Although the title of the feature is Example Day Out in Tübingen 1, this is for the most part our actual first-day visit to Tübingen, including stops at its attractions, shops, and restaurants. This was a visit in November – attractions do vary from season to season.

For our first visit, we stayed at Hotel Am Schloss, probably Tübingen’s most famous hotel, nestled just down from Hohentübingen Castle. Admittedly, we were a touch disappointed to be staying in the annex (just across the street) rather than the main building, but the room was comfortable and well-appointed. The hotel’s location, perched atop the historic old town, made it an excellent base to explore. We’ll write a full review at some point, but suffice it to say, the convenience alone makes it a solid choice (and we loved the breakfast).

Morning: Exploring Hohentübingen Castle

Naturally, we began the day by walking the less-than-a-minute uphill stretch to Hohentübingen Castle. This commanding structure has been a symbol of Tübingen for centuries and offers a fascinating blend of history and science. The castle complex includes the Museum of the University of Tübingen (MUT), which showcases archaeological finds and fascinating ancient artefacts. Highlights include an exhibition on the Ice Age, complete with figurines crafted from mammoth ivory, and a replica of the Venus of Hohle Fels, one of the oldest depictions of the human form. You can easily spend a day or more in the museum to explore it fully.

We also explored the Castle Laboratory, a charmingly modest space that celebrates the scientific achievements of Friedrich Miescher, who discovered DNA here in 1869. It’s a small exhibit but well worth the visit for its historic significance. Walking through the castle courtyard, we paused to admire sweeping views of Tübingen’s red-roofed houses and the Neckar River below—a perfect moment to snap some photographs.

Lunch: Bagels at Cafe Tangente Jour

After our morning exploration of Hohentübingen Castle, we descended into the heart of Tübingen’s Altstadt (Old Town) to find a spot for lunch. We chose Tangente Jour, a cozy café located at Münzgasse 17, directly opposite the Stiftskirche. Tangente Jour is known for its inviting atmosphere and friendly service, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The café offers a variety of homemade dishes, including quiches, soups, and lovingly prepared bagels. We went for the bagels. Very good. Tangente Jour has become a place we visit each time in Tubingen (only one bad dish for us in all our visits which was a burger which was smothered in a sweet curry sauce).

Afternoon: Neckar Island Stroll

Feeling refreshed, we crossed over to Neckarinsel, a narrow, tree-lined island in the middle of the Neckar River. This peaceful green space is ideal for a leisurely walk, and we were struck by how serene it felt despite being in the heart of the city. Rows of towering plane trees line the pathways, their golden autumn leaves carpeting the ground. The island is a popular spot for locals to relax, picnic, or row along the river, and it’s easy to see why. (visit Neckar Island A Tranquil Oasis in Tübingen for more details on the island).

A Visit to the Market Square and Collegiate Church

Our next stop was a walk back into the old town to Marktplatz, Tübingen’s charming market square. The colourful, frescoed facade of the Town Hall (Rathaus)  immediately catches the eye, and the square buzzed with life. It’s lined with cafes and shops, making it a perfect spot to soak in the city’s atmosphere. On certain days, you’ll find market stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisan crafts.

From there, we headed to St. George’s Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche), located just off the square. This Gothic church is a masterpiece of architecture, with its tall spire visible from many points around the city. Inside, the tranquil atmosphere invites quiet reflection, and the stained-glass windows are stunning.

Shopping: Hunting For Smurfs

The Old Town if Tubingen has an abundance of smaller shops all within easy reach We found two of our favourites beginning with Spielwaren Dauth. Located in the heart of the Altstadt at Hafengasse 3-5, this toy store has been delighting customers for over a century. The shop’s extensive selection caters to all ages, from classic toys to modern games. We were particularly thrilled to discover a collection of Smurf figurines, which brought back fond childhood memories.

Continuing our exploration, we visited hecht einrichtungen (HECHT), a renowned design shop situated at Collegiumsgasse 1. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1500, the store seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary design. Inside, we found an impressive array of furniture, lighting, and home accessories from esteemed brands like Vitra, Hay, and USM. The curated selection showcased both timeless classics and innovative pieces, inspiring ideas for enhancing our living spaces. The knowledgeable staff provided personalized recommendations, making our visit both informative and enjoyable.

Evening: Dinner at Mauganeschtle

For dinner, we didn’t have to venture far—Mauganeschtle, a cozy restaurant located right within Hotel Am Schloss, provided the perfect setting. The name itself is a playful nod to Maultaschen, the beloved Swabian specialty, and the menu celebrates this regional dish with a creative twist. I opted for their modern take: Maultaschen stuffed with wild herbs and served in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. The warm, intimate ambiance of the restaurant, paired with attentive service, made it an ideal way to conclude our first day in Tübingen. Being just steps away from our room was a convenient bonus!

Final Thoughts

Another Example Day Out in Tubingen coming soon.

Addresses of places featured

Museums:

• Hohentübingen Castle (Schloss Hohentübingen):
  • Burgsteige 11, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
• Museum of the University of Tübingen (MUT):
  • Located within Hohentübingen Castle
  • Burgsteige 11, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
• Castle Laboratory:
  • Also situated within Hohentübingen Castle
  • Burgsteige 11, 72070 Tübingen, Germany

Shops:

• Spielwaren Dauth:
  • Hafengasse 3-5, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
• hecht einrichtungen:
  • Collegiumsgasse 1, 72070 Tübingen, Germany

Restaurants and Cafés:

• Hotel Am Schloss:
  • Burgsteige 18, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
• Mauganeschtle (located within Hotel Am Schloss):
  • Burgsteige 18, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
• Tangente Jour:
  • Münzgasse 17, 72070 Tübingen, Germany