LEIPZIG
Leipzig is the vibrant hub of Saxony, celebrated as a historic city of trade, music, and the peaceful revolution that reshaped Germany. It blends Baroque grandeur with modern, industrial-chic creativity.
This “City of Heroes” has a profound musical legacy, a stunning network of historic passages, and a revitalized waterfront of canals and lakes, offering an enriching mix of culture and recreation.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic City Core & Cultural Heritage:
St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche): A Gothic masterpiece, final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach, and home to the world-famous St. Thomas Boys’ Choir.
St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche): The city’s oldest church, known as the starting point for the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 against the GDR regime.
Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus): A beautiful German Renaissance building dominating the Market Square (Marktplatz), now housing the Museum of City History.
Mädler Passage: A magnificent, historic shopping arcade, home to the famous restaurant Auerbachs Keller, which features in Goethe’s Faust.
Bach-Museum Leipzig: An interactive museum dedicated to the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach, located opposite St. Thomas Church.
Augustusplatz: One of Europe’s largest squares, flanked by modern landmarks like the Gewandhaus concert hall and the Leipzig Opera House.
Gewandhaus: The modern home of the world-renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra, famous for its excellent acoustics.
Museum of Fine Arts (Museum der bildenden Künste – MdbK): Housed in a striking modern cube, featuring European and German art from the Middle Ages to the present.
Old Stock Exchange (Alte Handelsbörse): Leipzig’s oldest Baroque building, a former gathering place for merchants.
New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus): A grand, monumental structure with one of Germany’s tallest town hall towers.
History & Revolution Sites:
Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal): A colossal monument commemorating the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, offering panoramic city views from its platform.
Museum in der Runden Ecke (Memorial Museum in the “Round Corner”): Housed in the former district headquarters of the Stasi (East German secret police), documenting its surveillance history.
Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig (Forum of Contemporary History): A museum dedicated to the history of divided Germany and the period after reunification.
Nikolai Column (Nikolaisäule): A column in the Nikolaikirchhof marking the place where the Monday Demonstrations began.
Modern & Alternative Attractions:
Panometer Leipzig: A former gasometer converted into a unique exhibition space, displaying massive, immersive 360° panoramic artworks by Yadegar Asisi.
Leipzig Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Leipzig): One of Germany’s most modern zoos, famous for its immersive habitats, especially Gondwanaland, a huge indoor tropical rainforest.
Karl-Heine-Kanal: A man-made canal perfect for boat or canoe tours, offering views of the revitalized industrial district of Plagwitz.
Baumwollspinnerei (Leipzig Cotton Mill): A former industrial complex transformed into a major center for contemporary art, housing galleries, studios, and creative spaces.
Plagwitz/Lindenau District: A trendy area known for its industrial architecture, canals, and alternative cultural scene.
Parks & Recreation:
Clara-Zetkin-Park: Leipzig’s main public park, a vast green space connecting the city center to the floodplain forest.
Leipzig Riverside Forest (Auenwald): A unique, sprawling floodplain forest running through the city, offering extensive hiking and biking trails.
Cospudener See (Lake Cospuden): A large, former open-cast mine turned recreation area just south of the city, popular for swimming, sailing, and its beautiful beaches.
Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten): The city’s oldest continuously operating botanical garden, tracing its roots back to 1542.
Belantis Theme Park: A large, family-friendly amusement park on the outskirts of the city, built on a former mining site.
Activities & Experiences
Kayak or Canoe the Karl-Heine Canal: Explore Leipzig from the water by renting a kayak, canoe, or taking a motorboat tour along the scenic Karl-Heine Canal and the White Elster river, passing old industrial architecture.
Visit the Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal): Climb to the top of this massive, imposing monument, one of Europe’s largest, to honor the fallen of the 1813 Battle of Leipzig and get a panoramic view of the city.
Follow the Leipzig Music Trail (Notenspur): Walk or cycle this marked route connecting the city’s major sites associated with world-famous composers like Bach, Mendelssohn, Wagner, and Schumann.
Explore the Baumwollspinnerei (Former Cotton Mill): Wander through this vast former industrial complex, now a vibrant hub of over 100 artist studios, galleries (including the famed Spinnerei Galleries), and an art-house cinema.
Attend a Performance at the Gewandhaus or St. Thomas Church: Experience Leipzig’s rich musical heritage with a concert by the world-renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra or hear the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir (Thomanerchor) perform a Bach motet.
Step Back in Time at the Forum of Contemporary History (Zeitgeschichtliches Forum): Learn about the political history of the GDR (East Germany) and the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, which started with protests at the Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church).
Discover Local Breweries and the Gose Beer Tradition: Try Gose, Leipzig’s unique, slightly sour, top-fermented beer with a hint of salt and coriander, at a traditional bar like Bayerischer Bahnhof (a former train station turned brewery).
Shop and Stroll through the Historic Passages: Explore the elegant, preserved 19th and early 20th-century shopping arcades like the Mädler Passage, home to the famous historic restaurant, Auerbachs Keller.
Go to the Leipzig Panometer: Visit a former gasometer transformed into a unique art exhibition space, showcasing immense 360° panoramic paintings by artist Yadegar Asisi.
Cycle to a Neuseenland Lake (New Lake District): Take a trip out to one of the nearby former open-cast coal mines, now converted into beautiful lakes like Cospudener See or Markkleeberger See, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
See the City from the Panorama Tower: Ride up the City-Hochhaus, often called “Weisheitszahn” (wisdom tooth) by locals, for a bird’s-eye view of the city center and surrounding region.
Local Tips & Transport
Tram and Bus are Primary: Leipzig has an excellent, extensive, and reliable public transport network (Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe – LVB) relying primarily on trams and buses. The tram network is particularly fast and covers the city effectively.
Integrated Ticketing: The entire network, including trams, buses, and the regional S-Bahn (City Train), operates under the MDV (Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund) system. A single ticket is valid for all modes of transport within the fare zones for the time period specified (e.g., a single ticket for zone 110 covers the entire city).
The S-Bahn: The Central German S-Bahn system is useful for longer distances, especially to the airport, surrounding towns, and the New Lakeland. The City Tunnel brings the S-Bahn right through the city center beneath the main station.
Bikes are King: Leipzig is very flat and extremely bike-friendly. Cycle lanes are widespread, and it’s often the fastest way to get around the central and hip districts like Plagwitz. Consider renting a bike to explore the river paths and canals.
From the Airport: The S-Bahn (S5 or S5X) runs regularly from Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) directly to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). It is the most efficient and recommended option.
East German History (GDR): Leipzig was central to the peaceful protests that led to the reunification of Germany. Landmarks like the Nikolaikirche and the Runde Ecke museum offer profound insights into this period. The city is very proud of its history as the “City of Heroes.”
Music City Heritage: Leipzig is a UNESCO City of Music. The legacy of Bach, Mendelssohn, Wagner, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra is everywhere. Check performance schedules; many churches and venues offer free or inexpensive concerts.
Dining Times: Meals are generally eaten earlier than in Southern European countries like Spain. Lunch is typically between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner often starts around 6 PM, though restaurants in the city center and hip areas like Karli (Karl-Liebknecht-Straße) remain open later.
“Karli” Culture: The street Karl-Liebknecht-Straße (“Karli”) and the surrounding southern districts are the heart of Leipzig’s alternative, youthful, and vibrant culture. It’s packed with independent bars, restaurants, and shops—perfect for an evening out.
Hidden Gems
The “Spoon Family” Sign (Löffelfamilie): A beloved, large neon sign remnant of the GDR era, located above a cultural space on Karli, a great photo spot and meeting point.
Museum of Fine Arts (MdbK): Housed in a striking modern glass cube, this museum offers an excellent collection, including works from the New Leipzig School.
Goethestraße/Augustusplatz Fountains: During warm weather, the fountains in front of the Gewandhaus and the Opera House are a popular spot for locals and students to gather and cool off.
Clara-Zetkin Park: A beautiful, large central park that is perfect for strolling, picnicking, or relaxing by the river, and connects seamlessly with the Auwald (Riverside Forest).
Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations, a few words of German, such as Hallo (Hello), Danke (Thank you), and Bitte (Please/You’re welcome), will always be appreciated.
Top Restaurants
Ratskeller der Stadt Leipzig [$20-$35] – A spacious, historic restaurant located in the vaulted basement of the New Town Hall, serving a wide range of traditional German and hearty Saxon dishes like roulade.
Gasthaus Barthels Hof [$20-$35] – A family-run tavern with over 500 years of history in an unbeatable location near the market, specializing in traditional Saxon cuisine and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
Thüringer Hof [$20-$35] – Situated in the oldest part of Leipzig, this traditional spot specializes in robust Thuringian and Franconian dishes like Sauerbraten (sour roast beef) in a rustic dining room.
Gosenschenke Ohne Bedenken [$15-$25] – A rustic tavern dating back to 1899, famous for being the only original Gose-serving establishment in the world, offering traditional Saxon cuisine alongside the local sour beer specialty.
Bayerischer Bahnhof [$20-$35] – Located in the world’s oldest terminus station, this multifaceted spot is a brewery and restaurant, serving its freshly brewed Gose beer and local Saxon/Bavarian cuisine like pork knuckles and schnitzel.
Zill’s Tunnel [$20-$35] – A historical restaurant in an 18th-century house, known for traditional Saxon cuisine and what many consider the best pan-seared Rinderrouladen (filled beef roll) in the city.
Apels Garten [$25-$40] – A charming restaurant on the outskirts of the historic center, offering a nostalgic, old-world interior and a menu focused on regional, traditional dishes.
Wenzel Leipzig [$20-$35] – A classic spot in the city center known for traditional German cuisine and a wide selection of beers.
Zur Pleißenburg [$15-$25] – A simple, local favorite offering solid German home cooking and a down-to-earth atmosphere, often frequented by locals for its traditional fare.
Kartoffelhaus N°1 [$15-$25] – A unique restaurant where virtually every dish, from mains to sides, is based around the humble potato, offering a fun and affordable take on German comfort food.
Mein Leipzig [$20-$35] – A local, family-run hidden gem that serves German cuisine with a contemporary touch in a warm, welcoming environment, primarily open for lunch.
Augustiner am Markt [$25-$40] – A popular, large German restaurant located directly on the market, known for its hearty Bavarian and Saxon dishes and its own brewery beer.
Schaarschmidts Restaurant [$30-$45] – Serves Saxon court cuisine in a cozy, historic home-like setting, surprising guests with regional specialties.
Münsters [$20-$35] – Located in the Gohlis district, this restaurant provides tasty, fresh seasonal cuisine and perfectly prepared classics in a cozy bistro atmosphere with a beer garden.
Münchener Suppenküche [$10-$15] – A no-frills, local favorite for lunch, specializing in a daily changing selection of delicious, homemade soups, stews, and simple German fare.
Max Enk [$35-$60] – Housed in the exciting ambience of the Städtisches Kaufhaus, this upscale spot offers ambitious regional specialties, such as Leipziger Allerlei with crayfish and morels, and a varied wine list.
Drogerie [$35-$60] – Features an original setting in a reused historical drugstore, offering a focus on German cuisine in a stylish, unique atmosphere.
Planerts [$40-$70] – An urban restaurant with “zero chichi” where guests put together their personal menu, guided by competent service, focusing on modern European cuisine.
Michaelis [$35-$55] – Features a minimalist design with a hearty cuisine that includes classics like saddle of venison and meadow lamb, as well as a more down-to-earth snack menu.
Genussreich [$30-$50] – A modern bistro with a menu that changes every 14 days, offering classic German cuisine with selected regional ingredients; it also adjoins a cake factory.
Zest [$25-$45] – An entirely vegan restaurant in the Connewitz district that proves plant-based food can be delicious and creative, served in a dining room with exposed brickwork.
Sona [$35-$55] – A creative restaurant with a focus on seasonal, market-fresh cuisine, known for its inventive dishes and elegant presentation.
SHIKI [$30-$50] – Offers a modern ambiance centered around high-standard sushi, sashimi, and creative pan-Asian dishes, complete with an open kitchen and chic bar.
C’est la vie [$40-$70] – A cozy French gourmet restaurant in the city center with stylish interior design, offering set menus and a very good wine selection.
Macis Biorestaurant [$30-$50] – Everything here is organic, combining a food market, bakery, and restaurant. The exquisite selection of dishes uses locally sourced ingredients, with plant-based options readily available.
WUEST Leipzig [$50-$85] – A fine dining experience with a difference, serving modern, seasonal cuisine in an industrial atmosphere, offering set multi-course menus.
Stadtpfeiffer [$80-$120] – A top dining spot located conveniently at the Gewandhaus concert hall, offering inventive French-inspired multi-course menus and excellent wines.
Frieda [$70-$100] – Offers gastronomic excellence focusing on traditional regional dishes, served only as set menus (including a vegetarian option), with great creations like braised cucumber stew.
Felix [$60-$90] – Located on Augustusplatz, this restaurant (and the adjoining 7010 restaurant) provides a first-class dining experience with a show kitchen and an exclusive wine cellar.
Restaurant 7010 [$60-$90] – Located alongside Felix, it’s known for culinary delights and is situated at a great height with excellent views over the city center.
Weinstock [$50-$80] – Located directly on the market square, this upscale restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on seasonal German and European cuisine.
Auerbachs Keller – Großer Keller [$25-$45] – While popular with tourists, locals frequent the Grosser Keller for its hearty Saxon dishes in the famous historical vaulted space, immortalized by Goethe’s Faust.
Imperii [$40-$70] – An award-winning bar and restaurant with a stylish ambiance, offering a creative fusion of international flavors and seasonal dishes, with an emphasis on innovative mixology.
La Cantina [$15-$25] – A Spanish-style restaurant in the casual category, offering a little taste of the global dining scene in Leipzig, with a relaxed atmosphere.
L’Osteria Leipzig [$15-$30] – A busy, modern restaurant serving simple and affordable Italian dishes, well-known for its large pizzas.
Steaktrain [$45-$75] – Known for its high-quality steaks and traditional international cuisine, offering a focused and excellent meat-dining experience.
Chumumi [$15-$25] – A very popular Vietnamese restaurant located in the vibrant Plagwitz neighborhood, known for authentic flavors and a lively, modern atmosphere.
Pho Viet [$15-$25] – A centrally located Vietnamese restaurant offering delicious and authentic pho and other Vietnamese specialties.
Cáo [$15-$25] – An Asian restaurant that offers a range of Pan-Asian dishes and small plates (tapas style), known for its cozy and casual vibe.
Kollektiv [$15-$25] – A neighborhood pub in Plagwitz, serving traditional German classics with a modern “pizazz” and known for being budget-friendly.
Cafe Puschkin [$10-$20] – A charming, cozy cafe that is great for a light meal, snacks, or coffee, popular with the local crowd.
Cafe Hin & Veg [$15-$25] – A cozy, local favorite in the Südvorstadt district, offering a fresh, creative, and completely vegan or vegetarian breakfast and lunch menu.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
IMPERII Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: Located centrally near the Brühl street, this bar is known for its high-end, experimental, and modern-classic cocktails, offering a refined yet unpretentious atmosphere.
Falco Bar: Situated high up on the 27th floor of The Westin Leipzig Hotel in the city center, this sophisticated sky bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of Leipzig along with masterfully crafted, creative cocktails.
Cabana Bar – Rooftop Bar: Found on the top floor of the Melia Hotel, this rooftop spot in the city center is a stylish location to enjoy a cocktail with an elevated view, particularly popular in the summer months.
Stallwache Westwerk Cocktail Bar: Tucked away in the former industrial hall of the Westwerk in the Plagwitz district, this unique, cozy bar offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere with industrial charm and unusual cocktails far from the mainstream.
Brick’s der Cocktail: A chic, 80s-style cocktail bar located centrally, known for its extensive menu of over 200 variations of drinks and experienced mixologists who craft both classic and inventive cocktails.
Rorschach Bar: This spot in the city center is celebrated for its fancy, well-executed cocktails, making it a good choice for those who appreciate detailed mixology in an intimate setting.
Vodkaria: Located in the city center on Gottschedstraße, this themed bar stands out with its colossal selection of over 700 vodka varieties, celebrating Russian drinking culture and serving vodka-based cocktails.
Mephisto Bar: Offers a more youthful, lounge-style atmosphere inside the historic Mädler-Passage in the city center, perfect for a select drink and sometimes featuring live concerts.
Felix Rooftop Bar: Found on the top floor of Staycity Aparthotels Leipzig City Centre, this bar provides guests with expertly crafted cocktails and a great view of the city skyline.
Elsterartig: Situated near the city center, this intimate bar offers a relaxed vibe with carefully crafted cocktails and often hosts live performances, making it great for a more chilled-out evening.
Chocolate: Hidden behind simple brick walls in the lively Barfußgäßchen neighborhood in the city center, this atmospheric bar is recognized for its impressive chandelier and central bar.
Barfly: Located in the city center, this bar has a retro style and a multi-level layout, offering a comfortable place for a classic drink.
Sonderbar: A stylish spot in the city with a focus on expertly crafted cocktails and a chic setting.
Links neben der Tanke: Found next to an old petrol station in the hip Plagwitz district, this is a local hotspot known for its casual, quirky vibes, interesting interior styles, and popular pub quiz nights.
Spizz: A sophisticated bar and restaurant located right on the Marktplatz in the city center, featuring DJs and live jazz in its cellar, providing an intimate setting for cocktails and gourmet food.
Distillery: Located in the heart of the city (though slightly south of the very center), this is one of Leipzig’s oldest and most famous nightclubs, an institution known for its industrial vibe and hosting international DJs for excellent techno music.
Institut für Zukunft (IFZ): Situated in the Plagwitz district, IFZ is a leading club for electronic music lovers, celebrated for its excellent sound system and intimate, underground edge.
Moritzbastei: A unique venue housed in a restored 16th-century fortress near the city center, offering a multi-level labyrinth of bars, lounges, and dance floors, and known as one of Europe’s largest student clubs.
Elipamanoke: An off-the-beaten-path club in the Plagwitz district that serves as a “sound laboratory for electronic music,” blending experimental sounds with an artsy, laid-back, industrial atmosphere, often catering to techno and house enthusiasts.
Nachtcafe: A trendy club in the city center known for its Afro-inspired music and house beats, with skillful DJs ensuring the dance floor is always full.
Conne Island: Located in the vibrant district of Connewitz, this venue is a hub for alternative youth culture, hosting regular concerts and parties, known for its relaxed rules and authentic local feel.
Club L1: A stylish, modern club located centrally in the heart of the city, offering a big dancefloor, lounge areas, and playing modern commercial and house music.
Club Velvet: Located centrally, this club has two floors and is known for its Afro-inspired beats and house music, popular with a younger crowd.
Darkflower: Catering to alternative electronic music tastes, this club has a long history and large following, situated near the center and offering different themed nights to suit various preferences.
Sky Club: A dance club with a unique charm, housed in a former factory hall, featuring three dance floors and widely considered a Mecca for lovers of electronic music.
Mjut: Located near the city center, this club has a reputation for its underground atmosphere and excellent sound, focusing on techno and house music in a more intimate setting.
Absturz: A smaller club with an intimate atmosphere that plays a mix of genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, dubstep, and electronica, known for its lively party crowd.