Leipzig isn’t as cool as Berlin, but it still has its own special vibe. Its history is unique, and it’s got plenty of weird contrasts.
For a little dose of history, head to the Museum in der Runden Ecke. This former Stasi headquarters is full of eye-opening displays about how the secret police worked.
Old Town
The Old Town in Leipzig is one of the city's most beautiful, and is a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere. It's home to the Market Square and many arcades, courtyards and historical buildings.
You can find a variety of Leipzig things to see and to do in the Old Town including the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum (which houses city history), St Nicholas Church, St Thomas Church and a number of other buildings, all within walking distance of each other.
Another interesting building is the Alte Waage (Old Scales), a 16th century Renaissance style building used for weight and measure. It has a sundial and 4-stage pediment that faces the Market Square.
Panorama Tower
Leipzig might not be as high up on the tourist radar as other German cities like Berlin and Dresden, but it's a vibrant and upcoming town that is definitely worth a visit. Whether you want to spend your days admiring art exhibitions or enjoying the city's cool startup scene, Leipzig is a great choice.
One of the city's most popular attractions is the Panorama Tower, which offers a stunning view of Leipzig from its rooftop. It's one of the tallest buildings in Germany, with a spire that extends to the horizon and provides an excellent overview of the city.
Neues Rathaus
Leipzig is a creative city with lots of museums and galleries displaying some of the best arts. This is especially true of the music world, which has produced some of the greatest musicians in history.
The town hall (Neues Rathaus) in Leipzig is a great place to see and learn more about the city’s history. It was erected in 1905 on the foundations of the old Pleissenburg Castle and exudes all the grandeur it once did.
It’s worth visiting to see the Gothic interior. You’ll also find a museum dedicated to the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers of all time.
Monument to the Battle of Nations
The Monument to the Battle of Nations is one of Leipzig’s most iconic attractions. Built in 1913 to commemorate the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, which involved forces from around Europe, it’s one of the tallest memorials in Germany.
In addition to the monument itself, it also houses a museum called Forum 1813 that details the events of the battle through rare weapons and uniforms and personal mementos. The monument itself is 91 metres high, with 500 steps leading up to a viewing platform at the top.
The entire structure feels like something out of a fantasy novel. In addition to huge stone figures, it features crypt chambers and a herculean proportion that seems to have been inspired by the dungeons of fantasy literature.
Mendelssohn House
If classical music is your thing, you’ll love the Mendelssohn House. It’s the last home of the German composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and now houses a museum devoted to his life.
The interior is set in the late Biedermeier style, with a small study featuring a piano and desk based on a watercolour painted by Mendelssohn himself. There’s also a video library and an Effektorium, or conductor’s podium, where you can try your hand at conducting one of Mendelssohn’s orchestral works.
Another great Leipzig attraction is the Museum in der Runden Ecke, or 'Museum in the Round Corner'. This curved building was the former district headquarters of the Stasi, East Germany's secret police. It's a fascinating place to learn about the GDR under SED rule and the reunification process.
