City Trip Highlights: Explore Berlin, Leipzig & Dresden

Whether you want to discover the highlights of Germany's largest metropolis, experience the country's music capital, or dive into one of the most exciting art scenes-Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden are perfect destinations for a city trip to the east of Germany. Each of these three cities has its own distinct history, yet all share a mix of transformation, diversity, and a special charm between past and new beginnings. We present the highlights of these cities and show you the best places to stay.

Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden offer plenty of highlights for your next city trip. If you want to stay centrally, flexibly, and budget-consciously, MEININGER Hotels are the best choice. The hotel group operates 36 locations across Europe, including 15 in Germany-with six hotels in Berlin and one each in Leipzig and Dresden. MEININGER Hotels stand out for their central locations, good connections to public transportation, and excellent value for money. Each hotel is individually designed and reflects the character of its city-true to the motto 'Step out and explore.' The room selection ranges from double rooms to family rooms and beds in shared dorms-ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, groups, or backpackers.

Especially convenient: The reception is staffed around the clock, early check-in and late check-out are easily possible. In the morning, there's a diverse breakfast buffet and in the evening, a hotel bar for a relaxed end to the day. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all areas. Shared spaces like a fully equipped guest kitchen with laundry facilities and a game zone with foosball, pool table, or children's play area make the stay even more enjoyable. Families also benefit from a 15% discount on direct bookings for children up to 12 years old. Children up to six eat breakfast for free, and those aged seven to 12 for half price. Spacious family rooms and complimentary baby cots on request round off the offer. Pets are also welcome for a small extra charge.

Berlin is not only Germany's largest city but also one of its most multifaceted: history, politics, culture, and urban life are often just steps apart. A good starting point for your exploration tour is the Brandenburg Gate-a symbol of German unity and a historic site of division after the Berlin Wall was built in 1961. The former checkpoint Checkpoint Charlie and the artistically painted 1.3-kilometer-long East Side Gallery are reminders of the Berlin Wall era. Incidentally, the East Side Gallery is considered the longest open-air gallery in the world.

Following the boulevard 'Unter den Linden' leads you to the Berlin Cathedral with its monumental dome and one of the largest organs in the country. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a wide view over the city. Right next door is Museum Island-UNESCO World Heritage and home to world-famous museums such as the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie. Speaking of museums: modern venues like the Humboldt Forum or the Museum of Natural History are also worthwhile destinations.

Politics is visible in Berlin too: the Bundestag meets in the Reichstag building. A highlight there is the accessible glass dome with a panoramic view-it is free to access with advance registration! For more of the Berlin vibe, visit the neighborhoods Kreuzberg, Neukölln, or Prenzlauer Berg with trendy cafes, street art, bars, and Berlin pubs as well as international cuisine. In the heart of the city, the expansive Tiergarten with its shady avenues and quiet corners invites relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city. And the crowning finale of the city trip: the view from the TV tower at Alexanderplatz, the tallest structure in Germany at 368 meters.

The MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof is, as the name suggests, just a few minutes' walk from the main train station. The MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus also impresses with a prime location near Museum Island and Alexanderplatz. The MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery is located in direct vicinity to the historic section of the Berlin Wall, which is covered with graffiti and artworks.

The MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz is situated in the lively district of Prenzlauer Berg, directly on Schönhauser Allee at the Senefelderplatz subway station. The MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten is in Moabit, just a few minutes from the green Tiergarten. And for those seeking accommodation right at the Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Airport is the perfect spot.

All six MEININGER Hotels in Berlin offer you a convenient, well-connected location. As typically for MEININGER, each hotel features an individual design. For example: The MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz creatively incorporates the city's landmark-the TV Tower-whether through stylized wallpapers or carpets, giving the hotel a modern, Berlin-inspired atmosphere.

Leipzig is considered Germany's music capital and is often referred to as 'the new Berlin' because of its vibrant scene. The city uniquely combines history, student life, classical heritage, and urban creativity.

A landmark is the Battle of the Nations Monument: 91 meters high, with 500 steps to the viewing platform and a fantastic view over Leipzig. From there, it's not far to the old town with its marketplace, magnificent merchant houses, and the Old Town Hall, which today houses the City History Museum. Only a few minutes' walk away is the St. Thomas Church, the workplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose grave is inside the church. The Gewandhaus and the Mendelssohn House are among the musical highlights of the city.

A special place is the Mädlerpassage with elegant shops and Auerbach's Cellar, known from Goethe's 'Faust'. Art lovers will enjoy the Museum of Fine Arts-a modern, light-flooded building with works by Friedrich, Klinger, and Neo Rauch. To experience Leipzig's creative side, visit the Spinnerei: a former industrial area now home to galleries, studios, and exhibitions. Leipzig is also worth a visit for families. The zoo is one of the oldest in Europe but is top modern. It houses over 800 animal species and the tropical 'Gondwanaland' under a gigantic dome.

In Leipzig, the MEININGER Hotel Leipzig Hauptbahnhof awaits you just 400 meters from the train station. This excellent connection allows guests to conveniently reach attractions like St. Nicholas Church, the opera, and the market square on foot. The design is inspired by Leipzig's creative art scene. For its original room concept, the hotel received the 'German Design Award - Special Mention' in 2019.

Dresden rightly bears the nickname 'Florence on the Elbe': the old town with its baroque buildings looks like a living work of art. At the center is the Frauenkirche, rebuilt in 2005. Climbing its 67-meter-high dome rewards you with a breathtaking view of the city.

Next door, the Royal Palace rises with the Historic and New Green Vaults, showcasing gold, jewels, and art treasures from the time of the Saxon electors. Another highlight is the Zwinger-one of the most significant baroque buildings in Europe. Here you can admire the Old Masters' works, including Raphael's 'Sistine Madonna'. The Semperoper stands right beside it. Even without attending a performance, a tour of the magnificent opera house is worthwhile. From there, you can reach the Brühl's Terrace, the 'Balcony of Europe,' with views of the Elbe, the old town, and the Kreuzkirche in a few minutes.

Yet, Dresden also surprises with a modern side: In the Outer Neustadt, around the equestrian statue of Augustus the Strong, you can find colorful creative shops, exciting street art, and cool bars. A must-see is the Kunsthofpassage-a fascinating labyrinth of courtyards, cafes, and galleries. For a break in nature, the Great Garden, Dresden's largest park with avenues, meadows, and palaces, is nearby. Right next door is the zoo with over 1,000 animals.

The MEININGER Hotel Dresden Zentrum is just a five-minute walk from the main train station. Attractions like the Frauenkirche, Zwinger, Semperoper, and Dresden Castle can also be reached on foot in about 20 to 25 minutes. The interior design is inspired by Dresden's rich music culture-with vinyl wallpaper, disco balls, and colorful accents reminiscent of a concert hall atmosphere. This concept is complemented by an open space design that aims to bring people together. For guests arriving by car, paid parking is available.