Living in Berlin, I’m always on the lookout for easy day trips or weekend escapes, and Leipzig kept popping up in conversations with friends. Yet, I hesitated. I kept thinking “Is Leipzig worth visiting?”, I’d heard it called “little Berlin,” but would it feel like just another version of my new home city?
If you’re asking the same question, this article is for you.
I’ll share my experience exploring Leipzig and what I found was it really does appeal to a broad range of traveller interests. Whether you’re into art, music, history, culture, or just want a change of pace, I’ll break down why Leipzig might deserve a spot on your travel list.
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Is Leipzig Worth Visiting?

Yes, Leipzig is worth visiting! Just an hour by train from Berlin, it’s a city worth visiting. Let me share reasons why this city might just be your next favourite getaway.
For the History Buff

History buffs will find plenty of reasons to visit Leipzig. The city’s history spans over a thousand years, starting as a medieval trading hub in the 15th century. The city played a key role in the Protestant Reformation, hosting the Leipzig Disputation in 1519, and became a cultural hotspot during the Renaissance with the founding of the University of Leipzig in 1409.
Leipzig’s historical significance continued in the 18th century as Johann Sebastian Bach’s home and later as the site of the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. In the 19th century, it thrived as an industrial and trade fair hub.
Unlike Berlin or Dresden, Leipzig survived the World Wars with less damage, and its past under Soviet rule until German reunification in 1990 adds another layer of intrigue.
History buffs, I recommend the Old Town guided tour I took where I learned a lot about Leipzig’s interesting history.
For the Music Afficiando

Leipzig is a must-visit for music lovers. At St. Thomas Church, you can step into the world of Johann Sebastian Bach, who lived and worked here for over 20 years. Just around the corner, the Bach Museum dives deeper into his life and legacy.
Leipzig also celebrates its other musical legends. Richard Wagner, born here, is honoured with a bronze statue in Clara Zetkin Park, while Felix Mendelssohn’s and Robert Schumann’s former homes are now museums showcasing their work.
The city’s musical tradition lives on at the Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of the oldest in the world, and the Leipzig Opera House, where performances continue a rich legacy of classical music. For fans of composers and live performances alike, Leipzig offers a deep connection to the sounds that shaped its past.
For the Art and Culture Enthusiast
If you’re into contemporary art, Leipzig’s Spinnerei is a must-visit. Once a massive cotton mill, it’s now home to galleries, studios, and cultural spaces much like what you might find in Berlin.
Wandering through, you can peek into artists’ studios, chat with creatives, and see works in progress. The industrial setting, with its exposed brick and high ceilings, adds a unique backdrop to the art on display. Spinnerei isn’t just a gallery—it’s where creativity thrives, offering a raw and vibrant art experience worth exploring.
For the Book Lover

For fellow book lovers, Leipzig is a dream. The Leipzig Book Fair, one of the oldest in the world, brings literary history to life every year.
In the city center, Hugendubel offers a modern book haven, while Antiquariat is perfect for rare and vintage finds. These aren’t just bookstores—they’re part of Leipzig’s deep literary heritage. If books are your thing, you’ll feel right at home here.
For the Architecture Admirer

Leipzig feels like a living gallery of architecture. The Old Town Hall blends Gothic and Renaissance styles, but what really caught my eye was the Art Nouveau. If you’re as drawn to its flowing, decorative designs as I am, there are plenty of stunning examples to explore around the city.
- Riquethaus (Riquet House) on Katharinenstraße 17
- Gohliser Schlösschen at Menckestraße 23
- Stadtbad (Municipal Bath) at Bernhard-Göring-Straße 152
For the Coffee Connoisseur

For coffee lovers, Leipzig definitely holds its own. According to my husband, it’s even on par with Vienna’s coffee culture.
One spot I wanted to check out was the historic Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum, but it’s now closed—though the museum is still open. If you’re looking for a great coffee experience, Café Kandler is a must; they’ve got several locations in the city. We also stopped by Café Riquet, where I enjoyed the architecture while my husband savoured his coffee.
For the Nature Seeker

Leipzig has plenty of peaceful spots to unwind, from its parks to canals. I recommend a boat tour through the Karl-Heine Canal, where you can relax with a cup of mulled wine. Whether you’re strolling through Clara Zetkin Park or cruising the canals, Leipzig offers a nice balance of nature and city life.
For the Hidden Gems Explorer

For hidden gems, head to Leipzig’s neighbourhoods like Plagwitz and Connewitz, where street art, quirky shops, and a laid-back vibe set the tone.
If you’re into trains, check out the museum at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof for a nostalgic look at locomotive history. Bayerischer Bahnhof is another must-see—it’s the birthplace of Gose, Leipzig’s signature beer.
One of my favourite finds was Kunstkraftwerk, a repurposed power plant now hosting immersive art and multimedia exhibits. These spots give Leipzig its unique character beyond the usual tourist trail.
For the Foodie

Foodies, Leipzig has plenty to offer!
Start with the “Leipziger Lerche,” a sweet pastry filled with almonds, nuts, and marzipan. I picked one up at Café Kandler, and honestly, I should’ve bought more.
For lunch, check out the courtyard in the historic Mädler Passage—perfect for a relaxed meal.
Don’t leave without trying traditional Saxon dishes like Leipziger Allerlei, a seasonal vegetable medley, or Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe, a hearty potato soup. If you’re craving something sweet, Quarkkeulchen (quark pancakes) served with applesauce is a must-try.
Visit Leipzig Germany: How and When to Go

Where is Leipzig?
Leipzig is in eastern Germany, about 190 kilometres (120 miles) southwest of Berlin.
How to Get to Leipzig?
From Berlin, it’s a quick 1-hour train ride on the ICE (high-speed train), with frequent daily departures. Leipzig/Halle Airport also serves domestic and international flights, and regional trains or buses connect it to the city center in under 20 minutes.
When to Go to Leipzig?
Leipzig is great to visit year-round, but why not choose based on some of the amazing festivals the city is home to:
*Leipzig Book Fair: one of the oldest and most prestigious book fairs globally (March 27-30, 2025)
*Bachfest Leipzig: annual festival classical music festival celebrating the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach (June 12-22, 2025)
*Leipzig Festival of Lights (Lichtfest): a spectacular display of lights celebrating peace, freedom, and democracy marking the peaceful revolution of 1989 and the fall of the Wall dividing East Germany and West Germany (October 9, 2025)
*DOK Leipzig – International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film: showcases the best in documentary and animated films from around the world (October 27 – November 2, 2025)
*Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt (Leipzig Christmas Market): get into the festive spirit at the enchanting Christmas Market (November 26 – December 23, 2024)
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss out on other travel experiences you’ll want to explore, like considering Potsdam for a visit. Or perhaps a day trip to Wittenberg is a good option.
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