Leipzig

Dubbed "the new Berlin", Leipzig moves to its own beat in the German state of Saxony. Like the capital, it lures in cool creative types, with its funky offerings and rich musical heritage, boasting connections to Mendelssohn, Wagner and Bach – the latter of which has his very own museum.

The city's historical core is encrusted with Renaissance monuments and centers on the Marktplatz, a cafe culture hotspot that's home to the picturesque old town hall. The city's more modern face has lots to offer city breakers too: from a buzzing festival calendar and tantalizing restaurants, to an uber-cool underground arts scene and hipster-fueled nightlife.