Things To Do
in Weimar
Weimar sits in the heart of Thuringia along the Ilm River, celebrated as a cradle of German culture and classicism. It was home to Goethe, Schiller and the Bauhaus movement, leaving a heritage of palaces, libraries and innovative design. The city center is compact and richly artistic, with leafy parks, riverside walks and well-preserved historic façades.
Today, Weimar blends scholarly heritage with a lively arts scene and welcoming small-town charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Bauhaus Museum, immersing yourself in the revolutionary art and design movement that originated in Weimar. Wander through the charming streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture that dates back to the 18th century. Stop by a local café for a traditional German breakfast, enjoying fresh bread and local cheeses.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Goethe National Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Germany's most famous poet. After exploring the exhibits, stroll through the beautiful Park an der Ilm, where you can relax by the streams and admire the historic garden architecture. For lunch, try a local restaurant famous for its Thuringian sausages and hearty potato salad.
As night falls, enjoy a performance at the Deutsches Nationaltheater, a beautiful venue that showcases a variety of theatrical productions. Afterward, take a leisurely evening walk along the Ilm River, with the illuminated buildings of Weimar providing a picturesque backdrop. End your day with a glass of local wine at a cozy wine bar, reflecting on the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Begin your day with a solemn visit to the Buchenwald Memorial, a site that serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. Take the time to explore the grounds, including the memorials and exhibits that detail the history of the concentration camp. Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insight into the experiences of those who suffered there.
After your visit, head back to the city for lunch at a nearby bistro, where you can enjoy traditional Thuringian dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Nietzsche Archive, dedicated to the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, which offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and work. The serene setting and well-curated exhibits make it an enriching experience.
For dinner, choose a local restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine, allowing you to savor unique flavors of Thuringia. If you're in the mood for some entertainment, check out a local jazz club featuring live music. Wind down your evening with a stroll through the city center, taking in the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚌1-day public transit pass | $6-8 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $90-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with world-class museums, libraries and historic houses
- Compact, walkable center with scenic parks along the Ilm
- Strong literary and Bauhaus legacy, plus a vibrant arts scene
- Can be busy with tourists during peak seasons, raising prices in the old town
- Some attractions require guided tours or advance planning for interior access
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern…" - I would like a …
- "Ich verstehe nicht" - I don’t understand
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Gute Nacht" - Good night
Places to Visit in Weimar
Visit one of these nice places.
The City Hall, market fountain and surrounding 18th- and 19th-century façades provide classic Weimar cityscape shots, especially at dawn or dusk.
Ornate terraces and manicured gardens with panoramic views over the Ilm valley, ideal for wide-angle and sunset photography.
Lush riverside paths, bridges and old trees create tranquil composition opportunities throughout the year.
Architectural photography of Bauhaus design ethos in a modern museum setting.
Exterior shots of former residences and monuments associated with two of Weimar’s most famous writers.
Photographs of a home-turned-museum that nod to Weimar’s musical heritage and the surrounding historic streets.
Food in Weimar
Weimar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A legendary grilled sausage typically served with German mustard and crusty bread or potato dumplings, available from sausage grills near markets and in traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
Potato or bread dumplings served with hearty meat dishes, sauerkraut or red cabbage, a classic Thuringian comfort combination.
A comforting pea soup often enriched with bacon or sausage, commonly found in local taverns and cafes.
Sago-free potato dumplings that accompany many main courses, especially roasts and hearty stews.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal farmers market on Marktplatz offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, bread, baked goods and prepared foods to sample on the go.
Seasonal snacks, pretzels, sausages and quick bites are common around the historic center, especially near events and festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo'; address others with 'Sie' in formal settings unless invited to use 'du'.
Be punctual for appointments and quiet in residential areas during late evening hours; dining venues often start later in the day.
Treat memorial sites and museums with respect; follow guided tour rules and photography restrictions where indicated.
Safety
Tipping in Weimar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common if service is good; you can also leave a few euros in cash or add to the bill when paying by card.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; contactless payments are common. Cash in euros remains useful for smaller vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming trees; great for park strolls and outdoor cafés. Bring a light jacket for cooler mornings.
Long days and lively outdoor events; stay hydrated and use sun protection during daytime walks and riverbank routes.
Rich foliage and pleasant walking weather; ideal for photography around parks and markets. Pack a sweater for evenings.
Cool to cold with occasional snow; festive markets and fireside cafés create a cozy atmosphere. Layered clothing is essential.
Weimar at Night
Hiking in Weimar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest paths with viewpoints and gentle climbs, perfect for day hikes and nature photography.
Pleasant walking routes around historic grounds with river views nearby.
Accessible longer hikes a short drive away, offering rolling hills and forest scenery.
Airports
How to reach Weimar by plane.
Nearest regional airport with domestic and some international connections; well-connected by rail and road to Weimar.
Larger airport about a couple of hours by train or car; good for international flights and onward travel to central Germany.
Major international gateway several hours away by high-speed train; many international connections and onward rail to Weimar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population influenced by nearby universities and cultural institutions; multilingual and open to cultural exchange.
Residents enjoying a quieter city with museums, parks and cultural programs; strong focus on education and heritage.
A large influx of visitors drawn by literature, music, Bauhaus history and historical memorials.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime and spectator sport across the region with local clubs and community leagues.
Extensive cycle paths along the Ilm and surrounding countryside attract riders of all levels.
Forest and hill trails in the Thuringian landscape, including Ettersberg and nearby protected areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Weimar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many taverns offer meat-free soups, salads and pasta dishes; ask for vegetarian options or simple sides like potatoes, cabbage and fresh vegetables.