It's best to start visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber from the heart of the city - Market Square. It's a place that impresses with its medieval architecture and atmosphere, and best of all - it's completely free! Market Square is the perfect place to start your adventure with this charming city. Surrounded by beautiful townhouses and historic buildings, it has been the center of Rothenburg life for centuries.

Walking along the cobblestone streets, you can admire the colorful facades of houses that remember the Middle Ages. Look out for the St. George's Fountain, which is a popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike. It's the perfect place to take a souvenir photo without spending a dime.

The dominant feature of the Market Square is the impressive Town Hall (Town Hall), which combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. Although there is a fee to enter the building itself, already admiring its facade and taking photos is completely free. However, if you decide to climb the Town Hall tower (for a small fee), you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city - a view that is sure to stay in your memory for a long time.

To save money on sightseeing, take advantage of the free maps available at the tourist information desk. They will allow you to discover the most interesting corners of the Market Square and its surroundings on your own. In addition, many restaurants and cafes around Market Square offer cheaper menus during off-peak hours, allowing you to enjoy local specialties without straining your budget.

Remember that the atmosphere of Market Square changes with the time of day. In the morning you can watch the city come to life, and in the evening you can feel the magical atmosphere as the streetlights illuminate the cobblestone streets. This is a great opportunity to take atmospheric photos at no extra cost.

When visiting the Market Square and City Hall, pay attention to the architectural details that tell the story of the city. Each building has its own story, and discovering them is like reading a fascinating history book - completely free. It's these little details that make Rothenburg ob der Tauber such a special place, and exploring it doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

Continuing our budget tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we can't leave out one of the most picturesque and photographed places in the city - Plönlein. This charming little square with a distinctive yellow house surrounded by two towers is a real gem, which you can enjoy completely free. It is the perfect place to take a souvenir photo that will remind you of Rothenburg's magical atmosphere.

Another place worth visiting without burdening your wallet is the Castle Garden. This beautifully maintained park offers not only a peaceful place to relax, but also breathtaking views of the Tauber River valley and the surrounding hills. It's a great place for a picnic to save on restaurant meals. Be sure to bring your camera - the views from here are truly unforgettable!

We can't forget the very heart of historic Rothenburg - the Rothenburg Red Castle above the Tauber. Although only ruins remain of the original building, the place still impresses with its history and views. Admission to the castle is free, making it another attraction ideal for frugal travelers.

For those looking for more economical accommodations, Camping Tauberromantik is a great option. Located close to the city center, it offers affordable prices and contact with nature. It's ideal for those who want to save money on accommodations without sacrificing proximity to tourist attractions. The campground offers clean sanitary facilities and the possibility to pitch a tent or put up an RV in a picturesque setting.

One of Rothenburg's most unique yet budget-friendly attractions is a night walk with Hans Georg Baumgartner, known as the Night Watchman. This hour-long tour, costing only 9 euros (as of September 2023), is an unforgettable experience that combines history, humor and the magical atmosphere of the city at night. The night watchman guides tourists through the city, telling fascinating stories and anecdotes from Rothenburg's past.

It is worth remembering that many of Rothenburg's attractions can be enjoyed from the outside without paying admission. Walking through the narrow streets, you can discover the charming nooks and crannies, colorful house facades and numerous architectural details that make the city so unique.

Also, be sure to purchase the Rothenburg Card, which can prove cost-effective if you plan to visit the many paid attractions. This card offers discounts or free entry to many museums and monuments, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber proves that discovering beauty and history doesn't have to involve big expenses. With numerous free attractions and budget accommodation options, anyone can enjoy the charms of this fairytale city without worrying about the state of their wallet.

To fully enjoy the charms of Rothenburg ob der Tauber without straining your budget, here are some additional tips to save money while visiting this fairytale city.

First and foremost, consider purchasing a Rothenburg Card if you're planning an intensive tour. This card, available at the tourist information desk, offers admission to many attractions at a lower price than the sum of individual tickets. Remember, however, to carefully analyze whether you will actually visit enough paid sites to make the card worthwhile.

One of the best free attractions in Rothenburg is the city wall walk. This tour allows you to admire the city's skyline from different perspectives and is available all day without charge. It's a great way to see the layout of the city and take beautiful photos.

As for food, avoid restaurants in the tourist center itself, where prices tend to be inflated. Instead, look for local bakeries or small stores a little further away from the main tourist routes. There you can buy fresh bread, local cheeses and cured meats, perfect for a picnic in the Castle Garden or by the Tauber River.

You should also consider visiting Rothenburg outside the main tourist season. During the months of November through March, accommodation prices are lower and the city is less crowded, allowing you to experience its atmosphere more authentically.

If you decide to stay at Camping Tauberromantik, be sure to bring your own camping equipment. Renting on site can be expensive. Camping offers an excellent location close to the center, which saves on transportation.

For those who want to learn about the city's history in an unusual and budget-friendly way, a night walk with Hans Georg Baumgartner, known as the Night Watchman, is a must-do. For only 9 euros (as of September 2023) you get an hour-long tour of the city, full of humor and fascinating facts. It's not only great entertainment, but also a great way to learn about Rothenburg's history.

Remember that many of Rothenburg's attractions can be enjoyed from the outside without paying admission. Plönlein, a charming square with a distinctive yellow house, or the market square with the town hall are places you can admire and photograph without paying.

If you plan to explore the Rothenburg area, consider renting a bicycle. Not only is it a cheaper alternative to public transportation or a car, but it's also a great way to explore the scenic areas around the city, such as the Tauber River Valley.

It's also worth keeping an eye on local events and festivals, which often offer free attractions and performances. Wine festivals or medieval fairs are opportunities to experience local culture without spending a fortune.

Finally, don't forget a simple but effective method of saving money - walking. Rothenburg is a relatively small town that is best explored by walking. Wandering the cobblestone streets will not only save you money on transportation, but you'll also discover charming nooks and crannies that you won't see from a bus or car window.

Remember that the real beauty of Rothenburg ob der Tauber lies in its atmosphere, architecture and history, which can be enjoyed and explored without spending a lot of money. With these tips and a little planning, you can enjoy the magic of this medieval city while keeping your travel budget under control.