Freiburg im Breisgau is a compact, walkable university city where you can mix medieval old town vibes with easy access to the Black Forest.

Old town highlights

  • Wander the MĂŒnsterplatz (cathedral square), with its daily farmers’ and food market on all days except Sunday; try regional produce, cheese and flowers between the stalls.
  • Visit the Freiburger MĂŒnster (cathedral), a mostly Gothic church whose construction began around 1200 and whose 116‑meter tower offers panoramic views if you climb it.
  • Look for the BĂ€chle (narrow water channels running through the streets) and the cobbled GĂ€ssle with their pebble mosaics as you stroll the lanes.

Views and nature in the city

  • Ride or hike up to the Schlossberg area for forest paths and viewpoints over the red roofs of Freiburg and toward the Black Forest hills.
  • Walk or bike along the Dreisam river; sections of the riverside form part of the FR1 bike “highway” marked by a blue bike logo, passing gardens, street art and parks.
  • On warm days locals wade or even swim in the shallow stretches of the Dreisam and relax on the banks.

Culture and museums

  • Explore the Augustinermuseum, which focuses on religious art and artifacts from churches around the region, including statues and historic stained glass.
  • Step into the city gates such as Schwabentor, where a small museum of tin figurines shows scenes from Freiburg’s history.
  • Check the city’s main theater and cultural venues for current performances and events listed through the local tourism information.

Food, drink, and local specialties

  • At MĂŒnstermarkt, try the “Lange Rote,” Freiburg’s famous long bratwurst, served from sausage stands around the cathedral.
  • Sit in a traditional beer hall or brewery to sample regional beers after a day of walking the old town streets.
  • Seek out local cafĂ©s (including neighborhood spots recommended by locals) for cake, coffee and a relaxed student‑town atmosphere.

Easy Black Forest excursions

  • Use Freiburg as a base for short trips into the surrounding Black Forest, with options for hiking, viewpoints and traditional villages reachable in under an hour.
  • The official tourism site lists “Freiburg in 48 hours” ideas plus nearby nature and excursion suggestions if you have more than a day.

TL;DR: If you’re wondering what to do in Freiburg , focus on the cathedral and MĂŒnsterplatz market, wander the old town with its BĂ€chle and gates, bike or walk along the Dreisam, and then head into the nearby Black Forest for a half‑day of nature.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.