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From world-class music venues to vibrant street art, there’s no shortage of things to do in Leipzig. This German city is dynamic, deeply rooted in classical music heritage, and at the same time boasts a vibrant and pulsating creative scene. If you are one of those people who love to do multiple activities on their holidays, like walking, climbing, and exploring underground art spaces, then Leipzig is the place for you. As a small city, it is very easy to explore everything on foot or by bike, and in every small community, you will find something new in terms of culture and history.
10 Things To Do In Leipzig
Exploring Bach’s musical heritage, visiting contemporary art galleries, and strolling through historic districts are some of the best things to do in Leipzig.
1. Explore St. Thomas Church
Photo: Lukas Beck / Wikimedia Commons
St. Thomas Church is one of Leipzig’s most recognisable architectural marvels, and it is inseparably tied to the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Dating back to the 12th century and after that, being changed to the Gothic style, the church is the very place where Bach served as a cantor from 1723 to his death in 1750. The only evidence of his burial there is a simple bronze plaque located near the altar. The visitors can bask in all the grandeur of the soaring vaulted ceilings, colourful stained-glass windows, and the old organ, which is sometimes played at concerts.
Location: Thomaskirchhof 18, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Historic Gothic church; Bach’s burial site; Thomanerchor performances
2. Visit The Monument To The Battle Of The Nations
Photo: StuttgartUser / Wikimedia Commons
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which is 91 meters tall, is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful things to see in Leipzig. It serves as a reminder of the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, which is the same battle that led to the decisive defeat of Napoleon by the Coalition forces. The monument was designed by the sculptor Franz Metzner and was erected in 1913 during the centenary of the battle. It is composed of massive stone figures that depict the main virtues of war: courage, sacrifice, and victory. In the interior section of the building, the Hall of Fame and the crypt are where the giant warrior statues are placed under the dome.
Location: Straße des 18. Oktober 100, 04299 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: 91m-tall war memorial with panoramic city views
3. Experience The Panometer Leipzig
Photo: Frank Vincentz / Wikimedia Commons
Located in a former gas storage tank, the Panometer in Leipzig is undoubtedly one of the most captivating visual spectacles in the city. This project by artist Yadegar Asisi is a 360-degree panoramic picture of some amazing scenes that range from past events like ancient Rome or the Titanic to Nature, such as the Amazon rainforest. A single panorama reaches a height of 30 meters and is viewed from the centre stage, whereby the accompanying sound and light effects are used to simulate the scene. The exhibits are swapped every couple of years; hence, even repeated visitors are not bored with a new experience.
Location: Richard-Lehmann-Straße 114, 04275 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Immersive 360° panoramic art in a former gas tank
4. Discover The Spinnerei Art Galleries
Photo: PantheraLeo1359531 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most unique experiences for anyone wondering what to do in Leipzig is a visit to the Spinnerei, a former cotton mill transformed into a thriving art district in the Plagwitz neighborhood. Once the largest in Europe, the site now houses over a dozen contemporary galleries, artist studios, and cultural spaces. It’s the birthplace of the famous New Leipzig School, featuring artists like Neo Rauch. Wander through vast brick halls showcasing rotating exhibitions. With a café, bookshop, indie cinema, and microbrewery, the Spinnerei is a must-visit for art lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Location: Spinnereistraße 7, 04179 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Contemporary galleries in a former cotton mill
5. Unwind At Clara-Zetkin Park
Photo: Falk2 / Wikimedia Commons
Clara-Zetkin Park is Leipzig’s vibrant green space and one of the most peaceful ways to spend your time in Leipzig. Covering over 100 hectares, the park brings together several historic gardens, such as Johannapark and Palmengarten, now seamlessly merged into a vibrant urban green space. People who live here have come to the park to jog, picnic, bike, or just relax by the Elsterflutbett canal. There are shaded walking paths, wide meadows, lovely bridges, and even occasional outdoor concerts or theatre performances in summer. A popular spot is Glashaus Café, the ideal place to enjoy a coffee or beer after a walk.
Location: Anton-Bruckner-Allee, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Green urban park with walking trails and canal views
6. Step Into The Bach Museum Leipzig
Photo: Photo: Andreas Praefcke / Wikimedia Commons
For music lovers, one of the most fulfilling things to do in Leipzig is a visit to the Bach Museum, situated directly across from St. Thomas Church. The museum, located in the historic Bosehaus, follows the journey, the family, and the influence of Johann Sebastian Bach, who had a great life in Leipzig and spent over 25 years there. The museum’s new exhibition of original manuscripts, period instruments, personal artefacts, and interactive displays that allow visitors to listen to Bach’s compositions in the highest quality is on display. The treasury room with climate-controlled glass protecting priceless handwritten scores is a feature that visitors especially appreciate.
Location: Thomaskirchhof 15/16, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Interactive museum on Bach’s life and works
7. Explore Leipzig Zoo And Gondwanaland
Photo: Frank Vincentz / Wikimedia Commons
A journey to the Leipzig Zoo is undoubtedly among the top family-friendly things to do in the city of Leipzig. Leipzig Zoo is a place of innovative enclosures and a strong commitment to saving the planet, which houses more than 850 species. The star of the zoo is nevertheless Gondwanaland, the indoor tropical rainforest that occupies 1.6 ha. In there, visitors walk the jungle trails or drift down the artificial river, surrounded by exotic plants, animals, and the hot mist, which gives the same effect as the natural rainforest. The educational programs and feeding demonstrations are going to be on all day long.
Location: Pfaffendorfer Str. 29, 04105 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Indoor rainforest; over 850 animal species
8. Attend A Performance At The Leipzig Opera Or The Gewandhaus
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most elegant and memorable things to do in Leipzig for an unforgettable evening is to watch a performance at the Leipzig Opera or the Gewandhaus concert hall. The Opera House, which was built in the 17th century, still puts on top-class opera, ballet, and musical theatre productions in a modern, acoustically excellent space. Mere steps away, the Gewandhaus is the residence of the world-famous Gewandhaus Orchestra, whose conductor was Mendelssohn in the past. The orchestra’s rich and sincere performance here is certainly moving. These venues can be the places for major festivals, international collaborations, and seasonal programs.
Location: Augustusplatz 12, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Opera, ballet, and world-class orchestral concerts
9. Take A Boat Tour Through Leipzig’s Canal System
Photo: Falk2 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most picturesque things to do in Leipzig is to explore its waterways by boat. The city’s canal system, particularly the Karl Heine Canal and the White Elster River, runs through verdant parks, historic industrial areas, and contemporary residential enclaves. Boat tours, both guided and unguided, leave from Stadthafen Marina, allowing you to relax on the water and appreciate remarkable vistas of Leipzig while enjoying a unique experience. Some tour guides provide commentary on local history, architecture, and even the river and floodplain’s restoration efforts. Along the way, you will pass under cute footbridges and see iconic sights such as the former Buntgarnwerke textile factory.
Location: Stadthafen Leipzig, Schreberstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Scenic boat rides through historic canals and nature
10. Stroll Through Leipzig Market Square And The Old Town Hall
Photo: Visions of Domino / Wikimedia Commons
A trip to the Market Square is one of the most traditional experiences in Leipzig. In its very centre, there is the Old Town Hall, which was built in Renaissance style in 1556 and is now the Museum of City History. The square is also the main place for all sorts of markets, seasonal ones, undoubtedly the most famous being the Leipzig Christmas Market, weekly farmers’ markets, and cultural festivals. Street performers, flower vendors, and pop-up food stalls are just a few examples of lively atmosphere contributors. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, cosy cafés, and traditional Saxon restaurants.
Location: Markt 1, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights: Renaissance town hall, open-air markets, and cafés
Leipzig perfectly blends classical charm with bold innovation, offering something for every kind of explorer. From canal boat rides and Gewandhaus concerts to discovering hidden art spaces, the variety of things to do in Leipzig is unforgettable. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a modern art fan, planning your itinerary here is a breeze. Ready to explore? Discover hidden gems and cultural highlights with TripXL for a truly enriching travel experience.
Cover Photo: Yen Hoang / Unsplash
