Where to go, what to do, and which hostels have poker nights
Europe is a backpacking haven, and Germany is one of the top destinations for light travellers. Backpackers always enjoy the German countryside as well as the unique architecture of the historical buildings which are still standing today after centuries of existence. German cities are accessible through the Deutsche Bahn, the country’s reliable railway system. Which destinations should be included in your backpacking trip to Germany? The Travel Tips section of USA Today gave us the top spots that we should visit: begin in Hamburg and marvel at the city’s harbour, then proceed to Berlin for your taste of German culture. From there, travel south to Dresden (coined as the Florence of the North), and after, go to the picturesque city of Heidelberg. Then, head southeast to Munich, especially if you’re a car enthusiast, because BMW has an exhibit of its old and new models in that city. For your last stop, proceed further south (near the German Alps) to the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, famous for its hiking trails and winter sports.
Don’t think that you have to part with your Euros at every turn, because there are a lot of free attractions across the country. In Berlin, for instance, there are tourist spots which do not charge a fee. Lovers of German art, history and culture should drop by these free attractions in the country’s capital, as enumerated by Tripify. Take a selfie at Checkpoint Charlie, which was an iconic spot during the Cold War. If you love street art, you can marvel at the exhibition of art murals along the East Side Gallery; interestingly, it’s part of the Berlin Wall. Artworks from the Daimler Art Collection are a sight to behold, and entrance to the museum is free. Should you find yourself in the mood for self-reflection, walk along the Tiergarten. Picnics are allowed in this park as well. For a Greek vibe, go to the Brandenburg Gate, which is reminiscent of the Acropolis in Athens. Modern architecture can be seen at the Potsdamer Platz.
Because backpackers travel on a budget, the best option for accommodation is to stay in a hostel. There are a lot of budget hostels around, and some even cater to poker enthusiasts. The Meininger Frankfurt/Main Airport is a budget hostel which has poker tables for those who are used to high stakes poker action. Playing at their tables will put months of practice at partypoker to good use. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow backpackers. Although the quaint and homey hostel has yet to come up with poker tournaments, guests are free to participate in matches anytime they want. Maybe in time they’ll adapt the poker night frenzy of Lithuania’s R Hostel, or the funky poker nights of Australia’s Funk House Hostel. The Funk House offers free accommodations for two nights if you win its poker tournaments.