Regensburg among the most beautiful old towns in the world in 2025!

Regensburg among the most beautiful old towns in the world in 2025!

The Berlin online travel expert Tourlane has currently evaluated 65 old towns worldwide in a comprehensive study. The analysis, conducted in August 2025, covers five world regions: Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and the United States. The selection is based on four criteria: the age of the city (20%), the cost of a city tour (20%), popularity on Instagram (10%) and walkability (50%).

The results show that there are numerous old towns in Europe that are characterized by historical significance and tourist attraction. First on the list is Krakow, Poland, followed by Naples in Italy and Regensburg in Germany. All three cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which further underlines their cultural importance.

The most beautiful old towns in Europe

• Krakau, Polen
  – Altstadt seit 1978 Unesco-Welterbe.
  – Stadtführung kostet 12 Euro.
  – Ca. 8 Millionen Fotos auf Instagram.
  – Sehenswürdigkeiten: Hauptmarkt Rynek Główny, Marienkirche, Tuchhalle.
• Neapel, Italien
  – Altstadt seit 1995 Unesco-Welterbe.
  – Stadtführung kostet 18 Euro.
  – Ca. 11 Millionen Fotos auf Instagram.
  – Sehenswürdigkeiten: Spaccanapoli, Teatro San Carlo, Castel Nuovo.
• Regensburg, Deutschland
  – Altstadt seit 2006 Unesco-Welterbe.
  – Stadtführung kostet 15 Euro.
  – Ca. 2 Millionen Fotos auf Instagram.
  – Sehenswürdigkeiten: Steinerne Brücke, Alte Rathaus, Dom.

The beauty of these old towns is reflected not only in their architecture, but also in the lively cultural scene. Regensburg in particular, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006, offers visitors a wealth of historical attractions. These include the Stone Bridge from the 12th century as well as the impressive roof of the St. Peter's Cathedral and the Reichstag Museum, which also houses the remains of a historic prison.

UNESCO World Heritage in Germany

In Germany, UNESCO lists several important old towns, including Lübeck, Goslar, Regensburg, Stralsund and Wismar, all of which are known for their historical substance and cultural relevance. Germay Tourism emphasizes that Lübeck is known for its gabled houses and the famous Holsten Gate, which was once depicted on the 50-mark note. In addition, Lübeck's old town is one of the largest German monuments and offers numerous sights such as the Günter Grass House and the Willy Brandt Memorial.

Goslar impresses with its rich history and counts over 1,500 half-timbered houses among its sights. The Imperial Palace, as the oldest and best-preserved secular building in Germany, also attracts many visitors. Wismar and Stralsund, both Hanseatic cities on the Baltic Sea coast, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage with their historic buildings and offer impressive market squares as well as numerous churches and museums.