In a nutshell
- Our two insiders Franziska and Lukas answer 22 questions about their hometown of Würzburg in our Heimatliebe series and share their very personal insider tips for the best sights, restaurants, activities, and hotels.
- Würzburg beautifully combines culture, Franconian cuisine, and stunning vineyard scenery — and it’s seriously walkable.
- Wine lovers, this one’s for you. Franconian wine is world-class here, and you can easily combine a city visit with a tour of the surrounding wineries.
- A stroll through the historic old town and past the Würzburg Residence is worth the trip alone — the city has real charm at every turn.
Tips and Info for a Trip to Würzburg
Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important info you’ll need before visiting Würzburg.
Where is Würzburg in Germany?
Würzburg is in southern Germany — more specifically, in beautiful Bavaria.
By car, it takes about three hours to reach the state capital Munich.
Since Würzburg sits on Bavaria’s western border, major cities in Hesse or Baden-Württemberg are actually much closer than Munich.
You can reach Frankfurt, Mainz, Heidelberg, or Stuttgart in well under two hours. That makes Würzburg a perfect stop on a road trip through Germany, especially through the south.
Our Hotel Picks for Würzburg
Here are our hotel recommendations for Würzburg at every budget:
Interview with Two Locals: The Best Insider Tips for Würzburg
1. Who are you and why are you experts on Würzburg?
We’re Franziska and Lukas — globetrotters, nature lovers, and travel bloggers.
Since 2014 we’ve been traveling the world together, and since early 2021 we’ve been sharing our adventures on our travel blog OurTravelWanderlust.de.
We made our dream come true by writing about what we love — and inspiring fellow travel enthusiasts along the way.
We originally come from the Lower Franconia region, more specifically from the culturally rich city of Würzburg and its surroundings. We spent over 20 years of our lives here, so the Würzburg wine region will always feel like home.
These days we live in Constance on Lake Constance — our adopted home.
2. If you had to describe Würzburg in three words, what would they be?
College town, wine region, cultural.
3. Why should everyone visit Würzburg at least once?
The college town of Würzburg has a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere, thanks to its fantastic location right on the Main River and surrounded by ever-green vineyards.
With cultural highlights like the Würzburg Residence, indulgent experiences like the Brückenschoppen (Würzburg’s Silvaner wine is famous well beyond the region), and plenty of great bars, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
But it’s not just the historic city of Würzburg that’s worth a visit — the surrounding region is too.
Thrill-seekers can look forward to a kayak tour on the Old Main with a stunning backdrop, while wine lovers will find one historic wine village after another. Wine hikes with culinary highlights are among the absolute favorite pastimes here in Franconia. Some of our favorite spots are Sommerrach, Volkach, and Castell.
Insider tip for the region: If you have a bit more time, do a wine tasting at the Castell’schen Domänenamt Weingut in Castell, about 30 kilometers from Würzburg. Afterward, have dinner at the fantastic Restaurant Weinstall — or better yet, catch one of their outstanding Weinstall BBQ evenings.
4. What does Würzburg have that you won’t find anywhere else?
The oldest pizzeria in Germany, one of the oldest nightclubs in Germany, and the Brückenschoppen!
Nicolino di Camillo opened the first pizzeria in Germany in 1952 — right here in Würzburg, on Elefantengasse. A special highlight is the blue grotto in the restaurant’s basement.
But Würzburg isn’t just known for that. The Airport nightclub is one of the oldest clubs in all of Germany. Franziska actually worked there as a bartender a few years ago and was amazed at how far some guests would drive just to party at Club Airport Würzburg.
And then there’s the Brückenschoppen! On nice days, the Alte Mainbrücke fills up fast. With a glass of fantastic Franconian wine in hand and a stunning view of the Marienberg Fortress and the Käppele, you could linger here forever.
Things to Do in Würzburg
5. Which sights in Würzburg are absolute must-sees?
You absolutely have to explore the historic old town, with the Würzburg Cathedral, the Neumünster, and the Alte Mainbrücke. It’s wonderfully walkable and just invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
A visit to the Würzburg Residence and its Court Garden is absolutely worth your time. This Baroque palace on the edge of the city center was completed in 1744 and is particularly known for its imposing interior and gorgeous gardens.
Also not to be missed: a hike up to the Marienberg Fortress or the Käppele. The panorama over Würzburg’s old quarter from up there is simply breathtaking.
Other highlights include the Würzburg Juliusspital, the Steinburg, and the Japanese Garden.
6. What can you do in Würzburg when it rains?
On a rainy day, head to one of the impressive museums — like the Martin von Wagner Museum.
As Europe’s largest university museum, it’s housed right inside the Würzburg Residence — so you can head straight into a tour of the Residence right afterward. Two birds, one stone.
7. What can you do with kids in Würzburg?
The region around Würzburg is excellent for a family bike ride — there’s so much to discover along the way.
Right along the Main, there’s also a nice mini-golf course. For something a little more out of the ordinary, Pit-Pat Wonderland, right next to the train station, offers 3D mini-golf and black-light mini-golf — kids love it.
On rainy days, the fun pool Nautiland Würzburg is a great shout. With an adventure pool, an 85-meter water slide, and a water play area, kids will definitely have a blast.
8. When you feel the urge to get out of the city, where do you go?
The region around Würzburg is at least as beautiful as the city itself — so there are plenty of options.
We love taking the boat to Veitshöchheim, strolling through the Rococo Garden, and treating ourselves to a scoop of ice cream. You might know Veitshöchheim from the famous Fastnacht in Franken carnival.
For hiking, our favorite destination is the small historic town of Volkach. From there we hike along the Main bend to the Vogelsburg and back via the Jungle Trail. Wonderful views of the wine region and historic villages guaranteed!
9. What spot do you recommend for unwinding and letting your mind wander?
The best place to switch off is up in the vineyards — our favorite spots are the Käppele and the Steinburg.
Our best Würzburg tip: Enjoy the view of Würzburg’s old town with a glass of wine and a picnic in the Steinburg vineyards!
Those who want something a little more tucked away can head to the grounds of the former 1990 State Garden Show for a leisurely stroll.
The Japanese Garden transports you into a completely different garden culture, while the Rose Garden welcomes visitors with an idyllic tea pavilion where you can relax in the most wonderful way.
10. What is the most beautiful viewpoint in Würzburg?
One of our favorite vantage points in Würzburg is definitely the Steinburg, with its views toward the city.
Right in the middle of the vineyards, you can have a fantastic picnic and enjoy the vista over the Käppele and the Marienberg Fortress.
You’re also standing on the vineyard from which Würzburg’s most famous grape is harvested for the Juliusspital. At the wine cultural heritage site Würzburger Stein, you can learn a great deal about the grape varieties grown there — a sign with a description sits next to each vine variety on the site.
The first Franconian Pinot Blanc was planted by Bürgerspital at the Stein as far back as 1960. Forty years later, 35 hectares across Franconia were planted with Pinot Blanc. The Stein itself is Franconia’s stronghold of Riesling — because of its late ripening, it needs the best and warmest site available.
We’re equally fond of the view from the Käppele and the Nikolaushof.
You can either hike up the hill or simply drive to the top. The Nikolaushof is considered one of the most exclusive restaurants in Würzburg — thanks in large part to its fantastic views — serving Franconian and international dishes and wines.
Our insider tip: The view from the Frankenwarte, located just before the Nikolaushof restaurant. For just one euro, you can climb this 42-meter-tall former water tower and enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the city!
11. A hobby photographer asks you about cool spots to shoot in your city that they’d never find in a travel guide. Where do you send them?
First to the picturesque Schustergasse and then straight on to the Langgasse. Perfect photo subjects — and seriously worth seeing.
Make sure to pay attention to the small hidden details on the buildings.
12. What’s the craziest activity you can do in your city?
Franconian, fun, and genuinely informative — that’s the Würzburg Night Watchman Experience Tour.
These historic guided tours offer a great mix of humor and real insight into Würzburg’s history and culture. You’ll be led — naturally in Franconian dialect — to the most beautiful landmarks in the city center. An absolutely unique and unforgettable experience!
13. What’s the best event of the year? What’s worth coming to Würzburg for?
The Africa Festival! Since 1989, parts of the city have transformed into a huge, colorful festival for a weekend every summer.
Countless bands perform and showcase the full spectrum of African music, accompanied by street performers and parades. It’s a wonderful way to experience the joy and culture of Africa — and it’s the largest and oldest festival of its kind in all of Europe. It takes place every year in August.
You should also plan a visit during wine festival season. One of the most well-known is the wine and music festival Wein am Stein. Above the city’s rooftops and surrounded by vineyards, thousands of visitors celebrate Franconian wine every July.
Popular wine festivals in the region also include those in Volkach, Sommerrach, and Dettelbach.
And of course, the Fastnacht in Franken carnival is absolutely worth coming to Würzburg for!
14. Is there a museum in Würzburg that you absolutely shouldn’t miss?
The Kulturspeicher and the Würzburg Residence.
The atmosphere of a historic grain warehouse on the Old Harbor dating from 1904, combined with masterful contemporary architecture, makes the Kulturspeicher a really worthwhile visit.
15. Which neighborhood do you most enjoy strolling through and why?
That’s clearly Würzburg’s historic center, around the Würzburg Residence, Würzburg Cathedral, and the Main Bridge.
The Sanderau neighborhood is especially lovely in the evening hours, with its many bars and restaurants.
Food and Drink in Würzburg
16. What culinary specialty is an absolute must-try in Würzburg?
According to Lukas, it’s a few typical Franconian bratwursts on wine sauerkraut with sourdough bread — and they taste especially good from the bratwurst stand at the market.
Franziska goes for the Franconian “Gerupfter”: seasoned Camembert mixed with butter, cream, onions, and paprika, served with sourdough bread.
And of course, don’t forget the fantastic Franconian wine. A particularly special treat is the Muscat in a Bocksbeutel bottle.
A guided tour through the historic cellar of the Würzburg Juliusspital — dating back to the 16th century — is absolutely worth it. Row upon row of large wooden barrels stretch out for meters, storing the fine wine within.
17. What are your three favorite restaurants, and what should you absolutely try there?
For typical Franconian cuisine, Backöfele is the perfect spot. Definitely try the Franconian Gerupfter or the Franconian bratwursts.
Another cozy, rustic option is the Franconian wine tavern Maulaffenbäck. Small but excellent — typical Franconian dishes and wines have been served here since 1907. We’d go for a Randersackerer white Bocksbeutel paired with a baked potato or a typical Franconian Knöchle with sauerkraut, dumpling, and gravy.
Also worth a visit: the French café culture-inspired Jules – Café, Bistro & Bar on Juliuspromenade, and the Sumo Sushi Bar right behind the Hugendubel bookstore.
The best cocktails and Mexican food in Würzburg? Head to Enchilada.
18. Where can you find the best burger in the city?
Hands down, it’s Burgerheart. You can build your dream burger exactly the way you want it.
19. Where can you find the best ice cream in the city?
We love the vegan organic sorbet from Vollkornbäckerei Köhlers, right by the Alte Mainbrücke.
Our tip: The pear sorbet — super refreshing and seriously delicious!
Another great option is Bassanese – Café am Dom — cozy atmosphere and really tasty.
20. Where’s the best place to have breakfast?
Our absolute favorite café is Wunschlos Glücklich — whether for a fantastic coffee and a great breakfast or a vegan snack with a glass of wine. You have to try one of the delicious open-faced sandwiches, and for dessert, a vegan waffle made with whole grain batter.
21. Where’s the best place to go out in the evening?
Würzburg is a huge college town — around every corner you’ll find bars, pubs, and clubs. This list could go on forever. It’s perfect for a bar crawl.
The most popular nightlife strip is definitely in the Sanderau neighborhood. A great evening usually starts at Loma Würzburg, a laid-back bar in the heart of Sanderau. From there, it’s just a few steps to the next pub or one of Würzburg’s popular clubs like Odeon or Studio.
For something a little more out of the ordinary, check out Club Katze or, of course, one of the oldest nightclubs in Würzburg, Airport.
Where to Stay in Würzburg
22. Which hotel do you recommend for visitors to Würzburg?
Recommending a hotel in our hometown isn’t all that easy — anyone visiting us has always stayed with us! That said, we’ve heard great things about Hotel Rebstock.
If you like things on the exclusive side, the 4-star Schloss Steinburg hotel is a dream — a castle setting with breathtaking views over the vineyards and the city included!
