In terms of interesting cultural sites located within Kaiserslautern, visitors should explore the Palatine Gallery, which was constructed in 1874 and features various artistic exhibits dating from the early 19th century to modern period. The Town Hall Kaiserslautern is another interesting town monument that visitors should be sure to survey. The Town Hall is one of the oldest and tallest buildings in town, and the top floor is open to guests as a bar/coffee shop featuring panoramic views of the city and surrounding forests. The tallest building in town is the Catholic Church, Marienkirche, located in downtown Kaiserslautern.
The large local theater, Pfalztheater, often features opera, ballet, musical and dramatic performances, and other performing arts. Take note that the German government subsidizes certain artistic endeavors and, thus, ticket prices (for the quality) are quite low. Another interesting cultural site in downtown Kaiserslautern is the Kammgarn, which was once a spinning factory that has been restored into a highly innovative concert hall; for its innovations, the Kammgarn has come to be known as one of finest jazz, rock and blues venues in all of Germany.
Kaiserslautern also hosts the professional Football team 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the highly modern and innovative Fritz Walter Stadion; sports fans visiting Kaiserslautern should have no trouble being immersed in the excitement of the local football stadium, particularly when a game is going on.
Kaiserslautern's proximity to the Palatinate Forest makes it a great location for exploring surrounding hiking trails, full of rivers and lakes. The city also boasts one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe, the Japanischer Garten, and also the Humbergturm observation tower, which provides an excellent view of the surrounding forest and countryside. Visitors to Kaiserslautern may also wish to visit three nearby castles: the Kaiserpfalz, the Burg Nanstein Landstuhl and the Burg Hohenecken.
