10 Great Places to Visit in Leipzig, Germany

Leipzig is a city in the German state of Saxony, located in the southeast of the country. It has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, thanks to its stunning architecture, vibrant culture and exciting nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family holiday, there’s something for everyone in Leipzig. Here are 10 of the best places to visit in this beautiful city.

1. St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche)

St. Thomas Church, or Thomaskirche, is one of the most important churches in Leipzig and a must-see for any visitor. This Lutheran church was built in the 13th century and is best known for being the place where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as the choirmaster and organist from 1723 until his death in 1750. Today, it is home to the world-famous St. Thomas Boys Choir and is a popular tourist attraction.

2. Leipzig Opera House (Opernhaus)

The Leipzig Opera House, or Opernhaus, is a stunning building and one of the city’s main cultural attractions. Built in the late 19th century, the opera house is home to the Leipzig Opera and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of the oldest and most renowned symphony orchestras in the world. The building is also home to a museum, cafe, and several art galleries.

3. Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

The Old Town Hall, or Altes Rathaus, is a beautiful building located in the heart of Leipzig. Built in the early 16th century, this grand building houses the city’s historical archives and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture and learn more about the city’s history at the museum located inside the building.

4. Leipzig Zoo

The Leipzig Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Germany and a great place for the whole family to visit. Founded in 1878, this zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from all over the world, including elephants, giraffes, tigers, and gorillas. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for children.

5. Augustusplatz

Augustusplatz is a large public square in Leipzig and a great place to spend the day. Here you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a spectacular fountain and a beautiful park. On weekends, the square comes alive with street performers, musicians, and other entertainers.

6. Leipzig Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten)

The Leipzig Botanical Garden, or Botanischer Garten, is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. Established in 1836, this garden is home to over 8,000 species of plants and flowers from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and learn more about the different species of plants at the garden’s museum and research center.

7. Panometer Leipzig

The Panometer Leipzig is a unique museum that combines science, art, and history. Located in a former gasometer, this museum features a giant panoramic painting of the city of Leipzig as it appeared in 1780. Visitors can also explore the museum’s interactive exhibits and learn more about the city’s history.

8. Maskenmuseum Leipzig

The Maskenmuseum Leipzig is a unique museum dedicated to masks from all over the world. Here you’ll find masks from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. This museum is a great place to learn more about the fascinating history and culture of masks.

9. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

The New Town Hall, or Neues Rathaus, is a stunning building located in the heart of the city. Built in the late 19th century, this building is home to the city government and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture and take in the views of the city from the top of the tower.

10. Leipzig University Library (Universitätsbibliothek)

The Leipzig University Library, or Universitätsbibliothek, is one of the oldest and most important libraries in Germany. Founded in 1543, this library contains over 3 million books and manuscripts, making it one of the largest collections in the country. Visitors can explore the library’s vast collection and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

5 Places to Avoid in Leipzig, Germany

While Leipzig is a beautiful and vibrant city, there are some areas that visitors should avoid. Here are 5 places to avoid in Leipzig:

1. Westbahnhof

Westbahnhof is the main train station in Leipzig, and it can be a dangerous place. The area around the station is known for its high crime rate, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.

2. Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse

Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse is a street in Leipzig that is known for its drug dealers and prostitutes. Avoid this area, especially at night, as it can be very dangerous.

3. Clara-Zetkin-Park

Clara-Zetkin-Park is a popular park in Leipzig, but it can be a dangerous place after dark. The park is known for its drug dealers and has a high crime rate, so it’s best to avoid it.

4. Prager Strasse

Prager Strasse is a street in Leipzig that is known for its bars and clubs. While the area can be fun during the day, it can be a dangerous place at night, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.

5. Hinter dem Bahnhof

Hinter dem Bahnhof is an area of Leipzig located behind the main train station. This area is known for its high crime rate and is best avoided, especially at night.