Here's an update on our visit to our college student in Tübingen, Germany: We visited in October 2018 for 7 days (plus an overnight in Frankfurt before we flew back home to Columbus, OH). Tübingen is a lovely university town in the Baden-Württemberg (southwest) area of Germany. The Aldstadt (old town) is charming, with cobblestone streets and small shops and restaurants. Tübingen is situated on the Neckar River, lined with half-timbered houses. If you google it, the first image will be from the overlooking bridge. The tourist center is right on the bridge. They helped us with lots of transit questions. We were too late in the season to rent a punt (flat-bottomed boat), but that seems like a great spring/summer activity.
It was beginning to get chilly - and bars, cafes and restaurants had blankets for their outside tables. We enjoyed both coffee and wine outside when we there! Swabian food is hearty and comfortable, and Americans will be at home with many dishes (spaetzle, schnitzel, meat(chef) salad, great sweets). We stayed at the Hotel Kröne, which was centrally located and offered a full breakfast. One thing to note when booking a room: ask for a renovated room at the back of the hotel. We didn't, and while our room at the front of the hotel had old-world charm, it was very noisy.
While we were there, we took the bus to Bebenhausen, a little village with a monastery from the 12th century and former hunting lodge for the kings of Württemberg. It was an easy and pleasant day trip. Also a good way to work off all that good food! We also took the train to Stuttgart to see the Mercedes-Benz museum. As mentioned by other posters, I'd recommend going even if you're not into cars. It's really a German/world history museum. One thing that we noticed is that there is no sugar-coating of history. I admire the German frankness about the past, while still looking to the future.
Our daughter also took us to a Chinese restaurant (the owner spoke Chinese, German and English-wow!), a fun beer hall on the riverfront, and we got doner boxes to go. She wisely kept the student bar to herself! It was great to see her doing well, and she will be back home in July. It was a nice experience, and we spent just the right amount of time there. I'd recommend it!