The German Medieval City Will Transport You Back in Time (on a Budget)
Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, which stands at the meeting point of the Danube, Naab, and Regen rivers. Founded on Roman foundations and expanded in the Middle Ages, it grew into a hub of trade, politics, and culture.
Unlike museum-like towns, Regensburg still thrives as a working city with students, markets, and residents shaping its atmosphere. It’s also a place you can explore fully without spending much and make history accessible even on a tight budget.
Towers, Bridges, and Medieval Streets
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Hytrion
The Old Stone Bridge sits at the heart of Regensburg and is one of its most recognized landmarks. Built in the 12th century, it gave the city a direct trade route across the Danube and helped establish Regensburg as a major hub in the Middle Ages in Europe. Crusaders even crossed it on their way to the Holy Land.
Today, the bridge is closed to vehicles, which makes it a popular spot for visitors to stroll and take in views of the river and the historic Old Town. Nearby, tall patrician towers rise above narrow streets as reminders of the city’s wealthy merchant past.
Landmarks That Define the City
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Omnidom 999
Several buildings here stand out as both historic and visually striking. For example, St. Peter’s Cathedral dominates the skyline with twin spires that soar over the town, while its stained-glass windows date back to the Middle Ages.
The Old Town Hall, with Gothic and Baroque details, served as a meeting place for imperial assemblies and still welcomes visitors inside. At the Thurn and Taxis Palace, once a monastery, tours reveal how one family helped form Europe’s postal system.
Each site shows a different layer of Regensburg’s past and ties local heritage to broader events in the Holy Roman Empire.
Exploring On a Budget
One of the best parts of visiting Regensburg is how accessible it is for cost-conscious travelers. The compact Old Town makes walking the easiest and cheapest way to see most attractions. Free sites include Roman ruins, public squares, and the centuries-old city walls that can still be walked in sections. Cost-effective day trips by boat or bus open access to the Walhalla Memorial or Weltenburg Abbey without major expense.
Meanwhile, accommodation ranges from hostels to small family-run hotels that keep costs manageable. With careful planning, you can see Regensburg’s major highlights without worrying about overspending.
Affordable Food with Centuries of Tradition
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Manuel Strehl
Regensburg’s past isn’t only visible in stone and glass. Food traditions here carry equal weight, and one of the most famous stops is the Historische Wurstkuchl. This riverside sausage kitchen has been serving meals since the 12th century, originally feeding bridge workers and traders.
Even now, you will still see numerous travelers eat bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard just steps away from the water, with plates starting at around €9–12. Other spots like Alte Linde or Spitalgarten add variety with hearty Bavarian dishes and beverage gardens. Eating in Regensburg is surprisingly affordable, and many restaurants sit in historic buildings that make dining feel like part of the city’s living heritage.