National GeographicOct 20
Why Leipzig, Germany, Is a Music Lover’s Dream
The city that nurtured several of history’s greatest composers is offering more ways than ever to connect with their legacy.
Opera house
21 things in this story
- Christmas marketMarketCharming market in December
- ThomaskircheAttractionWhere Bach led the boys' choir
- Bach MuseumMuseumMuseum dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach
- Mendelssohn House MuseumMuseumMuseum dedicated to Felix Mendelssohn
- Leipzig OperaTheatreOpera house
- GewandhausTheatrePerformance hall
- St. Thomas ChoirPlace800-year-old choir
- Mädler PassageRestaurantPedestrian zone with arcades
- City History MuseumMuseumMuseum housed in the 16th-century city hall
- Museum of Fine ArtsMuseumCollection of historic masterpieces
- Forum of Contemporary HistoryMuseumTraces history of former East Germany
- Auerbach’s KellerRestaurant500-year-old subterranean restaurant
- BachfestFestivalFestival celebrating Bach in June
- Jazz DaysFestivalFestival in October
- Mendelssohn FestivalFestivalFestival in November
- Beethoven FestivalFestivalBicentennial festival slated for May 2027
- Verdi festivalFestivalBiennial festival celebrating Guiseppe Verdi in May 2028
- Music TrailTrailRoute visiting key historical music sites
- Leipzig MOVE appPlaceApp for real-time transit options and tickets
- Airport Leipzig/HalleSightAirport northwest of the city
- Europe’s largest train stationSightTrain station with continental rail connections