Leipzig might not be the first city that springs to mind when planning a German city break- but it should be.
With its mix of historic landmarks, fascinating history, creative neighbourhoods and a surprising number of green spaces, Leipzig is a laidback city that is easy to explore and absolutely full of character.
Planning a trip or curious about this historic city in Eastern Germany? Here’s 7 of the best things to do in Leipzig, from must-see sights to local flavours we loved.
Explore Leipzig Hauptbahnhof ( The Historic Railway Station)
Leipzig Railway Station is a real stand out. Why? Well firstly, it’s one of the largest stations in Europe. Secondly, it’s a historic Art Nouveau beauty that was painstakingly restored after being damaged in World War Two.
As well as being a beautiful and historic landmark, the station is home to everything a traveller might need. Luggage storage, currency exchange, free WiFi and endless places to eat & drink.
Leipzig Station is also home to an incredibly fancy Starbucks. I know not everyone loves Starbucks, but this one is worth a visit. It’s located in the very grand space that was once the First Class Waiting Rooms. An interesting and historic place for a coffee!
If you’re travelling in Germany on a Sunday and need something, head to the main railway station. Outlets in stations are exempt from the Ladenschlussgesetz / Shop Closing Law that forces shops and commercial venues to remain closed on Sunday.
Visit Leipzig Zoo
Leipzig Zoo is an absolutely fantastic day out for all ages. The historic zoo in the heart of Leipzig is divided into six themed areas, each designed to showcase a different part of the world, from African savannahs to the Himalayan Mountains.
My favourite area was Gondwanaland, a huge indoor rainforest. There’s a treetop walkway to explore the canopy, a boat ride along the jungle river and a village to explore. Add to that the hundreds of exotic plants and animals and you have yourself a fun rainforest adventure in the city.
With a range of indoor and outdoor areas making this all weather option and lots of places to eat and drink, you can easily make a day of this gorgeous zoo.
Bonus Tip: If you’re short on time , the zoo does offer an Abendkarten/Evening Ticket giving reduced price evening entry for the 3 hours before the zoo closes. A great way to end a day or start the evening
Take In The Views at The Battle of the Nations Monument
A Leipzig landmark, a war memorial on an impressive scale. A must do for anyone who enjoys history, photography and time outdoors.
The imposing Battle of the Nations memorial is one of the largest in Europe, standing an impressive 91m high. It marks the site of the 1813 battle that saw Napoleon defeated, making it one of Leipzig’s most historically significant landmarks.
At the bottom, you’ll find Forum 1813, a museum that gives more insight into the battle if you want to take a dive into the military history.
You can also climb up to the monuments observation platform, but be prepared. Access involves around 400 steps and a narrow passageway, but the panoramic Leipzig views from the top make it worth the effort.
The monument is located about a 25 minute S-Bahn ride out of the city centre in the Probstheida neighbourhood. Worth the journey and the S-Bahn system is very straightforward to navigate. Details & journey planner here.
COST: Grounds are free to visit, access to the monument cost €12 per adult.
The Leipzig Panometer.
If you love art on an epic scale, the Leipzig Panometer is a must. Set inside a vast former gas storage facility, this unique Leipzig venue now hosts the panoramic exhibitions of artist Yadegar Asisi.
Asisi’s work is immersive. He creates 360 degree panoramas that stand 32m high. Detailed visuals are combined with atmospheric lighting and specially created soundtracks to completely draw you in. Past themes have ranged from The Great Barrier Reef to Dresden 1945.
I honestly can’t recommend this experience enough. The themes change regularly, so even if you’ve visited before, each exhibition is a new experience. One thing to note; the venue is an uninsulated industrial structure so it can get chilly. Wear layers in the cooler months. Afterwards, you can warm up in the small but lovely Panometer Cafe. They have great coffee & cake.
I was lucky enough to experience the Titanic Panorama and you can read all about it here.
COST: Standard adult tickets to the Panometer cost €16.
The Mädler Passage: Leipzig Luxury
Right in the heart of the old city, famous for it’s beautifully classic design, the Mädler Passage is a must.
Leipzig is famous for it’s covered arcades and connecting passageways, but if you’ve only time for one, make it the Mädler.
Built in the early 1900’s under the supervision of Leipzig local Anton Mädler, the arcade is home to mix of cafes, restaurants and high end shops and keeper of some beautiful tile work and an ornate glass ceiling. A beautiful place to wander and stop for a coffee.
The Mädler Passage is also home to a couple of life size statues inspired by the work of German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Rubbing the feet is said to bring luck. Judging by the shine on the shoes, plenty of visitors have given it a go!
COST: Free to visit, free to window shop. Coffee & cake in this beautiful location, about €10-15 each.
Museum in der Runde Ecke: The Former Stasi Headquarters
This memorial and museum is located in the ‘Runde Ecke’ bulding; the actual headquarters of East Germany’s secret police service ( the ‘Stasi’) during the Cold War. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time.
The museum exhibition starts at the end of WW2 before guiding visitors through the methods and purpose of the Stasi. There’s lots of original features including old lino flooring, original door grilles and the familiar old portrait of Erich Honecker.
Some items are almost comical- Stasi bath mat, anyone?- others, like the bugging devices, are much more sinister. A genuinely brilliant museum.
Don’t miss the the memorial to the US Soldiers who used the building as their headquarters at the end of World War Two. One building, so much history!
COST: €5, English language audioguide available.
Want to explore the history of Leipzig in more depth? The app. ‘Leipzig 89’ is a self guided tour around 20 sites in the city that played a key role in making Leipzig the city of, ‘Peaceful Revolution’
Sample the Local Brew: Gose Beer
Germany is famous for its beer culture and Leipzig has its own unique brew: Gose Beer.
Gose is an old style craft beer, created with a specific brewing technique and brewed with coriander and salt. The resulting flavour is slightly citrus-y and very unique. The name comes from the beer’s origins in Goslar in the Harz Mountains, but it’s now very much a Leipzig speciality.
To sample the local beer in an iconic venue, head to Bayerischer Bahnhof, a Leipzig beer hall and restaurant housed in a former rail station.
Where to Stay in Leipzig
I can personally recommend Apartment Central for a relaxed, budget friendly stay in Leipzig. The apartment style lodgings are perfect for a relaxed stay and ideally located if you want to explore by walking or cycling around Leipzig.
I love this laid back apart-hotel for the convenient location close to the main rail station, cosy decor and well equipped rooms. View Apartment Central and check availability for your travel dates here.
Read my full my full review here.
Looking for more Germany travel inspiration? You might enjoy one of these posts:
Discover the Dortmund Museum of Resistance & Persecution: A Powerful Look into German History
Travemünde: The German Seaside Resort You Shouldn’t Miss
5 Fun Things to Do Indoors in Berlin (Perfect for Bad Weather Days!)
Helen x
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