How can I save money on activities and attractions?

Look for free tours: If you want to learn about the city and explore its sights, get a free walking tour. You can easily find such tours in many cities in France and Germany. Sandeman's New Europe and Free Tours by Foot operate in various cities in both countries. In France, you have Paris Greeters, Lyon Free Tour and Strasbourg Free Tour. In Germany, Strawberry Tours offers free guided walks in Berlin, Munich, and Dresden. Other notable city tours are Hamburg Free Walking Tours and Cologne Free Walking Tour. 

Use the benefits of your Interrail Pass: During the validity of your Pass, you can make use of the Pass Benefits. You can get discounts on activities, city tours and city cards. You can find the benefits from France and Germany here.  

Use the European Youth Card: The European Youth Card provides discounts in many countries. The European Youth Card is issued in Germany (19 euros) as the Jugendkarte and in France (10 or 13 euros) as the Carte Jeunes. 

City Tourism Cards: Many cities in France and Germany offer tourism cards that provide discounted or free access to attractions, public transportation, and sometimes even skip-the-line privileges. Examples in France include the Paris Pass, Lyon City Card, and Marseille City Pass, while in Germany, examples include the Berlin WelcomeCard, Munich City Pass, and Hamburg Card.

Free or special museum and heritage location activities: In both France and Germany, there are certain days in the month when museums offer free admission or reduced ticket prices. Both countries also celebrate the “European Heritage Days”, the perfect time for visitors to access iconic places that are usually closed to the public, such as presidential palaces, private residences, embassies, and other historically significant sites. Guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural performances are often organized to enrich the experience. 

In France

• First Sunday of the month: Many museums in France, including some major ones like the Louvre in Paris, offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. However, it's important to note that these days can be quite crowded, so arriving early is recommended.
• In France, the European Heritage Days are known as “Journées du Patrimoine”. They take place on the third weekend of September each year. The event spans two days, usually a Saturday and Sunday.

In Germany

• Long Night of Museums: The Long Night of Museums (Die Lange Nacht der Museen) is a popular event held in various cities in Germany. On this night, participating museums stay open late and offer reduced or free admission, often accompanied by special events and activities. Some of the Long Night of Museums dates for 2023: Berlin: 26 August 2023, Cologne: 4 November 2023
• In Germany, the European Heritage Days are known as "Tag des offenen Denkmals". They are organized by the German Foundation for Monument Protection (Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz) and take place annually on the second Sunday in September.