Braunschweig

Travel Guide
Braunschweig featuring night scenes and heritage elements
The Lion City is shaped by its many historical buildings, shopping options and an active arts and culture scene.

Nobody knows exactly when or why Braunschweig was founded, but it's well known that it grew to be one of the most important and tumultuous cities in medieval Germany, one of the final nine members of the prestigious Hanseatic League. Years later, World War II left the city almost entirely destroyed, with only a tenth of the center left standing. Modern-day Braunschweig is dominated by automobile-friendly post-war architecture, with only a select few medieval structures remaining.

Yet the medieval sites and structures that remain, tell the story of Braunschweig’s significance and influence in the Middle Ages. The St. Blasii Cathedral and Dankwarderode Castle were both built by Henry the Lion. The Lion Statue in the castle was the first freestanding monument of the Middle Ages (there is a replica just outside the church). The Gewandhaus reveals the power of the guilds in the 13th century.

Braunschweig offers many cultural venues and artistic activities. One unique site is the Rizzi House, an office building designed by artist James Rizzi that looks like it came straight out of a cartoon. Another is the Jewish Museum, among the oldest in the world and a fascinating exhibition.

Today, the city is also famous for its array of shopping options centered on bustling streets. For a more authentic experience, head to Magniviertel, not only the sole neighborhood that survived World War II, but also home to a wealth of small boutiques for books, art and food.

The city also has one of the oldest red light districts in Europe. If you’re curious, but don't want to get too close, view it through the gates on Bruchstrasse.

Braunschweig is easily navigated by foot, with downtown shopping areas conveniently marked as pedestrian-only zones. However, should you need to go a little further, public transportation is reliable and gets you anywhere within the city limits.

Where to stay in Braunschweig

Dankwarderode Castle which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and night scenes

Braunschweig City Center

4/5(5 area reviews)

Braunschweig City Center is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Brunswick Cathedral and Castle Square (Burgplatz).

Braunschweig City Center

Nordstadt

If you're spending some time in Nordstadt, Eintracht-Stadion and Das Kult Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Nordstadt

Western Ring Area

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Western Ring Area is well liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Altstadtmarkt and Braunschweig Farmers Market are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Western Ring Area
Centro Hotel Celler Tor
Centro Hotel Celler Tor
Ernst-Amme-Str. 24, Braunschweig, NI
The price is €64 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
€64
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Braunschweig. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Das Kult Theater and Altstadtmarkt are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (616 reviews)
"Absolutely loved my time with you, great hotel in a great spot! I loved the kitchenette"

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2024

Centro Hotel Celler Tor
ACHAT Hotel Braunschweig
ACHAT Hotel Braunschweig
Berliner Platz 3, Braunschweig, NI
The price is €89 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
€89
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Braunschweig. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (471 reviews)
Long weekend stay
"Helpful staff and a hearty breakfast !"

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2023

ACHAT Hotel Braunschweig
Steigenberger Parkhotel Braunschweig
Steigenberger Parkhotel Braunschweig
4.5 out of 5
Nimes-Str. 2, Braunschweig, NI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €104 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€104
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Braunschweig. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the room service and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (454 reviews)

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2023

Steigenberger Parkhotel Braunschweig
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ipartment Braunschweig
ipartment Braunschweig
Kurzekampstraße 1, Braunschweig, NDS
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Braunschweig. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Naturschutzgebiet Riddagshausen and ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
"Sehr sehr gut waf das"

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2023

ipartment Braunschweig
Gemütliche 3 Zimmer Ferienwohnung im Süden Braunschweigs Handwerkerdomizil
Gemütliche 3 Zimmer Ferienwohnung im Süden Braunschweigs Handwerkerdomizil
Braunschweig
Stay at this apartment in Braunschweig. Enjoy a water park, onsite parking, and cable/satellite TV. Popular attractions Stadtisches Museum Braunschweig and Herzog ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Malerurlaub
"Bis auf das Fehlen einer Kaffeemaschine vollkommen in Ordnung."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

Gemütliche 3 Zimmer Ferienwohnung im Süden Braunschweigs Handwerkerdomizil
Sunny apartment with a large south-facing balcony
Sunny apartment with a large south-facing balcony
Braunschweig
Stay at this apartment in Braunschweig. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions Eintracht-Stadion and Das Kult Theater are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Empfehlenswert
"Wir haben uns in der Ferienwohnung sehr wohl gefühlt. Alles wie im Inserat vorgefunden. Die Umgebung ist ruhig, Bäckerei und Pizzeria in 3 Minuten Entfernung. Wir können die Unterkunft empfehlen!"

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2024

Sunny apartment with a large south-facing balcony
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Braunschweig

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 22.22222222222222%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 55.55555555555556%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 22.22222222222222%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Prosperous little city with some mediaeval buildings that survived the Allied bombing in WW2. Open air opera season in the summer. Fabulous lido. Beautiful parkland right next to the centre.