Trains and S-Bahn runs regularly from Nürnberg and take about 20 min. Bamberg is about 30 min away in the other direction. Most ICE trains between München and Berlin stop in Erlangen.
The tourist office is located in the center of the city, just next to the City Hall (Rathaus). You can find almost everything regarding Erlangen in this [2] portal.
Bicycle is most probably the first choice of people, due to the very well organised bicycle roads and the small distances that have to be covered, to get around the city. Even if you cannot have your own bicycle in Erlangen, you can rent one at various local bicycle shops or at the main train station.
If you need to cross a cycle lane with your car, be prepared to reverse if a bicycle approaches. When you turn, give way to cyclists.
If you choose to drive in Erlangen, avoid downtown. There are several streets that are partially or entirely closed for cars. The best choice is to park outside downtown and walk.
Botanischer Garten[8], worth visiting with plants and trees from all over the world. Tip: Every first Sunday of the month you can visit a cave located in the Garden [9]
You can find a lot of cultural events running through out the year in the Stadtverband der Erlanger Kulturvereine e.V.[14]
Bergkirchweih[15]: Held every Pentecost (Whitsuntide) for twelve days every year. Similar to Oktoberfest, but more German owing to the absence of tourists. In the year 2005 it marked its 250th anniversary.
International Comic Salon Erlangen[16]: Held every two years. The paradise of comics fans.
International Figure Theater Festival[17]: Held every year.
International Film Festival for Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction and Obscure Films[18]: Held every May in the Manhattan[19] cinema.
Gemeinnütziger Theater- und Konzertverein Erlangen e.V. (gVe)[27]. Local non-profit Union that organizes theater shows and classical concerts all year round.
Stadttheater Erlangen[28]. 3 different stages, among them the Markgrafentheater, which is the oldest Baroque theater in Southern Germany - built in 1719. It is worth visiting, even if you don't understand German at all.
Theaterverein Fifty-Fifty e.V.[29]. Cabaret, theater and music stage.
Studiobühne Erlangen e.V.[30]. Student theater association with roughly ten productions being staged every year.
The region is famous for the number and charm of its beer gardens, where in summer you can enjoy a cool drink and a bite to eat (Brotzeit = German equivalent of a picnic) whilst enjoying traditional music.
Steinbach Bräu[50], it is hidden in the alleys of the city in the northern part, so tourists cannot easily find it. Traditional German food with fresh beer from their microbrewery.
Unicum[51], located at the Rothelheimpark to the east of the city. During summers, the beautiful Biergarten is open.
Lorleberg Café[60]. Coffee place at the square of the same name.
Sax[61]. Meeting point of many locals for coffee and small dishes. Located directly at the Erlanger Schloss, nowadays the administration building of the Erlangen University.
AB Hotel[67] very close to the Theaterplatz in the center of the city. Quiet and clean, with free WLAN. 30Euro for Single bed and 45 euro for double bed.
Youth hostel Südliche Stadtmauerstraße 35, +49 9131 862555, Fax:+49 9131 862119. DJH hostel. Preference given to under 26-year-olds. In the Freizeitzentrum, where you will also find a pool etc.
Gasthof Schwarzer Bär[68] Innere Brucker Straße 19 (one block south of the train station), +49 9131 22872, Fax:+49 9131 206494. Single room with shower/shared €30/26; double with shower/shared €47/36; three-bed room with shower €62.
There are many interesting and charming destinations for sightseeing and day trips (or longer) in the Erlangen region. The surrounding countryside is beautiful (Franconian Switzerland, Franconian lake district) and there are many towns and villages of historical and architectural interest.
