10 tips for a city trip to Leipzig

Leipzig is a hidden gem in eastern Germany. Where Bach once composed his greatest masterpieces, you will now find a vibrant city brimming with industrial heritage, trendy neighbourhoods, and an abundance of green spaces. Take the ICE international train from Amsterdam Central Station, changing once in Hanover, to reach the heart of Leipzig in 7.19 hours.

1. Experience a world-class city of music

Leipzig has been a world-class city of music for centuries. Johann Sebastian Bach worked here for 27 years, leaving an enduring mark on the city. Visit St Thomas's Church, where he composed his greatest works and is buried. On Fridays or Saturdays, you can listen to the world-famous St Thomas Boys' Choir, which has a tradition stretching back over 800 years. The Bach-Museum Leipzig offers a Virtual Bach Experience which brings the composer to life through augmented reality.

However, Leipzig's musical heritage extends beyond Bach. Visit the Mendelssohn House, the only surviving home of composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, or enjoy a performance by the renowned local Gewandhaus Orchestra. Also remember to visit the Oper Leipzig, the third-oldest municipal opera house in Europe. For a more active experience, follow the 5.3 km Leipziger Notenspur, route, which takes you past all the important musical sites.

_{Tom Williger - leipzig.travel}

2. Discover historic Leipzig: from Napoleon to the Wall

History is evident on every street corner in Leipzig. As far back as the Middle Ages, it was a major trading hub. Evidence of this rich trading history can be seen in the many historic sights in the city centre, including beautiful arcades and market halls. Another highly impressive attraction is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. This 91-metre-high monument commemorates the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, in which Napoleon was defeated. Climbing the 500 steps is rewarded with a phenomenal panoramic view.

Leipzig also played a key role in recent European history: in October 1989, tens of thousands of people took to the streets here to demand freedom and democracy, paving the way for the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is commemorated every year during the Leipzig Festival of Lights. To gain an insight into this turbulent period of German history, visit the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum.

_{Philipp Kirschner - leipzig.travel}

3. Admire art and culture past and present

Leipzig's cultural hotspots offer a fascinating contrast between historical depth and contemporary energy. The Museum der bildenden Künste (MdbK) boasts one of Germany’s oldest collections, spanning 500 years of art history and featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Max Beckmann and Max Klinger.

Design and architecture enthusiasts will want to visit the Grassi Museum, a complex housing three museums dedicated to applied arts, ethnography, and musical instruments. If you prefer to explore the experimental side of things, Then visit the Galerie für Zeitgenössische Kunst (GfZK). Here, the focus is on art from after 1945, and the museum shop, garden and café are also regularly redesigned by artists.

_{Philipp Kirschner - leipzig.travel}

4. Discover unique industrial heritage

Leipzig's industrial heritage has been transformed into a cultural highlight. To the west of the city lies the Spinnerei, once the largest cotton mill on the European continent. Today, this vibrant cultural complex houses 14 galleries and over 100 studios, including those of the renowned artist Neo Rauch.

Another of the city's lesser-known cultural gems is the Panometer Leipzig. Housed in a former gasometer, it showcases gigantic 360° panoramas by artist Yadegar Asisi, fully immersing visitors in themes such as Antarctica or the Titanic. Nearby, you can also visit the Kunstkraftwerk a former heating plant which now houses multimedia and light installations.

_{Philipp Kirschner - leipzig.travel}

5. Head out to the neighbourhoods

Leipzig is a city of vibrant neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character. In the west, the Plagwitz district beckons visitors with its charming boutiques and industrial heritage along Karl-Heine-Straße. In the south, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, affectionately known as 'KarLi', is at the heart of the city's nightlife and dining scene.

Looking for an up-and-coming creative scene? Then head to Eisenbahnstraße in the east. If you are looking for peace and quiet and stately architecture, head to the Gohlis district in the north. With the Leipzig Card , you can travel for free and without restriction on public transport between these diverse districts and enjoy discounts at numerous attractions.

_{Szymon Nitka - leipzig.travel}

6. Enjoy Saxony’s coffee and dining culture

The world is present in Leipzig, and you can experience this for yourself by visiting the city’s many excellent restaurants en cafés . Be sure to visit Auerbachs Keller, a restaurant with a history stretching back over 500 years which gained worldwide fame thanks to Goethe’s masterpiece, Faust.

Leipzig is also a real coffee city. At famous historic establishments such as Café Zum Coffe Baum, you can sample the traditional Leipziger Lerche pastry. This shortcrust pastry filled with almonds and marzipan is an absolute must-try for every visitor.

_{Philipp Kirschner - leipzig.travel}

7. Relax in natural surroundings

Leipzig is one of Germany’s greenest cities, so it is easy to arrange a trip into nature. The Leipziger Auwald , the city’s largest contiguous green space, lies just a few minutes from the centre. This urban forest is ideal for walking or cycling, and is home to unique flora and fauna.

In the middle of this green belt lies Zoo Leipzig, where you can explore six themed areas. A particular highlight is Gondwanaland, which is one of the largest tropical greenhouses in Europe. Explore the many parks and gardens in a sustainable way by hiring a bike from a local rental company or using NextBike's bike-sharing scheme.

_{Tom Thiele - leipzig.travel}

8. Sail or row through Little Venice

Thanks to its extensive network of rivers and canals, Leipzig is also known as 'Little Venice'. Explore the city from the water and admire the industrial architecture from a canoe or rowing boat. Boats can be hired from Stadthafen Leipzig, Bootsverleih Klingerweg or Bootsverleih Herold.

A particular highlight is the connection between the city centre and the Leipziger Neuseenland recreational area in the south of the city. This vast recreational area comprises more than twenty lakes formed from former lignite mines and offers 7,000 hectares of leisure activities.

_{Philipp Kirschner - leipzig.travel}

9. Explore the city and the surrounding area by bike

Leipzig and the surrounding area are perfect for exploring by bike. With three carefully curated cycle routes in the Explore Leipzig app, you can experience the city's diversity at a relaxed pace. You start in the eastern part of Leipzig, an area full of creative initiatives, alternative hotspots, and places that are still waiting to be discovered by the general public. From there, you can set your own pace and choose your own route.

Those who want to cover more ground will find that the region around Leipzig offers an extensive network of peaceful and charming cycle routes passing through villages, alongside rivers and through forests. Thanks to the flat terrain, these tours are suitable for everyone.

_{Philipp Herfort Photography - leipzig.travel}

10. Put on your walking shoes

Those who enjoy walking will find surprising opportunities in Leipzig and the surrounding area. An extensive network of footpaths winds through the Dübener and Dahlener Heide, leading you alongside the romantic river landscapes of the Mulde and Zschopau.

As you hike through the region, you can discover mighty fortresses and impressive castles such as Kriebstein Castle. Popular routes include the Heide-Biber-Tour and the Luther Trail in Saxony. Whether you choose a short walk or a day trip, the blend of nature and cultural history ensures that every step is worthwhile.

_{Christian Hüller - leipzig.travel}