Leipzig really surprised me! When I first came to town, I hardly knew what to expect. But after strolling through the streets, I was instantly blown away. The Attractions in Leipzig are not only historical, but also super modern and creative. From cool cafes to street art to hip little shops – Leipzig has it all. And although the city is getting more and more attention in recent years, there are still many corners that most tourists do not even know.
In this article I take you on my very personal discovery tour through the best sights in Leipzig – and show you some Secret tipsWhich you should not miss. Leipzig is not only a memorial to the Battle of Nations and Thomaskirche, but also offers much more that most overlook. So if you are in the mood for a city that surprises you with its mixture of history and modern flair, then you are in the right place!
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Table of contents
Top 11 attractions in Leipzig – The highlights of the city
1. Battle of the Nations Monument – landmark of Leipzig with spectacular viewing platform
The Völkerschlachtdenkmal is the undisputed landmark of Leipzig and offers the best view over Leipzig. At 91 meters high, it is one of the most imposing monuments in Saxony and commemorates the battle of 1813 against Napoleon.
Where you can find it: 18th Street October 100, 04299 Leipzig Directions: Tram line 15 to "Völkerschlachtkmalkmal" or car with free parking
The viewing platform can be reached more than 500 steps – strenuous, but the 360-degree view over Leipzig and the surrounding area is priceless. This spot is definitely one of the special sights in Leipzig, which you should not miss during your visit. Tip: Come to the sunset for the perfect mood!
2. Thomaskirche – On Johann Sebastian Bach’s tracks in Leipzig
The Thomaskirche is the musical heart of the city and was Johann Sebastian Bach’s place of work for over 27 years. Here lies his grave, and the world-famous Thomanerchor sings regularly.
Where you can find them: Thomaskirchhof 18, 04109 Leipzig Directions: 10 minutes walk from Leipzig Central Station or tram to "Augustusplatz"
What many overlook during their visit to Leipzig: The Friday concerts at 6 pm and Saturday motets at 3 pm are free! Come early, because the places for these Attractions in Leipzig They are highly desired.
3. Nikolaikirche – Cradle of the Peaceful Revolution
The Nikolaikirche is not only architecturally impressive, but also the starting point of the peaceful revolution of 1989. This is where the legendary Monday demonstrations began.
Where you can find them: Nikolaikirchhof 3, 04109 Leipzig Directions: Centrally located downtown, 5 minutes from the market square
The interior with the palm-like pillars is breathtaking. Every Monday at 5 p.m., the Prayer for Peace still takes place today – a tradition from the reunification period, which you can enjoy at your City trip to Leipzig You can see it.
4. Augustusplatz – Leipzig’s impressive city centre
Augustusplatz is one of the largest city squares in Europe and combines opera, Gewandhaus and university in one place. Here the cultural life of the city pulsates.
Where you can find him: Centre of Leipzig Directions: Tram junction "Augustusplatz"
The new Paulinum of the University of Leipzig is an architectural masterpiece. In the evening, when all the buildings are illuminated, this place unfolds a magical atmosphere – definitely one of the most beautiful spots in Leipzig!
5. Museum in the Round Corner – Authentic Stasi History
The museum in the round corner was the Leipzig headquarters of the district administration for state security and today faithfully shows the working methods of the Stasi.
Where you can find it: Dittrichring 24, 04109 Leipzig Directions: 10 minutes walk from Leipzig Central Station
Here you will see interrogation rooms, offices and surveillance technology in their original condition – an oppressive but important piece of German history. Entrance is free, but this Leipzig attraction Gets under the skin.
6. Leipzig cotton spinning mill – art center with world reputation
The Leipzig cotton mill is today the most important art center in Saxony. Over 100 artists work in the former industrial halls, including Neo Rauch and other internationally known names.
Where you can find them: Spinnereistraße 7, 04179 Leipzig (Plagwitz district) Directions: Tram line 14 to "Lützner Straße/Spinnerei"
During the regular tours you can visit studios and galleries. The huge terrain combines rough industrial architecture with high-profile contemporary art – plan a whole afternoon for this special place.
7. Karl-Heine-Kanal – Leipzig’s green water vein
The Karl-Heine-Kanal runs through Plagwitz and is perfect for relaxing walks or kayaking tours. Here you can go by water and experience Leipzig from a completely different side.
Where you can find him: Plagwitz district, Karl-Heine-Straße Directions: Tram line 14 to various stops in Plagwitz
Especially beautiful is the route between Plagwitz and the Lindenauer Hafen. You can rent paddle boats or simply walk along the shores – one of the most relaxed spots in Leipzig!
Are you planning a short stay in Leipzig? Then I have here the perfect packing list for you: Packing List Short trip: Clever pack for 3-5 days on the go.
If it may be a bit more specific, take a look at this packing list: Packing List City Trip – Printing Checklist.
8. Clara Zetkin Park and Auwald – Leipzig’s green lung
The Clara Zetkin Park and the adjacent meadow forest are perfect for relaxation and offer pure nature in the middle of the city. Here Leipzigers meet for jogging, picnicing and relaxation.
Where you can find him: Central-west of downtown Directions: Various tram lines, stop "Clara-Zetkin-Park"
The park extends to the White Elster and offers miles of walking trails. In the summer, open-air concerts take place here regularly – a real insider tip for relaxing hours in Leipzig!
9. Gewandhaus – Temple of classical music
The Gewandhaus Leipzig is one of the most renowned concert halls worldwide and home to the legendary Gewandhaus Orchestra. The acoustics here are world famous.
Where you can find it: Augustusplatz 8, 04109 Leipzig Directions: Directly at Augustusplatz
Even if you don’t usually like classical music – the atmosphere and perfect acoustics make every concert visit an unforgettable experience. Cards are often also available at the box office at short notice.
10. Museum of Fine Arts – Art Treasures in Leipzig
The Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the most important art collections in Saxony with works from the Middle Ages to the present.
Where you can find it: Katharinenstraße 10, 04109 Leipzig Directions: Centrally located in the city centre, a few minutes from Augustusplatz
The collection is impressively diverse – from ancient masters to contemporary art. Especially the department with works of the Leipzig School is worth seeing.
11. Auerbach's Keller - Goethe's Literary Heritage
Auerbach’s cellar is not just a restaurant, but a literary monument – here a famous scene from Goethe’s "Faust" takes place. The historic place has existed for over 500 years.
Where you can find him: Mädler-Passage, Grimmaische Straße 2-8, 04109 Leipzig Directions: In the middle of the city centre, in the elegant Mädler Passage
The historic vaulted cellars and the Faust productions make the restaurant a special experience. Here you combine culture with cuisine!
Activities Tips for Leipzig
I simply book activities through GetYourGuide. In addition to city tours, you will also find real treasures here. I especially like private guided tours, because the guide can respond to you individually and also adapt the route extra for you. Leipzig also offers *Night tours and even one *90-minute Trabbi guided tour!
11 insider tips for Leipzig – hidden treasures away from the tourist trail
1. Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig – industrial culture meets art
Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig is a former heating power plant that has been converted into a unique exhibition space. Here you will experience art in spectacular industrial architecture.
Where you can find it: Saalfelder Straße 8b, 04179 Leipzig (Plagwitz) Directions: Tram line 14 to "Industriestraße"
The changing exhibitions use the impressive industrial halls as a backdrop. This insider tip uniquely combines art and industrial history – one of the best Secret tips for Leipzig!
2. Railway road – experiencing multicultural Leipzig
The railway road in the Neustadt-Neuschönefeld district of Leipzig is the most multicultural district in the city. Here you will find authentic cafes, restaurants and shops from all over the world.
Where you can find them: Neustadt-Neuschönefeld district Directions: Tram line 7 to various railway stops
Far away from the flow of tourists, you will experience the real, international Leipzig here. From Turkish delicatessen shops to Vietnamese restaurants, this street is a real insider tip for anyone who wants to get to know Leipzig as it really is.
3. Südvorstadt and "Karli" – Leipzig’s trendy district
The southern suburb with the Karl-Liebknecht-Straße (lovingly called "Karli") is the pulsating heart of the alternative Leipzig. Here, unique bars and cafes line up.
Where you can find them: Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, district of Südvorstadt Directions: Tram lines 9, 10, 11 to various stops
During the day relaxed cafes, in the evening lively bars – the Karli is the perfect place to experience the young Leipzig. Many of the restaurants are housed in charming old buildings and have their very own atmosphere.
4. Westwerk Leipzig – Secret cultural spot
The Westwerk Leipzig is a hidden cultural center in a former factory where concerts, readings and parties take place regularly – a real insider tip!
Where you can find it: Westwerk, 04229 Leipzig (Plagwitz) Directions: Tram line 14, then short walk
Here you will meet the alternative Leipzig in its purest form. The program is varied and surprising – from experimental music to art performances. Check their website for what’s going on!
5. Cospudener See – Leipzig’s South Sea with a Floating Fountain
Lake Cospuden is a former open-pit mine and today a paradisiacal recreation area south of Leipzig. The highlight: the only floating fountain in the region!
Where you can find him: 04416 Markkleeberg, south of Leipzig Directions: S-Bahn S1 to "Markkleeberg-Gaschwitz", then bus 106
The fountain shoots daily at 2 and 7 pm up to 60 meters high and is accompanied by music. The lake even has sandy beaches and is perfect for swimming – one of the best excursion destinations around Leipzig!
6. VEB (East) – Nostalgia Bar with DDR flair
The VEB (East) is a lovingly furnished pub that exudes authentic GDR flair. Here you drink beer from canned jars and experience a piece of East German history.
Where you can find them: District of Connewitz Directions: Tram line 9 to "Connewitzer Kreuz"
The decor is completely original from GDR times, and the atmosphere is uniquely cozy. One of the most authentic insider tips for Leipzig to understand the East German mentality!
7. Lindenauer Hafen – Hidden water experience
Lindenauer Hafen is a charming little harbour at the end of the Karl Heine Canal, where you can rent boats and explore the waterways around Leipzig.
Where you can find him: Lindenauer Hafen, district of Lindenau Directions: Tram to Lindenau, then short walk
Here you can rent canoes or small motor boats and go on the waterways to the Cospudener See. A hidden spot that even many Leipzigers do not know – perfect for an extraordinary Leipzig experience!
8. Kohlrabizirkus – Dress code: Colorful and crazy
Kohlrabicus is a hidden cultural club in a former factory where something different happens every evening – from cabaret to concerts to readings with the craziest people in town.
Where you can find him: Kochstraße 132, 04277 Leipzig (Connewitz district) Directions: By tram line 9 to "Connewitzer Kreuz", then 5 minutes on foot
Here you will meet the alternative Leipzig in its purest form. The shop is tiny, the atmosphere unique, and you never know what to expect. Look at their website or Facebook page – the program is constantly changing, and sometimes it is the spontaneous evenings that are the best.
9. Felsenkeller Leipzig – brewery history underground
The Felsenkeller is an underground labyrinth from the 19th century. This is the century in which beer used to be stored. Today you can experience a unique brewery tour with tasting.
Where you can find him: Karl-Heine-Straße 32, 04229 Leipzig (Plagwitz district) Directions: With the tram line 14 to "Felsenkeller" or with the S-Bahn to "Leipzig-Plagwitz"
The guided tour of the underground vaults is a real adventure. At a constant 8 degrees Celsius you will learn everything about the history of brewing in Leipzig and try the beer brewed here. Reservation is absolutely necessary – the insider tip is slowly getting around!
10. The Bach Archive with the world's largest Bach collection
While most tourists only visit the Thomaskirche, they overlook the Bach Archive - it houses the world's largest collection of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Where you can find it: Thomaskirchhof 15/16, 04109 Leipzig (right next to the Thomaskirche) Directions: Same approach as Thomaskirche
Here you can see Bach’s original manuscripts, admire his instruments and browse the library. Particularly fascinating is the study room, which shows how Bach lived and worked. Most visitors have no idea that this treasure exists.
11. The Round Corner – Stasi Museum in its original condition
The "Round Corner" was the headquarters of the Stasi in Leipzig and is now a museum that shows the rooms largely in their original condition. An oppressive but important piece of German history.
Where you can find it: Dittrichring 24, 04109 Leipzig Directions: 10 minutes on foot from the main station or by tram to "Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz"
What makes this museum so special: it is not beautiful or modernized. You see the offices, interrogation rooms and technology exactly as they were left in 1989. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. A place that gets under your skin.
Bars and Cafés – Insider Tips for Leipzig
The best cafes and bars in Leipzig can often be found in the Side streets of the south suburbs and in Plagwitz. Especially recommended are the small Food stores and cafés along Karl-Heine-Straße, where you will experience an authentic Leipzig feeling.
General tips for Leipzig
- Best time to travel: Leipzig is beautiful all year round, but spring and autumn (Here I have the appropriate packing list for you:) Packing list Autumn holiday: For stormy-beautiful trips) are ideal. December enchants with one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Saxony.
- Transportation: The tram network takes you everywhere. A day ticket for 7.50 euros is worthwhile from the third trip. Or you use the Deutschlandticket.
- Insider tip for foodies: Try the Leipziger Lerche (sweet pastry specialty) and visit the authentic delicatessen shops on the Eisenbahnstraße.
- Overnight stay: Charming boutique hotels can be found in the south suburbs or in Plagwitz – here you can experience Leipzig away from the main tourist streams.
Have you ever been to Leipzig or are you planning a visit? Let me know in the comments what you liked best!
Frequently asked questions about the sights in Leipzig
When is the best time to visit Leipzig?
Leipzig is worth a trip all year round, but spring and summer are ideal for sightseeing.
What activities are there in Clara Zetkin Park?
In the Clara Zetkin Park you can walk, jog, picnic or simply enjoy nature.
Are there also cultural offers in Leipzig?
Yes, Leipzig is known for its art scene. The Gewandhaus and the Contemporary History Forum are just two examples of cultural highlights.
How do I get to Lake Cospuden?
Lake Cospuden is easily accessible by car or public transport. There are also bicycle paths around the lake.
