Things To Do
in Görlitz

Görlitz, located in eastern Germany near the Polish border, is a charming town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history. The city is often referred to as 'Görlitz-Zgorzelec' due to its unique position straddling the Neisse River, with the Polish town of Zgorzelec on the opposite bank. With a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, Görlitz offers a picturesque backdrop for visitors.

The vibrant cultural scene and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal destination for a short getaway.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Historic Görlitz
morning
:

Start your day at the beautiful St. Peter's Church, then stroll through the historic Old Town, admiring the architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Görlitz Museum of Cultural History to learn about the region's past, followed by lunch at a local cafe.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant and take a leisurely walk along the Neisse River, soaking in the sunset views.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a local bakery, then head to the nearby Lusatian Mountains for a hike.

afternoon
:

Return to the town for a visit to the Görlitz Botanical Garden and have lunch in the garden cafe.

evening
:

Attend a performance at the Görlitz Theater or enjoy a drink at a cozy bar in the Old Town.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at Restaurant$12
Cup of Coffee$3
🚌Public Transport Ticket$2
🥖Loaf of Bread$2
🍺Local Beer$4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich historical and cultural heritage
  • Beautiful architecture and landscapes
  • Friendly and welcoming locals
  • Limited nightlife options
  • Language barrier for non-German speakers
  • Less touristy than other German cities
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Haben Sie eine Speisekarte auf Englisch?" - Do you have a menu in English?

Places to Visit in Görlitz

Visit one of these nice places.

Holy Sepulcher

A stunning church that resembles the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, perfect for architectural photography.

Görlitz Old Town

The picturesque streets and beautifully restored buildings provide endless photo opportunities.

Neisse River Promenade

An ideal spot for capturing sunset views over the river, with the Polish town of Zgorzelec in the background.

Culinary Guide

Food in Görlitz

Görlitz offers a delightful culinary experience, blending traditional German cuisine with Polish influences. Must-try local dishes include hearty meat dishes, seasonal vegetables, and delicious pastries.

Görlitz Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Silesian Potato Dumplings

A traditional dish made from potatoes, often served with meat and gravy.

Must-Try!

Görlitzer Karpfen

Local carp dish, typically fried or baked, served with seasonal sides.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Görlitz Market Square

A vibrant marketplace where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and street food.

Street Food Festival

Held annually, this festival showcases various food trucks and vendors offering local and international dishes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Görlitz experiences a temperate oceanic climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with average temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winters can be cold, averaging around -3 to 3°C (26-37°F). Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with slightly wetter months in summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is standard when meeting someone for the first time.

Punctuality

Germans value punctuality, so be on time for appointments.

Dining Etiquette

It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

Safety Guide

Safety

Görlitz is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night.

Tipping in Görlitz

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It's customary to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for markets and smaller establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a great time for outdoor activities.

Summer

Warm weather attracts tourists; enjoy festivals and outdoor dining options.

Autumn

The fall foliage adds stunning colors to the landscape; perfect for photography.

Winter

Cold temperatures may bring snow; the Christmas markets are a highlight during this season.

Nightlife Guide

Görlitz at Night

Görlitz's nightlife is relatively low-key, featuring a mix of cozy bars, traditional pubs, and occasional live music venues. The Old Town is the main area for nightlife, where you can find places to enjoy a drink or two. While not as vibrant as larger cities, the friendly atmosphere makes for a pleasant evening out.

Hiking in Görlitz

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kottmar Mountain Trail

A scenic trail leading up Kottmar Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Zittau Mountains Trail

A network of trails in the Zittau Mountains, ideal for hikers of all levels, with stunning landscapes and natural beauty.

Airports

How to reach Görlitz by plane.

Dresden Airport (DRS)

Located approximately 100 km away, Dresden Airport offers domestic and international flights, making it the nearest major airport to Görlitz.

Getting Around

Walkability

Görlitz is highly walkable, with its compact Old Town making it easy to explore on foot. Most attractions, restaurants, and cafes are within a short walking distance, and the streets are lined with pedestrian-friendly pathways.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

German Nationals

The majority population, comprising various age groups and backgrounds.

Polish Residents

Due to its proximity to Poland, there's a significant Polish community in Görlitz, contributing to the cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and teams actively participating in leagues.

Basketball

Basketball has gained popularity, especially among the youth, with local teams participating in regional competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Görlitz is generally light, making driving easy. Public transportation options include buses that connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas, providing convenient access for visitors.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Görlitz.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to check the menu.

Gluten-Free Options

Some places provide gluten-free options, though availability may vary.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Görlitz is accessible, with hospitals and clinics available for residents and visitors. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and most medical facilities are equipped to handle urgent care needs.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide