Leipzig in Saxony, eastern Germany, is a treasure trove city full of history, culture, and modern charm. For Americans tracing their German roots, this city offers a unique blend of historical significance and contemporary allure. Based on my own experiences of sightseeing in the city, here is the complete rundown of the best things to see and do in Leipzig.
A brief history of Leipzig
Leipzig was founded in the 11th century at the crossroads of two important medieval trade routes. The city’s name is derived from the Slavic word “Lipsk,” meaning “settlement where the linden trees stand”.
Over the centuries, Leipzig grew into a major center for trade, culture, and learning.
Located in the former communist East Germany, which was shut off from the West by the Berlin Wall between 1961 and 1989, Leipzig also played a key role in the 1989 Peaceful Revolution.
This revolution eventually led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.
Leipzig today
Leipzig has seen significant growth in recent years, attracting young professionals, artists, and students from all over the world. Thus, the city is currently home to almost 629,000 inhabitants – and counting.
With rents that are still affordable rents and a thriving start-up scene, some even say that “Leipzig is the new Berlin”, especially for the creative scene.
This influx has transformed Leipzig into a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, while still preserving its historical charm.
Talking about charm: There are also many beautiful “Jugendstil” (Art Nouveau) and “Gründerzeit” houses from around 1900 that were not destroyed in World War II and neglected during the time Germany was divided in East and West Germany (1949-1989).
This is lucky for us today because after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, whole streets lined with these houses were beautifully renovated and often converted into several apartments.
10 Things to see and do in Leipzig in one day (or more):
1. Markt and Rathaus (Market Square and Town Hall)
Start your day at Leipzig’s Marktplatz (market square) and the historic Rathaus (town hall).
The Old Town Hall, a stunning Renaissance building, is worth seeing from the inside. It also houses the Museum of City History, in which you can learn a lot about the history of Leipzig.
2. Goethe statue and Auerbachs Keller
Next, head to the Goethe statue and Auerbachs Keller.
The latter is a restaurant located in the Mädlerpassage, just a few footsteps away from Mr. Goethe.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) is considered Germany’s most prominent writer and poet.
Aside from Germany’s former chancellor Angela Merkel (1954-), who studied physics in at Leipzig University between 1973 and 1978, Goethe is probably Leipzig’s most famous student.
During his occasionally wild days and nights as a student in Leipzig, Goethe liked to let loose and have a few drinks in Auerbachs Keller, which he immortalized in his play “Faust.”
So, if you want to enjoy a traditional Saxon meal or a drink too, head to Auerbachs Keller – the historic inn that has been serving famous (and not so famous) guests since the 16th century.
Before or after your meal, use the opportunity to explore the Mädlerpassage, a beautiful passageway arcade filled with shops, cafés, and boutiques.
Leipzig has always been an important trade city and hosted several renowned trade fairs per year – since the Middle Ages and even during the times the Berlin Wall was up.
3. Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church) and Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church)
Leipzig’s Nikolaikirche dates back to 1165 and was the starting point of a series of peaceful demonstrations (the so-called “Monday Demonstrations”) that eventually led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
The stunning interior of the Nikolaikirche, with its pastel-colored columns and vaulted ceilings, is a must-see.
The Lutheran St. Thomas church is equally stunning. This is where the composer Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a music director from 1723 until his death in 1750.
Thus, there are often classical concerts here. Furthermore, Martin Luther (1483-1546), the founder of the protestant religion, preached in this historical church in 1539.
4. Coffee Houses in Leipzig
Leipzig is known for its coffee culture, so between your busy list of things to do in Leipzig, why not take a break at one of its historic coffee houses?
“Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum”, one of the oldest coffee houses in Europe, offers a cozy atmosphere and a rich history dating back to 1711.
One of the oldest coffee houses in Europe, you can also visit a little museum here to explore the history of coffee culture in Leipzig and its significance in the city’s social life.
Please note, however, that the coffee shop “Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum” is currently closed for renovation until spring 2025.
Kaffeehaus Riquet, established in 1908, is a stunning example of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. The building features intricate mosaics and distinctive copper elephant heads, reflecting the café’s historical trade connections with Asia.
This coffee house is famous for its freshly baked cakes and pastries, including the traditional “Leipziger Lerchen”.
5. Unique museums and experiences
Among the things to do in Leipzig, you are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums.
The Bach Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach, and the Museum of Fine Arts, with its impressive collection of European art, are both excellent choices for English-speaking visitors.
“Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig” (Forum of Contemporary History) focuses on the history of East Germany and the impact of the communist regime.
The “Museum in der Runden Ecke” (Museum in the Round Corner) is housed in the former headquarters of the Stasi (East German secret police) and offers a unique insight into the surveillance state of the former East German government German Democratic Republic (GDR).
If you wanna step into a house built in 1717, head to the “Schillerhaus” (Schiller House). It is dedicated to the life and work of Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805), one of Germany’s most famous poets and playwrights, who spent the summer of 1785 here.
I thought stepping into a historical house like that was a really cool experience. Plus, it felt as if Schiller had just left the house a few minutes ago.
6. Panorama Tower
If you feel like some fresh air in high altitudes after all of these museums, head to Leipzig’s Panorama Tower. One of the most iconic buildings in Leipzig, the Panorama Tower is also known as the “City-Hochhaus.”
It is located in the heart of the city at Augustusplatz and stands 142 meters tall. Therefore, it’s officially the tallest building in Leipzig.
Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck, which is located on the 31st floor. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city – including landmarks such as the “Völkerschlachtdenkmal” (see number 8), the Old Town Hall, and the many green spaces that the city provides in-between.
7. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
This convenient and informative tour allows you to see all the major sights of Leipzig at your own pace, with English commentary available.
A Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Leipzig guides you through the city’s rich history and vibrant culture and also passes by many beautiful houses and buildings. I thought it was especially neat to see these from a slightly elevated perspective.
8. Völkerschlachtdenkmal
A short tram ride or the Hop On / Hop Off bus will also take you to the so-called “Völkerschlachtdenkmal” memorial.
This colossal Völkerschlachtdenkmal (“Monument to the Battle of the Nations” in English) commemorates the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, in which Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was finally defeated.
Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and reflect on the monument’s imposing architecture and historical significance.
However, it’s also a place to remember the loss of so many people from many different countries that fought and died in this battle.
9. Relaxing boat ride on the lake
In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on one of Leipzig’s nearby lakes.
Cospudener See (Lake Cospuden) is an artificial lake located just a short drive from the city center. It was created from a no longer active open-cast mining pit that was closed and then flooded with water.
Today, this peaceful area (with some lovely sandy beaches!) offers boat rentals and beautiful scenery, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
10. Leipzig’s Zoo
If you still have time, head to Leipzig Zoo – one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world! It’s located close to Leipzig’s main train station (Leipzig Hauptbahnhof).
Leipzig Zoo is divided into six distinct themed world. Each area is designed to replicate the natural habitats of the animals that live there, and thus creates an immersive experience for visitors.
Provided that the animals are not enemies, they are roommates here in their “shared apartments”. I thought that idea was really cool.
The highlight of my Leipzig Zoo visit in 2020 was seeing a koala bear. Firstly, because koala bears are not usually found in many German zoos (at least I didn’t see any until then) and secondly because this was back in the summer of 2020. And obviously, no Australia trip was possible back then!
Where to eat and drink in Leipzig
Leipzig offers a variety of dining options for German breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you are looking for traditional Saxon cuisine, head to Auerbachs Keller (see number 2).
I personally also really like the burger chain “Hans im Glück”, which is themed after a popular German fairy tale. You will find the Leipzig restaurant of this chain on Augustusplatz near the Panorama Tower (see number 6).
For a more casual meal, I really liked the many restaurants and bars scattered across “Karl-Liebknecht-Straße”, which the locals refer to as “KarLi”. Here, you will find something for every taste.
Just a short tram ride away from the city center, you can also head to the “Gaststätte Kollektiv” here – a restaurant with the interior and dishes from East Germany.
So, if you always wanted to time travel to the GDR (East Germany), a country which no longer exists, this is your chance in Leipzig!
Unless otherwise credited, all photos by © Sonja Irani | MyAncestorsJourney.com
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