Weekend in Augsburg

Medieval church turned Lutheran after the Reformation — contains the Fugger Chapel (one of the first Renaissance buildings in Germany), Luther's former cell, and a small museum on

Tip: The Fugger Chapel is a hidden masterpiece — check the opening times as it’s only accessible during guided tours (free with church entry, usually 11am and 2pm Sat). The cloister garden is a peaceful spot rarely visited.

Former Carmelite monastery church, now Protestant. Contains Martin Luther's former cell (he stayed here in 1518) and a stunning late Gothic cloister with frescoes.

Tip: The cloister opens via a side door off the main church – easy to miss. Look for the tiny plaque marking Luther's room. The organ is often played during lunchtime (12:30-13:00) on Saturdays.

Free puppet museum showing the history of Augsburg's famous puppet theatre. Three floors of puppets, sets, and a workshop display. Small but well-curated, with interactive elements for kids.

Tip: Pair with the main puppet theatre show (tickets from €12) — the museum explains the craft, then you see it live. The museum is kid-friendly but not overwhelming.

Renaissance city hall with the stunning Goldener Saal (Golden Hall) – a banquet hall with gilded coffered ceilings and intricate frescoes. Free to enter on weekdays.

Tip: Go on a weekday morning (10-12) to avoid tour groups. The main staircase itself is worth the climb. No photography with flash allowed inside the hall.

Central square dominated by the city hall and the Augustusbrunnen fountain. Lined with cafés and shops. Often hosts a small farmers' market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Tip: Visit early morning around 8am before the shops open – you get the square nearly empty. The fountain's four statues represent Augsburg's rivers: Lech, Wertach, Singold, and Brunnenbach.

Sprawling botanical garden with themed sections: alpine, Japanese, herb gardens, and a tropical glasshouse. Free entry to the grounds; glasshouse costs €2. Well maintained with benches, ponds, and a c

Tip: The Japanese garden has a small teahouse that opens for ceremonies on Sundays (check schedule). The herb garden is great for picnics — but bring your own blanket. Arrive early to avoid crowds on weekends.

Sprawling botanical garden with themed sections including an alpine garden, greenhouse, and a children's play area. Good for a quiet afternoon.

Tip: Free entry applies only to the outdoor gardens. The greenhouses cost 3 euros but are worth it for the tropical section. Best in May-June when roses bloom.

The world's oldest social housing complex still in use, founded in 1521. Entry costs €7, but includes an audio guide and museum access. Cobbled lanes, small gardens, and a chapel w

Tip: Visit the bomb shelter bunker turned museum — it’s small but gives a stark look at WWII in Augsburg. Go early morning to avoid tour groups.

World's oldest social housing complex, founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger. Visitors can see tiny, affordable apartments still occupied today for an annual rent of less than 1 euro.

Tip: Entry costs about 8 euros for adults, but skip the audioguide and just walk the quiet lanes. The museum inside a restored apartment gives you the full story in 15 minutes.

Renaissance city hall with the Golden Hall — a lavish banqueting room with gilded coffered ceiling, murals, and huge windows. Entry €2.50 for adults, free under 18. The hall itself

Tip: Check if the hall is used for private events — it closes sometimes. The Pearl Tower (Roter Turm) next door gives a free city view on stairway landings (no lift).