Because of its scenic beauty, relatively warm and sunny climate and easy access to the Black Forest, Freiburg is a hub for regional tourism. The longest cable car in Germany (3.6 km, or about 2.25 miles) runs from just outside the city to a nearby mountain called Schauinsland.

The city has an unusual system of gutters (called Bächle) that run throughout its centre. These Bächle, once used to provide water to fight fires and refresh livestock, are constantly flowing with water diverted from the Dreisam. Local tradition has it that if you step in a Bächle, you will marry a Freiburger.

The Augustinerplatz is one of the central squares in the old city. Formerly the location of an Augustine monastery, it is now a beloved gathering place for Freiburg's residents. It has quite a few restaurants and bars, including "Feierling" a local brewery, which has a Biergarten that overlooks the square.

At the center of the old city is the its largest square, the Münsterplatz, home of a farmers' market every day except Sundays. This is the site of Freiburg's Münster, a gothic Minster Cathedral constructed of red sandstone, built between 1200 and 1530. The Freiburg Münster is noted for its flamboyant spire.

The Historisches Kaufhaus, or historical marketplace, is a Renaissance building constructed between 1520 and 1530 which was once the center of the financial life of the region. Its facade is decorated with the coat of arms of the Habsburgs.

The Altes Rathaus, or old city hall, was completed in 1559 and has a painted facade.

The Platz der alten Synagoge "Place of the Old Synagogue" is one of the more important squares on the outskirts of the historic old city. The square was the location of a Synagogue until it was destroyed on the Night of Broken Glass in 1938.

St George is the Patron Saint of Freiburg.

For Art-Lovers, do not miss:

• Augustinermuseum (Upper Rhine art)
• Zinnfigurenklause (pewter figures)
• Modern Art Museum (mainly 20C)
• Museum of Prehistory and Early History (from the Celts to the Middle Ages)
• Adelhausermuseum (natural history and anthropology)
• Kleines Stuckmuseum (stucco work)