Apart from being the capital of the state of "Thüringen" (Thuringia), Erfurt is right in the heart of the "Thüringer Wald" (Thuringian forrest). The city was founded around 742 and is one of the most beautiful cities in the former GDR (East Germany). With compliment to Ryanair you can fly there from London without any problems. Accommodation is genearlly quite cheap as there is a youth hostel (bookable via http://www.jugendherberge.de) or for the more demanding travellers a number of cheaper hotels, such as Ibis Hotel.

Since the reunification Erfurt has become a pearl in the former East, especially due to the restauration project. Have you ever seen a bridge over a river that can be inhabited? No...then this is you chance. Once more not onl ordinary concrete buildings but in fact beautiful timerframe houses can be seen there -its called "Krämerbrücke". The cathedral is also worth a look at and once you are there you can stroll among the many stalls of the weekend market. My tip is going there around advent as Erfurt has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany (in my opinio anyway). For the people who prefer active holidays, Erurt is not far away from the "Rennsteig" that invites you to walk along the stretch through the Thuringian forest. Again, in winter it's one of the most beautiful places for cross-country skiing and other winter sports (my tip: try Oberhof for skiing, skijumping etc).
One thing I really like about Erfurt is the leisurely and friendly attitude of the people there-just sit out in the sun and ahve coffe or ice cream. In the eveining I would suggest either sitting outside in a cafe or indeed visit a beergarden where you can try freshly brewed beer and grilled meat or the famous "Thüringer Bratwurst" (sausage)-a speciality and real treat in that area. Also higly recommended is the "Christophel" a medieval theme and food restaurant. Everything in Erfurt can be reached by taking the tram and I never had any problem finding any place. Talking about places, the EGA (European Gardening Exhibiting) is a gem not only for gardening fans and children...why you might ask. Simply because of the beautiful sight and smell not to mention the lovely designed playgrounds with waterfeatures (no, nothing children can fall into but have a look for yourself), and thing children enjoy a lot.

If you are fan of German literature - Goethe and Schiller sping to mind - or Bauhaust architecture then you should visit the close by beautiful Weimar. Having said if you cannot see the point or are not interested in it then, you shouldn't-except for the Weimar Festival Season, that is! The Festival Season has street artists, concerts and lots more to offer for every taste and age.
Hidden away and sometimes unknow to some visitors ist the Eisenach Castle. Its not only situated in the most beautiful area with forrest, stream etc but also the place where the one of the most influentioal germans of his time translated the Bible into German - the name Martin Luther might ring a bell. It's worth seeing regardless of your interest, for the sheer beauty of it.

My advise is to catch a cheap flight to Erfurt and see some of the places, some of which I have not mentioned, even as there is load to discover in Erfurt. Culture and activity is the strong point followed by food and drink, so enjoy!