Come and discover 5 of the best city breaks in Germany to add to your travel plans
When it comes to the best city breaks in Germany, places like Berlin and Hamburg often spring to mind. With good reason, they are fabulous destinations. But beyond the obvious choices, Germany is full of underrated destinations perfect for a short break.
If you’re looking for that German break that’s just a little bit different, here’s five of my favourite destinations to add to your travel plans.
Hannover
Hannover: the city in NW Germany that most people have heard of but few have really explored. If you’ve skipped it, you’re missing out!
Boasting two Town Halls, plenty of green space including the beautiful Herrenhausen Gardens, a zoo and a beautifully restored old town in the Altsadt, Hannover could easily fill a long weekend.
Much of the city is walkable and walking the city Red Thread route is a great way to see the key sights. Pick up the accompanying guide-book for €3 at the Tourist information office (opposite the main rail station) then meander the historic corners, modern highlights and cultural attractions of the city.
Find my detailed guide to exploring Hannover here
End the day at Brauhaus Ernst August for Hanöversch beers, a warm welcome and an authentic Northern German beer hall experience.
Hannover Highlights: The palace-like New Town Hall with a lift to the viewing platform in the dome, the curvy Nana sculptures and the bombed out Aegidien Church War Memorial.
Where to Stay: We enjoyed several stays at Novotel Suites Hannover. Located right by the main train station, super comfortable rooms and a great buffet breakfast.
Wuppertal
Wuppertal: In my opinion, not only one of the best city breaks in Germany but also one of the most unique. Because you can explore this city using the world famous Wuppertal monorail, known locally as the schwebebhan.
The schwebebhan runs every five minutes or so and ferries residents and visitors alike around the city. Costing under €10 for a 24 hr ticket, this is the most fun and best value way to explore. Hop on and off on a whim and see where it takes you!
Wuppertal Highlights: The Von der Heydt museum is home to an impressive art collection and a stylish Dutch inspired cafe, the Waldfrieden Sculpture Park is a beautiful place to wander while Wuppertal Zoo is a grand day out.
Sorry, no hotel suggestion for Wuppertal. I lived nearby and so explored the city a lot on day trips. I won’t make a recommendation unless I’ve personally experienced something, but Tripadvisor is my go-to for honest reviews & great rates. I’m sure you’ll find a great Wuppertal hotel option there.
Kiel
Kiel: City by the sea and gateway to the Baltic. Lots of people pass through Kiel heading for the ferries and cruise ships, but this historic city is a fantastic destination in its own right.
The atmosphere here is distinctly maritime; you’re never far from the water of the Kiel Fjord. Explore Kiel’s port city history at the Maritime Museum exhibition in the former Fish Hall, a beautiful listed building in its own right.
For a real taste of laid back Kiel life, take a wander along the promenade Kiellinie. Stroll, grab a coffee, watch the ships and soak up panoramic fjord views.
Kiel Highlights: For views, head to the town hall where a lift will whizz you to the top of the 106m high tower. End the day with some authentic Kiel hospitality at the Kieler Braueri in the altstadt for hearty Holstein specialties and freshly brewed beer.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Niu Welly Kiel A fun and quirky hotel offering a warm welcome, comfortable rooms and a very convenient location. Walkable for the city of Kiel, close to the main station if you’re exploring further afield.
Leipzig
You couldn’t write a list of the best city breaks in Germany and leave out lovely Leipzig. The Saxon city is an absolute gem.
The peaceful revolution that led to a united Germany began here at St Nicholas’ Church, a place you can still visit and appreciate today. For a different perspective, the Museum in der Runde Ecke is a memorial site and former head quarters of the Stasi.
If you like your art big, see what’s on at the Leipzig Panometer. This art gallery housed in a former gasometer shows 360° , 32m panoramas by artist Yadegar Asisi. Full details and images from the show I attended here.
Elswhere, Leipzig is the perfect city for wandering. It’s got green spaces, historic arcades and courtyards galore. It’s also home to a fantastic zoo, complete with an indoor rainforest. Open 365 days a year, a lovely way to spend a day.
Leipzig Highlights: However you arrive, make time to visit the rail station. It’s a historic beauty! To explore the recent history of the city, download the app ‘ Leipzig 89’. The app guides you around 20 sites that explore Leipzig’s role in the Peaceful Revolution. Available on Apple & Google.
Where to Stay: Apartment Central is our go-to when in Leipzig for cosy, family friendly accommodation within walking distance of the main train station and the city centre.
Apartment Central Leipzig: An Honest Review (2025)
Trier
If a ton of Roman history, river views and a more Southern European feel is your thing, Trier is the city for you.
Trier is full of things the Romans left behind, including the impressive Porta Nigra or Black Gate along with Roman baths and an amphitheatre.
Beyond the impressive Roman remains, Trier is a city made for strolling. It’s full of pretty corners and interesting places like the Judengasse or Jewish lane which marks the entrance to the city’s old Jewish Quarter. If a bad weather day hampers plans, hit one of the many museums. Trier Toy Museum is particularly charming, featuring a range of vintage toys and some cute Steiff teddies.
Trier Highlights: The Loewen Apotheke is the oldest in working pharmacy in Germany. A beautiful building with some interesting exhibits, also the place to pick up some German wellness & beauty brands. Worth a browse!
Trier is geographically located in German wine country, but the local tipple here is actually cider, or viez. There are plenty of variations, from traditional pure apple to blends with elderberry and pear and even a sparkling wine version. Sample a few to find a favourite!
Where to Stay: Ibis Styles Trier. Located in one of the older parts of Trier, this budget friendly hotel is housed in a historic building that used to be the post office. If you’re here for the Roman history you’ll like this one, they’ve definitely leaned into it. Click the link to see what I mean!
That’s my current top five when it comes to the best city breaks in Germany. Have you visited any of these? Which German city would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments.
Helen x
Some great suggestions! I’ll have to try some more underrated city breaks! 🙂
Thank you, it’s good to strike out and explore the less promoted places sometimes.
I once lived in Trier and even took the city’s training course for tour guides (they wanted an English speaker), but then didn’t stay long enough to actually lead any tours. This was 56 years ago.
I’d love to get back to Trier, we only had a short time there as part of a bigger trip through Luxembourg and a bit of Germany. That trip involved lots of walking and lots of wine!