Wurzburg or Rothenburg?

Done both and I highly recommend Rothenburg - it's more unique.

Wurzburg is a great city, and worthy of time, but if you have never been to Rothenburg spend the day there.

I've done both. I'd say both are winners - depends on your interests. The Wurzburg Residence is stunning. Rothenburg is quaint.

I have encountered more tourist crowds at Rothenburg than Wurzburg, but that is one person's experience perhaps not shared by others. The crowd size in Rothenburg (been there more than once) was large enough to take away some of the pleasure of exploring for me. Not that everyone visiting would be disturbed or encounter the same situation.

Go with your instincts - probably your best predictor!

I've been to both many years ago. They are both worth visiting, but very different experiences. How much bus time to and from Rothenburg will eat into your time there?

Perhaps if you take the Rothenburg tour, you will have leftover time that day to see the Residenz (or something else) independently in Würzburg (which would be much simpler than seeing distant Rothenburg independently.) The two places are vastly different from each other; seeing both might be better than having to choose

W'burg is a lively, living-breathing, diverse German city. Rothenburg is a much smaller place dedicated to intense tourism - residents that work in town are nearly all employed by the tourist industry, and as Rick Steves has correctly said, "Today its barns are hotels, its livestock are tourists, and Rothenburg is well on its way to becoming a medieval theme park." You can expect to run into throngs of other tour-bus tourists there. But it is extremely cute.

Walking from the port near the Ludwigsbrücke (bridge)... (not sure that's where you dock, but probably)... to the Residenz should take around 15 minutes on your own.

I'd rather spend time walking around Wurzburg than sitting on a bus. Go to the Residence, but if you still have time take a bus to the castle and take the tour there. I don't know which I prefer, but I love the view from the castle walls. Eat along the river and you can just watch the boats go bye.

Lived in Wurzburg and have visited and stayed in Rothenburg a number of times. I agree completely with ORDtraveler who stated "The Wurzburg Residence is stunning. Rothenburg is quaint."

The Residence will not take all day, and there are many interesting things to see other than just that as well. If you do visit the Residence, be sure you do not miss going to the small chapel on one end of the building. It will blow your mind.

If you are there on a market day, be sure to try a Wurtzburger Wurst with Brochen from one of the vendors. Mouth waters just thinking about them.

Don't know all of your stops, but am reasonably certain there will be other places along the way to experience quaintness.

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question! Your responses have been very helpful. I don’t know exactly how much time we’ll have for the tour, maybe less than 6 hours. So now I’m thinking we should stay in Wurzburg and enjoy the sights there rather than spend more than an hour on a bus (round trip) and fight the throng of tourists in Rothenburg. We’ll also be visiting Regensburg, Nuremberg and Bamberg before we get to Wurzburg so maybe we’ll have some opportunities to experience some quaint medieval towns there. Thanks again everyone. Can’t wait to get there.

Not that it is my decision(!), but your plan is what I would choose also. Enjoy!!!!

We have visited both Regensburg and Bamberg and I can promise you they’re both beautiful towns that you should love just walking around. They are very picturesque. We spent several hours in Wurzburg and it has some lovely sights in its own right. but it wasn’t until the end that I realized this was the town with the Residence I’d read about so you're ahead of the game already. I think you’ll be pleased with your decision. Safe travels.

In Regensburg look along the river for places with fish signs. The port was know for it's fishing industry. If you like golf they also have a golf museum.

In Nuremberg do visit the Bavarian History Museum. The city also has a toy and train museums. Nuremberg is one of the best cities to visit after the sun goes down. The castle and old town are well lit and very pretty.

We’ll also be visiting Regensburg, Nuremberg and Bamberg before we get to Wurzburg so maybe we’ll have some opportunities to experience some quaint medieval towns there.

I loved all three places. Bamberg probably comes closest to being "quaint", and it quite lovely to walk around in, but all three are well worth a visit.

Please try the smoked beer in Bamberg: beautiful city with unique and wonderful beer. Heading there for the my third visit this September.

Wurzburg has many wonderful wine bars. Get off the main tourist streets and you'll discover hidden gems in non descript alleys. We found one that was amazing-- Weinstube Maulaffenbach. There is a beautiful walkway along the river and a very crowded, active wine bar at the entrance to the pedestrian bridge over the river. Wurzburg is not a quaint town as all of it was rebuilt after WW2. I chose not to go to the Residence and after hearing about it from those who did go, regretted not doing it.

We went to Rothenberg from Wurzburg via bus --this was an entire day trip and part of our Uniworld itinerary. The bus took nearly 2 hours. Rothenberg is really fun and interesting, but it's my opinion you would be rushed, you'll miss out roaming the streets and parks. The Kathe Wohlfart flagship store is there and you could spend 2 hours in that store alone. I would recommend leaving Rothenberg when you have an entire day and not an optional excursion.

We were in Wurzburg for a Christmas market tour, it was freezing-so you will have nice weather and be able to take advantage of hanging out. As another poster mentioned, the market was happening the day we were there. We got some marmalade that was incredible. (We checked our bags on the way home and I always bring a few sheets of bubble wrap when I travel.). I also found a traditional European candle store with beautiful quality candles if you are into such things. It wasn't too far from our wine bar. Have fun.

And for anyone visiting Rothenburg don't miss the Night Watchman's walking tour. As well as being hugely informative the Night Watchman has a wickedly dark sense of humour. Think Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein.