Leipzig

Leipzig is known as one of Germany's coolest cities. Nicknamed "the new Berlin", the city is filled with creativity – from the thriving street art scene to community project-hosted cooking classes and music events. There are plenty of historical gems too, like the 800-year-old Nikolaikirche church, which played a key role in the country's 1989 Peaceful Revolution. Spend the afternoon in one of the city's many museums and galleries, or wander around its offbeat neighbourhoods for coffee and cake by day and beers in underground bars by night.

Hostels in Leipzig often have a creative and quirky spirit. There's a hostel in a 1950s former apprentices' dormitory with rooms designed by artists and another with antique furnishings and contemporary murals. To meet other travellers, stay in a Leipzig hostel that's ideal for socialising in a converted historic townhouse, with its own bar and an outside space for beers in the sun. You can expect free Wi-Fi and lots of common spaces in most Leipzig hostels too.

Leipzig's heart, Mitte, is filled with most of the city's historical landmarks, but there are other must-visit neighbourhoods too. Plagwitz, the old industrial quarter, is top of the list for its urban yet bohemian vibe, with converted factories housing pop-up shops and underground nightclubs. The same energy runs along nearby Karl-Liebknecht-Straße (or Karli) in Südvorstadt, where you'll find edgy bars and clubs on the main street. Head to the anti-mainstream Connewitz district for a creative, hippie spirit.

Dominating the list of things to see are the city's many museums and galleries. For fine art, head to the modern glass cube Museum der Bildenden Künste. In the Stasi Museum, you can explore the former headquarters of the East German secret police. The Asisi Panometer offers something a little different, with a painted 360-degree panorama (32m high and 100m long) inside a former gasometer. Stop by the Markt square to see what event is taking place, from Christmas and Easter markets to one of the world's largest Goth festivals, Wave-Gotik-Treffen.

From the city's international Leipzig-Halle Airport, S-Bahn trains run every 30 minutes and take 13 minutes to reach the city's main train and tram station, Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Trains also arrive here from other German cities including Berlin, Dresden and Frankfurt. To get around the city, hop on the public buses, trams or the S-Bahn, as taxis can be quite expensive.