Konstanz rewards wandering. Start at the harbour, where the Imperia statue spins slowly and the medieval Konzilgebäude (Council building) faces the water — reminders that this city once held the fate of the Catholic Church in its hands. From there, follow the lanes uphill to the cathedral and lose yourself in the Niederburg quarter, where the medieval street plan survives almost unchanged.
The lake is always present. Ferries run to Meersburg, Friedrichshafen, and the flower island of Mainau — all easy half-day excursions. On a clear day the Alps line the far shore, visible from the waterfront promenade.