Bamberg or Franconian Rome is spread over 7 hills, each one adorned with a church or castle. Settled in the 11th century, Bamberg's cityscape is a visual timeline of the evolution of European architecture, with a focus on medieval styles.
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Start your tour at the extravagant Michaelsberg Abbey. It has been standing tall since 1015.
Next up: the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral. After bowing your head at its stunning altar, check out the Bamberg Reiter.
Explore the spiritual side of Bamberg further, by visiting the mesmerizingUpper Parish(Obere Pfarre).
For a taste of the royal treatment, drop by the New Residence - a 17th century palace with 40 rooms' worth of lavish splendor, artworks and tapestries.
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Before leaving the New Residence, you'll be drawn to its spectacular palatial rose garden. It has more than 4500 roses!
Visit Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall) next. It houses the Ludwigporcelaincollection. Keep an eye out for the amazing giant frescoes that adorn its walls.
Delve into the local history at Historical Museum Bamberg. For its unique look, the whole town of Bamberg was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Bamberg'sSchloss Seehof is one of the most incredible palaces in all of Bavaria. The early Baroque architecture is from another time.
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Hop on a ferry ride among half-timbered houses at what used to be the fishing district: Little Venice. These rows of pretty buildings belong to the Middle Ages.
When you get the time, try Bamberg's own special brew: smoked beer known as Rauchbier. With fierce competition between 9 major breweries, Bamberg is pretty much heaven for beer-lovers.
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You can learn more about the city's longstanding tradition of beer-making at the Franconian Brewery Museum.
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Celebrate the time-honored Bamberg festival Sandkerwa by buying a round of Rauchbier for the locals.
Come Christmas, after you've shopped at the iconic Bamberg Christmas Market, hop in your car for a tour of the city'sfamousnativity scenes - there's over 40 of them to marvel at, every year.