8 Best Things to Do in Luebeck

The Holstentor (Holsten Gate) is one of Luebeck Old Town's medieval gates. This fully restored brick building dates back to the 15th century. Made of 2 towers and a central building, it sits on the west side of the Old Town and hosts a museum dedicated to the history of Luebeck. 

The Holstentor is the first historical building you meet when coming from the train station. It’s the perfect first stop to learn about the city before you wander around the Old Town.

Luebeck Old Town sits on an island in the middle of the River Trave. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s accessible via 5 bridges and hosts a mix of historical and modern buildings. Churches, civic buildings, museums, Willy Brandt’s house and many other places of interest dot the Old Town, interspersed with restaurants and shops. 

For a real travel-back-in-time sensation, don't hesitate getting away from the main streets and explore the smallest lanes.

Breite Straße is a 450-metre-long street that runs north to south through the centre of the Old Town. Hosting designer fashion, accessories and jewellery shops, it’s a popular spot in the city for bargain hunters. Breite Straße is a pedestrian street where you’ll not only find trendy boutiques and shopping malls, but also a great range of bars and restaurants.

Known as Marienkirche in German, Saint Mary’s Church is an emblematic symbol of the old Hanseatic city of Luebeck. The 3rd largest church in Germany is also one of the oldest, dating back to the mid-14th century. With towering spires that reach 124 metres high, it's a superb example of the north German red-brick Gothic style that can be seen from around town. 

Don't miss the panoramic view from the top, it’s breathtaking. Many remarkable pieces of art, such as a 16th-century astronomical clock, are hosted in the church. A visit to Saint Mary’s Church is worth the modest entrance fee.

Located towards the northern tip of the Old Town island, the European Hansemuseum is dedicated to the history of the Hanseatic League. Settled in a splendid building that blends modern and historical styles, you’ll learn everything about this Middle Ages confederation of German merchants who dominated commerce on the Baltic Sea for 3 centuries. 

With interactive elements, original items and documents, and staged historical scenes, the European Hansemuseum is a captivating place to visit. A cool bar and restaurant on the roof offers a cool place to chill out with a view.

Travemünde is Luebeck’s seaside neighbourhood. Located 16 km northeast of the Old Town, at the mouth of the River Trave, it features long beaches, historical buildings, a museum and one of the largest ferry piers in Germany. The waterfront boardwalk is very pleasant to stroll and you’ll find a good range of beachfront restaurants here. 

Going to the beach is indeed among the top things to do in Luebeck – while in Travemünde, you can include a visit to the S/S Passat, a well-preserved German 4-mast steel ship built in 1911.

An der Obertrave is a 700-metre-long picturesque promenade along the River Trave. Lined with trees and featuring many places to sit, it’s a very serene place to start your tour of the Old Town. Splendid listed houses alongside the promenade give it a quaint, timeless feeling. 

You’ll also find a good choice of bars and restaurants if you want to take a break during your stroll. On warm days, their terraces are especially inviting.

The River Trave and the River Wakenitz give you the opportunity to enjoy pleasant, relaxing cruises around Luebeck. The most popular boat tours at hand on the River Trave include the trip around the Old Town, and the cruise to Travemünde. 

Another popular boat trip on the River Wakenitz takes you through unspoilt nature to Rothenhusen. These boat trips are reasonably priced and they give you another perspective on this splendid region of northern Germany. Boat tour companies can be found along the quays near the Holstentor Museum.