YEREL BÖLGE

Baroque Karlsruhe Palace stands proudly at the heart of the city, a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Inside, visitors can trace the region's artistic and cultural history at the impressive Baden State Museum or climb the tower for a bird's-eye view of Karlsruhe's celebrated fan-shaped avenues. Kids can burn off energy in the gardens or ride on the mini-railway, open in spring and summer.

Less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel, the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe exhibits European artwork in three grand 19th-century buildings. Wander the halls to seek out pieces by artists such as Richter, Degas, Monet and Renoir in the wide-ranging collection. Children are also well catered for as the Junge Kunsthalle features temporary exhibitions especially designed with youngsters in mind.

Just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, the cutting-edge ZKM media centre is housed in a former factory. The venue focuses on exploring the boundaries between art, music and digital technology and hosts regular events and workshops for all ages. Check the programme online or visit to see painting and sculpture in the Museum of Contemporary Art, and check out the Media Museum's hands-on activities.

If you enjoy shopping, the high-street stores and cafés on Kaiserstrasse, less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel, have plenty to keep you busy. Looking for something a bit unusual? You'll find boutique fashion, jewellery and craft stores on nearby Waldstrasse. And don't miss the chance to venture inside the elegant Postgalerie shopping mall, housed in a former Post Office on Europaplatz.

• Karlsruhe Zoo