German City Trips: Price, Cleanliness & Location Top MEININGER Survey

Regional Travel Patterns Across Germany

According to the findings, Berliners are the most frequent travelers, with 9% embarking on city trips more than six times a year—well above the national average of 4%. Meanwhile, residents in northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, and Bremen tend to travel less frequently, with a significant number choosing to forgo city trips altogether.

Preferred Travel Companions and Budget Planning

The majority of Germans prefer traveling in pairs, with 59% indicating this as their choice. Another 35% travel in small groups, while 17% embark on solo adventures. Interestingly, Hamburg leads in solo travel, with 30% of its residents regularly traveling alone. When it comes to budgeting, nearly half of all respondents set aside between 500 and 1,000 euros per person per trip. Additionally, 40% aim to keep expenses below 500 euros. Travelers from Rhineland-Palatinate, Lower Saxony, and Saxony were particularly mindful of spending, with many keeping their travel costs under the 500-euro mark.

Accommodation Choices and Spending Habits

For lodging, 57% of participants favor hotels, while around a quarter opt for vacation rentals. Price is the most decisive factor for 67% of travelers, followed by cleanliness and location. Respondents from Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Schleswig-Holstein place significant emphasis on affordability, whereas those from Bremen prioritize hygiene standards. Most travelers spend between 50 and 100 euros per night per person on accommodations. Notably, guests from Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are especially budget-conscious, with a substantial number spending less than 50 euros per night.

Leisure Activities and Regional Preferences

Culinary experiences are the most popular leisure activity during city trips, with 57% of Germans citing food and drink as their top priority—consistently across all federal states. Other favored pastimes include sightseeing, relaxation, cultural visits, shopping, and entertainment. However, leisure interests do vary regionally. In Baden-Württemberg, sightseeing is as popular as gastronomy. Saxony shows a strong enthusiasm for cultural activities, while residents of Bremen favor relaxation. Brandenburg locals enjoy shopping, and those from Hamburg are drawn to concerts and festivals.

This comprehensive survey offers valuable insight into the travel behavior and preferences of German city travelers—highlighting both shared values and unique regional traits.