Unique City Breaks in Germany

Ok, so Berlin is a fantastic city, arguably one of the best in Europe if you want a city break that combines food, culture, history, art, and an unbeatable party scene. But there are so many other fabulous and less-trodden cities in Germany that have so much to offer. Go off the tourist track for your next city break in Germany, and check out these unique and wonderful cities:

Augsburg

Augsburg is one of Germany’s most historic and most beautiful cities. Founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, Augsburg’s cityscape boasts Renaissance and Rococo architectural styles.

The city is glamorous, adorned with splendid fountains, grand old houses, exquisite churches, and a beautiful Town Hall. These architecturally intricate buildings make for an impressive cityscape. city breaks in Germany

Visit the colourful and quaint streets of the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex, or travel in May to experience the Mozart Festival, in this city where the famous composer was born. Augsberg is also where Bertolt Brecht wrote his early works and Rudolph Deisel built the first diesel engine.

Make sure to explore the exquisite museums, including the Kammgarnspinnerei (Worsted Spinning Mill), a five-storey glass palace, home to three museums of contemporary art. Wander through the great Golden Hall before finishing your day with some drinks and knödel (dumplings) in the Old Town.

Bamberg

Just 30 minutes away from the historic city of Nuremberg lies the picturesque Bavarian town of Bamberg. Built on seven hills, this beautiful city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts half-timbered houses, pretty cobbled streets, and stunning river views.

Visit the former Fisherman’s District in the island centre, known as Little Venice, and take a gondola ride to explore the city by water.

Wander through medieval streets to the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), the city’s most famous structure which sits on its own island in the middle of the River Regnitz.

Admire the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the Bamberg Cathedral which dominates the city skyline or go on a guided tour of the grand Neue Residenz. Enjoy the views from the highest of Bamberg’s seven hills at Altenburg Castle which dates back to 1109. Learn about the history of German beer with an afternoon spent wandering through the Franconian Brewery Museum followed by an evening of tasting the produce alongside delicious Bavarian dishes at Schlenkerla brewery. city breaks in Germany

Dresden

Dresden’s magnificent skyline is a beautiful and fascinating reminder of the city’s refurbishment following the massive firebombing that destroyed most of the city in 1945. Now, Dresden is a city steeped in history, with striking architecture, beautiful landmarks, and a thriving arts scene.

Travel through time at Zwinger Palace where a virtual reality tour takes you back to 1709 to explore this magnificent Baroque palace.

Climb up to the viewing platform of Frauenkirche (Lady’s Church) for unrivalled views over the city. Visit the Green Vault and marvel at the ancient treasures or walk along the bank of the Elbe River to take in Dresden’s many spires and domes. You can also take a river tour by boat to explore the city on water.

Cross over the river to Neustadt, Dresden’s cool and edgier quarter, and explore eccentric bars, organic cafes, and epic graffiti in Louisenstraße. Just outside of the city, visitors will find some of Germany’s most beautiful wilderness. Hike through the Sächsische Schweiz to see the incredible and strange rock formations that make up the only rock national park in Germany. It is the perfect place for climbers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. city breaks in Germany

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Leipzig

A student city with a happening art, music, food and nightlife scene,
Leipzig’s energetic character has earned it the nickname ‘Hypezig’. The city also boasts beautiful architecture, with pretty bridges built over three main rivers.
Visit the St Thomas Church, the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach who was the church’s choirmaster for 27 years. Catch a breathtaking performance by the St Thomas Choir on Fridays and Saturdays in the church.

Stroll through Leipzig Market Square and shop for treats and trinkets in this beautiful market surrounded by a mixture of traditional German architecture and glistening modern buildings. Take a break at Café Bigoti around the corner and enjoy one of the best coffees in town. Browse the displays at Museum der Bildenden Künste or watch a ballet, opera, or musical comedy at Oper Leipzig. As a university town, it is no surprise that this city has some fantastic bars. Sip wine at Auerbachs Keller, one of the oldest wine bars in the city, or enjoy cocktails and jazz at Spizz. city breaks in Germany

Wiesbaden and Mainz

Perched on either side of the river Rhine these two fantastic cities could not be missed in this roundup. Wiesbaden is a city of striking architecture and sumptuous spas and thermal baths, whilst Mainz is a city steeped in history and culture.

Both are food and wine havens with their proximity to the surrounding vineyards and eateries that boast the best of local produce, all at excellent value.

Take a train from the city to explore the Rheingau wineries and monasteries just a few kilometres away. Visit the Thermal Springs and taste the natural mineral water in Wiesbaden. The most famous spring here is Kochbrunnen, discovered in the 14th century. Next to the Kochbrunnen is a small fountain where you can taste the mineral water. Just be careful not to drink too much! Take a walking tour to learn about the history of the city and see some of its most important sites such as the Kurhaus and The Marktkirche. Biebrich Park offers a beautiful escape from the bustle of the city.

In Mainz be sure to visit the Mainz Cathedral before making your way to the Gutenberg Museum to see the original Gutenberg Bible. Browse through colourful stalls of fresh produce in the Markt surrounding the cathedral before visiting Kirschgarten, Mainz’s prettiest square. Wash down the day with some delicious Spundekäs and a crisp glass of Riesling or treat yourself to an indulgent dinner at Bellpepper as you look out over the Rhine from the restaurant terrace.

From charming historical cities to bustling creative hubs and foodie destinations, Germany has some wonderful cities to explore across the country. If you have some time, rent a car, and visit a few to make the most of the variety. Wherever you visit, enjoy the historic charm of Germany.