Rhine & Shine- A Perfect Weekend in Speyer, Germany

I recently had the chance to turn a work trip into a little weekend getaway — and I’m so glad I did. I spent my pre-weekend in the charming town of Speyer, a gem on the Rhine with history, culture, and a relaxed pace that made it the perfect spot to unwind.

My base was the Hotel Domhof, right in the center of everything. It couldn’t have been better located — just steps from the iconic Speyer Cathedral — and the hotel’s own restaurant and beer garden were a highlight in themselves. After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than a hearty meal and a cold beer right on-site.

Speaking of the Cathedral, it’s an absolute must-see. Whether you’re into architecture, history, or photography, it’s stunning from every angle. Each time I walked past, I found a new perspective worth capturing. Beginning in the middle ages at 1025, In 1981, this old cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of culturally important sites as "a major monument of Romanesque art in the German Empire.

Speyer is also home to a Jewish Museum, which tells the story of the local Jewish community through the centuries. The ruins of the synagogue and the well-preserved mikveh (ritual bath) offer a quiet and moving reminder of the town’s deep history.

One of my favourite things was simply wandering through the narrow streets, soaking in the atmosphere, and eventually making my way down to the marina for a change of scenery.

To top it all off, I was lucky enough to be there during the Old Town Festival, held the second weekend of September. The streets were lively, with music, food, and a wonderfully cheerful atmosphere — the perfect way to experience the town like a local.

If you ever find yourself in this part of Germany, I highly recommend giving yourself a day or two in Speyer. It’s the kind of place that’s small enough to feel personal but packed with history and character.

Accommodation Tip: The Domhof hotel is a 4-star boutique accommodation which according to my research must be the best in Speyer. While not a budget hotel, still affordable for one or two nights. I opt for a room with air conditioning, and it was a smart choice! The rooms tend to be small and stuffy, and this helps quite a lot. Insider Tip: Offer to book directly with the hotel rather than a booking site and you might get a discount as I did. While the old town festival was just across my room window, the sound proofing was perfect. Breakfast was plentiful and kept my tummy quite happy until the late afternoon!

Excursion Tip: Just across the road from the Cathedral car park, you can already see the famous “Speyer Technic Museum” While I am not a big tech fan there is quite a nice collection of vehicles over the ages including Submarines, Jets and an old Russian spaceship. There is also an IMAX theatre which is a nice bonus. You can find yourself climbing into a 747 getting a feel of its size up-close.

Gastronomy Tips: First and foremost a strong recommendation to the Domhof beer garden and restaurant. Beyond the really good local beer (if that is what you are into) there is a fine selection of wine and small to large bites. If you do not feel going too far from the city center, this is a perfect choice. An upscale alternative I have found in the marina area with the Italian restaurant Donello. Having your delicious pasta while looking at the boats go by was a perfect lunch choice for me.