Summary of the Top Things to See and Do in Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig has been home to some of Germany’s best-known artists for a long time; Goethe was a student in Leipzig, Bach worked here as a cantor, and today, the New Leipzig school brings fresh wind into the art world. Besides being a center for German art and culture, the city also became famous in Germany’s recent history when Leipzig demonstrators initiated the peaceful revolution, which lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Therefore, to get the best out of the city, explore our list of the top things to see and do in Leipzig.
Bach Museum and St. Thomas Church
Address: Thomaskirchhof 15/16, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 9137202
Another world-famous resident of Leipzig was the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Visit the Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church) where Bach worked as a cantor for over 27 years, and where his remains are buried today. If you want to learn more about Bach’s life and work, head to the newly extended Bach Museum, right next to St. Thomas Church.
Auerbachs Keller
Address: Grimmaische Str. 2-4, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 216100
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Auerbachs Keller is one of the oldest pubs in Germany. Goethe loved to come here as a student and called this place his favorite restaurant; he even included the pub’s barrel cellar in one of his most famous plays, Faust. Today, you can enjoy hearty German cuisine in historic dining rooms or sip a cocktail in the Mephisto Bar.
Stasi Museum Runde Ecke
Address: Dittrichring 24, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 9612443
For a glimpse into Germany’s more recent past, visit the Stasi Museum, which documents the work of the secret service in the former GDR. Set in an original Stasi administration office, the museum gives fascinating insights into the function, methods, and history of the secret service; you can see original surveillance equipment, police documents, letters, photos, and a prison cell. Admission is free, and English audio guides are available.
Leipzig Cotton Mill
Address: Spinnereistraße 7, 04179 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 4980222
‘From cotton to culture’ is the slogan of this unique art space in Leipzig; once the largest cotton mill in continental Europe, the industrial site from 1884 is now home to various galleries, a communal arts center, cafes, and hundreds of artists who are part of the “New Leipzig School” movement.
Gewandhaus Orchestra
Address: Gewandhaus zu Leipzig, Augustuspl. 8, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra has been around since 1743 and is proud to be the oldest symphony orchestra in the world. Many distinguished musicians have held the title of Gewandhaus Music Directors. There are 70 “Grand Concerts” every season, showcasing exceptional performances.
St. Nicholas Church
Address: Nikolaikirchhof 3, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 1245380
Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church), built in the 12th century, was the most talked about German church in the fall of 1989. Leipzig’s oldest and biggest church became the center stage of the peaceful revolution against the government of the GDR, ultimately leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. Up to 70,000 peaceful demonstrators gathered at St. Nicholas Church every Monday, demanding basic rights such as freedom of travel.
Monument to the Battle of the Nation
Address: Str. des 18. Oktober 100, 04299 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 2416870
The 300 feet high Monument to the Battle of the Nation is one of the largest monuments in Europe. This epic attraction commemorates the battle of Leipzig in the Napoleonic Wars in 1813, a pivotal defeat for the French. For breathtaking views, climb the 364 steps of the monument. Restoration took place from 2010 to 2013, marking the two-hundredth anniversary of the battle.
Botanical Garden Leipzig
Address: Linnéstraße 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 9736850
The Botanical Garden, located right next to Leipzig’s University, has been around since the 16th century. It is the oldest botanical garden in Germany and among the oldest in the world. The Botanical Garden Leipzig is home to over 7,000 species from around the world; admission is free.
