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Jena: 4 Days of Culture, Food, and Fun

Discovering the beauty of Jena on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

Jena is a city in eastern Germany known for its prestigious university and scientific history. Despite being a popular destination, budget-friendly options are available such as staying at hostels, eating at local street food vendors, and exploring the city's parks and museums for free. Highlights of the trip may include visiting the Zeiss Planetarium, strolling through the Botanical Garden, and taking in the stunning views from the Landgrafen viewpoint.

Travel plan

• Check into the Hotel Schwarzer Bär, a cozy and affordable hotel in the heart of Jena's city center
• Visit the Botanical Garden, a beautiful oasis of greenery and flowers
• Stroll along the Saale River and admire the picturesque bridges and historic buildings
• Stop by the Stadtkirche St. Michael, a gorgeous 14th-century church with stunning stained glass windows
• Get a taste of Thuringian cuisine at the cozy Bakkali Restaurant, known for its hearty and delicious dishes

• Start your day at the Zeiss Planetarium, where you can explore the cosmos and learn about astronomy
• Walk up to the Jentower, a striking modernist tower with sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills
• Explore the collections of the Stadtmuseum Jena, which tell the story of the city's rich history and cultural heritage
• Check out the Ernst Haeckel Haus, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous biologist and philosopher
• Take a break at Café Wagner, a charming cafe with a cozy atmosphere and delicious cakes

• Take a train or bus to Weimar, a beautiful town known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture
• Visit the Goethe National Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection on the life and works of the famous poet and writer
• Explore the historic Bauhaus University, where some of the most influential modernist architects and designers studied and worked
• Relax at the Park an der Ilm, a beautiful parkland with scenic trails, peaceful ponds, and picturesque vistas
• Try some traditional Thuringian sausages and beer at the Braustübl Weimar, a cozy brewery and restaurant

• Visit the Kunstsammlung Jena, a world-class art museum with collections ranging from medieval to contemporary art
• Walk up to the Landgrafen, a historic castle that served as a residence for the local rulers in the Middle Ages
• Admire the unique architecture of the JenTower, a skyscraper built in the 1990s with a striking facade and innovative design
• Take a hike in the nearby Jenaer Heide, a vast forest and heathland with many scenic trails and picnic spots
• End your stay in Jena with a delicious meal at the L'Osteria, a popular Italian restaurant with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.