Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [220]
MIDRANGE
Hotel Ibis ( 664 10; www.accorhotels.com; Barfüsserstrasse 9; s/d from €71/81; ) If you’ve stayed at other Ibis hotels, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the larger-than-usual rooms and decent bathrooms at this entry in a quiet yet central setting opposite the Barfüsserkirche.
Hotel & Gasthof Nikolai ( 5981 7119; www.hotel-nikolai-erfurt.com, in German; Augustinerstrasse 30; s €78-81, d €94-110; ) The location alongside the river, the overall high standard of rooms, and the friendly owners make this a prime choice, even though some rooms are small.
Hotel am Kaisersaal ( 658 560; www.hotel-am-kaisersaal.de, in German; Futterstrasse 8; s €84-94, d €100-110; ) Rooms are tip-top and appointed with all expected mod cons in this highly rated hotel. Request a room facing the yard, though, if street noise disturbs.
IBB Hotel ( 674 00; www.ibbhotels.com; Gotthardt-strasse 27; s/d €85/106; ) This saucy lifestyle hotel, near a willow-fringed arm of the Gera River, gets thumbs up from design-minded travellers. Rooms are spread over two buildings, one an annex on the historic Krämerbrücke with cheaper rooms.
TOP END
Pullman Erfurt am Dom ( 644 50; www.pullmanhotels.com; Theaterplatz 2; s €100-123, d €100-163; ) Erfurt’s only full-on luxury address has 160 rooms that exude effortless sophistication thanks to classy decor and a soothing natural-hued colour scheme. Sightseeing fatigue quickly fades in the impeccable Zen-inspired wellness area.
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Eating
There’s a Rewe supermarket in the Anger 1 shopping mall and a Tegut supermarket at the corner of Marktstrasse and Domplatz.
Henner ( 654 6691; Weitergasse 8; dishes €3-6; 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat; ) This upbeat bistro makes a great daytime pit stop for freshly made sandwiches, homemade soups and crisp salads.
Altstadt Café ( 562 6473; Fischersand 1; dishes €3-7.50; 11am-10pm Mon-Fri, noon-10pm Sat, 2-7pm Sun; ) Chatty mothers, foot-weary sightseers and people catching up on their reading gather at this historic cafe in a 14th-century building. The terrace overlooking the Gera is an enchanting spot in fine weather.
Zum Goldenen Schwan ( 2623 742; Michaelisstrasse 9; snacks €3-7, mains €6-14; 11am-1am) This authentic inn serves all the usual Thuringian classics, but, if you’re up to mounting your own Survivor challenge, try something called Puffbohnenpfanne (fried broad beans with roast bacon), an Erfurt speciality. Excellent house brews washes everything down well.
Steinhaus ( 2447 7112; Allerheiligenstrasse 20-21; mains €4-8; from 11am-late, food till midnight) The ceiling beams may be ancient, but the crowd is intergenerational at this rambling gastro pub–cum–beer garden in the historic Engelsburg. Dips, baguettes, pasta and gratins should keep your tummy filled and your brain balanced.
Zwiesel ( 789 7207; Michaelisstrasse 31; mains €6-9; 11am-1am Sun-Thu, 11am-2am Fri & Sat) Been cut out of the family will? No problem at this reliable cheapie choice, which has 25 mains costing just €5.95 and drinks prices to match. Even the rump steak is only €8.95.
Mediterrana ( 602 7600; Lange Brücke 37a; mains €6-18; 11am-midnight) Candles, Chianti and a table for two are the hallmarks of a romantic night out. If that and the riverside setting in an ancient mill don’t make your date swoon, at least the delicious Italian food should ensure a fine evening.
Si Ju ( 655 2295; Fischmarkt 1; mains €7.50-20; 9am-late Mon-Sat, 10am-late Sun) This restaurant-lounge combo is a fashionable stop any time for diners and drinkers of all ages. Steals include the breakfast buffet for €6, the business lunch for €7.50 and the all-you-can-eat afternoon coffee and cake for €5.50.
Zum Güldenen Rade ( 561 3506; Marktstrasse 50; mains €8.50-15; 11am-midnight)