Weekend in Freiburg

A large daily market around the cathedral selling fresh produce, flowers, cheese, bread and regional specialities like Black Forest ham and Flammkuchen. The atmosphere is lively an

Tip: Come on Saturday for the biggest selection. Buy a paper cone of roasted chestnuts (€3) in autumn. Cash only at most stalls.

Daily morning market around the cathedral, selling fresh produce, flowers, and local cheeses. Farmers bring their goods from the surrounding hills.

Tip: Arrive by 8:30am to beat the crowds and get the best Hefezopf (braided yeast bread). The cheese stall near the fish fountain is consistent quality.

Gothic sandstone cathedral in the city centre. You can walk around the nave and side chapels for free. Climbing the tower costs about €4.

Tip: Visit on a Saturday morning: the farmers' market fills the square outside. The best view of the spire is from the Augustinerplatz side.

The sandstone Gothic cathedral dominating the old town. Free to enter the main nave – you can see the stained glass, the astronomical clock and the devil's footprint in the porch.

Tip: Climb the tower for €3.50 if you're fit – 329 steps, no lift – for the best view over the Black Forest. Go on a clear morning before 10am to avoid crowds.

A soaring Gothic cathedral built from red sandstone, with a 116-metre tower and intricate carvings. You can climb the tower for a city view but the main interior is free.

Tip: Go early in the morning before 9am to avoid crowds and the guided tour groups. The stained glass windows look best in low sun.

Gothic sandstone cathedral with intricate carved spire and medieval stained glass. Climb the tower for a fee, but the nave and crypt are free.

Tip: Visit on a market morning (Mon-Sat) to see stalls around the base. The astronomical clock chimes at noon.

Small open channels of water that run along many streets in the old town, originally used for firefighting and livestock. You'll hear them before you see them – constant gentle flow over stone channel

Tip: If you step in one accidentally, locals say you'll marry a Freiburger (or Freiburgerin). Actually useful: in summer, kids splash in them – keep an eye on your bag on café tables.

One of the two remaining medieval city gates. You can stand under it, read the plaques, and walk through the adjacent street. The tram junction makes for good photos.

Tip: Head just behind the gate to the Bächle – you'll see the little water channels. The locals' trick: drop a homemade paper boat in at the Schwabentor end and chase it down to the Münster.

Art museum in a former Augustinian monastery, holding medieval sculpture, stained glass, and modern art. Free on the first Sunday of each month.

Tip: Arrive by 11am on free Sunday to avoid queues. The cloister garden is a quiet spot. Otherwise, standard entry is €8.

Modern art museum in a former grammar school building. Focuses on 20th-century German and international works, with rotating exhibitions. Its permanent collection includes pieces b

Tip: Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month. Check their website for special exhibition openings, which often have a free wine reception.