Leipzig

Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Felix Schmidt, Finn Weber, Sandrine Simon
16/09/2025
The majestic New Town Hall in Leipzig showcases stunning historic architecture.
Nermin Jad, Pexels

Leipzig presents itself as a city rich in cultural and musical heritage, featuring impressive historic architecture alongside a vibrant modern arts scene. It offers diverse opportunities for exploration, from its engaging museums to leisurely outdoor activities along its waterways and extensive green parks.

The city offers several lively districts for socializing. Areas like Drallewatsch, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße (KarLi), and Plagwitz feature a dynamic mix of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs, attracting a younger crowd. Additionally, the historic Moritzbastei operates as a popular youth and student club.

Top 7 Things to do in Leipzig

Exploring Leipzig involves delving into its profound musical and historical roots, engaging with its dynamic contemporary art scene, enjoying its extensive green spaces, and experiencing its buzzing nightlife.

1. St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche)

Stepping into this 13th-century Gothic church, one immediately feels its profound historical and musical significance. It is most famously known as the workplace and final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach. Visitors can attend services, experience performances by the renowned St. Thomas Boys Choir, and climb the tower for panoramic views of Leipzig.

Cost: Entry to the church is free, though a small donation is appreciated for maintenance. Tickets for motets (choir performances) and tower climbing tours are approximately €2 each.

Transport: Located centrally, the church is easily accessible on foot from most downtown accommodations. For public transport, take tram line 9 or bus line 89 to the Thomaskirche stop, or the S-Bahn to the Markt stop.

2. St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche)

Dating back to 1165, St. Nicholas Church holds immense historical importance, particularly as the starting point for the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. Its unique interior, with its distinctive palm tree-like columns, was redesigned in a classicist style, offering a serene and beautiful space. Johann Sebastian Bach also premiered several of his works here.

Cost: Admission is typically free, with donations welcomed. Prices for specific concerts or events should be checked on the church's website.

Transport: The church is conveniently located in Leipzig’s city center, a short walk from the main market square. Public transport options include trams or buses to the Markt or Goerdelerring stops. A train from Hauptbahnhof to Leipzig Markt takes about 1 minute and costs €5-€8.

3. Leipzig Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Leipzig)

This esteemed zoo houses over 850 animal species and is recognized for its conservation efforts and unique themed habitats. A highlight is Gondwanaland, a vast indoor tropical rainforest that allows for immersive exploration of diverse ecosystems. It is an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Cost: Adult tickets are approximately €21, and children's tickets are around €13. Evening tickets are available at a reduced price three hours before closing. Combo tickets, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour, can be found for about €36.

Transport: The zoo is situated near the city center. From Leipzig Central Station, it is a 10-minute walk or a short 3-stop tram ride on line 12. Alternatively, trams on lines 9, 10, 11, 16 stop at Wilhelm-Liebknecht-Platz, or lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15 stop at Goerdelerring, both a short walk away. Parking is available for €1 per hour, with a daily maximum of €8.

4. Panometer Leipzig

Housed in a former gasometer, the Panometer presents monumental 360° panoramic artworks by Yadegar Asisi. The themes rotate regularly, offering visitors an immersive visual and auditory journey into different historical periods or natural wonders. It's a truly unique and impressive artistic experience.

Cost: Standard admission is typically around €12. Students, trainees (17-20 years), and Leipzig-Pass holders may receive reduced admission on Tuesdays for €7. Leipzig Card holders are eligible for a 10% discount.

Transport: The Panometer is located outside the immediate city center. It can be reached by S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, or S5X to the MDR stop (a 15-minute walk), tram line 9 to Arthur-Hoffmann-Str./Richard-Lehmann-Str. (a 10-minute walk), or bus line 70 to Altenburger Straße (a 5-minute walk). A taxi from the city center costs approximately €15-€19. Free parking is available on-site.

5. Spinnerei (Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei)

This repurposed 19th-century cotton mill has transformed into a thriving hub for contemporary art and culture. It features over 100 artists' studios, numerous galleries, exhibition spaces, a cinema, and restaurants. Wandering through its redbrick buildings provides a fascinating glimpse into Leipzig's modern creative scene.

Cost: Entrance to the complex and most galleries is generally free. Guided tours of the grounds and selected studios are available, with costs varying.

Transport: Located in the Plagwitz district, the Spinnerei is easily accessible. From Leipzig main station, take S-Bahn line S1 or tram line 14 to Plagwitz S-Bahn station, followed by a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, a tram ride from the main station takes about 15 minutes. Limited street parking is available, and free parking is provided on the premises for visitors.

6. Clara-Zetkin-Park

This expansive urban park offers a lush green escape close to the city center. It's perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling along its designated paths, or simply relaxing by the waterways. In summer, the open-air stage hosts concerts and cinema screenings, and there are various cafes and beer gardens for refreshments.

Cost: Entry to the park is free. Costs apply for activities such as miniature golf or purchases at the cafes.

Transport: Situated on the southwestern edge of the city center, approximately 2 kilometers away. Public transport options include tram lines 2, 8, 9, 14, or bus line 89 to the 'Neues Rathaus' stop. Other stops nearby include Marschnerstraße (tram lines 1, 2, 14) and Klingerweg (tram lines 1, 2).

7. Moritzbastei

Once a 16th-century fortress, Moritzbastei has been ingeniously repurposed into a vibrant multi-level cultural center and student club. This unique venue features a labyrinth of bars, lounges, and dance floors, offering live music, exhibitions, theater, and themed parties. It is a popular spot, especially for a younger crowd, to experience Leipzig's dynamic nightlife.

Cost: Entrance fees vary depending on the event, with prices generally considered reasonable, particularly for students.

Transport: Moritzbastei is centrally located, easily walkable from Augustusplatz. Numerous tram and bus lines serve the Augustusplatz stop, providing convenient access.

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