How To Spend A Day In Regensburg Germany
If you’re looking for a laid-back city packed with history and riverside views, Regensburg is one of Germany’s gems. This medieval town is full of cobblestone streets, colorful old buildings, and cozy beer gardens you’ll want to settle into for hours. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan, stumble on a centuries-old church, and end the day watching the sunset over the Danube.
A Little About Regensburg You Might Not Know
We made a stop in Regensburg while traveling between Frankfurt and Prague, and it ended up being one of those unexpectedly charming little cities you’re glad you didn’t skip. It’s a super walkable, colorful medieval town set right along the Danube, and you can immediately tell it’s a popular stop for river cruises. Regensburg is known as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany and is packed with history around every corner. It’s also home to the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, Historische Wurstkuchl, where they’ve been serving sausages by the river since the 1100s. The organ in St. Peter’s cathedral is the world’s largest hanging organ. And some even say this is home to Germany’s oldest coffee house, though there’s a little local debate about that. Either way, it’s a beautiful place to wander, grab a drink by the water, and soak up some small-town Bavarian charm.
Regensburg at a Glance
Language:
German
Currency:
Euro
Time Zone:
Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Walkability:
Excellent in city center
Electricity
230V, Type C & F plugs
Best Time to Visit:
May&June, Sept&Oct: Weather and fewer crowds; December: Christmas markets
Cat Temple
Oh yes… Regensburg has a cat cafe! Known more adorably as the “Cat Temple,” it was (obv) my favorite stop.
Beer Gardens
Regensburg is known for having more beer gardens per square mile than most other small German cities.
Steinerne Brucke
The Stone Bridge is a landmark of the city, with both historical and architectural significance.
What You Need To Know Before Visiting Regensburg
Planning Tips & Cultural Etiquette
As with any city, do your research before visiting. Many cities, especially in Europe, feel overrun with tourists, sometimes causing the locals to be less patient or friendly. Here are a few things you can do to be a better traveler in Regensburg:
People Live Here — Even though it’s a popular stop on river cruises and looks like a storybook set, people live and work here — so be mindful about noise late at night.
Respect History — The architecture has stood for centuries, so avoid climbing on monuments, leaning bikes against ancient walls, or littering.
Slow Down — Unlike a bigger city, you don’t have to rush to ‘see it all’ here. Take your time, linger, enjoy the views.
Support Local Businesses — When possible, opt for the local, independent, or more traditional experiences.
- Learn a Few Basic German Words — A simple Hallo, Bitte, and Danke go a long way.
- Sundays — Be prepared for things to be closed on Sundays. Check local restaurants, bars, museums, etc. when planning your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Regensburg
We stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Regensburg. It was reasonably priced and a great location with the ability to walk in to city center (about 15 minutes). This location also offers free parking. For a more detailed review you can check out my YouTube video.
More Regensburg Travel Inspiration
Check out our highlights on YouTube:
Map Of Things To Do In Regensburg
