One of Germany's oldest cities, Augsburg dates back to Roman times. It's also a major stop on the scenic Romantic Road – the famous 400km holiday route between Würzburg and Füssen. Augsburg has a lively arts and culture scene, plus plenty of places where you can enjoy hearty Bavarian food and the city's famously pure beer. Wander through its maze-like narrow streets and you'll find picturesque bridges crossing canals, Renaissance-era churches, medieval guild houses and cutting-edge art galleries.
Augsburg hostel offerings include colourful modern accommodation close to museums and attractions, and family-run rooms 5 minutes' walk from the Town Hall. They're close to bus and tram stops, making it easy to get around the city, and some have bicycles to rent. Stay well-nourished with a free breakfast or an on-site restaurant, or relax after a long day of sightseeing with a game of pool. Look out for hostels in Augsburg with extra features such as security lockers.
The heart of the city is its Old Town, centred on main square Rathausplatz. This is where you'll find the imposing Town Hall and laid-back pavement cafes. Some of Augsburg's oldest historic sights (including Maximilian Street, which once led to Rome) are clustered in its Imperial Mile. Head southeast for the old artisanal district of Lechviertel, where you can visit the Brechthaus museum, birthplace of the playwright Bertolt Brecht. Fuggerei (to the east) is home to the world's oldest social housing complex, painted sunshine-yellow.
Top sights include the awe-inspiring Augsburg Cathedral, which has stained glass dating back to the 12th century, and the 70-metre-tall Perlach Tower. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views (look out for a yellow flag on top signalling that you can see across to the Alps). Art lovers can head to the Rococo Schaezlerpalais gallery, with exhibits including works by Hans Holbein and Albrecht Dürer. Landmark Riegele Brewery has been making beer since the 14th century, and you can take a guided tasting tour, or sample its brews independently in a leafy beer garden.
From Munich Airport, you can take a train to Munich Central Train Station (45 minutes), then to Augsburg (50 minutes). You can also take a train from Memmingen Airport (around 1-2 hours), or rent a car at either airport. Once in Augsburg, you can get around easily on the city's reliable public transport network, with plenty of trams and buses. If you'd prefer to be more independent, you can rent a bike or simply walk.
