Things to do in Lübeck

Activities, attractions and tours

Museum Holstentor which includes wild flowers and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Buddenbrooks House featuring heritage elements
Museum Holstentor featuring heritage architecture and a park
Lübeck
Museum Holstentor featuring heritage architecture
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Lübeck Town Hall

The Rathaus (Town Hall) is the historic seat of the Hanseatic League and a present-day administrative headquarters. Visit this medieval landmark to admire the extravagance of its exterior, wander between its rooms and visit fairs held on its marketplace. The Rathaus originated around 1230, when three gabled houses were erected on the square. It was remodeled regularly up until the 19th century, destroyed by bombings in 1942 and rebuilt in the 1950s.
Learn more
Rathaus which includes heritage architecture

2. Old Lighthouse Travemuende

Discover the seafaring stories of Travemuende’s Old Lighthouse (Alter Leuchtturm), one of the country’s oldest beacons. Dating back to the 16th century, this round brick tower has been a familiar sight on Travemuende’s Bay of Luebeck coastline. Spend some time admiring the grand old lighthouse’s charming architecture then step inside to explore the museum.
Learn more
Old Lighthouse Travemuende which includes heritage architecture

3. Museum Holstentor

Feel transported back in time by starting your Luebeck visit at the Museum Holstentor, located in a 15th-century gate. Admire its peaked roofs and distinctive terracotta striping. Enter to find the former headquarters of the city’s guards, now serving as a city museum filled with historical artifacts.
Learn more
Museum Holstentor which includes wild flowers and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

4. St. Mary's Church

Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) stands as a symbol of Luebeck’s fascinating and ever-changing history. It bears testament to the architectural talents of the city’s founding fathers and its role as the center of the Hanseatic League. It presents a showcase of Gothic and Baroque art while also bearing the scars of World War II bomb damage. St. Mary's Church is the third-largest church in Germany and one that inspired dozens of national churches.
Learn more
St. Mary\'s Church featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

5. Holy Spirit Hospital

The Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Heiligen-Geist-Hospital) in Lübeck, Germany, certainly doesn’t look like one of today’s hospitals, but it has provided centuries of care to the sick and elderly. In fact, since the Middle Ages the hospital’s altruistic principles have been steadfast until the last century. Visit one of Europe’s oldest hospitals throughout the year and particularly during the Christmas period when it becomes the venue for a lavish arts and crafts fair.
Learn more
Heiligen-Geist-Hospital showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

What to do in Lübeck

Popular places to visit

Travemuende which includes a bay or harbour and heritage elements

Priwall Peninsula

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Priwall Peninsula during your travels in Lübeck. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Priwall Peninsula
Gothmund

Gothmund

You can find out about the history of Lübeck with a trip to Gothmund. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Gothmund
Rathaus which includes a city, heritage architecture and outdoor eating

Lübeck Town Hall

4/5(2 reviews)

Inspect the mishmash of architectural styles of this town hall and join a guided tour to visit some of its elegantly decorated halls.

Lübeck Town Hall
Old Lighthouse Travemuende featuring heritage architecture

Old Lighthouse Travemuende

4/5(2 reviews)

One of the oldest lighthouses on the German Baltic coast is a red-brick beauty containing a maritime history museum and a viewing platform with a panoramic outlook.

Old Lighthouse Travemuende
Museum Holstentor featuring wild flowers, heritage architecture and a garden

Museum Holstentor

4/5(5 reviews)

Once Luebeck’s first line of defense against attackers, this landmark is now famous for its distinctive architecture and local history museum.

Museum Holstentor
Marienkirche showing heritage elements, interior views and religious elements

St. Mary's Church

4.5/5(8 reviews)

An austere façade, elaborate interior and interesting history make this one of the most rewarding churches to visit in Luebeck Old Town.

St. Mary's Church
Heiligen-Geist-Hospital showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Holy Spirit Hospital

Going to the hospital in this German town is a pleasant event. Enter this historic building to learn about its charitable era.

Holy Spirit Hospital
European Hansemuseum showing a garden and heritage architecture

European Hansemuseum

Delve into the remarkable merchant and maritime history of the Hanseatic League via hands-on exhibits and recreations of typical trading deals.

European Hansemuseum
Travemuende showing a bay or harbour

Viermastbark Passat

You can browse the exhibits at Viermastbark Passat, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Lübeck. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Viermastbark Passat

Areas of Lübeck

Travemuende featuring a bay or harbour

Travemuende

Experience beachside bliss, heritage architecture and year-round activity in this captivating town on the Bay of Luebeck, where the Trave River meets the Baltic Sea.

Travemuende
Default Image

Lübeck Old Town

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Church spires soar high above centuries-old merchant houses, which themselves house cafés, museums and shops, in this historic island district.

Lübeck Old Town
Old Lighthouse Travemuende which includes heritage architecture

Alt-Travemünde

You'll enjoy the beaches and museums in Alt-Travemünde. You might want to make time for a stop at Old Lighthouse Travemuende or Travemuende Beach.

Alt-Travemünde
Default Image

Priwall

While there might not be top attractions in Priwall, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Baltic Station Priwall and Priwall Beach.

Priwall
Default Image
Photo by qwesy qwesy (CC BY)

Schlutup

When in Schlutup, you can plan a visit to Gothmund and Holy Spirit Hospital, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Schlutup
Default Image
Photo by qwesy qwesy (CC BY)

Brodten

While visiting Brodten, you might make a stop by sights like Travemuende Beach and Niendorf Beach.

Brodten
Timmendorfer Strand

Timmendorfer Strand

Photo "Warnsdorf" by qwesy qwesy (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by qwesy qwesy (CC BY)

Warnsdorf

Photo "Reecke" by Andreas Geick (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Andreas Geick (CC BY-SA)

Reecke

Niendorf/Ostsee

Niendorf/Ostsee

Frequently asked questions

Is Lübeck worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the cultural attractions and local charm or try unique foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Lübeck.
How do I spend a day in Lübeck?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Museum Holstentor and European Hansemuseum. Then, check out other areas of Lübeck for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lübeck?
You can't leave without exploring Museum Holstentor, rated the top tourist attraction in Lübeck.
Is three days enough to stay in Lübeck?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, like Museum Holstentor, European Hansemuseum and Willy-Brandt-House Lübeck. The average stay in Lübeck is three days. If you have the urge to extend your adventure, Norderstedt isn't far away.
Is Lübeck a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Lübeck. Several key sights, such as Museum Holstentor and European Hansemuseum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Lübeck's neighbourhoods, St Lorenz is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Lübeck Old Town is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lübeck with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Lübeck with kids.

What to do in Lübeck for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Lübeck. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just love exploring new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Lübeck?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Lübeck. If you need inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Duomo di Lubecca is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.