If destinations in Europe are on your travel bucket list, then you’re not alone. According to Statista, “In 2023, Europe alone accounted for over half of international tourist arrivals worldwide, with inbound arrivals exceeding 700 million.”

While some of those getaways surely included trips to Paris to live out an inner Emily in Paris fantasy or visits to the Big Ben in London, there are plenty of other noteworthy European cities that tourists are planning trips around.

There’s so much to see and do in Europe, but Samantha Brown, host of the popular and award-winning Places to Love on PBS which new season begins in January 2025, tells Parade there’s one surprising European destination, in particular, that should be next up in your travel plans—and here’s why.

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The Surprising European Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Samantha Brown

Brown recommends that people visit Leipzig, Germany if they are planning a trip to Europe in the near future.

“The beautiful city of Leipzig is a destination often overlooked when it comes to traveling to Germany, but if you love music, history and art, it’s a must,” she explains. “It’s long been dubbed “Hype-zig” because of the city’s affordability and diversity and has attracted young people from across Europe.”

Brown’s Best Kept Secrets About This Location

Leipzig’s St. Nicholas Church

Brown recommends planning a visit to St. Nicholas Church while in Leipzig to see the architecture and learn about the history.

“At the church, you learn about the Prayers for Peace which began with a few people in 1982 then grew to a 70,000 person protest in 1989 and directly led to the falling of the Berlin Wall,” she explains.

Concerts at St. Thomas Church

Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule in Leipzig to stop in St. Thomas Church to say a prayer or listen to music.

“Over 290 years ago, Leipzig is where the great conductor Johann Sebastian Bach worked and lived composing some of his greatest masterpieces,” Brown tells Parade. “Pay a visit and take in a concert of his music where Bach served as the Thomas Cantor (choir master) for 27 years until his death.”

Favorite Restaurants

According to Brown, a trip to Leipzig isn’t complete without trying some of the food. Brown is a fan of The Auerbachs Keller which is the second oldest restaurant in Leipzig—and Bach ate here too.

“This is easily the most famous restaurant in Leipzig and it actually gives you two restaurants to choose from: one more high-end gourmet and a lively beer cellar,” she tells Parade. “The menu is filled with hearty Saxon dishes—think lots of roasted meat and potatoes. My favorite is Schlesisches Himmelreich—smoked pork gently simmered with pears, apples, and prunes served with potato dumplings.”

Another top favorite for Brown is Céu Dining which is an upscale restaurant located in Niemeyer’s Sphere.

“Niemeyer’s Sphere is a geodesic dome that looks like it has just landed from outer space and lodged itself into an old brick factory,” Brown tells Parade. “Reservations for its 8 course dining adventures are accepted for Friday and Saturday only and the menu is modern Portuguese and German cuisine which changes weekly.”

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Brown’s Top 3 Travel Tips for This Trip

1. Visit Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei

Since Leipzig is known for its arts, music and culture, Brown recommends spending some time at Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei.

“It’s a 25-acre industrial complex, once the largest cotton-spinning mill in continental Europe, which was repurposed after the fall of the Berlin wall to serve as a haven for local artists,” she explains. “A lot of the studios are open to the public and there are a number of cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area.”

2. Take Time To Learn About the History

One of the most fascinating aspects of Leipzig is its rich history and there are a plethora of opportunities to learn about it at different museums and exhibits.

“The Forum of Contemporary History in Leipzig looks back on the history of political repression, opposition and resistance, as well as the peaceful revolution that unfolded in a divided Germany and everyday life in East Germany,” Brown tells Parade. “This is fascinating for those of us who grew up during the time of the Iron Curtain.”

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3. Stay at a Boutique Hotel

If you’re able to, then Brown recommends staying at a boutique hotel to fully immerse yourself in the culture and hospitality.

One of Brown’s favorite hotels is The Townhouse which is partly located in the oldest building in Leipzig. “It combines modern, fresh amenities with a backdrop of the original 1509 exposed brick and wood beams,” she says. “The hotel offers a rarity in Europe—loft rooms which have a lot of space, a kitchenette and sofa area.”

It is located in the historic city center and is within walking distance to St. Thomas Church, the Museum of Fine Arts and a lot of great shopping.

In terms of other properties, Brown recommends staying at Hotel Fregehaus, which is located in the heart of Leipzig tucked inside an 18th century cobbled courtyard.

“It’s an intimate hotel that boasts large rooms with high-ceilings, parquet flooring and an urban mix of antique and modern furnishings,” she tells Parade.

Europe has so much to offer, especially Leipzig, so you’ll want to book your trip as soon as possible to see it for yourself.

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