Leipzig has a lot to offer, so picking what attractions to see on the first visit is often difficult. Therefore, I would like to present some of my highlights here. Some of them can also be admired as part of our Free Tour Leipzig, and others can be found a little further outside of the center of the city of Leipzig.
Barthels-Hof-Leipzig
Arriving in Leipzig, the first thing not to miss is the city center and the magnificent facades. Particularly impressive here are the numerous old trading yards with their centuries-old history. The oldest and most hidden is Barthel’s Hof – the last trading yard with preserved entrance and exit (formerly for horse-drawn carriages) and its first Leipzig Renaissance facade. You can also dine well here, but the nearby Ratskeller at the New Town Hall would be even more recommended for traditional cuisine.
Another beautiful Renaissance facade can be found nearby in the form of the Old Town Hall from the 16th century, directly on the market of the city of Leipzig.
Madlerpassage Leipzig
From there, one of the city’s prominent landmarks is just in easy reach – the Mädlerpassage. A beautiful passage in the design of the Viktor – Emanuel – Passage in Milan is recognisable by the design of the ceiling. The passage of the former suitcase manufacturer Mädler offers, besides all kinds of shopping, also a chime of Meissen porcelain at every full hour, precisely at the intersection of the passage arms. It is worth taking a look at Auerbach’s cellar with its magnificent ceiling paintings. If you are in the mood for local specialities, you will feel at home in the delicatessen stores of the gallery.
Kaffeehaus Riquet
For coffee, I recommend the Viennese coffee house ambience of Café Riquet. The striking building bears witness to the tradition of coffee, tea, and cocoa trade of the French Huguenot family that once came to Leipzig and settled here.
When it comes to coffee, Südvorstadt is also home to Café Grundmann in Art Deco style. Here you can meet the people of Leipzig and enjoy the interior of the coffee house with excellent cake and a large selection of newspapers.
City Hochhaus Leipzig
The Uni-Riese is also in the city's centre and known for its magnificent view with its viewing platform at 142m. The elevator on the far right of the building takes you to the top in no time, with only a 4 EUR entrance fee to the platform. It's an experience for everyone.
After exploring the city center, I recommend making your way to the Leipzig parks nearby and strolling through, for example, Clara Zetkin Park. The “Glashaus” in the heart of the park invites refreshments.
KARL-Heine-Kanal
Following this path, it is not very far, and you come across the first canals of the city. A boat trip is highly recommended here, for example, at the Herold boat rental or simply a walk along the Karl-Heine Canal in Plagwitz. If you follow the path down at Westwerk in the direction of the church, a super lovely route opens up that you can follow up to the Mörtelwerk.
For the evening, it is worth visiting the Monument of the Battle of the Nations to enjoy the sunset over the city from the stairs.
Monument of the battle of nations, Leipzig, Germany
Join one of our city walks in Leipzig and discover Leipzig with our local city guides.