Lonely PlanetJul 24, 2026
Why you should visit Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig
25 things in this story
- Leipzig BachfestFestivalSee Bach’s music in all forms, May to June.
- Wave-Gotik-TreffenFestivalMassive Gothic music fest, costumed audience rocks most.
- A CapellaFestivalAnnual vocal competition in various venues.
- Klassik AirlebenFestivalGewandhaus Orchestra picnic performances in July.
- Leipziger Markt MusicFestivalClassical orchestras and indie bands in early August.
- Christmas marketMarket300-stall market opens late November, since 1458.
- Lake MarkkleebergSightServed by the S-Bahn, ideal for cycling.
- NextbikePlaceApp to book municipal bicycles available around the city.
- Old City HallSightBaroque tower, Renaissance delight, completed in 16th century.
- Stadtgeschichtliches MuseumMuseumMuseum of City History, housed in Old City Hall.
- ThomaskircheSight13th-century church where Martin Luther preached.
- New Town HallSightBuilt in 1905, Germany's tallest town hall tower.
- VölkerschlachtdenkmalSightGrandiose art nouveau tribute to Battle of Leipzig.
- SpinnereiPlaceFormer cotton mill, now cultural center with 100+ artists.
- TapetenwerkPlaceFormer wallpaper factory, hosts art exhibitions and festivals.
- KunstkraftwerkMuseumTurn-of-the-century power plant displaying visual arts.
- Museum der Bildenden KünsteMuseumHosts 15 galleries, including local Leipzig artists.
- Spoon Family signSightIlluminates a lively beer garden and cultural space.
- Zentrum-SüdNeighborhoodWonderful buzz on Café Puschkin’s breezy terrace.
- Café PuschkinRestaurantBreezy terrace, especially on warm summer evenings.
- Bayerischer BahnhofRestaurantServes hearty German cuisine and crisp lagers.
- Ramen1974RestaurantQuality ramen that won’t break the bank.
- PlagwitzNeighborhood
- KarLiNeighborhood
- ConnewitzNeighborhood