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This medieval gem is one of Germany’s best-kept secrets (Picture: Getty Images) An ancient Baltic port boasting more than a thousand historic buildings, Lübeck is the epitome of brick gothic, a canal city of cosy bars and imposing churches that is a great choice for a quiet winter getaway. This 12th-century gem, about an hour’s drive northeast of Hamburg, has been shaped by centuries of history. Once the capital of the Hanseatic League (a powerful merchant guild that controlled the North Sea back in the 1100s), today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful cobbled streets, a surprising amount of green spaces and some excellent places to eat and drink. Often described as one of Germany’s best-kept secrets, Lübeck is a good alternative to popular spots such as Munich and Berlin, with all the charm and much smaller crowds. But it’s unlikely to stay that way for long. Ryanair is about to launch a new direct winter route from the UK, flying from London Stansted three times a week from October 27. Here’s everything to consider when planning your itinerary. The Museum Harbour of Lübeck is worth exploring on a sunny day (Picture: Getty Images) Where to eat (screenshot for your Notes app) Given its proximity to the sea, medieval Lübeck is one of the few German destinations where fish trumps meat. Historically, the city was famed for salted fish, which was a key trade commodity. Now, this legacy is seen in its local dishes: cod in mustard sauce, and herring — grilled and pickled. You should also have a go at the famous northern dish Labskaus, a beef stew with a fried quail’s egg, salted herring and a sweet-and-sour garnish. The city was once a key trade hub for the Baltic region (Picture: Metro) Lübeck is home to one thousand historic buildings (Picture: Getty Images) Lübeck is home to highly regarded red wine, known as Rotspon. The wine originates mainly from Bordeaux and is aged in cellars under the Trave River, giving it a distinctly woody taste. But its most famous culinary treat, by far, is Marzipan. Home to Niederegger and Carstens, two of the world’s largest Marzipan companies, the city claims to be the global capital of the love-it-or-hate-it almond treat. Try it for yourself at Cafe Niederegger before having a quick look inside the Niederegger Marzipan Museum. Other cafes and restaurants not to be missed are: Cycle Roasters (for great coffee) Konvent (for homemade pastries and a tasty breakfast) Café Fräulein Brömse (for cakes like your grandma makes) Schiffergesellschaft (for a traditional dinner) La Havanna (for salsa dancing and Caribbean cocktails) Dietrich’s (for gin) Erbse (for vegan dishes) Soulmates (for ice cream) Sudden Death Brewery (for local craft beer) Things to see and do A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, Lübeck boasts buildings that date back more than eight centuries. The best way to soak in the vibe of the Old Town is to get lost in the narrow streets, then book a tour to climb the stairs of the Marienkirche, the ‘mother church of brick gothic’ that is (somewhat surprisingly) one of the tallest churches in the world. The city gate is like a scene from a fairytale (Picture: Getty Images) From the top, there are magnificent views of the town and its seven church spires, plus famous landmarks such as the 15-century Holsten Gate. You’ll also get a glimpse of Lübeck’s Town Hall which has stood in the market square since 1230. Back on solid ground, check out the Kulturwerft Gollan, a renovated 19th-century shipyard that hosts concerts and festivals. This is where you’ll find Sudden Death brewery, plus a DIY design centre that runs craft workshops for beginners. In summer, there’s nowhere better to spend an afternoon than on the banks of the River Wakenitz, swimming in the natural open-air pool, the Marli, and strolling around the Drägerpark. A good choice is a boat cruise on the waterways that encircle the Old Town (book through Boat Now; €49 for an hour), or a spin on a rental bike, zipping along the canals and winding lanes lined with boutiques and eateries. @damaristories What to visit in Lübeck 🏰 How to spend a day in Lübeck Germany 🇩🇪 #tik_tok #traveltiktok #travel #inspiration #2025 #explore #explorers #worldtravel #views #beautiful #destinations #traveltips #travelbucketlist #travelvlog #world #travel #discover #town #traveltips #traveldiaries #gemany #europe #traveltheworld #seetheworld #youonlyliveonce #traveldestinations #travel_destinations #traveltheworld #architecture #history #lübeckcity #lübeck ♬ Potter Waltz (From “Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire”) – The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra But at this time of year, you’re best to beeline for Breite Strasse, where the Lübeck Christmas market will run from November 24 until December 30 (closed December 24 and December 25). Christmas markets have a long tradition in this part of Germany, and you can expect all manner of festive magic, from roasted almonds and deep-fried pastries to mulled wine and artisan ceramics. For art lovers, there’s a walk and sketch tour accompanied by German artist Suzanna Adler, and for history buffs, there’s the the Classical City tour which takes in all of the key sites. Where to stay Lübeck has plenty of decent hotels, most within walking distance of the magical Old Town. For something cheap, cheerful and perfectly comfortable, the Holiday Inn – the niu, Rig Lübeck has double rooms from £56, staying on Friday, November 7. The Premier Inn City Centre has doubles from £68 for the same night, and the highly-rated LIHO – einfach Lübeck is a little dearer at £89. Getting to Lübeck from the UK From October 27, Ryanair flights will depart from London Stansted to Lübeck on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays for the winter season. Return fares start from £30 between November 6 – 9, with one-way flights from as little as £15 available throughout the month. You can fly direct or head to Hamburg to spend a few days by the Elbe River before taking the 40 minute direct train to Lübeck for a scenic route.
