Projects of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Free State of Thuringia, represented by the State Chancellery of Thuringia, Department of Culture and the Arts.
Weimar in a Day
Discover Weimar on foot – The top highlights and tips for a perfect daytrip!
With this helpful guide, we show you what you can experience in Weimar in 24 hours so that you don’t miss out on the most important highlights. If you’ve only got one day – or even a few hours – a tour of Weimar is and always will be an absolute must! With its charming city centre, numerous attractions, eventful history and richly diverse culture, there’s enough to see in Weimar to keep you busy for several days. To make the best use of your time, take advantage of our compact selection of recommended sites and visiting times!
What are the most important attractions in Weimar?
Die Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek
Best time to visit: morning or afternoon
The library and its famous Rococo Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute highlight for many guests. The magnificent white and golden hall is a masterpiece of the Rococo period containing impressive, opulent furnishings and an exquisite interior design. The interplay of architecture, art treasures and books is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The library is part of a select group of publicly accessible archival and research libraries for European literature and cultural history with a focus on the epoch from 1750 to 1850.
Tip: Make sure to (virtually) peruse the historic books in the Ducal library by downloading our free Weimar+ app!
Our recommendation: Since you are already inside the historic library, why not take a look at the Renaissance Hall and the exhibition “Cranach’s Torrent of Images”? On display are masterpieces produced by the world-famous Cranach workshop.
Important: For conservatorial reasons, visitors may only enter the library at selected times via timeslot tickets purchased in advance. Therefore, be sure to reserve your desired timeslot online as early as possible at our Ticket Shop!
Coffee break at the Samocca Café
Best time to visit: morning
The secluded courtyard at the Samocca Café across from the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek is a great place to relax with coffee and cake. The enticing selection of cakes and other delicious dishes is all homemade, produced by the Christopherushof workshops and the Diakonie Landgut Holzdorf.
Before you leave the reading café, we recommend taking a peek inside the Study Centre. This public research facility with its impressive reading room comprises the modern part of the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek.
Goethe National Museum and Goethe Residence
Best time to visit: morning or midday
What would Weimar be without Johann Wolfgang von Goethe? With works like Faust and the ballad of the Erlkönig, Goethe is unarguably the most famous poet and author in Germany. His residence in Weimar offers impressive testimony to his diverse array of interests in literature, art, cultural politics, natural history and botany. Take this opportunity to view the personal souvenirs of this master poet and gain insight into Goethe’s active and eventful life.
Tip: Pay a quick visit to the Goethe Residence. In just 30 minutes, we introduce you to Goethe’s multifaceted world and the building’s beautiful architectural features. Our experienced guides will take you through the house and point out the most important highlights!
When? Every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm.
Walking tour through Weimar’s historic downtown
Best time to visit: midday or afternoon
There are many charming streets in Weimar’s historic district just waiting to be discovered. On a stroll through town, you’ll find plenty of hidden corners with inviting benches and cosy cafés. You’ll also find restaurants that cater to every taste – from traditional German cuisine to exotic specialties.
Tip: On the theme-based tour “The Language of the City” in the Weimar+ app, you can enjoy entertaining anecdotes and audio clips about the Goethe and Schiller Memorial, Theaterplatz and the Quarter of Modernism.
Recharge your battery at Café Kunstpause
After a visit to the Bauhaus Museum Weimar, don’t forget your appetite! At Café Kunstpause, the Bauhaus-style lounge area not only offers a wide range of meals and beverages, but also a fantastic view of the Weimarhallenpark. And when weather permits, there’s no better place to spend a relaxing hour than on the museum terrace.
Park on the Ilm
Best time to visit: late afternoon or evening
The Park on the Ilm is an English landscape garden with a touch of Italian flair, designed by none other than Goethe himself. To this day, the walkable garden artwork draws visitors from around the world with its diverse scenery, historic visual axes and charming park structures. The Ilm Park is regularly frequented by residents of Weimar looking for peace and relaxation.
Enjoy the end of your eventful day with an evening stroll through this idyllic setting. Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, you can take in the unforgettable views of the Goethe Gartenhaus and the Roman House nestled into the park.
Our recommendation: With the Weimar+ app, you can turn your walk into a tour of discovery by listening to audio clips about the Shakespeare memorial, the Sphinx and the Needle Eye. And the best thing is: you can set your own speed.
Tip: Nearby the park in front of the Weimar City Castle, the Co-Lab invites visitors to a wide variety of outdoor events in the summertime. You can view the free programme of Co-Lab events here.
It’s hard to say goodbye …
A day in Weimar is a spectacular experience that you’ll remember for a very long time. The hospitality of the Thuringians and the relaxing break in idyllic Weimar will make you want to come back again and again.
We look forward to your visit!
The recommended daily schedule
| Time of day | duration | Place | Arrival | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.30 - 10.30 am | 1 h | Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek | Square of Democracy 1 | Adults 8 € Combined ticket - Rococo Hall & Renaissance Hall 12 € |
| 10.45 - 11.30 am | 45 min | Samocca Café / Study Centre | Place of Democracy 4 | Study Centre - free admission |
| 11.45 - 1.45 pm | 2 h | Goethe National Museum with Goethe Residence (with audio guide) | Frauenplan 1 | Adults 13 € |
Alternatively: 1 - 1.30 pm | 30 min | A flying visit to the Goethe National Museum | Adults €8 Pupils (7-15 years) €5 Children up to 6 years free | |
| 13.45 - 15.45 | 2 h | Old Town Weimar | ||
| 16 - 18 h (Winter: 11-17 h) | 2 h | Bauhaus Museum Weimar / Café Kunstpause | Stéphane-Hessel-Platz 1 | Adults 10 € |
| from 18.30 | at will | Park on the Ilm / Co-Lab | Park on the Ilm | Free admission |
Map
How did you like your day in Weimar?
Do you find our daytrip recommendations helpful, or have you already tried them out? We would love to receive your feedback via Google or social media. If you’d like, feel free to tag us in your reviews on Instagram or Facebook (@klassikstiftung).