Start at the Donauschiffahrt Wurm & Noé landing on the Old Town riverfront, arriving 20–30 minutes before departure so you have time to find the correct pier and choose an outdoor seat. The cruise through the Danube, Inn, and Ilz is the best first look at Passau: watch the pastel Old Town taper toward the water, the wooded banks rise above the rivers, and Veste Oberhaus appear dramatically overhead. The trip usually takes around two hours, but check the 2026 sailing timetable and weather-dependent arrangements shortly before the day; fares commonly fall around €15–25, depending on the route. After disembarking, walk through the compact Old Town toward the cathedral—allow roughly 10 minutes.
Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, whose pale Baroque interior is unexpectedly bright and theatrical, with elaborate stucco and one of the world’s largest church organs. Allow about 45 minutes, and check the cathedral’s visitor schedule before entering, as access can be limited during services or concerts; admission is generally free, with donations welcome. Then continue a few minutes through the Old Town to Café Simon for its signature Goldene Haube, a delicate Passau pastry, with coffee. Budget €8–15 per person and allow 45 minutes—this is a good point to slow down rather than add another stop.
From the Old Town, reach Veste Oberhaus either by walking uphill via the signed route (around 25–35 minutes, with steep sections) or by local bus toward the fortress; the bus is the sensible choice in warm weather. Spend 1½–2 hours exploring the medieval complex and its viewpoints over Passau’s three rivers. The museum and interior areas generally close earlier than the grounds, so check the current September hours and arrive with enough time for the panorama; museum admission is typically around €5–8. Return downhill to Wirtshaus zur Freiheit in the Old Town for Bavarian dishes and regional beer, allowing €20–35 per person. Reserve if possible on Saturday evening, and ask about seasonal specials rather than ordering too heavily—the portions are usually generous.
Begin in Innstadt with an easy one-hour walk along the Innstadt riverside promenade. The path gives you lovely across-the-water views of Passau Old Town, especially the cathedral skyline, and it is at its quietest before late morning. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for photographs; the riverside is best enjoyed slowly rather than treated as a direct route. From the promenade, walk uphill through Innstadt to the Pilgrimage Church of Mariahilf, reached by its historic covered staircase. The climb is a little strenuous but manageable at a relaxed pace, and the church and terrace reward you with one of Passau’s finest elevated views. Entry is generally free; church access can be limited during services, so keep voices low and check the posted hours.
Walk back across the Marienbrücke into the Old Town, then continue toward the Hotel Wilder Mann for the Passau Glass Museum. Plan about 1½ hours for its exceptionally large collection of European glass, displayed in atmospheric historic rooms rather than a modern gallery layout. Opening hours can vary by season, but it is typically open during daytime and admission is usually around €10–15; confirm the September schedule before setting out. Afterward, head downhill toward the riverfront and the Schaiblingsturm, a distinctive medieval tower at the Danube–Inn junction. The tower itself is not always open to visitors, but the riverside approach is an excellent place for photographs—particularly when the light catches the water and the old fortifications.
For a substantial meal, settle into Ratskeller Passau, a traditional restaurant in a historic setting in the Old Town. Allow roughly 1½ hours and budget €20–35 per person for a main course and drink. It is a good idea to reserve or arrive early, especially on a Sunday evening when some kitchens elsewhere may operate reduced hours; confirm the restaurant’s current opening schedule in advance. Finish with a gentle walk to Ortspitze, the pointed riverside park where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet. From the Old Town, allow about 15–20 minutes on foot. Sunset is the most atmospheric time to visit, but bring a light layer—the open riverfront can feel noticeably cooler than the sheltered lanes. Afterward, return to the Old Town on foot; taxis are readily available if you prefer not to walk back.
Begin at St. Paul parish church, a compact Baroque church on Rindermarkt that is usually a calmer first stop than the city’s major cathedral. Allow about 45 minutes to look at the pale stucco, ceiling frescoes, and ornate high altar; entry is generally free, though opening hours can vary around services, so check the parish notice before setting out. From here, walk roughly five minutes through the Old Town to Passau Town Hall on Rathausplatz. Spend half an hour photographing the historic façade, the square, and the water-level markings on the riverside buildings—an especially good reminder of how dramatically the Danube can rise.
Continue along the riverfront to the Donauschiffahrt Wurm & Noé landing for your final sightseeing cruise, allowing 10–15 minutes to reach the correct pier and check in. Choose an open-air seat if the weather is comfortable, but bring a light layer: the river can feel cool even on a sunny September day. This should be treated as a separate short excursion from the earlier tour, so confirm the exact route, departure time, and ticket availability in advance; sightseeing trips commonly cost roughly €15–25, depending on the sailing. Arrive at least 20 minutes early, particularly if you want outdoor seating, and expect the cruise to last around 1½–2 hours.
After disembarking, walk back into the Old Town for Café Duftleben, a convenient place for coffee, cake, or a light lunch. Budget about €10–20 per person and allow an hour rather than rushing through the final afternoon. Then spend around 1½ hours exploring the Passau Old Town lanes, especially the quieter passages between the cathedral quarter and the riverfront. Browse the small shops, pause at familiar viewpoints, and take a final slow walk toward the water; Passau is at its most atmospheric when you stop trying to fit in another major sight.
End at Bayerischer Löwe for a classic Bavarian dinner and a beer, budgeting approximately €20–35 per person. Order a regional meat dish, dumplings, or a seasonal special, and reserve a table if your visit falls on a busy Saturday or Sunday evening. Restaurants in the centre generally serve dinner from around 5:30 or 6:00 PM, but kitchen hours can be shorter outside the main evening period. Afterward, keep the walk short and enjoy the lit-up riverfront—an easy, relaxed finish before leaving Passau the next morning.