The small city of Erlangen in the German state of Bavaria is a hidden gem, overlooked by most tourists. It is home to the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, one of the largest universities in Germany, and the city is packed with students. This gives Erlangen a young and vibrant feel, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to cater to them. The city centre is a mix of historic and modern buildings, and the architecture is varied and interesting. There are several lovely parks, and the river Pegnitz runs through the city. Erlangen is well connected to the rest of Germany, and it is easy to get to other popular tourist destinations such as Nuremberg, Munich and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.