Lübeck
Save32 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Iconic brick city gate and symbol of Lübeck
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Go inside the museum
- Photograph from the Trave side
- Visit at night when lit
📷 Photos
- 2
Huge brick Gothic church, model for many Baltic churches
3 tips
- Climb the tower by lift
- Look at the astronomical clock
- Check opening hours
📷 Photos
- 3
One of Germany's oldest town halls, with Gothic details
3 tips
- Join a guided tour
- Look at the wind holes in the wall
- Check tour times
📷 Photos
- 4
Romanesque cathedral founded by Henry the Lion
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Inside is the great cross by Notke
- Free entry
📷 Photos
- 5
Row of red brick salt warehouses beside the Holstentor
3 tips
- Photograph with the gate
- Beautiful at dusk
- Walk the riverbank
📷 Photos
- 6
Church with an observation platform over the old town
3 tips
- Take the lift to the viewing platform
- Exhibitions inside
- Check opening hours
📷 Photos
- 7
Northern medieval gate of the old town
3 tips
- Less crowded than Holstentor
- Photogenic brick
- Walk along the Trave
📷 Photos
- 8
13th-century hospital with a painted hall
3 tips
- Check the Christmas market there
- Look at the Gothic hall
- Open most days
📷 Photos
- 9
Historic sailors' guild house, now a restaurant
3 tips
- Look at the ship models
- Reserve for dinner
- Rustic atmosphere
📷 Photos
- 10
Famous marzipan café and shop
3 tips
- Try the marzipan cake
- Great gifts
- Cafe upstairs
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Lübeck tips
Transportation
- Walk the Old Town island: Lübeck's UNESCO-listed centre sits on an island and is best explored on foot.
- Take the train to Travemünde: regional trains reach the Baltic seaside resort quickly for a beach day.
- Use city buses: Stadtverkehr Lübeck buses connect the station, Old Town and suburbs; Deutschlandticket holders ride included.
Security
- Enjoy a safe city: Lübeck is very safe; just watch bags in busy Christmas market crowds.
- Mind cobblestones and bikes: uneven streets and fast cyclists call for attention when walking.
- Check Baltic swimming flags: at Travemünde, follow lifeguard flags as winds and currents can change quickly.
Saving
- Explore churches for little cost: St Mary's and other brick Gothic churches are free or ask only small donations.
- Use the Deutschlandticket: if staying longer, the monthly ticket covers regional trains and local transport nationwide.
- Picnic by the Trave: buy bread and fish rolls and eat along the riverside instead of in restaurants.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for Baltic weather: it is often windy and changeable, so bring a waterproof jacket and layers.
- Dress warmly in winter: cold, damp air makes winter feel chilly; pack a warm coat, hat and gloves.
- Bring comfortable shoes: cobbled lanes and narrow passageways mean sturdy walking shoes are best.
Cultural
- Taste Lübeck marzipan: the city is famous for marzipan; visit Niederegger for traditional treats.
- Learn Hanseatic history: the European Hansemuseum explains Lübeck's role as Queen of the Hanseatic League.
- Visit the Buddenbrookhaus: discover Thomas Mann and the literary heritage of Lübeck when it reopens or at its exhibitions.
Local Hacks
- Explore the hidden Gänge: narrow passages and courtyards behind street facades reveal charming hidden homes.
- Climb St Peter's Church tower: a lift takes you up for panoramic views of the Holstentor and Old Town.
- Visit at Christmas: Lübeck's Christmas markets are among Germany's most atmospheric, spread across the old town.
1-day itineraries in Lübeck
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.