Germany

A long weekend from Metz through Germany's Black Forest gateway, a day trip into Switzerland's tri-border city, and a night in Strasbourg on the way home.

Duration

A long weekend — 4-5 days covers the full loop comfortably.

Best time

Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is the sweet spot — June and September especially, for the same warm, reliable weather as peak summer with thinner crowds and better prices. Strasbourg's Christmas market makes a good case for a completely different December trip instead, though Freiburg and Basel turn cold and grey that time of year.

Budget

Roughly €80/day, covering intercity travel by bus, getting around each city on foot, and hostel stays. Cheaper is possible if you stay outside the city centers, and pricier options exist too — it depends on what kind of traveling you prefer.

Getting around

Bus from Metz to Freiburg, with a change in Strasbourg. Strasbourg itself is about 45 minutes from Metz by high-speed rail (Ouigo is worth booking) or roughly 2 hours by bus — worth having the Carte Avantage Adulte for this route; see our Metz post for why.

A weekend from Metz to Germany's oldest city, Trier, with real time to explore Luxembourg City on the way there or back — Roman ruins, a UNESCO old town, and the AntikenCard's four major sites.

Duration

A weekend — a few hours in Luxembourg City either on the way out or on the way back, two full nights in Trier.

Best time

Spring or early autumn — mild weather, and specifically better for avoiding the crowds that build up around Porta Nigra and Trier's other major sites later in the day and in peak summer.

Budget

Hotels run around €70/night. Food is roughly €15-20 per person per meal. For sightseeing in Trier, get the AntikenCard — €18 covers four major Roman sites (Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths, the Barbara Baths, and the Roman Amphitheatre) plus the Landesmuseum, working out cheaper than paying for each individually.

Getting around

Luxembourg is under an hour from Metz by direct train. Trier is a short onward hop from Luxembourg. Luxembourg City works equally well as a stop on the way out or on the way back — pick whichever fits your energy levels better.