Augsburg

Conveniently located right in the center of Augsburg, Perlach Tower is one of the city's biggest landmarks. Originally built in the 10th century to serve as a watchtower, the tower now functions primarily as a tourist attraction and a clock with 35 bells that ring every hour on the hour. The tower stands seventy meters tall, and it features an observation deck that offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire city and its surroundings. Reaching the top requires climbing approximately 260 steps, and there is a ticket booth right below the observation platform where visitors will be required to pay a small fee.

Rathausplatz, 86159 Augsburg, Germany, Phone: +49-821-50-20-70

Named in honor of the wealthy Fugger family who built it, Fuggerei is a social housing complex that was constructed in the early 1500s. The walled complex was built to provide affordable housing for Roman Catholic laborers and their families, and it's still inhabited today, which makes it the world's oldest social housing project. Incredibly, the price of rent hasn't been raised since medieval times, and it stands at 88 euro cents per year. Visitors are welcome to explore the complex for a small fee, and one of the ground floor apartments has been turned into a museum display.

Jakoberstraße 26, 86152 Augsburg, Germany, Phone: +49-82-13-19-88-10

Housed inside the Schaezler Palace, The German Baroque Gallery is home to an excellent collection of 17th and 18th century artwork. Very few of the signs describing the paintings are in English, but English audio guides can be borrowed from the front desk for a deposit. The palace itself is a magnificent example of rococo architecture and deserves a look as well, particularly the elegant ballroom, which features mirrored walls, carved decorations, and a beautifully painted ceiling and was specially built for a visit from Marie-Antoinette. Visitors can also explore the palace's other rooms, browse the gift shop, and relax in the outdoor garden.

Maximilianstrasse 46, 86150 Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany, Phone: +49-82-13-24-41-02

Originally constructed in the 11th century, the Augsburg Cathedral is a beautiful Roman Catholic church that boasts the oldest stained glass windows in Germany. Other highlights of the building include its Romanesque crypt, its two choirs, and its large bronze door, which can now be found inside the church museum. The church is open to visitors every day between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. except for during services, and guided tours are offered most Thursdays through Sundays between May and October. Private tours for groups of more than 15 people can be arranged by request.

Frauentorstraße 2, 86152 Augsburg, Germany, Phone: +49-821-31-66-85-11

Referred to in English as the Red Gate, Rotes Tor is a well-preserved gate that was originally built to secure the city from traffic coming from the south. The gate dates back to medieval times, and for hundreds of years, it served as a customs station on the road from Italy. In modern times, however, it's a beautiful tourist attraction with a large park at its base. A medieval festival is held at the base of the gate in the summer months, and there is also an open-air stage here that hosts operas, musicals, and concerts in June and July.

Am Roten Tor, 86161 Augsburg, Germany

The birthplace of Mozart's father, Leopold Mozart, the Mozarthaus Augsburg is a small but fascinating house museum that offers a glimpse into the life of the famous composer's family. Leopold was a talented composer in his own right, and the rooms are full of fascinating memorabilia, including historic musical instruments, books, letters, and handwritten musical scores. Visitors can take a self-guided tour by borrowing an audio guide from the front desk. The house is also the venue for the annual German Mozart Festival, a two-week-long event that takes place during the end of August and the beginning of September.

Frauentorstraße 30, 86152 Augsburg, Germany, Phone: +49-82-14-50-79-45

If you're a train enthusiast, the Augsburg Railway Park is a must-see while you're in Augsburg. The park is located on the grounds of the city's former locomotive shed, and it's home to an excellent collection of steam, electric, and diesel trains that come from all over Europe. The entire facility can be toured by appointment, and visitors can also opt to take one of the park's special train excursions. Other attractions include a functioning blacksmith shop, a model train display, and a large turntable used to transport the locomotives in and out of the shed.

Firnhaberstraße 22C, 86159 Augsburg, Germany, Phone: +49-82-14-50-44-70

Home to approximately 1600 animals that represent around 300 species, the Augsburg Zoo is one of the country's twenty largest zoos. Some of the biggest attractions include a savanna habitat home to giraffes and rhinos, a reptile house with approximately 25 different species of reptiles and amphibians, and an enclosure where visitors can see lions and tigers. Lucky visitors will might also have the opportunity to see the seals and penguins being fed. Plenty of guided tours are available, including options for both children and adults, but visitors are also welcome to explore the zoo on their own.

Brehmpl. 1, 86161 Augsburg, Germany, Phone: +49-82-15-67-14-90

Located in downtown Augsburg right next to the excellent shopping at the City Gallery, The Vogeltor is a four-story gated tower that dates back to 1445. The structure is one of the only remaining gates of the historic city walls, but it's better known for the story behind its construction. Legend has it that the city refused to pay the builders after the tower was complete, claiming it wasn't straight. The builder then climbed to the top of the tower and defecated out the window, proving the city council wrong when his feces fell straight to the ground without touching the side of the tower.

Oberer Graben, Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany