Saarbrücken

Get a taste of local life at the city's most popular gathering venue, and take a stroll along the narrow alleyways lined with myriad cafés and restaurants. The fountain in the middle of the square was designed by Friedrich Joachim Stengel, and together with Ludwig's Church and the Castle, it forms what is called the Stengel triangle. You'll also find Fröschengasse here, formerly a workers' district with Baroque-style houses.

This 18th-century Baroque Catholic church had undergone destruction and renovation several times throughout its history; today it is renowned for its exceptional, three-part organ system, and is a dominant element on the Saarbrücken's cityscape.

Formerly a coal port, the city's central park has developed into locals' favourite outdoor spot since the 1980s, proudly holding a Landscape Architecture Prize for the design by Peter Latz. It has a photographable open-air stage, a pond, skate park, and plenty of paths for a stroll along the Saar river. It neighbours on the movie theatre CineStar, among other attractions.

Saarbrücken has plenty to offer to the lovers of architecture, and one unmissable landmark is the city's town hall, built at the turn of the 20th century in neo-Gothic style and designed by Georg Von Hauberrisser, whose works also include the town hall in Munich.

Saarland's cultural centre holds a diverse range of performances from opera to ballet productions, and neighbours on a nice verdant park with trees lining the Saar river.

Saarbrücken's history museum, neighbouring on the Saarbrücken Castle, presents the turbulent history of the French-German border area with special emphasis on the era following the Franco-Prussian war of 1870–71, through various permanent and temporary exhibitions.

A true water paradise equipped with several indoor, outdoor pools, and water slides, also offering aqua fitness lessons, wellness programmes, and many more to entertain the whole family. Don't forget to try the Stollensauna, a sauna grotto evoking the region's mining history.

Saarbrücken Zoo is home to more than a thousand animals, and provides fun and interactive programmes to introduce them all to you. Join the penguin and seal feeding, or even stay for the night for some bat spotting!

Travel back to ancient times at this renovated Roman-age villa, discovered only recently in the 19th century. It houses an archaeological museum, and has well-tended rose and herb gardens. Special programmes like donkey tours and overnight stays can be organised here too.

Germany's oldest city is pure history: it boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many dating back to the Roman age. The Porta Nigra and the Cathedral, Germany's oldest, are just a few of the rich heritage of what is also called the "Rome of the North". Trier is also noted as the birthplace of Karl Marx, with a museum paying homage to the great thinker's life and work.

The small, romantic capital of the world's only grand duchy makes for a perfect weekend getaway. Take a stroll along panoramic Chemin de la Corniche, and be sure to visit the Grand Ducal Palace, the tunnels of Bock Casemates, and the vast art collection of MUDAM.