During our two-month Germany tour a few years ago, we stopped in Leipzig, among other places. It was our last stop before Berlin, and thus we were now directly on our home stretch. We hitchhiked from Bamberg to the colorful and diverse Saxon city, which truly surprised us. Before the trip, we didn’t really have a plan and certainly had no idea what to expect in this city. But let me say this much in advance: Leipzig is green, hip, colorful, historic, alternative, and somehow totally adorable. In our article, we would like to introduce you to our top highlights and sights in Leipzig and give you a few tips. Have fun browsing!

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  • Leipzig Sights
    • 1. Völkerschlachtdenkmal
    • 2. Leipzig Panometer
    • 3. Old Town in Leipzig
    • 4. St. Nicholas Church
    • 5. Mädler Passage & Auerbachs Keller
    • 6. Augustusplatz
    • 7. Old Stock Exchange
    • 8. New Town Hall
    • 9. St. Michael’s Church
    • 10. Plagwitz trendy district
    • 11. Leipzig Cotton Mill
    • 12. Kunstkraftwerk & Westwerk
    • 13. “KarLi” trendy mile
    • 14. Panorama Tower observation deck
    • 15. Clara Zetkin Park
  • Excursions around Leipzig
  • Our accommodation in Leipzig
    • Other hotels
  • Getting to Leipzig
  • Travel reading for Leipzig

Leipzig Sights

There’s a lot to discover in Leipzig, and not just because of its diverse and multifaceted districts. To be honest, we never would have thought Leipzig had so much greenery and water to offer. You can also expect great architecture, a charming and beautifully restored old town, plenty of monuments, museums, as well as trendy cafés, restaurants, and clubs. We grabbed our bikes and explored the city at our leisure. We’ve marked all the important Leipzig sights on our map so you can get a good initial overview.

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1. Monument to the Battle of the Nations

One of the must-see sights in Leipzig is definitely the Monument to the Battle of the Nations in the southeast of the city, directly between Wilhelm-Külz-Park and the Südfriedhof Cemetery. This national monument still commemorates the Battle of Nations of 1813, in which the troops of Sweden, Prussia, Austria, and Russia won the decisive victory over Napoleon during the Wars of Liberation. You can learn more about the battle here.

Unfortunately, the result of this battle was that more than 100,000 people were injured or killed. At the time, this battle was considered one of the largest in our history. And that’s not all! More than 600,000 soldiers from over 20 nations fought in the fields outside the city gates—an unimaginable number, isn’t it? In addition, this battle led to a major typhus epidemic, in which around 10 percent of Leipzig’s population lost their lives.

Leipzig Sights Völkerschlachtdenkmal am Wasser

After many years of collecting donations for the construction of the memorial in honor of the fallen, it was inaugurated in 1913. The 91-meter-high monument weighs approximately 300,000 tons and offers a beautiful view of the site, Leipzig, and the surrounding area from the observation platform. But beware: 364 steps and a very narrow staircase await you. The path to the top may therefore not be suitable for people who suffer from heights or claustrophobia.

  • Opening hours: April – October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | November – March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Admission: €8, children under 6 free
  • Address: Straße des 18. Oktober 100, 04299 Leipzig
  • Tours: bookable at GetYourGuide* (when reopened)

2. Leipzig Panometer

Not too far from the Völkerschlachtdenkmal is the Leipzig Panometer. Since 2003, various 360° panoramas of the world, which are 32 meters high, have been on display here. Previous exhibitions have covered Mount Everest, the tropical rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and the wreck of the Titanic, among others. You can currently view the exhibition “Carola’s Garden.” More information here: Current exhibitions at the Panometer.

  • Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Admission: €11.50, children €6, children under 6 free
  • Address: Richard-Lehmann-Str. 114, 04275 Leipzig
  • Tours: bookable at GetYourGuide* (when reopened)

Panometer aerial photograph

3. Old Town in Leipzig

During our exploration tour, we naturally also strolled through the beautiful and historic old town of Leipzig. Here you’ll find lovingly restored Art Nouveau buildings, the large market square, the magnificent Renaissance town hall, St. Thomas Church, the Mädler Passage, St. Nicholas Church, Augustusplatz, and the Old Town Hall. Numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops, as well as museums and galleries, are also lined up here.

The Café Riquet, which has been reviving Leipzig’s coffee house tradition since 1996, is very popular. Delicious cakes and fresh coffee are served here in a unique setting. You can also enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the charming Café Tunichtgut, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town.

Town Hall and Old Town in Leipzig

4. St. Nicholas Church

As already mentioned, St. Nicholas Church is located here in the old town. It is the largest church in the city and also one of the most famous. St. Nicholas Church is particularly significant for people from the GDR, as it was here in the 1980s that the peaceful revolution began with the peace prayers. Initially, only a few people attended the Monday demonstrations, but by the end of the 1980s, there were already over 100,000 people campaigning for democracy, freedom of travel, and free elections. Since then, St. Nicholas Church has been considered the source of the peaceful revolution and is a very historical place to pause and reflect.

  • Opening hours: daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Sundays only until 1:30 p.m.)
  • Address: Nikolaikirchhof 3, 04109 Leipzig
  • Special features: Peace prayer on Mondays at 5 p.m., tower excursion on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Leipzig-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Nikolaikirche

5. Mädler Passage & Auerbach’s Cellar

Next, we’ll visit one of Leipzig’s most popular attractions, the elegant and imposing Mädler Passage. The five-story arcade was commissioned by leather manufacturer Anton Mädler and built between 1912 and 1914. Stroll through the magnificent shopping arcade, browse the exclusive shops, and visit the Auerbach’s Cellar inn.

Perhaps you had to read Goethe’s drama “Faust” in German class and still remember the scene in this inn with Faust and Mephisto? During his time in Leipzig (1765 – 1768), Goethe often stayed in Auerbach’s Cellar and made frequent reference to his beloved inn in his drama.

“I praise my Leipzig! It is a little Paris and educates its people.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Mädlerpassage and Auerbach's Cellar Goethe

6. Augustusplatz

In the eastern part of the old town is the extensive Augustusplatz, which, with its 40,000 m², is one of the largest city squares in Germany. Here you’ll find numerous buildings from various decades, such as the Opera, the Gewandhaus, the City-Hochhaus, the Mendebrunnen, the Paulinum (University Church), and the Democracy Bell. Find a spot and observe the hustle and bustle around you.

Leipzig-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Augustusplatz-Altstadt

7. Old Trade Exchange

In the middle of the city center, we stumbled almost by chance upon the Old Trade Exchange, which was built in the elegant Baroque style in the 17th century. It became a prestigious meeting place for merchants and was used for stock exchange meetings and auctions. Today, however, no securities are traded here; the hall is primarily used for musical and literary events. Specialist lectures, conferences, and private parties are also held here. The stock exchange is located on the edge of the so-called “Naschmarkt.” This isn’t a market for delicacies, but rather a roughly 90-meter-long square lined with restaurants and shops. There’s also a beautiful Goethe monument there.

8. New Town Hall

At the southern end of the city center stands the New Town Hall, which was built between 1899 and 1905. The Old Town Hall on Leipziger Markt could no longer meet the high demands, and so a new building was needed. Hugo Licht designed the New Town Hall under the motto “Arx nova surgit – A new castle arises.” And when you look at the town hall, you get the feeling of standing in front of a castle. If you take a guided tour, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the city of Leipzig from the town hall tower.

  • Guided tours: Mondays to Fridays at 2 p.m.
  • Cost: €3, reduced €1.50
  • Meeting point: Lower Wandelhalle in the New Town Hall, Martin-Luther-Ring 4-6
  • More: Sundays at 11 a.m. walking tour with tower climb through Leipzig. Details

Leipzig-Highlights-Altstadt-Neues-Rathaus

9. St. Michael’s Church

North of the Old Town is the 70-meter-high St. Michael’s Church, which is one of the tallest church towers in the city. It stands on the Nordplatz and is particularly impressive due to its pretty sandstone facade and many Stone, stucco, and wood elements. The church was largely spared from all war damage, but will be extensively renovated in the coming years.

  • Opening hours: from May to September daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Address: Nordplatz, 04105 Leipzig
  • Special features: changing exhibitions during the summer months

Leipziger Michaeliskirche

10. Trendy Plagwitz District

On our last trip to Leipzig, we took a closer look at the Plagwitz district. Plagwitz is one of the trendiest districts in Leipzig and impressed us above all with its mix of culture, rough industrial buildings, and a thriving art scene. We also really enjoyed the waterways and the many green spaces, which are perfect for a picnic. Due to the unusual canal system, the district is often called “Little Venice,” and you’ll often spot people in their canoes on the Karl Heine Canal. Book your canoe tour here*. We’ll tell you more about the sights in the next section.

Leipzig-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Highlights-Karl-Heine-Kanal-Plagwitz

11. Leipzig Cotton Spinning Mill

If you’re in the Plagwitz and Lindenau area, be sure to check out the Leipzig Cotton Spinning Mill. Today, the former largest cotton mill in continental Europe is one of the most famous venues in the Leipzig art scene and a meeting place for creatives of all kinds. You can visit numerous galleries, workshops, and exhibitions here and be captivated by the raw industrial charm of the old red brick walls.

The vast site houses not only galleries, studios, print shops, and offices, but also the Café Die Versorger, the Luru cinema, the Meisterzimmer, several 4-star apartments, and theater stages. One-hour tours are offered every Friday and Saturday. Check out the following website: www.spinnerei.de.

Baumwollspinnerei Sachsen

12. Kunstkraftwerk & Westwerk

Ever heard of the Westwerk? Here in the former iron factory on Karl-Heine-Straße, you can expect not only flea markets and parties, but also art quarters and plenty of graffiti. The twice-monthly Kiezflohmarkt is very popular with locals and tourists alike and awaits you with knick-knacks, clothes, bikes, second-hand goods, new goods, books, furniture, and various decorative items.

Currently, all events have been canceled, but sooner or later, things will resume here too (see dates here). Just 900 meters from the Westwerk is the Kunstkraftwerk, an exhibition and cultural center. Currently, you can enjoy a fantastic digital light exhibition (see exhibition plan).

Westwerk Graffiti Street Art

13. “KarLi” Street

We also rode our bikes along the “KarLi” street. Here on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, which leads you into the city center, you’ll find numerous cool spots, shops, cafés, clubs, bars, and restaurants. The Feinkost area is definitely an eye-catcher, where events, various markets, and film screenings take place regularly.

The delicatessen flea market always takes place on the first Saturday of the month in the inner courtyard with cool DJ sounds and a BBQ area (all info here). Popular spots on the trendy mile include Cafe Waldi, the Moritzbastei, Conne Island, the Kulturfabrik Werk 2, Curry und Co., Café Symbiose, the beer garden under the Löffelfamilie, and much more. Cool insider tips can be found here: KarLi in Leipzig.

Karl Liebknecht Straße in Leipzig: Colorful house facades

14. Panorama Tower Observation Deck

Want a great view over the city’s rooftops? Then head to the Panorama Tower (City-Hochhaus), Leipzig’s highest observation deck at 142.5 meters. On the 31st floor, a spectacular view in all four directions awaits you; it’s said to be especially beautiful at sunset. Take the elevator to the 29th floor, and from there, walk two floors. Admission is only €4 (turnstile and coin machine), and this also applies to restaurant visitors.

15. Clara Zetkin Park

We love peace and quiet, and that’s exactly why we take a short break in a park in almost every city. In Leipzig, there’s the Clara Zetkin Park in the southwest of the city, which is just a few minutes from the center. This is where Johannapark, the Palmengarten, the Volkspark Scheibenholz, and the Albertpark also meet. Clara Zetkin Park features a restaurant, a beer garden, an open-air stage, playgrounds, the popular lucky tree, and small ponds. If you need a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can make yourself comfortable here in the park and unwind for a moment (you can stay longer, of course).

Excursions around Leipzig

Leipzig itself has a lot to offer, but the surrounding area also offers a variety of adventures. For example, there’s the Canoe Park Markkleeberg on Markkleeberg Lake. It’s one of the most modern whitewater facilities in Europe, with its own competition and training course. Here you can enjoy whitewater rafting, power rafting, bodyboarding, surfing, whitewater kayaking, and other water sports (more on that here). The Belantis amusement park is also very popular and is just 18 kilometers south of Leipzig city center.

If you’d rather enjoy some warmth, water, and wellness, you should take a trip to the Sachsentherme spa. Saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, children’s areas, water circuits, relaxation areas, and much more await you here. Our readers also recommended the charming cathedral and university town of Merseburg, located directly on the Saale River, as well as Giebichenstein Castle in Halle. There are numerous lakes, palaces, castles, and other interesting places around Leipzig.

Our accommodation in Leipzig

During our time in Leipzig, we stayed at the cool Hostel & Garten Eden*, located in Lindenau. This alternative and charming hostel offers cozy shared rooms, individually themed rooms, a great garden, a communal kitchen, a lobby with seating, and a bar. The hostel supported us during our trip around Germany and allowed us to stay with them for free. Really cool, and a big thank you again! We did a little research and found a few other cool accommodations for you that we would also book ourselves.

More Hotels

The Hotel Zur alten Stadtkellerei is quietly located, just 2 kilometers from the city center. You can expect spacious rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a truly stylish and historic ambience in a former winery. Previous guests particularly praise the cleanliness, the great location, and the delicious food.

4.5 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor

The stylish H2 Hotel Leipzig is located just a few meters from the old town and awaits you with modern and bright rooms featuring a private bathroom, TV, and storage space. You can start the day comfortably with breakfast in the morning and relax in the cool lobby in the evening.

4.5 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor

We also think the Motel One, located right on Augustusplatz, is really cool. Here you can expect a rooftop terrace, elegant and stylish rooms, a healthy breakfast buffet, as well as a panoramic bar and lounge. Previous guests particularly praise the amenities, location, and breakfast.

4.5 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor

Book a room here*

The modern Hotel abito Suites is also located right in the heart of the city and awaits you with stylish rooms furnished with Italian furniture. An espresso machine, a seating area, and panoramic views of the city are standard. Breakfast is provided directly in the refrigerator, and fresh rolls are delivered to your door in the morning.

4 out of 5 points* on Tripadvisor

Arriving in Leipzig

By car: Leipzig is located in eastern Germany and has excellent road and motorway connections (directly on the A9, 14, and 38). If you are coming from Berlin and Magdeburg, take the A14 to the Leipzig-Mitte exit. If you’re coming from Dresden, take the A14 to the Leipzig-Ost exit. If you’re coming from Munich or Erfurt, take the A38 and then the Leipzig-Südwest exit. You can find an overview of available parking spaces here: Parkopedia Leipzig.

By train: You can also easily reach Leipzig by train. From Dresden, it takes just under an hour, from Munich it’s 4 hours, from Hamburg 3 hours 15 minutes, and from Stuttgart around 5 hours. You can book your IC or ICE tickets on the Deutsche Bahn* website. ICE tickets start at just €19.90.

By bus: Long-distance buses also run between Leipzig and many other German cities. The new, state-of-the-art long-distance bus terminal is located on the east side of Leipzig Central Station. Buses operated by Flixbus, RegioJet, Eurolines, and Leo Express, among others, operate here. We’ve only had positive experiences with Flixbus* buses so far.

By plane: We don’t promote air travel within Germany, as we find such domestic flights completely unnecessary.

Travel reading for Leipzig

If you’re still looking for suitable reading material for your preparation, we can recommend the travel guide from DuMont Verlag*. This small, handy guide tells you everything about the city and its many highlights on 120 pages. The guide “52 small & large escapades in and around Halle and Leipzig*” also receives excellent reviews online and focuses primarily on side trips, excursions, and mini-vacations. If you just need some exciting book recommendations, feel free to check out my overview. Here I report on my “12 Months – 12 Books” challenge.