Things to Do in Leipzig: Our Top 22 Attractions & Highlights

The Top Things to Do in Leipzig

In this article, we’ll walk you through the 22 most beautiful attractions in Leipzig. Before we dive in, let’s start with a quick overview of exactly where Leipzig is located.

Where is Leipzig in Germany?

Leipzig is located in eastern Germany and is part of the Free State of Saxony. The city is a perfect base for a road trip through eastern Germany.

It takes about 1.5 hours by car to reach the state capital Dresden.

Leipzig is also not far from Berlin.

It’s only 150 kilometers as the crow flies to the capital, and via the A9 highway you can be there in about two hours with good traffic.

Exploring Leipzig in One Day

Short on time? Here’s a list of our top 7 highlights in Leipzig that you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

1. Augustusplatz
2. Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal)
3. Mädler Passage
4. St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche)
5. Karl Heine Canal
6. Panometer
7. Plagwitz

These are also the most well-known attractions in Leipzig and, in our opinion, no city trip to Leipzig would be complete without them.

You can easily cover these highlights in one day, since most of Leipzig’s must-sees are centrally located in the historic center and easy to reach on foot.

Exploring Leipzig Over a Weekend

If you’re planning a full weekend or a multi-day stay in Leipzig, you definitely shouldn’t miss the surrounding area.

The Leipzig countryside is beautifully green and the many lakes are perfect for a day trip just outside the city.

As a complement to our top 7, if you have more time on your hands, we recommend these top 3 places to visit in and around Leipzig:

1. Leipzig Zoo
2. Clara Zetkin Park
3. Leipzig Neuseenland (Lake District) – Our tip!

Enough preamble — let’s get into our full selection of the 22 most beautiful things to do in Leipzig. Let’s go!

All Attractions and Highlights in Leipzig on One Map

Here are our 22 best picks for things to do in Leipzig. As always, we’ve put together a map for you.

The map gives you a rough overview of where each attraction in Leipzig is located.

You can also save the map on your computer or phone:

Landmarks in Leipzig

St. Thomas Church and St. Nicholas Church

Leipzig has two historically significant churches right in the city center: St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) and St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche). Johann Sebastian Bach composed here, and Martin Luther is said to have delivered some of his most important sermons within these walls.

Both churches have their own distinct charm, yet they couldn’t be more different in design. The white Thomaskirche, with its heavy wooden pews and rib-vaulted ceiling, feels incredibly imposing, while the Nikolaikirche in pink and green is playful and colorful — like something out of a candy store.

Our tip: The Thomaskirche is a great starting point for a guided tour through Leipzig’s old town. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about Leipzig’s eventful history and visit the city’s most important landmarks.

Ticket for an Old Town Tour

New City Hall

Leipzig’s city hall looks less like an administrative building and much more like a small castle, with its light-colored stonework and many gabled roofs. But the crowning jewel of the New City Hall is undoubtedly the tower at the center of the building.

The tower stands about 115 meters tall and is pretty much Leipzig’s defining landmark. Once you’ve conquered the exhausting climb of 250 steps, you’re rewarded with a fantastic view over Leipzig’s historic center and surrounding area.

The building was heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently rebuilt. Today it houses more than 600 offices, and the historic wine cellars are home to an excellent restaurant. We can think of worse places to work!

Gewandhaus zu Leipzig

The Gewandhaus is a complete contrast to the buildings we’ve introduced so far, belonging firmly in the realm of modern architecture. On the ceiling inside hangs an enormous painting titled “Song of Life,” which is actually the largest ceiling painting in all of Europe.

And a really cool bonus: thanks to the massive, angled glass facade, you can view the artwork on the ceiling from outside at any time. Right in front of the Gewandhaus you’ll also find the Mendebrunnen fountain, and together they make for a truly impressive photo opportunity.

The Gewandhaus is Leipzig’s concert hall and draws around half a million visitors annually. More than 700 different events take place here every year, from concerts to conferences.

Leipzig Central Station

What’s a train station doing on our list of top things to do in Leipzig? Simple: it’s genuinely beautiful in terms of architecture — and absolutely enormous! At 83,640 square meters, it is the largest train station in Europe by floor area.

The incredibly high ceilings, the mix of natural stone and glass, and the light pouring through the skylights — all in all, Leipzig Central Station is almost reminiscent of Grand Central Station in New York.

By the way: the station also offers plenty of shopping opportunities, and since the stores are open on Sundays too, you’ll have flexibility even on a weekend trip.

Monument to the Battle of the Nations

The Monument to the Battle of the Nations is about 20 minutes by tram from Leipzig city center. The trip is absolutely worth it, because you’ll be greeted by one of the largest monuments in all of Europe: 91 meters tall and sitting on a base 120 meters wide.

The monument was inaugurated in 1913 and commemorates what was at the time the largest battle in history, which took place in 1813 outside the gates of Leipzig between Napoleon’s allies and the allied armies of four nations.

The highlight is, of course, the observation point at the top, which offers a superb panorama. You can ride an elevator up to 68 meters, and after that it’s stairs. There’s also a museum inside.

University of Leipzig

One reason Leipzig is so popular is certainly the relaxed and positive atmosphere that surrounds you here. Leipzig is one of Germany’s most popular student cities, and that definitely leaves its mark.

The university is not just an architectural showstopper — it’s also the second-oldest university in Germany after Heidelberg and has an excellent reputation. No wonder, since the University of Leipzig has produced some truly famous alumni, including Johann Sebastian Bach and Angela Merkel.

Want to learn more? Your best bet is to join one of the guided campus tours. Your guide will tell you everything about the university’s history and take you into every corner of the various buildings.

Panorama Tower

Want to head up high to get the best view over Leipzig’s city center? We know just the place: the Panorama Tower, also sometimes called the City Hochhaus.

It’s the tallest building in all of Leipzig. Take the elevator up to the 31st floor at 120 meters and soak in the fantastic vistas. Admission to the observation deck costs 4 euros.

Our tip: On the 29th floor you’ll also find a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the incredible view. It’s one of the best in the city, though it’s a bit pricier than average.

Neighborhoods and Squares in Leipzig

Augustusplatz

Augustusplatz is the beating heart of Leipzig, as it borders many of the most famous buildings we’ve already told you about (the Gewandhaus, the Panorama Tower, and more).

For that very reason, it’s the perfect starting point for your sightseeing tours around Leipzig — you can reach all the major attractions from here in no time. And when you need a little break in the sun, this is a lovely spot to do it.

Augustusplatz is also regularly used as a venue for various events, such as the Leipzig Christmas Market. If you have the chance to visit Leipzig in the weeks leading up to Christmas, it’s an absolute must.

Market Square and Old City Hall

If there’s a new city hall, there must of course be an old one too. The Old City Hall is no longer used for city administration — instead, you’ll now find a variety of great exhibitions and a museum inside.

But even from the outside, the building is well worth a look: the facade with its small tower in the center and the many archways is definitely a great photo opportunity.

While you’re at the Old City Hall, be sure to stroll around the Market Square in front of it. On Tuesdays and Fridays, a weekly market takes place here where you can sample lots of fresh local treats.

Mädler Passage and Auerbach's Cellar

Leipzig has a very long tradition as a trade fair city. Today, many of the old trade fair buildings serve as shopping arcades lined with upscale boutiques and fine bistros. The most famous of these is the Mädler Passage. It spans five floors and is lavishly decorated in gold.

Inside you’ll also find Auerbach’s Cellar, famous for being a frequent haunt of Goethe during his student days — and a scene in his work “Faust” is set in this historic restaurant. The menu features hearty Saxon cuisine.

Beyond that, there are many other passages in Leipzig, often connected to one another by tunnels. Perfect for a long, leisurely wander through the lanes.

Plagwitz

The Plagwitz neighborhood is especially appealing to younger visitors. This is the place to be if you’re into industrial heritage and want to go on canal rides or flea market hunts.

A whole series of old factories have been renovated here and now house the young, creative scene. A stroll down Karl-Heine-Straße or Karl-Liebknecht-Straße in Plagwitz is simply a must. Every bar and little shop is seriously hip.

You’ll also find plenty of industrial heritage and cultural programming in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Kiezflohmarkt Plagwitz flea market is a regular fixture on the grounds of the Westwerk. The Kunstkraftwerk in Lindenau is housed in a former heating plant and offers a completely different way to experience art and literature. The old Spinnerei cotton mill is now home to several galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Barfußgässchen

Barfußgässchen is a very well-known bar strip in Leipzig. It’s also called “Drallewatsch,” which roughly translates to “having a good time” — and you can definitely do that here, with bars, cafés, and restaurants lining the lane one after another.

The alley is one of the narrower streets in the center of Leipzig, which means it’s always lively and full of energy.

Honestly, a stroll along Barfußgässchen is simply a must on any city trip to Leipzig. With so many great spots to eat and drink, you’ll have no trouble finding your favorite.

Parks and Green Spaces in Leipzig

Leipzig Zoo

Visiting Leipzig with kids and looking for the right activity? If you enjoy zoos, Leipzig Zoo will completely blow you away. It’s considered the most popular zoo in Germany and one of the best in Europe.

No surprise there — spread across 26 hectares, you’ll find just about every animal species you can imagine. In total, around 580 different animal species call this place home.

What truly makes Leipzig Zoo special, though, is the Zoo of the Future project launched in 2000. Since then, more and more sections of the zoo have been redesigned as themed habitats. For example, there’s Gondwanaland and Pongoland, where you suddenly find yourself standing in the middle of a tropical rainforest right in Leipzig.

Clara Zetkin Park

Want to relax with a cold beer after a long day of sightseeing and maybe soak up the warm evening sun? We’ve got just the place for you: Johanna Park in the west of Leipzig.

Many Leipzig locals actually call it Clarapark. That’s because a well-known monument to the women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin stands here.

In the park you’ll find expansive lawns, a pond, and plenty of playgrounds for the little ones. There’s also a small café and, depending on the season, several mobile stands selling cold drinks and snacks. On warm summer evenings you’ll find lots of people here in great spirits — and you might even catch a street performance.

Rosental

Since we’re already on the topic of beautiful parks in Leipzig, we have to mention Rosental Park as well. It’s one of the largest green spaces in all of Leipzig and offers plenty of room to relax, go for a walk, or play with the kids.

The park is also part of the Leipzig Floodplain Forest, which serves as the green lung of the city.

Our tip: A genuine Leipzig local favorite is the observation tower in Rosental, which is tucked somewhat out of sight among the trees. You can climb up to a height of 20 meters and enjoy the view over the floodplain forest.

Fair warning: The tower has earned its nickname “Wobbly Tower” for a reason.

Art and Culture in Leipzig

Panometer

At the Panometer, artist Yadegar Asisi creates 360° panoramas on the walls of a former gasometer in Leipzig’s Südvorstadt district.

Past exhibitions have featured the sunken Titanic, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia, and a fictional section of the South American Amazon rainforest. Spread across roughly 3,500 square meters, the images leave an incredible impression.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an art lover, the exhibitions at the Panometer are seriously fascinating — they transport you into an entirely different world. Check the website before your visit to get a sneak peek at the current exhibition.

Bach Museum

One of the most famous figures associated with Leipzig is the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Leipzig was one of the most important places in his life and career — here, on commission from the city, he composed extensively for the church.

So it’s no great surprise that an entire museum has been dedicated to the artist. You can find out everything about Bach’s music, his life, and his family. Original instruments from his orchestra are even on display.

The museum is also super centrally located — right next to St. Thomas Church and Augustusplatz — so a visit fits easily into any city tour.

Museum in der Runden Ecke

The name Museum in der Runden Ecke (Museum at the Round Corner) doesn’t give much away about what’s hidden inside. In fact, the building is one of the most important memorial sites documenting the history of the GDR.

For 40 years, this building housed the regional headquarters of the Stasi. The famous Monday demonstrations repeatedly took place here, and the square in front of the Round Corner also played a significant role in the peaceful revolution of 1989.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the building was turned into a museum, with many of the original workstations still preserved intact. The authentic atmosphere gives visitors goosebumps — history truly comes alive here.

Activities in Leipzig

Paddling on the Karl Heine Canal

A canal trip along the Karl Heine Canal and the entire waterway network of the White Elster River is a must! There’s no better vantage point for taking in the brick facades of the renovated factories than from the water — it’s a completely unique and indescribably beautiful perspective!

The Karl Heine Canal winds more than three kilometers through the western part of Leipzig, passing through the Plagwitz neighborhood we already told you about. As you glide through the small canals and under the many bridges, you’ll quickly feel like you’ve been whisked away to Venice.

Before you know it, you’re out in the greenery. You can explore the canals independently by canoe or kayak, or kick back on one of the excursion boats with a captain, or even a Venetian gondola with a gondolier.

Leipzig Neuseenland

Since the 1990s, the area around Leipzig has been transforming from a former lignite mining region into a vast, artificial lake district — known as the Leipzig Neuseenland.

This water-rich landscape around Leipzig really does have something for everyone: those seeking rest will find tranquil retreats on secluded beaches, thrill-seekers can enjoy a wide range of water sports activities, and families will find plenty of variety too.

If you have a bit more time in Leipzig, we strongly recommend a day trip into the green Leipzig countryside. Having a car is helpful, though several of the lakes are also well connected by commuter rail.

The most popular spot is the Cospudener See, affectionately nicknamed “Cossi.” It’s close to the city and easily reachable by public transportation or bike.

Leipzig Wildlife Park

If you’d rather skip a traditional zoo but still want a great outing with your kids, we recommend the Wildlife Park in Leipzig. The park places a particular focus on educating visitors about animals and species conservation.

Spanning 46 hectares of pure nature in the southern floodplain forest, the Wildlife Park is not only a fantastic place to relax — you can also observe 25 different animal species in their natural habitat.

And one more little bonus: admission to Leipzig Wildlife Park is free of charge. Even the guided tours offered by the park are very reasonably priced.

Belantis Amusement Park

To wrap things up, after all the buildings and museums, here’s one more completely different activity in Leipzig: the Belantis amusement park. It’s perfect if you’re planning an outing with kids in the area around Leipzig.

Belantis is the largest amusement park in central Germany: 60 attractions spread across eight themed worlds. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to more relaxed rides, there’s something for the whole family.

The amusement park is located south of Leipzig city center and is quick to reach by bus and train. If you have a bit more time, we can also recommend a bike ride out there. You’ll find bike rentals just about everywhere in Leipzig.

General Tips for Your Trip to Leipzig

To round things off, here are our best tips for a city trip to Leipzig — to help you get around as easily as possible and maybe save a euro or two along the way.

Save Time and Money with the Leipzig Card

The Leipzig Card is a classic tourist pass: with the card you can not only use all of Leipzig’s public transportation, you’ll also get discounts — and in some cases even free admission — to many attractions, museums, and select restaurants.

In our opinion, a pass like this is worth it in most cases, especially if you plan to visit many attractions from the inside rather than just from the outside. You can also purchase the card in advance online (shipped by mail), so you can hit the ground running when you arrive.

You can buy the card for one day (€12.40) or three days (€24.90), or grab a group ticket if you’re traveling with multiple people.

Buy the Leipzig Card online

City Tours in Leipzig

Of course, you can explore Leipzig wonderfully on your own on foot. But in our experience, a guided tour gives you even richer impressions that will stay with you for a long time. Whether on foot, by bike, or on the water — here are our three favorite city tours in Leipzig.

Private City Walking Tour of Leipzig: On this tour, you’ll stroll with a local guide to Leipzig’s most important and popular attractions. Along the way, you’ll hear lots of fascinating facts and stories and venture into some off-the-beaten-path corners of the city.

Private City Walking Tour of Leipzig
Bike Tour of Leipzig: Leipzig is also a fantastic city to explore by bike. At a relaxed pace, you’ll ride with your private guide through the narrow lanes, stopping regularly to check out attractions and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Private City Walking Tour of Leipzig
Trabi Tour: For our last suggestion, we have something truly special. On this tour, you’ll cruise through the city in an authentic Trabi from the GDR era — the perfect backdrop for diving into Leipzig’s history.

Private City Walking Tour of Leipzig

Getting Around Leipzig

Leipzig’s historic center isn’t too large, so you can easily reach all the major attractions on foot. That said, you also have a few other options for getting around the city.

Exploring Leipzig by Bike

As mentioned earlier, Leipzig is also perfect for a bike ride. Especially in summer, it’s simply wonderful. There are plenty of ways to rent a bike — Leipzig is actually home to its own startup dedicated to this, called nextbike.

You’ll find bike stations at many public squares and near train stations. You can also check the app at any time to see where a bike is available nearby.

Rent a bike with nextbike

Public Transportation in Leipzig

For the vast majority of attractions you’ll visit in Leipzig, a ticket for fare zone 110 (Leipzig city center) is all you need.

Leipzig has two public transit networks: the LVB (Leipzig Transit Authority) and the MDV (Central German Transit Association). The LVB network consists of buses and trams.

If you just need to get from point A to point B, your best bet is a single ticket for €1.90. If you plan to ride around more, the Leipzig Card we already described is worth it in our opinion.

LVB timetable information

MDV timetable information