Bielefeld, Germany

With a population of just 338,410, Bielefeld hardly qualifies as Germany's most glamorous destination. The linen-producing past and heavy industry may impress history buffs, but modern residents face a persistent bureaucratic headache. Bielefeld's location in the Teutoburg Forest means a dreary oceanic climate, with temperatures rarely exceeding 15°C and rainfall over 800mm per year. For those undeterred by the rainy weather and red tape, the city offers a range of vocational schools and a well-developed public transit network. But Bielefeld is best suited for practical-minded Germans content with a quieter, more provincial lifestyle.