Leipzig

A Taste of Leipzig
Leipzig is constantly changing and developing. Those who wish to dive deeper into Leipzig will discover the unique soul of this city. The Leipzig trade fairs, started in the Middle Ages, and the University, founded in 1409, are the roots of the city’s liberal, outgoing, tolerant and hospitable spirit. This is a spirit which sparked the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and changed the world.

Leipzig’s reputation as a city of art and culture is founded in the commitment of its citizens who throughout the centuries have sponsored artists, collected paintings, founded museums, and in 1743 began a musical society that was the beginning of today’s world-famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. The tolerant spirit of the city has attracted scholars, artists, composers, musicians and poets alike.

Those interested in literature can follow the tracks of Goethe, Schiller, Lessing or Nietzsche. Lovers of painting and sculpture can discover the precious art gallery collections which includes the work of contemporary painters.

Confidence and an appreciation for the good and pleasurable things in life determine the Leipzig lifestyle. Accordingly, there is a great variety of things to see and to do. This includes a night at the theatre, opera or concert hall. In the lively historic city centre, over 1,200 restaurants, pubs and bars invite you to relax and have good food and a nice drink. There are those who feel attracted by the elegant and luxurious Art Deco shopping arcades, the nostalgic cafés and gourmet temples around the Old Market Square. Others feel more drawn to the southern quarters where students and young artists meet in jazz bars and cosy pubs.

With many forests and parks right in the city centre, golf courses, lakes, rivers and canals, Leipzig offers many opportunities for those who love nature and sport activities.

During your stay in Leipzig, if you happen to find time to explore the city, a few of the top recommended sites to see include:

  • Leipzig Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Leipzig)
  • Peoples’ Memorial (Völkerschlachtdenkmal)
  • Museum in the Round Corner (Museum in der Runden Ecke)
  • Zeitgeschichtliches Forum
  • Mendelssohn-Haus Leipzig
  • Bach Museum
  • Old City Hall
  • Museum der Bildenden Künste

The General Council Visitors Programme arranges tours and programmes in and around Leipzig. For more information, please contact visitors@wcrc.eu.

Shopping
The Sachsenpark shopping centre is located just about 200 meters from the Messe. It features clothing stores, laundry services, grocery stores, restaurants and cafes, two banks with cash machines, an electronics store, a classic German-style “drug store” and a pharmacy. A gas station and fast food options are also close to the complex. There is even a bowling alley located at the end of the shopping complex for those looking to take a break from Council activities and kick back at the end of a long day.

Leipzig City Centre features a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes, and service stores to fit your particular needs. It is recommended to go to stops “Hauptbahnhof” (Central Station) or “Markt” (Market) to most directly reach the best shopping areas in town.