Fuggerei

Famed for being the world’s oldest social housing, the Gothic-style Fuggerei is absolutely worth a visit. The wealthy Fugger family created a housing complex for poor Catholic workers over 500 years ago that still exists to this day. Mozart’s great-great grandfather was actually born here. The complex includes a museum, historic apartments, and gardens, and tours are offered (highly recommended). Residents still pay the same rent equivalent that was owed back in the 1500’s, and engage in all sorts of communal activities in the complex as well as sometimes work in various jobs, such as ticket-taking from tourists.

Augsburg Cathedral

This stunning 11th-century cathedral is renowned as one of the most iconic pieces of Renaissance-era German architecture. It also contains the oldest stained glass windows in a cathedral in the country. These vibrant pieces of art feature some of the main Biblical prophets as well as stories from the life of the Virgin Mary. English-language tours are available, or you can simply drop in and look around. After a visit to the cathedral, spend a few quiet and relaxing moments in the nearby Hofgarten park, a lovely little urban oasis.

Perlachturm

For an unbeatable view of the historic part of Augsburg, climb the 258 steps to the top of the Perlachturm bell tower and gaze around. A carillon plays four times a day, and a museum at the top of the tower gives you this special Gothic landmark’s history.

Augsburg Synagogue and Museum

One of the rare synagogues in Germany to survive the Holocaust (it actually survived since it was located right next to a gas station during Kristallnacht, so it was considered too dangerous to burn down) it’s both a sombering and inspiring place to visit. The synagogue features both an educational museum that documents the history of Augsburg’s Jewish community as well as being an active synagogue to this day. The architecture in and of itself is stunning, with Middle Eastern and Jugendstil elements that make for an unusually beautiful combination of elements.

Augsburger Puppenkiste

Especially if you’ve got kids in tow, a visit to the Augsburger Puppenkisteis well worth seeking out- it’s a puppet theater that puts on marionette shows year round and gained a reputation for being one of the most notable traditional marionette theaters worldwide. Some of the performances include fairy tales like Rapunzel, or beloved German children’s books like the Robber Hotzenplotz. There’s also a puppet museum to explore as well if you get intrigued by puppetry history.

Angels at the Christmas Market

Germany is world-famous for its Christmas markets, and Augsburg has a particularly gorgeous one. Something that makes the Augsburg Christmas market particularly unique is the appearance of angels! Every year, several young women are chosen to be the Augsburg Christmas angels and they transform the facade of the City Hall into a living Advent calendar. Another rather special and fun feature of the Augsburg Christmas market is the “Heavenly Post Office,” which allows you to send a letter that will bear the postmark of “Christkindl” (the infant Jesus) for the recipient.

Augsburg Zoo

Augsburg actually has one of the biggest zoos in the country, and it’s well worth a trip. Animals from all over the world live in this ethical-minded zoo that supports species protection as well as provides special protected nature areas for endangered European species such as wild horses. The zoo offers plenty of interactive educational opportunities to learn about wildlife and conservation. Kids can enjoy a train ride and several adventure playgrounds directly on the zoo grounds, and the entire family might like watching the seals and pelicans during feeding times. A notable element of the Augsburg Zoo is you can actually book a private tour “behind the scenes” of your favorite animal- note that you have to do this in advance.

Kichererbse

Augsburg is possibly not the most likely spot to pop into your head for outstanding falafel, but you can get some incredible and authentic falafel and other Syrian eats around town. Kichererbse gets our vote- it’s central, and the simple but fresh and homemade menu with pita, hummus, falafel and salads is delicious as well as budget-friendly.

Wirtshaus unter den Bogen

A classical Bavarian Wirtshaus that cooks all its specialties to perfection, you can’t go wrong with Wirtshaus unter den Bogen. With a pleasant interior and outdoor seating in nice weather, treat yourself to a schnitzel or perhaps some deer goulash with a pear-wine sauce. Not to worry, vegetarians and vegans, they’ve got you covered too with far more options than many other Bavarian restaurants offer. And of course, you can’t go without a Mass of beer on tap to go along with the meal- it’s Bavaria!

Michelangelo Pizzeria

Michelangelo is generally regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city with a warm and friendly staff and atmosphere. This eatery has a delicious rarity in store for pizza lovers with celiac disease- a pizzeria with gluten-free pizza, and Michaelangelo also serves gluten free pasta. You don’t have to be gluten-free to enjoy this excellent restaurant (though their gluten-free options taste fantastic)

Ausflug

Donauworth

The charming town of Donauwörth provides some great options for an easy day trip from Augsburg (both a car and train ride there are less than an hour’s journey). Located on the famed Romantic Road, world-famous for its meandering through forest and mountain scenery in a Grimms Brothers fairytale fashion, it features some gorgeous historic buildings to explore. The town is right on a river, where you can opt to take a boat tour or simply picnic. A doll museum is another unique highlight of the town. So many dolls are industrially produced under poor conditions nowadays, so you can see how Kathe Kruse dolls are still made fairly by hand from the history of their production in Germany. If you’re visiting in the summer, a visit to the local outdoor swimming pool is a special treat. Not only is it refreshing, you’ll be treated to some scenic vistas as you swim.