Things To Do
in Lübeck
Lübeck is a picturesque city located in northern Germany, known for its stunning medieval architecture and charming old town. The city is famous for its well-preserved historic buildings, including the iconic Holstentor gate and the impressive Lübeck Cathedral. Lübeck also has a rich maritime history, with its once-flourishing port serving as a key trading hub in the Hanseatic League.
Visitors can explore the city's narrow streets, visit museums, and enjoy delicious marzipan, a local specialty.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Holstentor gate and soak in the medieval architecture that Lübeck is famous for. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, savoring some traditional marzipan.
Spend your afternoon wandering through the historic streets, visiting St. Mary's Church and the Buddenbrook House. Don’t forget to stop by the market square for some local delicacies.
As night falls, stroll along the Trave River. Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, sampling some regional dishes while overlooking the illuminated city.
Visit the Museum of Theatre Puppetry to start your day with a unique cultural experience. Learn about the art of puppetry and see some fascinating exhibits.
Afterwards, make your way to the Lübeck Cathedral, admiring its stunning architecture and beautiful art. Take some time to relax in the nearby park.
End your day by attending a local theater performance or concert. Dine at a cozy bistro, tasting some local wines or beers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Vibrant culture and numerous festivals, such as the Lübeck Christmas market.
- Access to beautiful coastal landscapes and proximity to the Baltic Sea.
- Strong educational institutions and a variety of cultural activities.
- Delicious local cuisine, including marzipan and seafood specialties.
- Higher cost of living compared to other German cities.
- Weather can be rainy and gloomy, especially in winter.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger cities.
- Public transportation options may be less extensive than in metropolitan areas.
- Smaller city size may mean fewer entertainment and shopping options.
Best Activities in Lübeck
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park with walking and cycling paths, lakes, and open spaces for picnics.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Trave River or take a boat tour to explore the city from a different perspective.
Visit the nearby beaches like Timmendorfer Strand or Travemünde for sunbathing, swimming, or water sports.
Discover the charming streets and historic buildings of the old town, perfect for walking and sightseeing.
Tours
Uncover the best of Lübeck with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Lübeck
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive views from the cathedral tower overlooking the city
Iconic city gate offering picturesque photo opportunities
Scenic views from the riverside promenade
Food in Lübeck
Lübeck Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lübeck is renowned for its high-quality marzipan, traditionally made from finely ground almonds and sugar. Visitors can sample and purchase marzipan treats at Niederegger, a historic marzipan shop located in the heart of the old town.
Must-Try!
This traditional dish consisting of pears, green beans, and bacon is a staple of northern German cuisine. It can be savored at local restaurants such as Schiffergesellschaft, known for its authentic regional fare.
A beloved dessert in Lübeck, Rote Grütze is a red fruit pudding typically served with vanilla sauce. Visitors can indulge in this sweet treat at traditional cafes like Café Niederegger.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Lübeck better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Wednesday and Saturday, the Koberg square hosts a bustling market where visitors can explore a diverse array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal goods. It's an ideal spot to sample regional street food and interact with local vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to greet people with a handshake, particularly in formal or business settings.
Germans value punctuality, so it is important to be on time for appointments and meetings.
Germans generally appreciate a degree of personal space and may stand a bit farther apart during conversations compared to some other cultures.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Lübeck with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Lübeck
Ensure a smooth experience
In Lübeck, it is customary to tip around 5-10% in restaurants if the service charge is not included in the bill. Tipping for other services, such as taxi rides and hotel staff, is also appreciated but not always expected.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and stores in Lübeck. However, it is useful to carry some cash, especially for small vendors or when visiting more traditional establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Lübeck.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Lübeck is in spring, particularly during May and June when the city experiences mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city's charming parks and gardens.
Summer is a popular time to visit Lübeck as the city enjoys warm weather and longer daylight hours. It's an ideal time for sightseeing, visiting the beaches along the Baltic Sea, and experiencing outdoor festivals and events.
In autumn, Lübeck experiences cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it a scenic time to visit. Visitors can enjoy autumnal walks through the city's historic streets and indulge in seasonal treats at local cafes and bakeries.
Winter in Lübeck brings a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, traditional holiday decorations, and cozy cafes. While the weather is colder, visitors can experience the city's rich cultural offerings and sample local winter specialties.
Lübeck at Night
Hiking in Lübeck
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A serene forest area with well-marked hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers looking to enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods.
Located just a short drive from Lübeck, this nature reserve offers beautiful hiking paths through lush greenery and along serene lakes.
A scenic heathland ideal for hiking, featuring diverse landscapes with panoramic views and diverse flora and fauna.
A lovely park in Lübeck offering easy walking trails, beautiful gardens, and opportunities to enjoy the local scenery.
Just a bit south of Lübeck, this park features sprawling grounds and fantastic hiking paths, along with views of the historic Eutin Castle.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Lübeck through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Lübeck by plane.
The nearest major international airport, located approximately 68 km from Lübeck, serving numerous airlines and destinations worldwide.
An international airport located about 123 km from Lübeck, offering both domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 150 km away, this airport serves various international routes and is the largest in Lower Saxony.
Situated around 290 km from Lübeck, this is the main airport serving Berlin and offers extensive international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Lübeck's population, consisting of individuals who hold German citizenship and identify as ethnic Germans.
A significant demographic group in Lübeck, consisting of individuals with Turkish heritage or nationality.
Includes individuals from post-Soviet countries, primarily Russians, Ukrainians, and other Eastern European nationals.
Composed of Polish migrants and their descendants, contributing to the multicultural landscape of Lübeck.
Includes residents from various Middle Eastern countries, including Syrian and Iraqi nationals.
Comprises individuals from various Asian countries, contributing to Lübeck's cultural diversity.
Includes citizens from other European countries, such as Italy, Spain, and France, living in Lübeck.
The Soul of Lübeck
Discover the essence of Lübeck through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Lübeck, with several local teams competing in various leagues.
Handball enjoys significant popularity in Lübeck, with clubs and schools promoting the sport at youth and professional levels.
Lübeck has a strong ice hockey community, with the local team participating in various regional and national competitions.
Tennis is widely played in Lübeck, with numerous clubs and facilities catering to both recreational and competitive players.
Athletics, including track and field events, is popular in Lübeck, supported by local clubs and schools promoting youth participation.
Swimming is a favored sport in Lübeck, with many residents participating in recreational swimming, competitive events, and water sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lübeck.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Lübeck's dining scene caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering creative plant-based dishes. Notable venues include Café Wohnhunger, which features a diverse vegetarian menu alongside vegan-friendly choices.
Visitors requiring gluten-free options can dine with confidence in Lübeck, as several eateries provide gluten-free variations of traditional dishes. For instance, Restaurant Schiffergesellschaft offers a gluten-free menu for patrons with dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Lübeck with these cultural adventures.
