Things To Do
in Braunschweig
Braunschweig (Brunswick) is a historic city in Lower Saxony with a compact medieval core, a strong cultural scene and a mix of red-brick architecture and modern pockets. Its Burgplatz, Dankwarderode Castle and the iconic Braunschweiger Löwe statue tell the story of a prosperous Hanseatic and ducal past. The city sits along the Oker River and offers parks, botanical gardens and easy access to nearby nature reserves.
A university town with an industrial hinterland (notably nearby Wolfsburg and Volkswagen), Braunschweig blends student energy with traditional German town life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Brunswick Cathedral, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Afterward, stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center, taking in the charming half-timbered houses. Don't forget to stop by the Burgplatz, where the historic castle once stood, and enjoy a fresh pastry from a local bakery.
Head to the Happy Rizzi House, an iconic building adorned with colorful murals and sculptures that will captivate your imagination. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafes, where you can savor traditional German cuisine. Afterward, visit the Staatstheater, a beautiful theater that showcases local talent and occasionally hosts international performances.
As the sun sets, wander through the quaint streets of the city to discover local shops and boutiques. Treat yourself to dinner at a cozy restaurant, where you can indulge in regional specialties such as bratwurst and sauerkraut. Cap off your evening with a leisurely walk along the River Oker, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Start your day at the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens. Take your time exploring the exhibits and learning about the history of the region. Afterward, visit the nearby Naturhistorisches Museum to discover fascinating displays about the natural world and local wildlife.
For lunch, head to a nearby eatery that offers a selection of international dishes, allowing you to try something new. Then, make your way to the Museum of History, where you can delve into the rich past of Braunschweig, from medieval times to the present day. Engage with interactive exhibits and immerse yourself in the stories of the city's inhabitants.
In the evening, relax at a local bar or café, sipping on a refreshing drink while enjoying the lively atmosphere. If you're in the mood for entertainment, check the schedule for any special events or performances taking place at the Staatstheater. Enjoy a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, soaking in the city's enchanting ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) at a cafe | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) in a pub | $4-6 |
| 🚌Single public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with rich architecture and museums
- Close access to parks, nature reserves and the Harz mountains
- Strong cultural calendar and student-friendly cafés and bars
- Good regional transport links to Hanover and surrounding cities
- Limited direct international flights — often requires travel via Hannover
- Smaller nightlife and fewer high-profile attractions compared with larger German cities
- Weather can be changeable and damp at times
- "Hallo / Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Danke (schön)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please
- "Wo ist …?" - Where is …?
- "Ich habe eine Allergie gegen …" - I have an allergy to …
Places to Visit in Braunschweig
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic medieval square with the Braunschweiger Löwe statue and castle facades — best at golden hour for warm light on the brickwork.
A colorful, modern building with striking artwork and bold facades that contrast with the historic center — great for vibrant urban shots.
Picturesque riverside paths, reflections, boats and green corridors through the city — ideal for tranquil landscape and cityscape photos.
Narrow lanes, old timbered houses and cozy squares; excellent for street photography and architectural details.
Ponds, reed beds and a medieval monastery ruin provide wildlife and landscape opportunities, especially at dawn and dusk.
Seasonal flower displays, formal gardens and mature trees — good for macro, flora and portrait photography.
Food in Braunschweig
Braunschweig Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A soft, spreadable liverwurst often eaten on bread for breakfast or as a snack; find it at local delis and supermarket charcuterie counters.
Must-Try!
A winter specialty of braised kale served with smoked sausages and potatoes — commonly available in Gasthäuser during the colder months.
Seasonal venison and roast pork appear on menus in traditional restaurants, especially in autumn and winter.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh produce, local cheeses, breads and sausages; great for sampling regional specialties and grabbing an informal lunch.
Seasonal stalls, snack stands and occasional food festivals offering bratwurst, crepes and other quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Germans value punctuality — be on time for appointments, tours and social arrangements.
Use 'Sie' for formal interactions until invited to use 'du'; titles and last names are common in business settings.
Respect Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evenings and Sundays; follow strict recycling and waste separation rules and check local bins for proper disposal.
Be polite, wait your turn in lines and greet shop staff when entering smaller shops.
Safety
Tipping in Braunschweig
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service; in cafés and for small services a small tip or rounding up is fine. Tipping is typically given in cash to the server when possible.
Cash (Euro) remains widely used, but cards are increasingly accepted. Debit (Girocard/EC) and international credit cards work in many places; contactless and mobile payments are common in larger businesses. Small vendors and market stalls may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and mostly pleasant (20–25°C), good for river walks, outdoor cafés and festivals; expect longer daylight and busy tourist spots on weekends.
Crisp temperatures and colorful foliage in parks and nature reserves; ideal for hiking nearby and enjoying seasonal menus with game and kale dishes.
Cold with occasional snow and temperatures near freezing; Christmas markets and cozy Gasthäuser are highlights but pack warm clothing and sturdy shoes.
Mild, increasingly green cityscapes and blooming gardens; unpredictable rain means layering and a light waterproof jacket are useful.
Braunschweig at Night
Hiking in Braunschweig
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About an hour by car or train to the Harz region offering extensive trails, forests, waterfalls and summit views; suitable for day hikes and multi-day treks.
Forested ridges north of Braunschweig with marked trails, lookouts and quieter routes for half-day hikes.
Short, easy loops around ponds and reedbeds ideal for birdwatching and relaxed nature walks close to the city.
Flat riverside trails that run through city parks and into the countryside — great for long walks, cycling and running.
Airports
How to reach Braunschweig by plane.
A small regional airport serving general aviation and limited commercial routes; convenient but with few scheduled flights.
The nearest major international airport (about 60–70 km away) with frequent rail and bus connections to Braunschweig and many international flights.
A larger airport to the southeast (approx. 120 km) offering international and low-cost carriers; reachable by regional train or car.
An alternative regional airport to the northwest (approx. 100–130 km) with domestic and some international services; accessible by regional rail and road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant student population associated with technical and other universities, contributing to a youthful cultural vibe and affordable eateries.
Many residential neighborhoods are home to families and older residents who value parks, schools and local services.
Workers linked to the automotive and manufacturing sectors commute regionally, particularly to Wolfsburg and industrial zones.
A growing community of international students and professionals adds to the city's cultural mix and dining options.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Eintracht Braunschweig is the city's major club with a passionate local following; attending a match offers a lively local experience.
Indoor sports, including handball and basketball, are popular at community and university levels.
The Oker river supports recreational rowing, kayaking and paddle activities, popular with locals in warmer months.
With flat terrain and many green corridors, recreational cycling and running are widely practiced year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Braunschweig.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian mains and many cafes have good options; explicitly ask for 'vegetarisch' and many traditional dishes can be adapted.
Vegan options are increasingly common in bistros and health-conscious cafes; larger supermarkets carry vegan staples but always check menus for hidden animal products.
Gluten-free choices exist but are more limited in traditional restaurants; inform staff ('Ich brauche glutenfrei') and prefer bakeries or cafes that advertise GF items.
Some international restaurants and kebab shops offer halal meat; for allergies carry a note describing the allergy in German and ask staff about ingredients.