Leipzig

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Leipzig

Leipzig may not have the same level of recognition as cities like Munich and Berlin, but it offers just as much to explore. As the birthplace of musical greats Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn, Leipzig is a thriving hub of tourism, commerce, and culture. The city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, a thriving cultural scene, ample shopping options, and lively nightlife. So, come and experience Leipzig's warm hospitality for yourself!

The City

With over a million inhabitants within the metropolitan area, Leipzig is the largest town in the German state of Saxony. It was originally a Slavic settlement called Lipsk, but quickly developed into a commercial centre, located at the intersection of several major trade routes. In the 16th century, it turned into one of the major cultural centres in Europe, and in the 18th century, it became a major literary centre, with young Goethe studying at its renowned university. Composers Mendelssohn and Wagner are both connected to the city, although it is Bach who has had the biggest impact on Leipzig, having served as cantor at the famous Thomaskirche. After the end of the Cold War, Leipzig has staged an amazing turnaround to become one of Germany’s most popular tourism destinations. Today, Leipzig is a vibrant and diverse city teeming with attractions. With its long history as a trade hub, the shopping options are exceptional. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the opera house, numerous museums, and art institutions. As a university town, Leipzig boasts a lively nightlife scene, particularly in the Drallewatsch pub area — a must-visit for those looking to experience the city's dynamic party atmosphere.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Today, Leipzig is a lively, open and multi-faceted city with an abundance of attractions on offer. Having been a trade centre for centuries, the shopping opportunities are fantastic, while the opera house, museums and art institutions provide activities galore for those with a cultural taste.

St Thomas Church

The restored Gothic St Thomas Church is one of Leipzig’s top attractions, steeped in an 800-year history. This historic site hosted lectures by Martin Luther, organ recitals by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the baptism of Richard Wagner. Most notably, it is where Johann Sebastian Bach served as cantor for 27 years. The church houses …

The Bach Museum

Another must-see in Leipzig, the Bach Museum, is devoted to the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose 27 years as cantor and the city’s music director shaped Leipzig’s musical life. Visitors can explore sheet music, documents, artworks, musical instruments and period furniture, as well as the opportunity to listen to some of …

Memorial Museum in the "Round Corner"

The Memorial Museum in the "Round Corner" in Leipzig illuminates the dark legacy of the Stasi, East Germany's secret police. Set in their former headquarters, it showcases a poignant collection of surveillance tools and personal records. The museum is a hub for educational discussions on human rights and democracy, ensuring that the oppressive past …

Leipzig Zoo

Explore Leipzig Zoo, a captivating urban oasis offering six themed worlds that mirror natural habitats. Known for groundbreaking projects like Pongoland with gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans, and the world's second largest indoor rainforest hall called Gondwanaland, it stands out as a leader in conservation and biodiversity, open all year …

Museum of Fine Arts

Leipzig's Museum of Fine Arts showcases an extensive collection from the Late Middle Ages to modern times, featuring 3,500 paintings and 1,000 sculptures. Highlights include works by Old Masters like Frans Hals and contemporary artists such as Neo Rauch and Daniel Richter. The museum's modern architecture complements its diverse artistic offerings, making it a …

Old Town Hall

As one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany, Leipzig’s old town hall is well worth a visit. It is located on the market square of the city and, since 1909, not only offers a great photo opportunity, but also an interesting exhibition about the city’s history from the middle age until our …

Monument to the Battle of the Nations

If you have a passion for history, a visit to the Völkerschlachtdenkmal is a must. The impressive monument was erected in 1913, as a memorial to the 500,000 people who fought and the 120,000 people who lost their lives in the Battle of the Nations exactly 100 years earlier in …

Leipzig's Riverside Forest

Explore Leipzig's Riverside Forest, a sprawling riparian woodland within the city. This tranquil reserve, rich in biodiversity, is an ideal spot for leisurely walks or quiet picnics amidst diverse flora and …

St Nicholas Church

The St Nicholas church combines elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles in its architecture. The city holds many concerts here, find out the schedule and enjoy them while you are …

Grassimuseum

The Art Deco museum complex known as Grassimuseum houses three museums in one convenient location. Choose between the exhibitions about Applied Arts, Ethnography and Musical Instruments, or spend the whole day here and see …

Market Square

The Market Square, situated at the heart of the city, is an excellent starting point for any visit. Here, you can admire the Old Town Hall and browse stalls selling fresh vegetables, meat, cheese, and other locally produced products. The market runs on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9 am to 4 …

Opera House

Leipzig Opera House, one of Europe's oldest, dating back to 1693, stands prominently on Augustusplatz. Home to the prestigious Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, it presents a rich programme of opera, ballet, and musicals, highlighting its enduring cultural …

Botanical Garden

Leipzig's Botanical Garden, established in 1542, is the oldest in Germany. It houses over 7,000 plant species, including special collections in its greenhouses and a sensory garden, alongside a popular butterfly house. The garden is open for visitors every day, free of charge. Stop by for a serene moment in the …

Lipzi Tours

Get to know the city by bike with the tour company Lipzi Tours. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through and show you the best of the city. They do also offer guided walking tours and sightseeing by …

Leipzig Panometer

Visitors of all ages will be captivated by this unique attraction. Housed in a former gasometer, it features a visually stunning panorama alongside a thematic exhibition. Explore an exhibition that changes regularly and admire the brilliantly crafted panometer …

Belantis Amusement Park

Belantis is a theme park where both children and adults can enjoy eight themed worlds and more than 60 attractions. More than half a million children, youngsters and parents come here every year to enjoy the thrill of over 60 attractions, including four roller coasters and a monumental pyramid-shaped Fluch des …

Wildpark

Just outside the Connewitz quarter of Leipzig, you'll discover beautiful woods and green spaces that serve as a habitat for a variety of animals. Wild pigs are a big attraction, but the area is also home to owls, deer, geese, ducks, bison, moose and foxes. If you're fortunate, you might even spot a raccoon …

Spinnerei (Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei)

Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei, or just Spinnerei, opened in 1884 as the largest cotton mill in continental Europe. Today, the revamped industrial space hosts art galleries, architecture and design studios, cafes and restaurants, Luru Kino arthouse cinema, Residenz and Lofft theatres, and Internationales Choreografisches Zentrum Leipzig …

Dining

Leipzig offers a rich variety of dining options, with restaurants serving everything from international cuisine to traditional Saxon dishes such as Schnitzel, dumplings, and roast pork. The city's long-standing passion for coffee dates back to 1695 when coffee houses became popular meeting spots. It's no surprise, then, that Leipzig is home to a variety of cosy cafés, including one that ranks among the most famous in the world.

Auerbachs Keller

One of Leipzig's most renowned dining spots, Auerbachs Keller, started as a beer hall dating back to 1538. Today, it serves splendid traditional Saxon cuisine. Goethe, a regular patron, immortalised the venue by setting a scene from Faust — where Faust dines with the devil — within its walls. Visiting Auerbachs Keller, especially the …

Ratskeller

Ratskeller is a historic restaurant, over 100 years old, nestled beneath the New Town Hall in Leipzig. With its rustic and cosy interior, this large eatery serves traditional dishes from Germany and Saxony, making it an ideal spot to sample the local …

Apels Garten

Apels Garten is a traditional restaurant in the heart of Leipzig, serving some of the most delicious Saxon dishes, which can be enjoyed either in the cosy restaurant itself or on the spacious …

Restaurant Am Wasserschloss

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine in this cosy and posh hotel restaurant with a beautiful view over the park from both the restaurant itself and the tranquil garden terrace. Be sure to try vegetarian versions of the most popular …

Chang

Visiting Chang is like having a holiday within a holiday. The food and the atmosphere make you feel as if you have jumped on the plane and landed in Thailand. Stop by for fresh and powerful …

Drogerie

Drogerie is a cosy restaurant that offers a menu of elevated German dishes, continually updated to take advantage of seasonal ingredients. The restaurant pairs its exquisite meals with a selection of both local and international …

Trattoria Don Antonio

Trattoria Don Antonio serves pizza, pasta and other typical Italian mains following the principles of 'fresh, simple and good'. Book a table in advance to enjoy a meal in the ample dining room or on the …

Zills Tunnel

Some might mistake this for a tourist trap, but Zills Tunnel is a lovely dining experience. Situated at the heart of the 'Drallewatsch' pub mile, Zills Tunnel has been a staple since 1841. This is one of the oldest inns in Leipzig, and they serve typical Saxon …

Bayerischer Bahnhof

Bayerischer Bahnhof is, just as the name implies, an old railway station. It has a great welcoming atmosphere and, of course, a long list of beer to choose from. The food is German and comes at reasonable …

Stadtpfeiffer

Stadtpfeiffer is one of the most popular restaurants in town because of its amazing food and its great service. It is on the pricey side but there is a reason for why guests keep coming back year after …

Epicerie Petite Marieke

This lovely little place is mostly open daytime with amazing food made from scratch. The menu changes daily and this French place, of course, also has amazing desserts and good …

Leo's Brasserie

Leo's Brasserie is located in the city centre, close to Leipzig Hbf. It has a simple decor but is a great place for a quick lunch. On a nice day you can enjoy a cold beer out in the …

Café Hin & Veg

If vegetarian cuisine is what you're after, look no further than Café Hin & Veg. This vegan restaurant offers an extensive menu of fresh and creative meals. The ambiance is kind and warm, and the staff are fluent in …

Ouzeri Was Kost Das

The idea to offer Greek food as tapas has really brought success for this family-owned restaurant. Great service, tasty food and a friendly atmosphere make you want to come back for …

Phố Việt

After indulging in rich, meaty German cuisine for a few days, you might find yourself craving something different. Phố Việt, conveniently located near the market square, serves an extensive menu of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a stylish, wood-lined dining room. The refreshing ice-cold teas come highly …

Cafes

Leipzig's café scene is as vibrant as it is varied. From traditional Kaffeehäuser offering a slice of history, to modern spots brewing artisanal coffees from around the globe, the city thrives on its coffee culture. Whether you're winding down in a cosy nook or catching up over a meticulously crafted latte, Leipzig's cafés are the perfect backdrop for every coffee enthusiast.

Kaffeehaus Riquet

Kaffeehaus Riquet is a traditional Leipziger coffeehouse with a beautiful century-old Art Nouveau interior and a lovely atmosphere, serving a wide range of coffees, teas and …

Bohemian Kids Café

Bohemian Kids Café serves up speciality coffee and homemade cakes with a personal touch, plus breakfast and lunch. Located right next to the city's oldest erotic shop, this cosy spot is the brainchild of Bara and Michael, former law students turned passionate café …

Café Puschkin

Café Puschkin is a retro cafe with an eclectic interior and inviting terrace, serving comforting pub fare like burgers and currywurst, plus lighter options. Stop by for coffee and breakfast, get a drink later in the …

Grato Espressobar

Grato Espressobar in Leipzig Zentrum-Süd offers a minimalist Italian vibe with a menu that includes craft coffee, alcoholic drinks, and a variety of snacks and treats. Enjoy a creative meal or a simple, comforting bite in a stylish …

Dankbar Kaffee

Dankbar Kaffee in Leipzig's Wandstraßen quarter revitalises the historic setting of the former Café Fleischerei. This café blends its century-old butchery's charm with modern touches, offering vegan-friendly breakfast and lunch, alongside coffee, cakes, and evening …

Opern Café

Opern Café is a cosy café offering a wide selection of coffees, along with various food and beverages. With its extended opening hours, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or a coffee break during your sightseeing …

Bars & Nightlife

Leipzig has several pub districts, one of the most popular being the Drallewatsch, which runs from the Bruehl precinct along Fleischergasse to the New Town Hall. Many of the city’s pubs have beer gardens, which are incredibly popular in the summer. A must for beer lovers when in Leipzig is to try the locally brewed Leipzig Gose, a top-fermented beer that can be enjoyed at the Gose brewery Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei Bayerischer Bahnhof or at the pub Gosenschenke. The people of Leipzig sure know how to party, particularly the city’s university crowd, and there is a wide variety of funky clubs where you can put your legs up and let your hair down.

Falco Bar

Falco Bar, perched on the 27th floor of the Westin Hotel, presents a creative modern menu and outstanding mixology. Enjoy a few drinks and delightful meals while taking in the sensational views over the …

Gosenschenke Ohne Bedenken

Visit this traditional pub and restaurant for a proper Saxon experience, with traditional Leipziger beer or Gose flowing, a great atmosphere and superb regional culinary treats. The rustic tavern has been in business since …

Cafe Luise

One of the typical venues in Gottschedstrasse, the Luise, features trendy customers, good music and simple food as well as, of course, a wide variety of drinks to get you going. If you wake up with a hangover on Saturday, why not come back to the scene of the crime for the lovely breakfast …

Bayerischer Bahnhof

Bayerischer Bahnhof pub and brewery is located in the building that once served as Leipzig’s main train station. Converted into a brewpub in 1999 after the derelict building was sold, it now offers a variety of German beers, specialising in different versions of the local Gose beer. Among the unique offerings is Regenschirm — …

Spizz

Dark Flower

For those with a taste for the alternative (and also black clothing), this is the place to go in Leipzig, with a range of different club nights featuring electro and alternative music to rock and 1980s …

Nachtcafé

Nachtcafé has been committed to playing the finest of hip-hop, house and electronic music since 1998. Hosting some of the best DJs on the scene, this club guarantees a fantastic time with its vibrant and funky …

Killiwilly Irish Pub

Every town has it: a typical Irish pub, and Leipzig is no exception. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing evening with great draft beer, good food and watch some sports. If you like whisky, be prepared, they offer 76 various …

Bellini's

Bellini's enjoys a prime location just off the market square, complete with a spacious terrace. It's an ideal spot to sit outside late into the evening, sipping cocktails and watching the world go …

Café Cantona

Have a relaxing evening and enjoy some cold beers and a burger at Café Cantona, which is located close to the city centre. This is a place you can visit for breakfast, coffee, lunch, dinner or for a drink …

Flower Power

Flower Power is a local’s favourite attracting mainly clientele in their 20s and 30s. The music played is older rock and disco so it is a great place for dancing the night away. Look out for the truly weird memorabilia on the walls and …

Noch Besser Leben

Drallewatsch Bar Street

Explore Drallewatsch, Leipzig's celebrated pub district, weaving through historical streets like Barfußgässchen and Fleischergasse. This area showcases dense clusters of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gründerzeit architecture, providing a picturesque backdrop for its diverse range of pubs and …

Barfly

This late night bar you will find on the corner of trendy Karl-Liebknecht and Arndtstraße; it attracts a relaxed and slightly older crowd. Barfly is a popular hangout for staff from other bars and clubs. In the summer time you can sip a tasty cocktail in the outside seating …

Shopping

Leipzig is a shopper's paradise, offering a range of fantastic shopping options from exclusive boutiques and elegant shopping arcades to traditional food and antiques markets. For luxury shopping, head to Mädler Passage, which leads to Königshaus and Messehofspassage. For local souvenirs and books, explore the arcades near the Old Town Hall. Don't miss the beautifully refurbished Specks Hof and Barthels Hof, along with the city’s newest and most modern shopping destinations in Städtisches Kaufhaus, Strohsack-Passage, and Petersbogen. For fresh regional food and agricultural products, the market near Leipzig Central Stadium on Saturdays is the place to go.