Leipzig Travel Guide
Leipzig doesn' t call itself the City of Music for nothing, from the latest clubs and rock music, to some of the finest classical music and opera in the country, and its art and literary scenes are flourishing. It was once home to Bach, Schumann, Wagner and Mendelssohn, and to Goethe, who set a key scene of Faust in the cellar of his favourite watering hole. And the university still attracts students from all over the world. It' s the kind of city you just can' t help liking.
Augustusplatz
The predominant civic feature in Leipzig is home to a notable array of city monuments and consistently wins raves as one of the most beautiful urban squares in Germany. Prime attractions include several University of Leipzig landmarks, the marvelous Oper Leipzig opera house and Gewandhaus concert hall.
Leipzig Zoo
Historic Leipzig Zoo is old-school in a good way and has been a city mainstay since 1878. The huge animal park covers more than 225,000 m2.
Mädlerpassage and Auerbachs Keller
Fans and students of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s famous work Faust I will want to make a pilgrimage to the historic Auerbachs Keller. The historic restaurant is one of the most popular points of interest in the phenomenal Mädlerpassage arcade market and trade fair quarter. A perpetual hive of activity, the Mädlerpassage hosts some of the most important annual exhibitions and conventions in Germany.
Neues Rathaus
Leipzig’s new city hall was built over the ruins of an ancient castle where Eck and Luther held a famous theological debate in 1519. Alas, the castle is no more but the Neues Rathaus is rather remarkable nonetheless.
Leipzig Botanical Garden
A terrific point of interest for recreation, to admire nature or indulge in a market picnic, do not miss Leipzig Botanical Garden. The first in Germany is still one of the best and a vital source of pride in the city.
Altes Rathaus
Another fine German city, another remarkable Altes Rathaus. The old city hall of Leipzig is no ordinary landmark however. The 16th century masterpiece contains a wonderful civic museum.
Völkerschlachtdenkmal
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations, or Völkerschlachtdenkmal, was built over Leipzig in 1913 to commemorate the centennial of a landmark victory over Napoleon. This massive stone monument is perhaps the best archetype of Wilhelmine architecture in Germany and offers superlative views of Leipzig.
Alte Spinnerei
The concept is ingenious. Take one massive former 19th century cotton mill factory, the Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei, and redevelop and transform it into a gallery space for contemporary, avant-garde artists. There you have it – the fabulous Alte Spinnerei Leipzig.
Mendelssohn Haus
Though a native of Hamburg, Felix Mendelssohn has inextricable links with Leipzig. The foremost composer and musician was conductor par excellence of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and founder of the city’s vital Conservatory (now the University of Music and Theatre Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Leipzig) in 1843. The Mendelssohn Haus is a fine tribute museum to the man.
Thomaskirche and Bach Museum
Tandem star attractions with indelible connections in Leipzig draw the majority of tourism interest. The Lutheran St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) and Bach Museum simply go hand in hand. Johann Sebastian Bach was choir director at the late Gothic congregation from 1723 until his death in 1750. In addition to Bach’s crypt, the church has several spectacular interior features. The proximate Bach Museum of course, is a must.