Altstadt: The Heartbeat of Würzburg

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf VEE-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [BIT-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [DAHN-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-SHOOL-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es ee-nen]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont ee-nen]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee ENG-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch würde gerne die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh VOOR-duh geh-ren duh SHPYE-ze-kar-teh zay-en, BIT-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ESS-uh kine FLYSH]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh murk-teh BIT-tuh ZAH-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [HIL-fuh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [GAY-en zee vekh]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [ROO-fen zee dee poh-LEE-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [ROO-fen zee AI-nen ARTS-t]
• I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [ikh been fer-LOH-ren]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh murk-teh ... KAU-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue mich nur um
  [ikh SHOY-uh mikh noor oom]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel KOSS-tet duss]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dass ist tsoo TOY-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [KERN-en zee den prees ZEN-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee SHPET ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [ess ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [MOR-gun]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [NAKH-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [AH-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [HOY-tuh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [MOR-gun]
• 1Eins
  [ines]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [akht]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-DRE-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie es mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [KERN-en zee es meer TSI-gen (owf dehr KAR-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr NESH-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [IY-nuh FAHR-kahr-te (nahkh)]

The history of Altstadt, Würzburg, dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by the Celts. The Romans established a settlement here around 100 AD, recognizing the strategic importance of the location. They built a fortified camp that later evolved into a civilian settlement, signifying the region's importance as a trade hub and military outpost.

In the 8th century, Würzburg became a significant ecclesiastical center. The establishment of the Prince-Bishopric in 741 led to the construction of several churches and palaces, marking a period of religious and political power within Altstadt. The Würzburg Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style, became a central feature of the city's skyline and a testament to the architectural ambitions of the Prince-Bishops.

The 18th century brought a wave of Baroque architecture, particularly under the influence of Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn. The construction of the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolized this era of opulence. The Residence and its gardens transformed Altstadt into a cultural epicenter, attracting artists, architects, and scholars.

Würzburg suffered extensive damage during World War II, particularly during the bombing raids in 1945 that destroyed much of Altstadt. The post-war period was characterized by extensive reconstruction efforts, striving to restore the historic buildings and cultural heritage of the neighborhood, including the painstaking restoration of the Würzburg Residence and St. Kilian's Cathedral.

Today, Altstadt is a vibrant neighborhood that reflects Würzburg's rich historical tapestry. It serves as a cultural hub with numerous festivals, museums, and art galleries. The preservation of its historical sites, combined with a lively atmosphere, makes Altstadt a focal point for both locals and visitors, showcasing the enduring legacy of its past while embracing modernity.

Altstadt is the historical center of Würzburg and is easily accessible from other neighborhoods. From the Würzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), you can walk to Altstadt in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take bus lines 1, 2, or 4, which connect the station to various points in Altstadt. Taxis are also available at the station for a quicker transfer.

Altstadt is compact and best explored on foot. The majority of its attractions, such as the Würzburg Residence and the Old Bridge, are within walking distance. For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are available throughout the area. Public transport is also convenient, with local buses and trams connecting Altstadt to other neighborhoods. The Würzburg City Ticket allows unlimited travel on public transport within the city.

Würzburg, including Altstadt, is generally a safe area for tourists. However, be cautious in crowded places like markets or festivals, where pickpocketing can occur. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it's advisable to avoid poorly lit streets at night. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy tourist spots.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance or the fire department, and 110 for the police. Local hospitals are equipped to handle most situations, and pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies while abroad.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting churches or religious sites. Casual attire is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous, offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on buses or trams. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and regional dishes. Don't waste food or refuse hospitality, as it might be considered rude.

To experience Altstadt like a local, visit the weekly markets, particularly the farmer's market at Marktplatz on Thursdays and Saturdays. Engage with local shopkeepers, who often share stories about their products. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like Würzburger Bratwurst and the famous Franken wine. Lastly, take a stroll along the Main River promenade in the evenings for a picturesque view of the city.