national snack of Berlin; sliced sausage topped with tomato curry sauce, served with fries.
▪️Munich white sausage (Weisswurst): A Bavarian specialty; tender meat served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
▪️Schnitzel: A thin, large pork cutlet with a golden, crispy crust, served with mashed potatoes.
▪️Black Forest cake: Cherry brandy + cherry filling + whipped cream, a classic dessert.
▪️Apfelstrudel (apple strudel): Flaky pastry filled with apples, served with cream—a top choice for afternoon tea.
▪️Pretzel: Salty, chewy, and available in bakeries everywhere.
✨Travel tips
1. We recommend applying for your Schengen visa at least 1 month in advance. Ensure your insurance covers the entire trip.
2. For ICE high-speed trains within Germany, buying discounted tickets in advance can save you a lot of money. Within cities, prioritize buying day passes or transport passes.
3. During peak season, tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle and the Reichstag Building are almost never available on-site. You must book your time slot on the official website in advance.
4. There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so carry a light jacket even in summer. Many museums and churches require quiet, and some do not allow backpacks inside.
5. Restaurant tips are generally 5%–10% of the bill and are voluntary. Tap water is safe to drink, so you don't need to keep buying bottled water.
6. Most small shops are closed on Sundays, so try to schedule your shopping for weekdays and Saturdays.