Karlsruhe

Travel Guide

Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo by Antje Te
Photo by Lydia Ward

Possessing a layout that some say inspired Washington DC and an Egyptian style pyramid, Germany’s Karlsruhe is full of surprises. 

Karlsruhe is an ideal central stop on a European vacation. Located in the southwestern corner of Germany, this city appeals to visitors for its blend of modern and traditional qualities.

An intellectual city by nature, Karlsruhe houses Germany’s oldest technological university. It also recently adopted the SmarterCity Initiative, marking the metropolis as a leader in environmental efficiency and self-sustainability for urban areas.

Its science-driven personality is tempered by a thriving arts scene. Be sure to explore the Center for Art and Media, which holds both the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Media Museum, the world’s first completely interactive museum. Your visit will not be complete without checking out the Karlsruhe Pyramid, an Egyptian-style crypt that is the tomb site of Margrave Charles III William, the city’s founder.

Karlsruhe itself has an artistic layout, and is rumored to have provided the inspiration for Washington DC. Relatively new by German standards, the city was founded in 1715 and features a central palace with streets fanning outward in a circular shape. Despite its young age, the city holds an important place in German history. The country’s first Parliament was erected here. A memorial park honors the city’s Jewish population that was devastated during World War II.

Treat your palate to a variety of traditional and ethnic dishes, courtesy of the diverse offering of restaurants throughout the city. Karlsruhe also abounds with beer gardens and pubs. During the summer, both the Medieval Festival and Das Fest, a music fair, fill the streets with activity. The Botanical Gardens and Palace Gardens provide a stunning setting to enjoy the outdoor charm of this German city. If you want to mix rural exploration with your urban experience, the Palatinate Forest, Black Forest, and Vosges Mountains are close enough for a day trip.

Less than half an hour from the French border, Karlsruhe is also equidistant between Luxembourg and Zurich. This makes it an ideal central point to make your home base while exploring Europe’s distinctive cities. The Baden Airpark is twenty-five miles outside the Karlsruhe and has flights to and from the continent’s major destinations. Regular buses, trains and well-maintained highways make Karlsruhe easily accessible by all modes of transportation.

Where to stay in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe which includes art and interior views

Karlsruhe City Centre

4/5(28 area reviews)

The museums and gardens are just a few things visitors like about Karlsruhe City Centre. Marketplace Square and Karlsruhe Palace are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Ettlinger Tor U-Bahn or Ettlinger Tor Tram Stop to get around the larger area.

Karlsruhe City Centre
Gardens of Karlsruhe Palace, Germany
#GreatOutdoors

Innenstadt-West

Get to know Innenstadt-West and its many features like its museums and gardens. You might want to explore sights like Karlsruhe Palace and Kaiserstraße, and you can jump on the metro at Marktplatz (Kaiserstraße U) Tram Stop or Karlstor/Bundesgerichtshof Tram Stop to get around the city.

Innenstadt-West
The Q Quadro City Hotel
The Q Quadro City Hotel
Mendelssohnplatz, Karlsruhe, BW
Stay at this hotel in Karlsruhe. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (770 reviews)
"Normally good condition and satisfied the location, near rail station."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

The Q Quadro City Hotel
acora Karlsruhe Zentrum Living the City
acora Karlsruhe Zentrum Living the City
Sophienstr. 69-71, Karlsruhe
The price is ₩95,848 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
₩95,848
₩113,777 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Karlsruhe. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions ZKM and Prince Max Palace are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (467 reviews)
Large enough for long duration stay
"Generous room size (superior apt), large work area, numerous power outlets all over the room. Well equipped kitchen for 2 persons. Small private balcony. Would come again."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

acora Karlsruhe Zentrum Living the City
PLAZA Premium Karlsruhe
PLAZA Premium Karlsruhe
Siemensallee 86, Karlsruhe, BW
The price is ₩109,045 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
₩109,045
₩127,897 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Karlsruhe. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (526 reviews)
"Super nice rooms, the staff is very professional and the breakfast is awesome"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

PLAZA Premium Karlsruhe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
B5 Apartments
B5 Apartments
Bahnhofstraße 5, Karlsruhe, BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Karlsruhe. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Karlsruhe Zoo and ZKM are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Very clean, spacious, high quality apartment. Should be a new standard in the hotel and apartment rental industry."

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2025

B5 Apartments
ANA Living Karlsruhe by Arthotel ANA
ANA Living Karlsruhe by Arthotel ANA
Bahnhofstraße 15A, Karlsruhe
Stay at this aparthotel in Karlsruhe. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Karlsruhe Zoo and State theater of ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (75 reviews)
"Everything was perfect, the Lange room, comfortable beds, great location between Hbf and the center. However, the air-conditioning was not regulated, it was too hot in the room. There is no shampoo or shower gel but the hand soap(!) in the shower. The breakfast at 9:50 was empty (should be till 11:00) ..."

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2023

ANA Living Karlsruhe by Arthotel ANA
SEEGER Living Premium Downtown
SEEGER Living Premium Downtown
Karlstr. 49a, Karlsruhe
Stay at this apartment in Karlsruhe. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Prince Max Palace and State theater ...
Great apartment!!!
"This was our second stay at a Seeger Living in Karlsruhe City Center. I like the one on Karlstrasse 42-44 slightly better, but both were great. They are always super fast with any questions and concerns. I went to the wrong location, and they were very quick getting me where I needed to go. The location ..."

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2025

SEEGER Living Premium Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Karlsruhe

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 21%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Dmitry

A very comfortable and friendly city where you can reach almost any place by walking enjoying jugendstil and classic architecture or green parks.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

A major subway construction project will make this a more beautiful city but at the moment it’s quite torn up. That said, we had a wonderful time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I came to Karlsruhe to visit with a family member who was ill in hospital. I did not, unfortunately, have time to visit too many places around the city.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Love the city. Has plenty of restaurants and is full of life. Nice to get around walking or on a bike.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Castle is beautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Much less hectic than larger cities.

Cities near Karlsruhe