Things to do in Leipzig
The old town hall and market
Leipzig’s original town hall, built in 1556, now serves as the city museum. Step inside and uncover the history of the city, as well as a true-to-scale model of the surrounding area. The old town hall leads straight out into Leipzig’s market square, which holds a weekly market, a Christmas fare and an annual wine festival.
Bach Museum
Leipzig has a special connection with many classical music composers – but perhaps none more so than Bach, who played the organ and directed the boys’ choir at St. Thomas Church. Today, you can head next door to the church to step into a world of Bach. The museum is home to a wide range of artifacts, where you can explore his original manuscripts and rearrange his work in interactive installations.
Leipzig Zoo
Accommodating over 800 species of animals and open 365 days of the year, Leipzig Zoo works hard to maintain the vision of its founder Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold to be a “zoo of the future”. Perhaps the most striking example of this is the Gondwanaland – an expansive glass-roofed rainforest hall housing 200 exotic animals, where visitors can walk among the tree canopy via rope bridges, and even take a river tour on an artificial canal. It’s the perfect stop off for families on vacation.
Belantis Theme Park
Take your rental car on a drive to the biggest amusement park in East Germany. Here you’ll find fun for all the family, from high intensity rollercoasters to live entertainment for younger children. You can also take a break at two picturesque lakes in the center of the park.
Where to stay in Leipzig
The Westin Leipzig
Towering over Leipzig’s main train station, the Westin Leipzig has over 27 floors and arguably one of the best views in the city. The rooms here are as modern as they are stylish, plus there’s a two-Michelin-star restaurant, Falco, on the top floor.
Fregehaus Hotel
Occupying a custard-yellow 16th-century townhouse, this charming boutique hotel mixes antique furnishings with modern interiors for a quirky stay. Each of its 20 rooms has a one-of-a-kind feel.
Abito Suites
Located next to the Gewandhaus concert hall and Leipzig’s opera house, these plush self-contained split-level apartments are sophisticated both inside and out.
Best places to eat in Leipzig
Auerbachs Keller
Auerbach’s cellar is probably best known for being the first place Mephistopheles takes Faust on their travels in the famous Goethe play. Offering traditional Saxon fare in smart surroundings, the cellar is a true Leipzig legend.
Max Enk
Classic meets contemporary at Max Enk. Housed inside the department store Enk, this restaurant has stylishly updated a part of the building with a chic glass ceiling and simple décor. On the menu, you’ll find an internationally inspired dishes using local ingredients.
Dankbar Kaffee Leipzig
Experience Leipzig’s younger, cooler edge in this Instagrammable coffee shop which serves popular breakfast dishes, small plates and cakes. Be sure to look up at the original ornate ceiling too.