Things To Do
in Ingolstadt

Ingolstadt sits on the Danube in Bavaria, blending historic architecture with a modern industrial and academic vibe. The compact city center preserves medieval streets, market squares, and notable churches within a walkable core. It is home to the Audi Forum and a growing university presence that adds youthful energy to the streets.

Nearby riverbanks, parks, and viewpoints invite relaxed exploration and scenic photography year round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Historic Old Town
morning
:

Begin your day wandering through the winding cobblestone lanes around the Old Town. Enjoy the pastel facades of merchants’ houses and marvel at the Gothic tower of the Altes Rathaus. Stop for a freshly baked pretzel and local coffee at a street-side café and watch the town come alive.

afternoon
:

Explore the New Castle Museum to learn about Ingolstadt’s medieval heritage and see artifacts from local excavations. Take a guided tour of the adjacent courtyard, admiring Renaissance architecture and sculpted balconies. Stop at a nearby beer garden for a pint and a plate of Bavarian Pretzels.

evening
:

Dine in a traditional restaurant near the Danube Promenade and sample regional specialties such as Schäufele pork shoulder. Stroll along the riverbank at sunset for panoramic views of the city lights reflecting on the water. End your evening with a concert or live jazz performance at a cozy local venue.

day 2
Audi Forum and Museum
morning
:

Head to the Audi Forum where you can join a factory tour to witness modern car manufacturing in action. Dive into the interactive exhibits of the Audi Museum Mobile and trace the company’s evolution from its beginnings to the present day. Take selfies next to classic models such as the Type C and the iconic quattro rally car.

afternoon
:

Book an Audi driving experience on a private test track to get behind the wheel of the latest models. Enjoy professional coaching as you accelerate through corners and learn advanced handling techniques. Cool off afterwards with refreshments at the forum’s rooftop café overlooking the assembly lines.

evening
:

Relax in the forum’s lounge with panoramic windows showing the plant illuminated after dark. Sample gourmet bites and cocktails while discussing highlights of your hands-on driving session. Conclude the day with a short tram ride back to the city center for a nightcap at a hip bar.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in cafe$3-5
💧Bottle of water (1.5L)$1-2
🚆One-way public transport ticket$2-3
🏨1 night in mid-range hotel$70-140

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable city center with historic charm
  • Strong automotive heritage and modern industry
  • Good reach to nature along the Danube and nearby nature reserves
  • Solid transit connections to Munich and Nuremberg
  • Smaller nightlife scene compared to Bavaria's larger cities
  • Limited direct high level scenic options within city limits
  • Some tourists may miss a broader range of museums outside the Audi complex
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like to have ...
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Ingolstadt

Visit one of these nice places.

Marktplatz and Rathaus

Historic market square with a charming town hall facade and arcades ideal for daytime and dusk photography.

Danube River Promenade

Wide river views, bridges, and riverside paths that glow at sunset.

Donauauen Nature Reserve

Wetland and meadow habitats along the Danube providing wildlife and landscape photo opportunities.

Audi Forum Ingolstadt

Architectural exterior with modern lines and car displays that make for striking contemporary shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ingolstadt

Bavarian cuisine emphasizes hearty meat dishes, bread, dairy, and seasonal produce. In Ingolstadt you will find traditional taverns, modern bistros, and lively beer gardens offering local specialties.

Ingolstadt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Leberkässemmel

A meat loaf in a crusty bun typically served with mustard and pickles.

Must-Try!

Weißwurst mit Brezel

Traditional white sausage with pretzel, sweet mustard, and a pretzel roll.

Schweinsbraten

Roast pork with crackling, usually served with dumplings and gravy.

Schmalznudeln

Sweet fried dough pastries lightly dusted with sugar.

Apfelstrudel

Classic apple strudel with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marktplatz Wochenmarkt

Weekly farmers market in the market square offering fresh produce, bread, cheeses, and regional specialities.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ingolstadt has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with occasional heat waves, winters are cold with occasional snow, and spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and changing foliage.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Guten Tag / Gruss Gott

A polite greeting when meeting someone in public spaces.

Sie form

Use the formal Sie with strangers and older people; switch to du only when invited.

Punctuality

Being on time is valued for appointments, meetings, and tours.

Quiet hours

Respect quiet hours in residential areas, especially at night and on Sundays.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ingolstadt is generally safe for visitors. Take normal precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and be mindful of traffic when crossing streets. In case of emergency, dial 112 for fire or medical services, and 110 for police.

Tipping in Ingolstadt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants or bars, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving about 5-10 percent is common if service is good.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted. Contactless payments are common in shops and transit; card tipping is not necessary.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, long days with outdoor dining, beer gardens, and river activities. Stay hydrated and wear sun protection.

Autumn

Mild to cool days with colorful foliage and harvest events. Layers recommended.

Winter

Cold weather with occasional snow and Christmas markets in the town center. Dress warmly and enjoy cozy cafés.

Spring

Milder temperatures and blooming parks, great for city walks and outdoor photography.

Nightlife Guide

Ingolstadt at Night

The nightlife in Ingolstadt centers on the historic town core with casual bars, beer gardens in summer, and a few clubs on weekends. Expect friendly, laid back venues rather than a large club scene, with many locals enjoying a drink after dinner at a traditional tavern or contemporary lounge.

Hiking in Ingolstadt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Donauauen Nature Reserve

Riverside meadows and wetlands with flat trails suited for easy hikes and birdwatching.

Danube River Delta trails

Easily accessible riverbank trails along the Danube suitable for day hikes.

Altmuhl Valley vicinity

Nearby nature areas and gentle trails offering scenic limestone cliffs and forest routes within a short drive.

Airports

How to reach Ingolstadt by plane.

Munich Airport (MUC)

Major international airport about 75-85 minutes by car or train from Ingolstadt; frequent connections to Europe and beyond.

Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

Regional airport about 1.5 hours by train or car; good for domestic and European flights.

Memmingen Airport (FMM)

Small regional airport within about 2 hours by road/train, offering several budget routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ingolstadt has a compact historic center that is very walkable. The core is pedestrian-friendly, with most sights near the Market Square, and the Danube promenade is accessible on foot. For side trips and longer distances, bikes and public transit are convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

A growing student population from the local university focus on science and engineering.

Families

Many families live in suburban neighborhoods; family friendly parks and schools exist.

Auto industry workers

The presence of automotive industry related jobs and facilities influence the economy and culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular pastime with local clubs and fans; matches draw community support.

Handball

Common indoor sport in local sports halls and clubs.

Cycling

Extensive cycle paths along the Danube and in surrounding countryside, favored by residents and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be typical for a mid size Bavarian city. The center is well connected by roads to Munich and Nuremberg via the A9/ autobahns, while public transportation uses trams or buses in town and trains for longer travel. In peak hours you may see congestion on major routes; the city is also bike friendly with good cycling lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ingolstadt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many menus offer vegetarian options; look for potato dumplings, mushroom dishes, salads, and daily specials. Ask for meatless versions of classics.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Ingolstadt is modern and well organized. The city has hospitals such as Klinikum Ingolstadt and several general and specialty clinics, plus numerous general practitioners. EU residents can use their European Health Insurance Card; international visitors may need travel insurance or stay within emergency care coverage.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide