10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Freiburg

Münsterplatz is Freiburg’s must-see central plaza and a picturesque place to visit any time of day. As the square is most famous for its bustling morning farmer’s market, the evening offers a tranquil opportunity to explore without the crowds. Moody under lighting illuminates the atmospheric space, perfect for an ad-hoc photo op.

The main attraction is Freiburger Münster, a towering 13th-century Gothic Cathedral. Get there before 7 pm to climb its 116-metre bell tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Down below, the Historical Merchants’ Hall and 2 gurgling fountains are worth a look.

Aussichtsturm Schlossberg is a hilltop observation tower in Freiburg with sweeping city and Black Forest views. Plan your visit to coincide with sunset (as late as 9 pm in summer) to watch a magic end-of-day display. Nonetheless, the admission-free attraction stays open 24/7, so you can visit anytime.

The tower climb is somewhat demanding; you’ll summit 153 steps in a steep spiral staircase. Energetic types can begin the ascent by climbing the winding paths that zigzag uphill from Stadtgarten. If that sounds like too much effort, you can hail a taxi to the tower base instead.

Stadtgarten is a gorgeous municipal park in Freiburg with an amphitheatre hosting evening concerts during summer. Constructed in the 19th century, the lush 2.6-acre space is chock-full of tranquil ponds and vibrant rose beds. Take the time to admire its art installations, some of which date back 70 years. If daylight remains, the Schlossbergbahn cable car affords breathtaking Black Forest views (no hiking required).

Freiburg comes alive in summer through an action-packed calendar of cultural events. Some shindigs involve evening concerts at the open-air Stadtgarten Music Pavilion. Event-goers can picnic on its luscious lawns and sip wine while enjoying smooth live jazz tunes.

Theater Freiburg is the city’s premiere performing arts space. Set in a stately Augustinian monastery, the elegant building got converted into a theatre hall back in 1866. Several renovations have modernised its interior since – the present-day venue features state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

Opera, dance, and theatre are the common genres here; expect a rotating list of roaming and locally-produced shows. Check the official website to see what’s on and purchase tickets in advance. Most performances run in German only, so choose your genre wisely.

The Europa-Park Stadion has taken the reigns from Dreisamstadion as the home of local football club SC Freiburg. On match days, residents turn up in droves to watch their team compete against German and international clubs. A supercharged atmosphere and tasty local beer ensure an entertaining event, even for the most apathetic football fan.

Despite its sizeable 37,000-seat capacity, Freiburg’s fervent football fanaticism means many games book out. Reserve your ticket online ahead of time for the best chance of snagging a seat. If you miss out, Old Town sports bars (try O’Kellys Irish Pub) screen home games to a raucous crowd.

Franz Siegel Stadion is an inner-city ice-skating rink open for freestyle sessions and scheduled ice-hockey games. Although it’s somewhat dated, the ‘80s-era facility has everything you need for a fun evening on the ice. Top-notch sound and lighting enhance the experience, while pop-up stalls sell nibbles and drinks during events.

The venue only opens between October to April, and no public skating is permitted during match days. Check the official website to see when the local team, EHC Wolfe, is due to play. Cheap entry fees, skate hire and optional lessons ensure an affordable night out. It gets chilly inside, so rug up nice and snug.

CinemaxX Freiburg is your go-to venue to catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters or independent European films. This state-of-the-art complex has several cinema rooms with giant high-definition screens and booming surround sound. Luxurious adjustable recliners ensure comfort throughout the flick.

Tickets are a tad pricier than most modern cinemas, though Monday to Wednesday screenings often features cheaper rates. Expect long queues and considerably high prices at the candy bar – good thing you’ve already eaten. Kids will love the internal tube slide linking the top floor to the basement.

Feierling is a classy Freiburg brewpub specialising in sublime pilsners and hearty German dishes. The perennially popular venue blends traditional hardwood decor with sleek contemporary design. Two enormous copper vats take centre stage – book a brewery tour to learn how they work.

From March until late autumn, the leafy 700-seat beer garden does a roaring trade. Revellers sit together under lofty chestnut trees to wax lyrical with a frothy stein. All their delectable ales have been brewed from organically certified raw ingredients, giving them their unique taste.

Straussenwirtschaften are informal taverns serving seasonal Black Forest wines. Don’t expect swanky commercially-operated places, though. Local small-batch producers establish pop-up venues in garages and lounge rooms to flog their alcoholic wares. Unpretentious vibes and fine local wine guarantee a fun time for all.

Local laws permit Straussenwirtschaften to operate for just 16 weeks, split between fall and spring. Keep an eye out for brooms out the front to indicate a tavern is open for business. Tasty homemade fare from fresh seasonal ingredients (give the local asparagus a go) helps line the stomach.

Freiburg’s historic Old Town is the epicentre of the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. A slew of boozy venues lies peppered around these pedestrian-friendly streets – ideal for a late-night pub crawl. Freiburg’s sizeable student population keeps prices low and the party humming into the early hours.

Mainstay Maria Bar offers burgers, beer, and dancing in its ram-packed late-night club. For a traditional German tavern experience, swing by Schlappen to sip absinth, whiskey, and lager in a homely hardwood locale. Drifter’s Club is your best bet for electro, while Mamita Club specialises in Latin beats.