Things to do in Jena

Activities, attractions and tours

Jen-Tower featuring a sunset, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Botanischer Garten featuring interior views, a garden and a pond
Jena which includes heritage elements
Jena showing a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
Botanischer Garten featuring interior views and a garden

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What to do in Jena

Popular places to visit

Jen-Tower featuring a sunset, tranquil scenes and landscape views

JenTower

Get exceptional views of Jena and the surrounding hills from the top of this distinctive socialist-era skyscraper in the heart of the city.

JenTower
Zeiss Planetarium which includes a park and a statue or sculpture

Zeiss Planetarium

Be entertained and educated by the music, light and star shows projected inside the dome of this historic and beautiful building in Jena.

Zeiss Planetarium
Botanischer Garten showing a garden, interior views and signage

University of Jena

Explore the campus of University of Jena during your trip to Jena. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.

University of Jena
Botanischer Garten showing a skyscraper and a park

Botanischer Garten Jena

Appreciate the sights and smells of this extensive and well-maintained complex that served as romantic inspiration for Goethe’s influential work.

Botanischer Garten Jena

Carl Zeiss Jena

Carl Zeiss Jena is just one of the places to see in Lichtenhain, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Carl Zeiss Jena

Schiller's Summer House

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Schiller's Summer House during your travels in Jena-Zentrum. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.

Schiller's Summer House

Jena Baths and Recreation

Explore the great outdoors at Jena Baths and Recreation, a lovely green space in Jena. Amble around the area's gardens or experience its museums.

Jena Baths and Recreation

Goethe Memorial

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Goethe Memorial during your travels in Jena-Zentrum. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.

Goethe Memorial

Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld

Catch an event at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld during your trip to Kernberge. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its spas.

Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld

Frequently asked questions

Is Jena worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Jena is visit Dornburger Castle. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's cycling and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Jena?
Begin your day with a visit to Dornburger Castle and JenTower. Then, tour other areas of Jena for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Jena?
Dornburger Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Jena and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Jena?
Three days in Jena is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for two days on average. JenTower, Theaterhaus Jena and Optical Museum Jena are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Erfurt.
Is Jena a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Jena is a great destination to see on foot. Wander between JenTower and Theaterhaus Jena. Then take a stroll around Jena-Zentrum, located 0.32 kilometres from downtown, and Winzerla, which is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Jena with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Jena with kids.

What to do in Jena for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Jena, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Goethe Memorial or Historisches Rathaus Jena.
Are there free things to do in Jena?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Jena is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Historisches Rathaus Jena is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.