Travel Budget for Lindau Visit Lindau on a Budget or Travel in Style

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lindau include:

• Hotel Helvetia Spa- und Wellnessdomizil starting at $176
• Hotel Reutemann-Seegarten starting at $184
• Boutique - Hotel Adara starting at $168
• Hotel Spiegel Garni starting at $150
• Hotel Schongarten starting at $173

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Lindau

Lindau is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.

By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.

Even though Lindau is a big tourist draw, its smaller size means that accommodations can be in high demand. Make sure to book early if you plan to visit during summer.

Walking is a popular way to explore Lindau, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.

The town's old town is a significant attraction for travelers. Although hotels in this area may be more expensive, they usually feature plenty of character and easy access to all that the area has to offer.

Lindau does not have its own airport, however is close to Friedrichshafen Airport and Memmingen Airport, which usually serve tourist arrivals and European destinations. The nearest major airports are Munich Airport, Stuttgart Airport or Zurich Airport. Lindau has direct rail Eurocity connections from Munich and Zurich, as well as regional rail services from Austria, other parts of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. The main station is on the island city. Friedrichshafen Airport is easily accessible by rail. Lindau is a very small town and exploring it on foot is the best idea. Bikes would work great too and give you an opportunity to travel on to Bregenz along the scenic lakeshore.

Find a Contiki tour to Europe.

Transportation Tips

If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lindau is around $87 (€78) per person, with previous travelers spending from $38 to $167. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Lindau are as follows:

• Breakfast: $9 to $26
• Lunch: $13 to $35
• Dinner: $26 to $61
• Coffee: $7
• Fast Food or Street Food: $13

At a crossroads of cultures, Lindau's German borders tickle both Switzerland and Austria, resulting in a cuisine that encompasses the best of each, while its lakeside locale ensures only that the freshest fish land on your plate. In Lindau you really are spoilt for choice. The region is quite literally a melting pot of culinary influences. It is a place where the traditional meets the contemporary. In this lakeside region, the cuisine combines elements from Bavaria, Swabia, Austria and Switzerland. They serve up fresh, top-quality regional specialties so that a meal with friends or family becomes a true feast for the senses. Try some great local dishes like locally caught whitefish, Styrian fried chicken or Spatzle noodles in sauce. And make sure you try a local dessert, perhaps a delicious Apfelstrudel or Kaiserschmarrn. Then round it all off with local Allgau cheeses or Swiss chocolate. One of the local wines makes the perfect accompaniment, or perhaps try a fruit juice from Lindau's own producer. Around the harbor and Maximilianstrasse there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Each features cozy environments near the water, and you're likely to find anything you might have a taste for.

Food & Dining Tips

When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Enjoying the scenery while saving money is easy with a picnic. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or picturesque location for your meal.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.

The highlight in Lindau has to be its picturesque harbor. The Neuer Leuchtturm (New Lighthouse) is actually from 1853 and is Germany's southernmost lighthouse. At 136 meters, this tower provides one of the best views of the lake if you can brave the 139 steps. Wondering where the old lighthouse stands? The 13th-century Mangturm (Old Lighthouse) is at the northern edge of the port. Though not generally open to the public, there are Marchenstunden (Fairy Tale hours) in August for children.

Across from New Lighthouse is the iconic Bayerische Lowe (Bavarian Lion). The lion is the symbol for the region of Bavaria and this one is carved from Kehlheim sandstone and weighs in at 50 tons. It presides over the harbor on a pedestal with the Roman numerals MDCCCLVI marking the date it was erected, 1856.

Maximilianstrasse is the main promenade and is pedestrians only. There are family-run shops, quaint cafes and restaurants, as well as row after row of beautiful homes. Admire the decorative gables then step inside to enjoy the ceiling paintings that tell stories of the town. Pass the butchers in the west, then bakers, then walk through the old market. The 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is also off this street. Decorated with frescoes of cherubs, this is the city's most important building.

Merchant house Haus zum Cavazzen is the most beautiful Baroque building in Lindau and holds the Stadtmuseum (city museum). Another stand-out building is the Romanesque Peterskirche. This church is over 1,000 years old with frescos of the Passion of Christ.

Ride the Ferry around Lake Constance because the best views of Lindau are from the water. Jump on one of the many ferries that travels between the cities on the lake like Bregenz, Konstanz or Friedrichshafen and cross over to Austria and Switzerland. Make sure to bring your camera to take pictures of the entry to the harbor and Alps. If you have more than sight-seeing on your itinerary, different tours also offer plated lunch and dinner, as well as cruises with live entertainment and themes.

Swim and Bike on and off Lindau Island. You can't talk about visiting an island without talking about the beach. Some people jump in year-round, but summer season (mid-May to mid-September) is the best. Along with lake-access, at least four Freibads (open-air pools) are available. You can also rent a boat and spend your time rowing around the aquamarine waters. To travel around the island, many visitors choose to bike. There are multiple bike rentals and paths as well as the opportunity to travel onto the mainland and continue riding around the massive lake.

If your visit to Landau is in winter, strap on a pair of skates rather than a bathing suit or bike helmet. An ice-rink is set-up next to the lake. The nearby mountains also offer the opportunity to go skiing at Vorarlberg in Austria or at Schiedegg.

Walk to Austria from Lindau. With so many fantastic locations nearby, Lindau is the ideal location to base your travels. You don't even need to hop in the car (or boat) to reach Bregenz, Austria. The town is within walking distance on the eastern shores of the lake. It features a summer music festival, Bregenzer Festspiele, with a magnificent stage right on the water. There is also a cable car that takes visitors up the Pfander.

Visit a Magical Butterfly Island. Mainau is a tiny, nearby island that is renowned for its gardens and greenhouse butterfly sanctuary. It is both practical as a model of excellent environmental practices and beautiful as one of the main tourist attractions of Lake Constance. Stop to smell the nearly 30,000 rose bushes, find some shade beneath the 150 year old giant sequoias and step into the 18th century castle.

Sightseeing Tips

Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Lindau. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Private Guided Walking Tour for $253 details
• Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour for $289 details
• Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour for $346 details

Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Lindau. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

• Friedrichshafen Private guided tour with wine tasting for $49 details
• Private city tour with wine tasting for $687 details