The perfect holiday:
Karlsruhe

Start your day with a relaxed stroll along Kaiserstraße. In the morning, the main shopping street is still calm and quiet. Away from the bustling mile, small fan-like side streets invite you to linger in charming cafés. Follow one of the fan beams north and you will reach the castle, which houses the Baden State Museum. Don't miss a climb up the 42-metre castle tower. You will be rewarded with fantastic view over the city’s unique fan-shaped layout. Before heading off to lunch, take a moment to unwind in the adjacent botanical garden. Here you will find a place of peace in the middle of the city.

Hungry? Even the journey to the Cantina Majolika is a pleasure. Follow a path marked with blue tiles through the palace garden into the nearby forest, where you you can enjoy regional and international delicacies in the atmospheric courtyard of the traditional Majolika ceramics factory.

Reinvigorated after a relaxed lunch, it's time for the ZKM | Centre for Art and Media, the world's first interactive media museum! Despite being just 30 years old, this museum is ranked the fourth most important art institution in the world on ArtFacts.Net. The ZKM's collection is as innovative as it is ground-breaking: it includes photography, graphic art, paintings, and sculpture, as well as computer-based works, film, holographic work, kinetic art, sound art, visual poetry, and video art. The best part? Here, art is not just for looking at – it is made to be touched and explored.

Round off the day with a culinary highlight. Karlsruhe’s cuisine reflects the city’s closeness to France, combining joie de vivre with the best of Baden flavours. 

The acclaimed Baden cuisine includes numerous locally produced specialities, characterised by the finest regional ingredients. Our recommendation for dinner: the Oberländer Weinstube. The very best creative German gourmet cuisine is served in the stylishly furnished rooms of a historic 1826 building, with a secluded garden courtyard providing the perfect evening setting.

Ease into the day with a stroll through the zoological gardens – known as the "Green Lung" in the heart of the city. At over 150 years old, the Zoo is one of the oldest in Germany, and its charm lies in the combination of animal enclosures and beautifully designed gardens. Wander beneath towering trees from all over the world, discover themed spaces such as the Japanese Garden or Rose Garden, and soak in the relaxing atmosphere. In the centre, two lakes are connected by a canal – the perfect setting for a tranquil ride on the Gondoletta boats, gliding past the lush gardens and spacious animal enclosures.

In the afternoon, hop on the tram to Karlsruhe Durlach - the historic heart of Karlsruhe. Medieval charm characterises Durlach's old town with its picturesque market square, city wall, the Schlossplatz (Castle Square), and the winding alleys and old walls. Stroll through the picturesque streets, enjoy the inviting cafés, and take in the atmosphere of this enchanting old town.

The highlight of the day awaits just above: Turmberg , Durlach’s 256-metre-high local mountain and a popular destination. A ride up is rewarded with spectacular views over Karlsruhe, the Rhine plain, and – on clear days – even the Vosges Mountains. For dinner, treat yourself to something special at Sören Anders’ award-winning restaurant, where creative regional cuisine is served against the backdrop of this unforgettable panorama.

Rise and shine, early birds! Karlsruhe's weekly markets have everything your culinary heart desires: fresh fruits or vegetables from the region as well as a variety of flowers – perfect as gifts or for the home. The most beautiful of them all is probably the market on Gutenbergplatz, which has been charming visitors for more than 100 years. On Saturdays, this square transforms into a true paradise for foodies and gourmets – a place where you’ll want to linger, taste, and simply soak up the atmosphere!

Gutenbergplatz itself is an architectural gem. Completed in 1904 and nestled in the charming Weststadt, it is considered one of Karlsruhe’s loveliest squares. Especially in the summer months, it is a favourite meeting place for locals, when outdoor cafés and restaurants invite you to linger beneath the large lime trees, relax, and watch the world go by – all while soaking up the lively yet laid-back vibe.

Afterwards, it’s time to shop ‘til you drop! Karlsruhe offers shopping pleasure at its finest: from the ETTLINGER TOR KARLSRUHE and POSTGALERIE to Baden’s longest shopping street, the Kaiserstraße. But don’t forget the small side streets, where unique boutiques and galleries hide treasures such as unusual fashion, accessories, and objets d’art.

Round off your day with a dash of cultural or nightlife. Karlsruhe’s stages are as diverse as they are inspiring: from world-class performances at the Baden State Theatre to live music at the Tollhaus cultural centre or a lively show at the Kammertheater. 

Prefer something more casual? Then check out the restaurants, bars, and bistros around Ludwigsplatz. Numerous spots beckon after a shopping spree or for an after-work cocktail. Particularly in summer, this is the place to be – with bands, open-air parties, and plenty of after-work cocktails to toast the end of a perfect day.