Goerlitz tours

Things to do in Goerlitz

Welcome to Goerlitz, a city where history seems to linger in the air, inviting you to explore its rich cultural tapestry. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the East," Goerlitz presents itself like a living movie set, with its pastel facades and intricate architectural details. Yet, there's a modern vibrancy woven into its historical fabric that your local guide will help you uncover. You'll venture beyond the well-trodden paths, discovering secluded courtyards and cozy cafes where the locals unwind. On a private tour, you'll experience the town’s cultural blend, or perhaps embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of Saxony. With the benefit of bypassing the lines, you'll uncover the hidden gems that make Goerlitz a truly distinctive destination. Explore Goerlitz your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Goerlitz tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Goerlitz for every interest, including: History tours: Walk the Obermarkt and Untermarkt squares to trace old trade routes, then cross the Old Town Bridge into Zgorzelec as your guide explains border changes and daily life split by the Neisse. You can visit the Kaisertrutz fortification and the Silesian Museum to see how the city’s role in Silesia and Lusatia evolved. City highlights tours: Climb the Reichenbacher Turm for rooftop views, step into St. Peter and Paul Church to hear the story of the famous Sun Organ, and follow cobbled lanes to filming spots that earned the nickname “Görliwood.” Your tour can finish with coffee by the river or pierogi just over the bridge in the Polish side of town. Architecture tours: Explore Gothic hall houses on Neissstrasse, admire Renaissance facades on the Untermarkt and the Rathaus staircase, then compare Baroque townhomes with the Art Nouveau splendour of the Görlitz department store used in film productions. Your guide can unlock courtyards and stairwells that show off restored stucco, ironwork, and tiled passages. The old town is very walkable, and trams plus buses make it simple to reach nearby districts; for viewpoints like the Landeskrone or a lakeside stop at Berzdorfer See, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Goerlitz inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour of Goerlitz and make sure to include some of its most captivating neighborhoods. Exploring with a local gives you an insider's view of these unique areas. - Historic Market Square: With its stunning architecture, this area appeals to cultural tourists eager to explore Renaissance and Baroque buildings. It's an ideal spot to soak up the city's rich history. - Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets and discover charming cafes and boutiques. It's perfect for those seeking meaningful connections and a relaxed, authentic experience. - Neiße Riverbank: This tranquil area provides a scenic backdrop for walks and is great for families looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the water. Day trip ideas from Goerlitz Use Görlitz as your base and head out for day trips to nearby cities and landscapes, since Poland and the Czech Republic are so close and roads and rails make it simple; these day trips also work well as flexible tours shaped around architecture, nature, or food. Dresden: the rebuilt old town gives you standout baroque architecture and big museums near the Elbe, while the Neustadt across the river brings street art, indie shops, and a casual café scene, so you can spend the morning with landmarks and the afternoon in creative neighbourhoods if that balance fits your interests. Bad Muskau and Muskau Park: a UNESCO landscape park that spans the German Polish border with long paths, bridges, and open views around the Neisse River, which suits slow walkers, photographers, and anyone into garden design, and the New Castle’s setting adds a strong backdrop without needing to rush through interiors. Zittau Mountains and Oybin: sandstone cliffs, forest paths, and the Oybin castle ruins sit close together, so hikers and families get short trails with real variety, while history fans can add the narrow gauge railway from Zittau and still be back in Görlitz before dinner. Bautzen: a hilltop old town lined with towers and strong ramparts, plus cafés tucked into side streets, which makes it an easy pick if you like compact historic centres, Sorbian culture, and clear viewpoints without a long hike. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Goerlitz most travellers miss.