AUGSBURG IN A WEEKEND : WHAT TO SEE, DO & EAT

If you’re looking for an alternative to the busy Munich & Nuremberg, to spend a weekend in Bavaria Augsburg is the perfect choice. It’s Germany’s second-oldest city, founded over 2,000 years ago as a Roman military camp under Emperor Augustus – from whom it takes its name. And since, it was beautifully preserved through the centuries, and host some of Germany’s most remarkable monuments and a unique Bavarian atmosphere.

I used to live there and I’m so glad to share, in this guide, the must-see spots and best things to do to help you make the most of your Augsburg weekend getaway.

GETTING TO AUGSBURG

• By plane: The nearest airport is Munich International Airport (München Flughafen), about 80 km / 1 hour from the city. From there, take the S-Bahn to Munich main station, then a direct train to Augsburg. Other options include Memmingen Airport (70 km) or Nuremberg Airport, both serve low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet.
• By train: Augsburg Hauptbahnhof connects to major German cities such as Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. From Munich, trains take 30–50 minutes (regional RE, intercity IC, or fast ICE). From Nuremberg, it’s about 1.5 hours. International trains from Austria, France, Italy, ect serve Augsburg daily and nightly. Check Deutsche Bahn for schedules and tickets.
• By bus: Augsburg’s long-distance bus station, north of the city, is less served than Munich but still reachable from France or Austria in around 8 hours via Flixbus.

GETTING AROUND AUGSBURG

The city is served by trams and buses, running from 5 a.m. to midnight. There’s really no need for taxis, as all the main attractions are easily walkable. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas, I highly recommend renting a bike. Augsburg is surrounded by many cycling paths that lead to some truly lovely spots!

SATURDAY TO EXPLORE THE HISTORICAL CENTER

1. Rathausplatz, Maximilianstraße & Schaezler Palace

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bäckerei Wolf (go to the one Steingasse 8 for seatings). This popular bakery has several locations across Augsburg and is famous for serving the city’s best Zimtschnecken (cinnamon rolls) of Germany (according to me) & delicious Butterbretzel. Their menu changes with the seasons, and all pastries are baked fresh in the morning, making them tasty no matter what time of day you visit.

Then head to Rathausplatz, Augsburg’s main square. At its center stands the imposing Town Hall, home to one of Germany’s Renaissance treasures: the Golden Hall. Although much of it was destroyed during World War II, it has been fully restored to its former glory, with intricate wall paintings, stuccoed ceilings, and marble floors. The Rathausplatz is also the site of Augsburg’s Christmas Market, which has been held here for over 500 years. Beside it, the Perlach Tower, originally a 10th-century watchtower, offers spectacular views of the city.

(Both the Golden Hall and the Perlach Tower are under renovation until 2026.)

Follow Maximilianstraße, a wide avenue dating back to the early 17th century that connects the Town Hall to St. Ulrich’s Church, lined with beautiful Renaissance buildings and adorned with majestic fountains featuring Roman gods & heroes. Along this avenue, you’ll also find the Schaezler Palace, a Baroque gem housing a collection of Old German paintings (with explanations unfortunately only in German) and, most impressively, a Rococo ballroom. This exquisite hall was created in honor of Marie-Antoinette, who stopped here for an evening on her way to France to join her husband, Louis XVI (Open from 10h to 17h with an entry fee of 7€ (or free for EU citizens under 27, free every Sundays). The small garden (free) adjacent to the palace is also a peaceful spot to relax.

2. Stadtmarkt, Fuggerei & Souvenirs shopping

At lunchtime, I can’t recommend enough a visit to the Stadtmarkt, a lively spot full of color and aroma. Dozens of stalls sell fresh produce and flowers, while a variety of restaurants offer dishes from near and far. You’ll find Greek and Italian specialties, and one place serves an absolutely divine fish soup, the Fisch Schwingenstein, which you can enjoy in a small portion or a larger one, paired with a glass of wine or some fresh oysters from France.

In the afternoon, head over to the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex still in operation. Founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger, a wealthy merchant and banker who possessed the greatest private fortune of his time – it has provided housing for Augsburg’s poorest Catholic citizens for over 500 years in exchange for community service and a daily prayer. The annual rent has remained unchanged since its creation: just 88 cents—the equivalent of a Rhenish florin, the currency at the time. You can explore the Fuggerei for an entry fee of €8 (open from 9 to 18h) and learn about its fascinating history and architecture through a museum, a show apartment, and even a World War II bunker.

The afternoon is also a great time to pick up souvenirs from your trip (since most shops are closed on Sundays). Geschenkeladen on Maximilianstraße brings together creations from local designers, much like the souvenirs at ‘s Fachl Augsburg.

In the evening, indulge in a dinner at Sartory, a 1-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Hotel Maximilian. With a menu inspired by French and Mediterranean cuisine, the chef offers a 5- or 7-course tasting menu (with a vegetarian option), a true delight for the senses.

SUNDAY TO RELAX AROUND THE CITY

1. Cycling tour & Botanical Garden

Sundays in Augsburg are more relaxed. As in the rest of Germany, most shops are closed, with only restaurants open. But that doesn’t mean the city is quiet. On the contrary, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore Augsburg in a different way.

And the best way to do this is by bike. Rent a bicycle and take a ride through Augsburg’s expansive city park. Make a stop at the Botanical Garden (open from 9h to 21h in summer, until 17h in winter, entry 4€) a peaceful sanctuary where over 3,000 plant species spread across a variety of themed gardens. For a refreshing break, head to the Waldgaststätte Parkhäusl, just 5 minutes away. This is where locals gather for Sunday lunch or a Sunday beer, perfect for friends and families (open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m on summer).

2. Friedberg, Augsburger Puppenkiste & Water Management System

In the afternoon, hop back on your bike for a trip to Friedberg (also recheable by train & bus) a charming little fortified town perched on a hill about 10 km from Augsburg. Founded in the 13th century by the Wittelsbach dynasty, much of its medieval walls, towers, and even the castle have survived the test of time and war. Don’t miss Herrgottsruh church, one of the most magnificent of the region. If you happen to be in Friedberg for lunch time (or maybe for a dessert) you have to stop at the Gasthaus Goldener Stern, a cozy restaurant where you can rediscover traditional Bavarian cuisine.

For families with children, the Augsburger Puppenkiste is a must-visit. This museum showcases an impressive collection of puppets, antique toys, and miniatures for a journey through time. You can add to this experience an authentic puppet show. Since its founding in 1948, the Puppenkiste has enchanted generations with performances ranging from classic tales like Hansel and Gretel to ambitious works like Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Tickets start at €10, with two shows per day.

Finally, don’t miss a walk around Augsburg’s unique network of canals, water towers, and fountains, dating back to the 13th century — the very reason the city earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. You can step inside one of the old Water Towers at the Rotes Tor (with a guided tour) which once supplied the city with fresh water in the 15th century, or stop by the Maximilianmuseum (10h to 17h, 7€, free for UE citizens under 27 and free every Sundays) to see models and displays that bring Augsburg’s historic water system to life.

For your last night in Augsburg, treat yourself with a drink at the bar of Hotel Maximilian. With a good selection of classic cocktails, house creations, fine wines and local spirits. For dinner, I highly recommend trying Augsburg’s best Kässpätzle—rich, cheesy noodles topped with crispy onions—at Thalia Kaffeehaus. This cinema-restaurant, set in a spacious room, also offers an excellent international wine list and features live piano music several nights a week, perfect to end this weekend.

BEST STAYS IN AUGSBURG

High-End – Hotel Maximilian’s | the historic hotel in the heart of Augsburg, located on the city’s prettiest street. Its spacious elegant rooms & suits combine modern amenities with historic charm. The hotel features a sauna, and a fitness center. Dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Sartory, enjoy a fresh, local breakfast buffet, or relax at the bar with creative cocktails and an excellent wine & champagne selection.

Courtesy of Hotel Maximilian’s

Best Airbnb – Hoteltower, 26th Floor | Inside Augsburg’s tallest building, this 35 m² apartment offers stunning views over the city and its iconic landmarks. Perfect for couples or anyone wanting a “home-away-from-home” experience for a couple of nights, starting at €200 (2 nights minimum) Airbnb link

Family-Friendly & Mid-Range – Rugs Hotel Augsburg City | Just a short walk from the train station, this colorful hotel offers comfortable family rooms from €130 (for 4 people) and an excellent breakfast buffet.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN AUGSBURG

Augsburg’s culinary scene has nothing to envy from Bavaria’s capital. As the largest city in the Swabian administrative region, Augsburg had its own distinctive specialties — rooted in Bavarian traditions but enriched with Swiss and Alsatian influences. The result is a cuisine that feels homely, rustic, and creative, often centered on simple, wholesome ingredients.

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) selection of the best places to enjoy lunch, dinner, or simply a good coffee in Augsburg (I tried almost all of them).

• International & German for a nice evening ; Thalia Restaurant | Serves Augsburg’s best Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles topped with crispy onions). It’s also a cinema showcasing German and international art-house films (in German). Come for its live piano evenings, European wine list, and intimate ambiance — though it’s always lively with locals. Cash only.
• High-end Style ; Sartory | a fine dining restaurant, Michelin star, with only 24 seats, hosted in as well the prestigious Maximilian’s Hotel. The Menu du Chef, in 9 courses, blends Mediterranean products with French flair. The chef also offers a vegetarian menu that highlights seasonal products in refined and elegant compositions. An extensive wine and champagne list allows you to perfectly pair your drinks with each menu. Menu from €170.

Courtesy of Sartory restaurant

• Fish-Based Menu ; Augsburg Fisch Schwingenstein – Hidden in Augsburg’s Stadtmarkt, this stall serves the city’s best fish soup, available in small or large portions (€9 for the large one), accompanied by a glass of wine, it’s a comforting treat to enjoy both in summer and winter.
• German Traditional you’ll regret not trying ; Gasthaus Goldener Stern (Friedberg) | Run with passion by the same family for three generations, this traditional German restaurant has two faces: a warm Gasthaus at lunchtime, and a more refined dining experience for dinner. Both concepts focus on regional suppliers and local flavors, perfectly paired with excellent wines.
• Best bakery in town ; Wolf | Whether on the go or to sit down, you’re sure to always find fresh pastries and good coffee at this popular bakery chain. In winter, try the delicious Zimtschnecken (cinnamon rolls), in summer, go for the Swabian Kirschmichel (cherry pudding). And all year round, don’t miss the Butterbrezel — a soft pretzel generously spread with butter, balancing the saltiness perfectly.
• Tea time ; Café Müller (Koningsbrunn) | – Located on the outskirts of Augsburg, this café is worth the drive (or bus ride). Set in a building reminiscent of Hundertwasser’s architecture, it serves probably the best hot chocolate in Bavaria — rich, smooth, with a hint of orange blossom, coupled with generous and creamy cakes.
• Biergarten to gather ; Waldgaststätte Parkhäusl | in the green heart of Augsburg, this charming spot serves freshly tapped beers, pretzels, coffee, and hearty meals throughout the day. A local favorite, it’s the perfect place to relax and gather with family or friends. In summer, the establishment hosts weekly live music concerts. A special mention goes to Gaststätte Kühlerhütte, located along the Wertach River — a perfect spot, loved by locals, to admire the warm colors of sunset reflecting on the water & enjoy a beer seated on a rock or bench in summer