Regensburg

Day 1: First impressions of the UNESCO Old Town

Regensburg’s medieval core is compact and best explored on foot—cobbles demand sturdy shoes. Start with the headline sights, then follow the river to see why traders once called this “Italy’s most northern city”.

• Morning: Trace the city’s Roman roots at the Porta Praetoria, then step into the soaring Gothic of St Peter’s Cathedral to admire its medieval stained glass; if it’s a service day, slip in quietly for a few minutes to hear the Domspatzen choir rehearse. Tip: look up above modern shopfronts for oriel windows and fresco fragments.
• Midday: Join a guided tour at the Old Town Hall to see the Reichssaal and the chilling Fragstatt cells; book ahead in peak season. Lunch riverside at the Historische Wurstkuchl—order “Sechs auf Kraut” and try the local sweet mustard; bring cash.
• Afternoon: Stroll across the Stone Bridge to Stadtamhof, pausing by the Bruckmandl for skyline photos; in warm weather continue to the Danube islands (Jahninsel/Unterer Wöhrd) for a lazy riverside hour. Coffee and cake in Stadtamhof offer a quieter feel than the cathedral side; Altstadtbus A/C helps if the cobbles tire you.
• Evening: Wander via Haidplatz and Neupfarrplatz for people‑watching before dinner—traditional beer and fare at Kneitinger or a modern twist near Bismarckplatz. Seasonal note: in Advent, the Neupfarrplatz Christmas market glows till 20:00–21:00; in July, the Bavarian Jazz Weekend fills squares with free sets at blue hour.

Day 2: Courtyards, towers and a princely palace

Today is about Regensburg’s layered fabric: Romanesque portals, patrician “medieval skyscrapers”, and one of Germany’s grandest urban palaces. Keep your pace unhurried and dip into courtyards whenever you spot an open passage.

• If it’s Saturday, shop with locals at the Alter Kornmarkt weekly market (07:00–13:00): greet vendors with “Grüß Gott”, don’t handle produce—point and let them pick. Not a Saturday? Head to the Schottenkirche St Jakob to decode its enigmatic Romanesque Schottenportal, then coffee on a quiet Gasse.

By Air

• Munich Airport (MUC) – largest and closest. Direct regional airport express (ÜFEX) to Regensburg Hbf about 1 h 20 min, typically hourly. By car via A92/B15n/A93 about 1 h 10–1 h 30.
• Nuremberg Airport (NUE) – U2 metro to Nürnberg Hbf (≈12 min), then RE/ICE to Regensburg (≈1 h–1 h 20). Total 1 h 30–1 h 50. By car via A3 about 1 h 15–1 h 30.
• Also feasible: Salzburg (SZG) ≈2 h 45–3 h 15 by train (1+ changes), ≈2 h by car; Frankfurt (FRA) ≈3 h–3 h 45 by ICE (1 change), ≈3 h 15–3 h 45 by car.

By Train

• Main station: Regensburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), short walk south of the Old Town. The central bus station (ZOB, Albertstraße) is adjacent for city/regional buses and long‑distance coaches.
• Key direct/fast connections (typical journey times):
  • Munich: ICE/RE about 1 h 15–1 h 30; at least hourly.
  • Nuremberg: RE/IC about 1 h 05–1 h 30; at least hourly.
  • Passau: RE about 1 h 15–1 h 30.
  • Berlin: ICE with 1 change (usually Nürnberg) about 4 h 30–5 h 15.
  • Frankfurt (Main): ICE with 1 change (Nürnberg/Würzburg) about 3 h 15–3 h 45.
  • Prague: about 4 h–4 h 30 with 1 change (often Schwandorf/Pilsen).
  • Vienna: about 3 h 45–4 h 30 with 1 change (Passau/Linz).
• Operator: Deutsche Bahn (DB) plus regional services; tickets via bahn.com or DB Navigator app.

Regensburg delivers UNESCO-scale history and Bavarian good life—with far fewer crowds and just as much to do.

• Atmosphere: A lived‑in medieval core of cobbled lanes, patrician tower houses and Danube light—walkable, laid‑back, and refreshingly free of tour‑bus scrums.
• Heritage: The Stone Bridge, St Peter’s Cathedral and the Reichstag hall span 2,000 years; cross to village‑like Stadtamhof for skyline views that rival the “big names” without the queues.
• Food & drink: Authentic flavours at local prices—Wurstkuchl sausages with sweet Händlmaier mustard by the river, brewery pubs like Kneitinger, and cosy beer gardens in the Spitalgarten.
• Local life: Real‑deal traditions and markets—Saturday produce at Alter Kornmarkt, the artisan Lucrezia Markt, the biannual Dult folk fair—and choral heritage with the Domspatzen in the cathedral.

If you love living history, atmospheric streets, and hearty Bavarian flavours, Regensburg will win you over. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a compact, walkable gem where Roman, medieval and baroque layers still shape daily life. With easy rail links, it’s a relaxed alternative to the big hitters, ideal for a day trip or a slow weekend.

• History lovers: Trace two millennia from the Roman Porta Praetoria to the Perpetual Imperial Diet in the Altes Rathaus, with legends on the Stone Bridge and Kepler’s final days.
• Architecture buffs: Marvel at St Peter’s Gothic spires, Italianate patrician tower houses and the enigmatic Schottenportal in a city that’s more intact than most German old towns.
• Foodies: Feast on Wurstkuchl sausages with Händlmaier mustard, cosy pub classics and local brews in historic beer halls and riverside gardens.
• Scenery seekers: Capture skyline views from the Stone Bridge and Stadtamhof, golden-hour reflections on the Danube, and wintry sparkle at the Christmas markets.
• Market mavens: Shop weekly farmers’ stalls, the biannual Dult fair, and festive greats from Neupfarrplatz to the artisan-led Lucrezia and palace market at Thurn und Taxis.
• Active travellers: Wander car-free cobbles, cycle the Danube paths to green river islands, and climb gentle bridges for the city’s best panoramas.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Regensburg, blending 2,000 years of history with a vibrant, lived‑in city. Use this shortlist to hit the icons and authentic local experiences in one memorable visit.

• Walk the Steinerne Brücke to Stadtamhof for the classic panorama of cathedral spires and rooftops over the Danube.
• Explore the UNESCO Old Town’s patrician tower houses, Gothic St Peter’s Cathedral, and the Roman Porta Praetoria.
• Visit the Altes Rathaus and Reichstagsmuseum to stand in the historic Reichssaal and glimpse the medieval “Fragstatt”.
• Take in market life—from the Saturday Alter Kornmarkt to candlelit Christmas stalls at Neupfarrplatz or Thurn und Taxis.
• Hike the Jahninsel and Unterer Wöhrd river islands for tranquil paths and picture‑perfect views back to the Old Town.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Regensburg, blending 2,000 years of history with a vibrant, lived‑in city. Use this shortlist to hit the icons and authentic local experiences in one memorable visit.

• Walk the Steinerne Brücke to Stadtamhof for the classic panorama of cathedral spires and rooftops over the Danube.
• Explore the UNESCO Old Town’s patrician tower houses, Gothic St Peter’s Cathedral, and the Roman Porta Praetoria.
• Visit the Altes Rathaus and Reichstagsmuseum to stand in the historic Reichssaal and glimpse the medieval “Fragstatt”.
• Take in market life—from the Saturday Alter Kornmarkt to candlelit Christmas stalls at Neupfarrplatz or Thurn und Taxis.
• Hike the Jahninsel and Unterer Wöhrd river islands for tranquil paths and picture‑perfect views back to the Old Town.

Regensburg’s food scene blends medieval heritage with a lived‑in city vibe. Think grilled sausages by the Danube, excellent Bavarian beers, and markets where regional produce and sweet mustard shine. Cosy cafés, buzzing bars, and seasonal markets keep the Old Town delicious year‑round.

• Regensburger sausages (Sechs auf Kraut) – petite grilled sausages on sauerkraut with sweet Händlmaier mustard; best elbow‑to‑elbow at the riverside Wurstkuchl by the Stone Bridge.
• Bavarian beer (Helles & Weißbier) – crisp lagers and wheat beers from local breweries like Kneitinger or Spital; linger in beer gardens and snug Kneipen across the Old Town.
• Blueberry Glühwein – a fruity, warming mulled wine speciality poured from a giant copper cauldron at Neupfarrplatz; sip it amid twinkling lights at the Christmas markets.
• Weltenburger Bockbierschnitzel – pork schnitzel in pretzel crumbs with sweet mustard, topped with onions and a rich Bock beer gravy; hearty comfort food in cosy restaurants near the cathedral.

Regensburg’s food scene blends medieval heritage with a lived‑in city vibe. Think grilled sausages by the Danube, excellent Bavarian beers, and markets where regional produce and sweet mustard shine. Cosy cafés, buzzing bars, and seasonal markets keep the Old Town delicious year‑round.

• Regensburger sausages (Sechs auf Kraut) – petite grilled sausages on sauerkraut with sweet Händlmaier mustard; best elbow‑to‑elbow at the riverside Wurstkuchl by the Stone Bridge.
• Bavarian beer (Helles & Weißbier) – crisp lagers and wheat beers from local breweries like Kneitinger or Spital; linger in beer gardens and snug Kneipen across the Old Town.
• Blueberry Glühwein – a fruity, warming mulled wine speciality poured from a giant copper cauldron at Neupfarrplatz; sip it amid twinkling lights at the Christmas markets.
• Weltenburger Bockbierschnitzel – pork schnitzel in pretzel crumbs with sweet mustard, topped with onions and a rich Bock beer gravy; hearty comfort food in cosy restaurants near the cathedral.

Choosing where to stay in Regensburg is all about the vibe you want. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct feel, from medieval bustle to riverside calm. Pick your area first; the right hotel will follow.

• Altstadt (Old Town) — UNESCO-listed core of cobbled lanes, Gothic skyline and countless pubs; best for first-timers and nightlife, but expect crowds and some street noise.
• Stadtamhof — across the Stone Bridge with pastel townhouses, river views and cosy eateries; perfect for romantics and those wanting charm with quieter evenings.
• Bismarckplatz & Arnulfsplatz — cultural hub with theatre, student buzz and great cafés, plus strong bus links; ideal for foodies and travellers seeking a balanced base.
• Bahnhofsviertel (near Hauptbahnhof) & Dachauplatz — practical base with modern hotels, easier parking and quick access to buses/trains; suits rail travellers, drivers and families needing convenience.

Choosing where to stay in Regensburg is all about the vibe you want. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct feel, from medieval bustle to riverside calm. Pick your area first; the right hotel will follow.

• Altstadt (Old Town) — UNESCO-listed core of cobbled lanes, Gothic skyline and countless pubs; best for first-timers and nightlife, but expect crowds and some street noise.
• Stadtamhof — across the Stone Bridge with pastel townhouses, river views and cosy eateries; perfect for romantics and those wanting charm with quieter evenings.
• Bismarckplatz & Arnulfsplatz — cultural hub with theatre, student buzz and great cafés, plus strong bus links; ideal for foodies and travellers seeking a balanced base.
• Bahnhofsviertel (near Hauptbahnhof) & Dachauplatz — practical base with modern hotels, easier parking and quick access to buses/trains; suits rail travellers, drivers and families needing convenience.

Regensburg is an easy, compact city to visit, with most highlights clustered in its UNESCO-listed Old Town. A few practical tips on costs, getting around and timing will make your stay smoother, especially in peak seasons when crowds arrive with river cruises and Christmas markets.

• Affordability: Generally mid-range by German standards, with coffee €2.50–€4, beer €3.50–€4.50, a sausage meal around €15, and mid-range dinners about €20–€40 per person; Old Town accommodation commands a premium, with better value near the station or in Stadtamhof.
• Transport: The Old Town is highly walkable and largely pedestrianised (station 5–10 minutes away), with Park & Ride options and small Altstadt buses (A/C) for short hops, plus easy regional trains for day trips to Nuremberg or Munich and seasonal Danube cruises.
• Language: German is the main language (you’ll hear “Grüß Gott” and “Servus”), and English is widely understood in tourism, hospitality and museums.
• Safety & comfort: It’s very safe and friendly for families and solo travellers; just watch for petty theft in crowded spots, wear sturdy shoes for cobblestones (slippery when wet/icy), and note that some alleys and courtyards can be challenging for wheelchairs or prams.
• Crowds: Expect the heaviest crowds May–August, during the Dult fairs, and late November–23 December for the Christmas markets; autumn (Sep–Nov) and weekday mornings are notably calmer, and crossing to Stadtamhof offers more breathing room.

Regensburg is an easy, compact city to visit, with most highlights clustered in its UNESCO-listed Old Town. A few practical tips on costs, getting around and timing will make your stay smoother, especially in peak seasons when crowds arrive with river cruises and Christmas markets.

• Affordability: Generally mid-range by German standards, with coffee €2.50–€4, beer €3.50–€4.50, a sausage meal around €15, and mid-range dinners about €20–€40 per person; Old Town accommodation commands a premium, with better value near the station or in Stadtamhof.
• Transport: The Old Town is highly walkable and largely pedestrianised (station 5–10 minutes away), with Park & Ride options and small Altstadt buses (A/C) for short hops, plus easy regional trains for day trips to Nuremberg or Munich and seasonal Danube cruises.
• Language: German is the main language (you’ll hear “Grüß Gott” and “Servus”), and English is widely understood in tourism, hospitality and museums.
• Safety & comfort: It’s very safe and friendly for families and solo travellers; just watch for petty theft in crowded spots, wear sturdy shoes for cobblestones (slippery when wet/icy), and note that some alleys and courtyards can be challenging for wheelchairs or prams.
• Crowds: Expect the heaviest crowds May–August, during the Dult fairs, and late November–23 December for the Christmas markets; autumn (Sep–Nov) and weekday mornings are notably calmer, and crossing to Stadtamhof offers more breathing room.

Seasonality in Regensburg is defined by lively summers on the Danube and a magical Advent period, with calm, atmospheric shoulder months in between. Expect mild spring/autumn days for wandering the Altstadt, hot midsummer afternoons, and crisp, often frosty winter evenings.

• Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild to cool; fewer tour groups and river-cruise crowds; relaxed, local vibe with blossoms or golden light and strong cultural programmes.
• High Summer (July–August): Warm to hot; busiest period with peak tourism and festivals; bustling riverfront and lively beer gardens.
• Winter (Advent/December): Cold, short days; crowds cluster around Christmas markets; cosy, festive atmosphere with mulled wine and candlelit squares.

Seasonality in Regensburg is defined by lively summers on the Danube and a magical Advent period, with calm, atmospheric shoulder months in between. Expect mild spring/autumn days for wandering the Altstadt, hot midsummer afternoons, and crisp, often frosty winter evenings.

• Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild to cool; fewer tour groups and river-cruise crowds; relaxed, local vibe with blossoms or golden light and strong cultural programmes.
• High Summer (July–August): Warm to hot; busiest period with peak tourism and festivals; bustling riverfront and lively beer gardens.
• Winter (Advent/December): Cold, short days; crowds cluster around Christmas markets; cosy, festive atmosphere with mulled wine and candlelit squares.

Day 3: Museums, river life and seasonal favourites

Round out your visit with the Danube waterfront, a museum fix, and time to simply get lost in the Gassen. Tailor the day to the season—there’s always a market, concert, or fair to fold in.

• Morning: Start at the Museum of Bavarian History on the Donaumarkt to ground the city in its wider story; the riverfront plaza is great for coffee after. If the sun’s out, cross to Jahninsel for relaxed views back to the skyline and a short wander under willows.
• Midday: Take a short Danube cruise (spring–autumn) or walk the full span of the Stone Bridge for changing perspectives; lunch in Stadtamhof on a shady terrace. Families can add a playground stop on the islands; photographers get crisp reflections on calm days.
• Afternoon: Dive beneath Neupfarrplatz at the Document Neupfarrplatz to see the former Jewish quarter’s foundations, then admire the gilded Baroque of the Alte Kapelle. Seasonal swaps: on Fridays (year‑round) browse the organic Bio‑Donaumarkt from mid‑afternoon; in May or late Aug/early Sep, ride the Ferris wheel and raise a Maß at the Regensburger Dult (use buses; expect Pfand on mugs).
• Evening: Choose your finale: a pub‑to‑bar amble through the Altstadt (try a Helles or a wheat beer), or a concert in the cathedral/theatre if the programme fits. Winter tip: save your last night for the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis—buy timed tickets online, dress warmly, and budget for premium food and craft stalls (cash still handy).

By Car

• Motorways: A3 (west–east: Frankfurt–Nuremberg–Regensburg–Passau) and A93 (north–south: Hof/Weiden–Regensburg–Holledau) meet at Regensburg.
• Typical drive times (traffic dependent): Munich 1 h 15–1 h 30; Nuremberg 1 h 15–1 h 30; Passau 1 h 15–1 h 30; Prague 3 h–3 h 30; Vienna 3 h 30–4 h.
• Note: The Old Town is largely pedestrianised. Use edge‑of‑centre car parks (e.g., Dachauplatz, Petersweg, Arnulfsplatz) or Park & Ride sites with frequent buses.

If you love living history, atmospheric streets, and hearty Bavarian flavours, Regensburg will win you over. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a compact, walkable gem where Roman, medieval and baroque layers still shape daily life. With easy rail links, it’s a relaxed alternative to the big hitters, ideal for a day trip or a slow weekend.

• History lovers: Trace two millennia from the Roman Porta Praetoria to the Perpetual Imperial Diet in the Altes Rathaus, with legends on the Stone Bridge and Kepler’s final days.
• Architecture buffs: Marvel at St Peter’s Gothic spires, Italianate patrician tower houses and the enigmatic Schottenportal in a city that’s more intact than most German old towns.
• Foodies: Feast on Wurstkuchl sausages with Händlmaier mustard, cosy pub classics and local brews in historic beer halls and riverside gardens.
• Scenery seekers: Capture skyline views from the Stone Bridge and Stadtamhof, golden-hour reflections on the Danube, and wintry sparkle at the Christmas markets.
• Market mavens: Shop weekly farmers’ stalls, the biannual Dult fair, and festive greats from Neupfarrplatz to the artisan-led Lucrezia and palace market at Thurn und Taxis.
• Active travellers: Wander car-free cobbles, cycle the Danube paths to green river islands, and climb gentle bridges for the city’s best panoramas.