Leipzig

Leipzig is an enchanting swathe of lovingly carved baroque buildings and a plump, rich vein of culture that led to one of its luminaries, Goethe, referring to it as 'little Paris'.

The largest city in Saxony, it has been the inspiration for the likes of Bach, Wagner, Mendelssohn and indeed Goethe, and its museums, theatres and concert halls make Leipzig one of Germany's most popular cities with tourists.

Underground clubs rule the roost for party-goers, while there is also a huge area of old style pubs where you can enjoy a quiet pint of German ale in one of the many drinkeries.

There is a mixture of the young and old in Leipzig, and it is very much a university city. As such, there are often fascinating exhibitions on. Traditional lifestyles are very much intact, and there always seems to be a farmer or trader market on for you to pick up some fresh food or locally-made souvenirs.

In all Leipzig benefits from having big ideas and a comfortingly small city feel.