Weekend in Luebeck

A self-guided walk through UNESCO-listed streets, past merchants' houses, cobbled alleys, and the seven church spires. No ticket needed – just a map from the tourist office.

Tip: Start at the Town Hall (Rathaus) and follow the 'Klosterweg' path along the Trave River – you'll get views of the salt warehouses and the Lower Wakenitz. Takes about 40 minutes.

A continuous ring of green parkland built on the old city fortifications. Grassy ramparts, old bastions and a walking path around the entire historic centre.

Tip: Start at the 'Hüxtertor' bastion for the best view over the rooftops and the Stecknitz Canal.

A church tower with a panoramic viewing platform over the old town, including the Holstentor and the Trave river.

Tip: Entry and the lift to the top are free on the first Sunday of each month. Otherwise it's €4 – but the 360-degree view is superb.

The iconic late-Gothic city gate. You can walk through its arch and view the exterior from all sides at no cost.

Tip: Go early morning or just before sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. The inside museum charges entry, but the outside is the real draw.

One of the largest brick Gothic churches in the Baltic region, with a striking interior and famous astronomical clock. Entry is free; climbing the tower costs a small fee.

Tip: Look for the 'Dancing Death' mural and the broken bells from a WWII air raid still lying on the floor – a deliberate memorial. Light a candle in the side chapels, no charge.

A massive brick Gothic church with the world's tallest brick vault. Entry is free, and you can see the broken church bells from the 1942 bombing.

Tip: Check the floor near the south entrance for the original 13th-century builders' marks.

A massive Gothic brick church from the 13th century, known for its high vaulted nave and the broken bells in the south tower from a WWII bombing.

Tip: Look for the 'Dancing Devils' carving on a bench near the altar. Entry is free, but the tower climb costs €4 – worth it for the view.

A stunning brick Gothic church, one of the tallest in the world. Entry to the main nave is free, with impressive vaulted ceilings and medieval art.

Tip: Look for the broken church bells from the 1942 bombing, left on the floor as a memorial.

The iconic twin-towered brick gate from the 15th century, symbol of Lübeck. You can walk through it and admire the exterior without paying; the museum inside costs a small fee.

Tip: Visit just before sunset for fewer crowds and warm light on the brickwork. Cross the street to the small grassy area near the Puppet Theatre for the classic photo angle.

Small art museum in two connected 18th-century merchant houses, showing Romantic paintings and Biedermeier furniture. Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month.

Tip: Arrive by 10am on the free Sunday to avoid the queue; the collection includes two works by Caspar David Friedrich.