8 Best Things to Do in Leipzig

Augustusplatz is Leipzig’s largest square, where you can explore historical landmarks, cathedrals, and concert halls on foot. The square also hosts seasonal markets, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. One of the tallest buildings in Leipzig is City High-Rise (City-Hochhaus), which stands at 142.5 meters tall. Its roof has an observation platform that offers expansive views of Leipzig. If you’re a fan of classical music, the Leipzig Opera House and Gewandhaus Concert Hall are must-visits when you’re in Augustusplatz.

Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church) is a Romanesque and neo-Gothic church dating back to the 12th century. After it was destroyed in World War II, the church underwent massive restoration before it was reopened to the public in 2000. Some of its most picturesque features include the marble baptismal font depicting biblical scenes, bronze epitaphs of notable figures, and the statue of composer Johann Sebastian Bach. For around €2, you can enjoy motet performances by the St. Thomas Boys Choir every Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 3pm.

Leipzig attracts art enthusiasts from all over the world with its long list of museums and galleries. Founded in 1837, the Museum of Fine Arts on Augustusplatz displays about 2,700 paintings dating back between the 15th and 21st centuries. Another prominent museum is the GRASSI Complex on Johannisplatz, which has 3 separate museums dedicated to etymology, musical instruments, and fine arts. If you want to experience Leipzig’s thriving arts community, visit Spinnerei, a modern exhibition space that hosts contemporary artwork by budding artists and designers in the city.

Leipzig Zoo, founded in 1878, is home to over 5,000 wildlife from Africa, Asia, and South America. Rare animals such as the Baikal seal, tapir, and Siberian tiger are kept in natural enclosures here. The zoo has 6 themed exhibits, an aquarium, aviary, and an ape enclosure. You can enjoy animal feeding and commentary at selected enclosures throughout the day. Admission costs around €21 for adults and €13 for children between the ages of 6 and 16, but reduced rates are available if you visit Leipzig Zoo 3 hours before closing.

The Leipzig music trail in Gründerzeit is a self-guided tour dedicated to the city’s world-renowned composers. There are 23 stops along this walking route, each of which has an audio guide system that plays classical music and information in German and English. Popular sites include the Wagner Memorial, Leipzig Opera, Museum of Musical Instruments, and Bach Museum. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete the trail, depending on how long you stop at each location.

Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is a prime example of Renaissance architecture in Leipzig city center. Built in 1556, the 2-storey building has an elegant ballroom that hosts events, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year. Altes Rathaus is also home to the Museum of City History, which details the development of Leipzig from medieval times to the present day. An impressive display here is the miniature replica of the city from the 19th century.

Mädler-Passage is an expansive commercial space with a mix of luxury outlets, as well as prominent restaurants and bars. Spanning 140 meters in length, this upmarket shopping arcade has an ornate glass roof, sandstone and bronze sculptures, and a Baroque ceiling fresco. The ground floor of Mädler-Passage has international stores such as Hackett London, Wolford, and Marc O´Polo, while the basement level houses Auerbachs Keller, a 16th-century tavern with dining rooms dedicated to Goethe and Luther.

Barfussgasschen, also known as Drallewatsch, has some of Leipzig’s most popular taverns, nightclubs, and traditional restaurants. This pub district is just a 5-minute walk of historical sites like Altes Rathaus and Thomaskirche, attracting plenty of tourists looking to grab a drink after sightseeing in the city. Bar hopping is a common activity in Barfussgasschen, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly pathways and diverse nightlife options. Be sure to try some Leipzig beers such as schwarzbier (black beer) and gose (top-fermented beer).