Tours

City centre tour:

Arriving in Leipzig, the first thing to catch your eye will most likely be the central train station, Hauptbahnhof Leipzig. Reopened in 1998, it's a paradise for window shoppers and shopping junkies. From here, head down Nikolaistraße in the direction of the town centre. To your left, you will see the building that lent the street its name–the Nikolaikirche. Its catchphrase is "open for everybody" and you can take this motto as gospel, as this church–dedicated to St.Nikolaus, patron for travellers and salesman in 1175 - is open to visitors every weekday from 10am to 6pm. It is not just architecture enthusiasts who will fall in love with this church - music-fans are sure to be fascinated by the church's concert organ. The courtyard of the church plays host to the Alte Nikolaischule ("Old Nikolai School"). Opened in 1511, it was the first municipal school in Leipzig. Today, it's a restaurant. Guests have the pleasure of eating lunch whilst entering into the spirit of its famed pupils such as Leibniz and Wagner.

After a hearty lunch, wander in the direction of Augustusplatz. Whichever way you look, you will be met by interesting sights such as the Mendefountain standing 18 metres high, contrasting with the Gewandhaus behind it. This building, brilliantly illuminated at night, has even been graced by the likes of the famed conductor Kurt Masur. Should your gaze fall a touch to the right, your jaw will surely drop. The University of Leipzig Tower is quite a sight. Opened in 1975, the building known by locals as the "wisdom tooth" is now in the throes of reconstruction after being sold off by the university. The nearby Opera House is always worth a visit, especially when the opera ball is taking place–normally in November. Over the other side of Grimmaische Straße, we reach Marktplatz. The Altes Rathaus is worth a visit—built in Renaissance style, the building also boasts a baroque tower. Today, it's home to the City Museum, where you can visit exhibitions free of charge on the first Sunday of every month.

The Mädlerpassage is famous throughout Germany. It is one of the only old commercial centres which has survived centuries of turmoil. In front of the entrance to Auerbachs Keller you'll see the statues of Faust and Mephisto. Legend has it that a simple rub of Faust's shoe will bring you good luck! After a spot of window shopping in the Mädlerpassage, it's just a hop, skip and a jump to the post-gothic Thomaskirche. Not only do the concerts of the Thomaner Choir take place in the church, but the tomb of Johann Sebastian Bach is also to be found in the choir-room. A statue of the great composer stands in front of the south entrance. The other stands in the park at Dittrichring. The perfect end to your trip to Leipzig would be a visit to the house of the Bose family. The house is on the courtyard in front of the Thomas Church and houses the Johann Sebastian Bach Museum and archives.

The city's motto is "Leipzig is coming!"— and whoever comes to Leipzig certainly won't regret it!