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.
Festival in October
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