New Braunfels, Texas Travel Guide

Discover New Braunfels, Texas: A harmonious blend of German heritage and Texan charm, offering historic sites, outdoor adventures, and cultural festivities.

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New Braunfels

Nestled between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels is a charming city that blends rich German heritage with Texan hospitality. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, this town is a delightful destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Start your visit in the historic district of Gruene, where time seems to have stood still. Take a leisurely stroll through antique shops, savor the flavors of traditional German cuisine, and catch live music at Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall. The charming streets and historic buildings offer a glimpse into the past and a unique shopping experience. For those who love the great outdoors, the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers provide the perfect setting for tubing, kayaking, and fishing. The crystal-clear waters are a refreshing escape, especially during the hot Texas summers. Landa Park offers a serene environment with beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and paddle boating on the lake. Dive into the history of New Braunfels with a visit to the Sophienburg Museum and the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture. These museums offer fascinating insights into the lives of the early settlers and the craftsmanship that defined their community. Don’t miss the annual Wurstfest, a 10-day celebration of German culture, beer, and sausage that attracts visitors from all over the world. New Braunfels is also home to Natural Bridge Caverns, one of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in Texas. Explore the awe-inspiring formations on a guided tour and try your hand at gem mining or tackle the adventure park’s zip lines and rope courses. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, New Braunfels offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and natural beauty.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring New Braunfels.

Visit Gruene Hall early in the day to avoid crowds and get great photos without too many people in the background.
Tubing is best enjoyed on weekdays when the rivers are less crowded. Bring water shoes to protect your feet from rocky riverbeds.
Check the schedule for Wurstfest and book accommodations in advance, as this popular event attracts large crowds.
Purchase tickets online for Natural Bridge Caverns to skip the line and ensure you get into the tour time that fits your schedule.
Explore Landa Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and have a more peaceful experience.

Explore New Braunfels: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in New Braunfels

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Best Attractions

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The Alamo

Explore The Alamo in San Antonio, a historic site that embodies the spirit of Texas independence and offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.

4.6

San Antonio River Walk

Explore the enchanting San Antonio River Walk, a vibrant urban oasis filled with culture, cuisine, and stunning scenery in the heart of Texas.

4.7

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Experience the excitement of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a premier amusement park filled with thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and family-friendly attractions in San Antonio.

4.3

San Antonio Zoo

Discover the magic of wildlife at the San Antonio Zoo, home to thousands of animals and unforgettable family experiences in Texas.

4.5

Best landmarks in New Braunfels

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Natural Bridge Caverns

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Natural Bridge Caverns, a Texas treasure filled with stunning formations and outdoor adventures.

4.7

Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels

Dive into adventure at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Texas, where thrilling water rides and family fun await in a stunning natural setting.

4.4

Landa Park

Discover the natural beauty and recreational haven of Landa Park, a captivating oasis in New Braunfels, Texas, perfect for outdoor lovers and families.

4.8

Gruene Hall

Dive into the heart of Texas music at Gruene Hall, the iconic venue where history and live performances create unforgettable experiences.

4.7

Best restaurants in New Braunfels

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Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia

Discover authentic Mexican flavors at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia in San Antonio – a vibrant culinary gem with delicious food and festive atmosphere.

4.4

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar

Experience delightful American cuisine at Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar in Gruene - where flavor meets stunning riverside views.

4.6

Clear Springs Restaurant

Experience delicious seafood in a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Clear Springs Restaurant in New Braunfels.

4.6

Krause's Cafe

Discover Krause's Cafe: A charming fusion of German and American cuisine in a vibrant beer garden setting perfect for every foodie.

4.4

Best bars in New Braunfels

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Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burgers

Discover the perfect blend of gourmet burgers and local craft beer at Muck & Fuss in New Braunfels, Texas.

4.7

Pour Haus Patio Bar

Experience the lively atmosphere of Pour Haus Patio Bar in New Braunfels, Texas - where great drinks, local music, and a vibrant community come together.

4.5

Phoenix Saloon

Discover the essence of Texas at Phoenix Saloon, where American cuisine meets live music in a lively atmosphere.

4.4

Downtown Social

Experience the vibrant energy of Downtown Social in New Braunfels, where American cuisine meets fun entertainment like bowling and live music.

4.4

Best nightclubs in New Braunfels

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Phoenix Saloon

Experience the vibrant energy of the Phoenix Saloon – a quintessential Texas bar offering delicious American cuisine and live music in New Braunfels.

4.4

Riley's Tavern

Experience the vibrant nightlife of New Braunfels at Riley's Tavern, where live music, dancing, and great drinks create unforgettable memories.

4.7

The Watering Hole Saloon

Discover the energetic nightlife at The Watering Hole Saloon, a premier destination for live music, drinks, and fun in New Braunfels, Texas.

4.5

Moonshine & Ale

Experience the charm of Moonshine & Ale, a piano bar in New Braunfels offering delightful drinks and captivating live music for an unforgettable night out.

4.5

Best shops in New Braunfels

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Historic Market Square

Discover the charm of Historic Market Square, San Antonio's largest Mexican market, filled with shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

4.6

San Marcos Premium Outlets

Discover incredible savings and a variety of brands at San Marcos Premium Outlets, Texas' premier shopping destination.

4.6

Shops at Rivercenter

Discover the perfect blend of shopping, dining, and scenic beauty at the Shops at Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas.

4.5

Pearl Brewery

Explore the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, a vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and cultural events that beautifully blend the past and present.

4.7

Explore New Braunfels on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in New Braunfels, mapped for you.

New Braunfels Essentials

New Braunfels is located in the heart of Texas, between San Antonio and Austin. The nearest major airports are San Antonio International Airport (approximately 30 miles away) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (around 50 miles away). From either airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use rideshare apps to reach New Braunfels. Additionally, Greyhound bus services operate routes to New Braunfels from various cities in Texas.
New Braunfels is a relatively small city, making it easy to navigate. Renting a car is highly recommended for the convenience of exploring nearby attractions like Gruene and the Comal River. Local taxi services and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also available. For those preferring public transport, the Alamo Regional Transit (ART) provides bus services within the city and to neighboring areas.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, including major tourist areas. While most establishments accept card payments, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors or in case of technical issues with card machines.
New Braunfels is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Areas like Landa Park and the downtown area are safe but stay vigilant, especially during large events or festivals. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight to prevent theft.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The New Braunfels Police Department and local medical facilities, including CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital, are available to address emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, especially during summer months. Casual attire is widely accepted. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and dress modestly when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'howdy'. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisines, especially German-Texan dishes. Don't forget to tip service staff, typically 15-20% of the bill.
To experience New Braunfels like a local, visit the Gruene Historic District for live music and local shops. Floating the Comal or Guadalupe River is a must-do activity. Check out seasonal events like Wurstfest for a taste of local culture. For a unique experience, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns and explore the underground wonders. Engaging with locals can provide insights into hidden gems and the history of the area.

When is the best time to visit New Braunfels?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for New Braunfels

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in New Braunfels. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [hou-dee]
- GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-dee-ose]
- YesYup
  [yuhp]
- NoNope
  [nohp]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pleez/yur wel-kum]
- Thank youThank ya
  [thank yuh]
- Excuse me/SorryScuse me/Sorry
  [skews me/sor-ee]
- How are you?Howdy y'all doin'?
  [hou-dee yawl doo-in]
- Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fahyn. and yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-glish]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [ahy dohnt get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
  [ahyd lyk tuh see thee men-yoo, pleez]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [ahy dohnt eet meet]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheerz]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [ahy wood lyk tuh pay, pleez]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Git outta here!
  [git ow-tuh heer]
- Call the Police!Call the Sheriff!
  [kol thee sher-if]
- Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [kol uh dahk]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [ahym lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [ahym sik]
- I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
  [ahyd lyk tuh bai...]
- I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [ahym just look-in]
- How much is it?How much is it?
  [hou much iz it]
- That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [thats tooh prahy-see]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya lower the price?
  [kan yuh loh-er thee prahys]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [wut tahym iz it]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [its wun oh-klok]
- Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [haf past (ten)]
- MorningMornin'
  [mor-nin]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [ee-ven-in]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yess-ter-day]
- TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [toh-mor-oh]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [for]
- 5Five
  [fahyv]
- 6Six
  [siks]
- 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
- 8Eight
  [eyt]
- 9Nine
  [nyn]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [wheres uh/thee]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [whuts thee uh-dres]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [kan yuh show me (on thee map)]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens thee nekst (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh tik-it (tuh ....)]

History of New Braunfels

New Braunfels was founded on March 21, 1845, by German settlers led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. The prince was a commissioner-general of the Adelsverein, a society established to promote German colonization in Texas. The settlers named the town after Braunfels, a town in Germany.
The influx of German immigrants significantly shaped the culture and architecture of New Braunfels. The settlers brought with them their traditions, crafts, and a strong sense of community, which are still evident in the city's festivals and historical buildings.
The Comal River, one of the shortest navigable rivers in the world, played a crucial role in the early industrial development of New Braunfels. Mills powered by the river facilitated the growth of a bustling economy, focused on textiles, flour, and lumber.
The Gruene Historic District, now a part of New Braunfels, was established in the 1870s by German immigrant Henry D. Gruene. The district features well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the famous Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall.
Wurstfest is an annual German-style sausage festival held in New Braunfels since 1961. The festival celebrates the city’s German heritage with ten days of food, music, dancing, and beer. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is a significant cultural event for the city.
The Sophienburg Museum and Archives, named after Prince Carl’s wife, Princess Sophie, is dedicated to preserving the history of New Braunfels. It houses artifacts, documents, and exhibits that chronicle the early days of German settlers and the development of the city.
During the Civil War, New Braunfels was a divided community. While some residents supported the Confederacy, others were Union sympathizers. The tensions of the war period are a lesser-known but important aspect of the city's history.
Opened in 1979, Schlitterbahn Waterpark has become one of New Braunfels’ most famous attractions. It has earned a reputation for its innovative water rides and natural spring-fed pools. The park symbolizes the city’s evolution into a modern-day tourist destination while retaining its historic charm.