The place to see and be seen. The heart of Saarbrücken's old quarter is the St. Johanner Markt square on the right bank of the river Saar. A short walk across the footbridge takes you to "old Saarbrücken", also known as the Luisen district.

Shopping on either side of the river Saar
The narrow streets surrounding St. Johanner Markt square with its fountain by Stengel, the renowned master architect, are a great place for sauntering around the shops. Stroll around, shop and have fun in the cafes, boutiques and bars between the baroque town houses, not forgetting the smaller shops with their select range of goods. Continue shopping in the specialist shops found in the Luisen district, or "old Saarbrücken", on the opposite side of the river Saar.

Saarbrücken's three prettiest squares are Schlossplatz, Ludwigsplatz and St. Johanner Markt surrounded by the narrow lanes of the old town. The palace, with its avant-garde centrepiece, is a blend of baroque and modern styles and a lively venue for cultural events. Every Sunday in summer open-air concerts are held in the palace garden. Ludwigskirche church is considered to be one of the most beautiful Protestant baroque churches in Germany.

The Saarland Regional History Museum vividly documents the history of the Saar region using a large number of installations. The Museum of Pre-History and Early History is also interesting.