Lübeck, Germany

The old German town of Lübeck, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site, is called the “Venice of the Baltic”.

 Though compact – it’s on an island surrounded by the Trave river – it’s rich in history, with towering churches, significant medieval buildings and serene squares.

Lübeck was built as a major port close to the Baltic Sea, and for many centuries was governed by wealthy merchants who created the Hanseatic League. Beyond the history, there’s another big draw, especially for those with children: its reputation as the home of marzipan.