Things to do in Leipzig

Leipzig is one of the cultural epicentres of modern day Germany. There are numerous museums to be enjoyed here, which detail the city’s history and important cultural events. There are also stunning churches, Renaissance buildings and many parks and gardens to explore.

Bach Monument

In his time, Johan Sebastian Bach was in charge of music in the city of Leipzig, encompassing music in all of the churches and also at the university. He was continually composing new works and performing them to eager crowds. There is a monument dedicated to this world-famous composer, which can be found outside St Thomas’ Church. It is an impressive sight and a favourite spot for photos.

Battle of Leipzig Monument

This is the largest monument in the whole of Germany. It has a viewing platform which is 91 metres high, and it was built to commemorate the Battle of Leipzig. This battle was between the allies and Napoleon's troops in 1813. Due to the monument’s size and importance, it is being redesigned as a monument for European peace. In the monument’s Hall of Honour, you will find choral concerts, special exhibitions and information about the battle of Leipzig. Outside in the grounds many open-air events, such as concerts and plays, take place.

Leipzig Zoo

Leipzig Zoo is a perfect attraction for all of the family. It is home to many animals, which all live in large and natural enclosures and are able to behave as they would in the wild. You will find an enormous aquarium as well as a giant and popular Pongoland. Feeding times are a highlight, when you can catch a glimpse of lions and tigers thoroughly enjoying their daily feed. There is an Asian section where you can view imposing elephants and enjoy a traditional Asian stir-fry for lunch. 

Old Town Hall

The Renaissance-style Old Town Hall is where Johann Sebastian Bach signed his employment contract allowing him to become the cantor of nearby St Thomas' Church. The building is one of the finest examples of German Renaissance architecture found in the whole of Germany and is home to the fascinating Museum of City History. It also houses an enormous banqueting hall which, today, is a popular venue for concerts and other events.

The council chamber is popular with visitors and worth spending some time in, exploring the model of the city, built in 1823; the prison cells and the world-famous portrait of Bach. The entire building was constructed in just nine months in 1556, in a period between two trade fairs. 

St Nicholas' Church

St Nicholas' is Leipzig's largest and oldest church and is the site where the ‘peace prayers’ were said in the famous demonstrations of 1989. JS Bach worked in this church as a choirmaster as well as in St Thomas’ Church. The church is home to a large four-manual organ, on which Bach performed many of his compositions. The building dates back to the Middle Ages and houses stunning interiors and a vault.

St Thomas' Church

St Thomas' is a church built in the Gothic style. The famous St Thomas' Choir traditionally perform here and it is also where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a choir master for over 25 years. He is buried near the altar, and you will find many tributes to his life and works here. Both Mozart and Mendelssohn performed concerts in the church and Richard Wagner was christened here in 1813. The church was built on the site of a 13th century monastery and virtually rebuilt after WWII, when it was devastated through bombings. 

Museums

Visitors will be impressed by both the quality and quantity of museums in Leipzig. The Grassi Museum is a complex which includes the Musical Instrument Museum, home to over 5,000 exhibits; the Museum of Arts and Crafts, and the 125-year-old Museum of Ethnology. The Museum of Fine Arts houses numerous collections of paintings by old German and Dutch masters as well as over 750 sculptures and 55,000 drawings and prints.

Mendelssohn House is now a museum, but was once the home of Felix Mendelssohn and this is also where he died. The house has been recreated to appear as it would have looked while he was living here. Meanwhile, the Natural History Museum was founded over 90 years ago and is dedicated to the relationship between humans and nature. If music is more your thing, head to the Bach Museum, which can be found opposite St Thomas' Church and is dedicated to the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach.