Bayreuth's wealth of sights makes it a great place to visit.

Bayreuth's wealth of sights makes it a great place to visit. The largest town in the Upper Franconia region has a lot to offer even if you're not there for the Wagner festival. A good place to start is the town's oldest building – the main church, the foundation of which dates back to the Romanesque period. It was first mentioned in a document from 1194, but the building you see today was started in 1270. We strongly recommend taking part in a tour so you can see the rooms in the belltower where a watchman used to live. The town has many, many more things in store. There is the breathtaking opera house, built by the local margraves and on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2012. Then there is the Wagner Museum, with its impressive displays about the composer's work and its 19th century setting.

If you want to relax, you're spoiled for choice, and Bayreuth's public baths are particularly popular for wellness treatments. Their high, arched ceilings create a lovely atmosphere, while the blue and white tiles of the interior are a visual reference that underscores the importance of water in the building. Modern fittings make it ideal to spend a few hours in. Every visit is an experience in itself, thanks to a large pool with massage points and a waterfall, an invigorating whirlpool plus a steam bath and two saunas (where users wear swimming outfits). If you'd like even more relaxation, head to the Oase spa: it offers Hawaiian, Indian and Tibetan massages, so you can choose the perfect wellness option for you.

The town has a lot to offer gourmets as well. Try out LaMondi at the town's main station – it's a popular sushi restaurant with a wide range of specialities from east Asia. If you'd like something sweet, we recommend the Opera ice-cream parlour in the picturesque town centre. The owners use traditional Italian recipes are used to create their irresistible confections.