Freiburg is one of those charming cities where history, lively streets, and a dash of quirkiness come together beautifully. Its compact old town is perfect for walking tours, and the city’s vibrant local culture makes every experience memorable. We particularly enjoy the Gässle, Bächle and More City Tour, which covers the highlights of the old town’s narrow alleys and colorful markets, and the guided tours with actors, which bring history to life in a playful way. If you’re up for a fun, theatrical twist, the Freiburg: Acting tour Historix tour offers a lively storytelling experience you won’t forget. Plus, for something more offbeat, the Red Light District City Tour explores Freiburg’s less glamourous past with a bit of intrigue.
Whether you’re after a deep dive into Freiburg’s history or a humorous, entertainment-filled experience, the city offers a broad selection of tours. This guide covers the 11 best options, from classic walking tours to themed outings led by drag queens or actors. Read on for the details, so you can pick a tour that matches your style and interests.
Quick Overview
Freiburg’s city tours vary from classic historical walks and cultural explorations to themed experiences like drag queen-led tours, actor-based storytelling, and even a street food tour. Prices range from $17 to around $97, with durations mostly between 1.5 and 2 hours. Some tours focus on architecture and key sights like the Freiburg Minster, while others add a twist of humor or drama. For a full list of the best options, keep reading.
1. Freiburg: Gässle, Bächle and More City Tour
This shared group walking tour takes you through Freiburg’s old town, highlighting its most iconic sights, such as the Bächle, the twisted alleys, and the Gothic Minster. For just $17 per person and about 1.5 hours of walking, you’ll explore the famous narrow alleys, see the Rheinkiesel mosaics, and learn about the Bächle system that runs through the city’s streets. The tour also covers bizarre gargoyles, the delicate steeple of the Minster, and the bustling farmers’ market.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Freiburg’s most photogenic spots with a knowledgeable guide. Past reviews rave about Iris, describing her as “spectacular” and “warm,” with guests noting how well she balances history and local stories. At just $17, it’s excellent value for those wanting a broad overview with plenty of time to wander and take photos. Bottom line: if you want a friendly introduction to Freiburg’s old town, this tour is a great choice.
2. Freiburg: Guided City Tours with Actors
For a twist on traditional city tours, this experience features professional actors guiding you through Freiburg as if you’ve stepped into a historical play. It lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs $17. The actors portray famous figures and mysterious characters, adding humor and drama to the story of Freiburg’s past. The tour explores monuments and key landmarks, with storytelling that’s both entertaining and educational.
Guests love the humorous tone and interactive approach, with one reviewer calling it “a successful mix of humor and interesting information.” This tour appeals especially to those who enjoy theater and storytelling, rather than just facts. It’s a creative way to experience Freiburg’s history and engage with the city’s character. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a fun, theatrical tour that makes history memorable, this one delivers.
3. Freiburg: City Walking Tour with Drag Queen Betty BBQ
Join Black Forest drag queen Betty BBQ for a unique city tour that combines history, humor, and fabulousness. At just 85 minutes and $40 per person, she takes you on a journey through the city’s sights as she shares personal anecdotes, gossip, and stories. Betty’s chosen landmarks include the cathedral square, and her lively commentary gives a fresh perspective on Freiburg’s past and present.
Reviews praise Betty BBQ as “lovely” and highlight her ability to blend entertainment with historical facts. Her tour is perfect for those who want a lighthearted, colorful exploration of Freiburg. The tour’s personalized approach and entertaining anecdotes make it stand out. Bottom line: for a fun and memorable way to see Freiburg, this colorful guide will not disappoint.
4. Hey, Hallöchen, Freiburg! – The Travestie City Tour with Betty BBQ
This gorgeous city tour offers a witty, flamboyant exploration led by Freiburg’s unofficial queen, Betty BBQ. The tour lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes and costs $40. It takes in cathedral square and other landmarks, but with Betty’s zany anecdotes and sharp humor, it’s more about the fun atmosphere than just sightseeing.
Guests describe Betty as “a superstar,” and reviews mention how she mixes city facts with jokes. Her approach is perfect for lively, spirited travelers who want a light, humorous take on Freiburg’s sights. The tour also includes latest city gossip and fun stories about the nightlife and local characters. Bottom line: if you love colorful personalities and humor, this tour is a must.
5. Freiburg: Tour of the city with cathedral visit
This interior tour of Freiburg Minster is perfect for those who want to see inside this magnificent Gothic cathedral. Equipped with a transmission system, the guide explains the Bächle system, shows you Haus zum Walfisch, and walks you through historic alleys. The tour lasts 1.5 hours at a price of $20.
What makes this tour special is the inside access to the cathedral, allowing you to appreciate its architectural details and artwork up close. The guide shares historical insights about Freiburg’s iconic building, making it ideal for those interested in architecture and sacred sights. Reviews highlight that it’s a good overview and an affordable way to explore one of Freiburg’s highlights. Bottom line: if you’re keen on inside visits and detailed explanations, this tour hits the mark.
6. Freiburg City Tour: with visit of the Freiburg Minster
This comprehensive 1.5-hour walking tour mixes lesser-known corners of the old town with a visit to the Minster. The itinerary includes stops at Haus zum Walfisch, Kaiser-Joseph-Straße, and Gerberau, giving you a well-rounded introduction to Freiburg’s history and architecture.
Its strength lies in local insights and detailed sightseeing, with the guide helping you notice hidden gems around the cathedral. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Freiburg’s urban fabric. Past participants appreciate the organized itinerary and the opportunity to see beyond the usual tourist spots. Bottom line: a strong choice for those who want both history and fresh perspectives.
7. Freiburg: Exciting City Tour with sightseeing and history
This 2-hour tour takes you through Rathausplatz, Bermuda Triangle, Martinstor, and cathedral. It balances history, architecture, and local culture with stops in popular districts. The guide shares stories about Freiburg’s past, while you soak in the lively atmosphere of the city.
Guests note that the tour is entertaining and provides a good overview of what makes Freiburg special. The route covers key landmarks and local anecdotes for those wanting a broad introduction. The slightly longer duration makes it suitable for travelers wanting a more leisurely experience. Bottom line: if you want a well-rounded, engaging tour with a focus on city life, this fits the bill.
8. Freiburg: Acting tour Historix tour “Cathedral, gates, city legends”
This interactive acting tour employs live actors in costume to bring Freiburg’s main sights to life. The 105-minute experience covers the cathedral, city gates, and legendary stories, making history fun and accessible. The storytelling is based on detailed research, ensuring authenticity.
Past participants enjoy the engaging performance and appreciate that it offers a rundown of Freiburg’s landmarks. The costumed actors make the experience lively and memorable. It’s perfect for families or those who prefer a storytelling approach. Bottom line: this is an immersive, theatrical way to discover Freiburg’s storied past.
9. Freiburg: Red Light District City Tour
Explore a different side of Freiburg’s history with this 2-hour tour centered on the red light district and its past. It covers Freiburg’s oldest trade, the prostitution scene, and stories of gangsters from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The guide provides historic details about this colorful chapter.
This tour is suited for those interested in edgier stories and urban legends. It’s a niche experience that provides insights into Freiburg’s less-glamorous past. Some reviews mention that it’s a fun, informative tour, though it might not appeal to everyone. Bottom line: if you’re curious about Freiburg’s underground stories, this tour delivers a fascinating look.
$26 per person
10. Kling, mulled wine, klingelingeling – the Christmas city tour with Betty BBQ
Get into the holiday spirit with Betty BBQ’s Christmas-themed city tour. Lasting about 1 hour 10 minutes and costing $43.99, it takes you around Freiburg’s Christmas market, sharing gags, stories, and mulled wine. Betty’s storytelling covers everything from Christmas traditions to local holiday secrets.
Guests love her colorful personality and the festive atmosphere she creates. It’s a perfect seasonal experience for those wanting to celebrate Christmas Freiburg-style. The tour’s interactive, humorous approach adds a layer of fun to holiday sightseeing. Bottom line: ideal for travelers wanting a festive, lively Christmas experience.
11. Freiburg Street Food Tour – Culinary City Tour Freiburg
This culinary walk combines taste and history over a 2-hour tour. Starting at the Betty BBQ Meeting Point, you’ll sample regional street foods including four local products, coffee, and liqueur. Along the way, the guide shares fascinating stories behind Freiburg’s food culture.
Guests describe it as delicious and informative, with many feeling they gained a real taste of Freiburg’s culinary identity. It’s a great choice for food lovers or those interested in local traditions. The tour ends at a historic restaurant, making it a full sensory experience. Bottom line: if you enjoy food and stories, this tour is a tasty introduction.
$97 per person
How to Choose Your Freiburg City Tour
Picking the right tour depends on what you want to get out of your visit. If your focus is on a broad overview of Freiburg’s old town, the Gässle, Bächle and More City Tour offers excellent value at just $17. For a more interactive or theatrical experience, the guided actor tours and theater-style storytelling provide lively insights. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the interior Minster tour or classic walking routes, while those craving a quirky, humorous twist should consider Betty BBQ’s themed tours.
If your trip coincides with the Christmas season, the festive city tour is a fantastic way to experience Freiburg’s holiday cheer. Food lovers should not miss the Street Food Tour, which combines regional flavors with history. Remember to check availability and book early, especially for themed experiences like the Christmas tour or theater-guided adventures.
Final thoughts
Freiburg offers a wide range of city tours catering to different interests—from classic sightseeing and inside cathedral visits to funny, theatrical explorations and culinary adventures. For a comprehensive introduction, the Gässle, Bächle and More City Tour is hard to beat for its affordability and charm. Those seeking a more theatrical experience will love the acting and drag queen tours, while history buffs will appreciate the in-depth cathedral visits and lesser-known city corners.
No matter what kind of experience you’re after, booking early is wise—especially for tours with limited availability or seasonal themes. Freiburg’s city tours make it easy to see the city’s highlights while enjoying its lively spirit and hidden stories. Pick the one that matches your interests, and you’ll leave with plenty of memories—and maybe a new story or two to tell.
Enjoy your trip to Freiburg, and happy touring!