Explore Leipzig: Music, History & Historic Landmarks

Begin near the Mendelssohn House, the final residence of composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Learn about his influential musical career, his work as conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and his important contribution to the city’s cultural life.

Continue to the Gewandhaus, one of Leipzig’s most important musical institutions and home to the internationally renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra. Hear about the orchestra’s long history and the celebrated composers and conductors connected with this prestigious concert hall.

Explore Augustusplatz, one of Germany’s largest city squares and a striking showcase of Leipzig’s architectural development. See prominent landmarks including the Gewandhaus, Leipzig Opera House, the City-Hochhaus tower and the modern university complex.

Admire Leipzig University, founded in 1409 and one of Germany’s oldest universities. See the distinctive Paulinum, whose contemporary design recalls the university church that once occupied the site, and learn about the scholars, musicians and influential figures associated with the institution.

Visit St. Nicholas Church, one of Leipzig’s most historically significant landmarks. Originally built in the Romanesque style and later transformed with Gothic and Neoclassical elements, the church became internationally known as a starting point for the peaceful demonstrations of 1989. Interior access is subject to services and opening arrangements.

Walk through some of the elegant arcades and passageways that reflect Leipzig’s history as an important European trading centre. Pass through the famous Mädler Passage, known for its impressive architecture, shops and connection with Goethe’s Faust.

Enter the intimate Naschmarkt and admire the Old Stock Exchange, an elegant Baroque building completed in the 17th century. Once used as a meeting place by Leipzig’s merchants, it remains an important reminder of the city’s prosperous commercial past.

Continue to Leipzig’s historic Market Square, surrounded by attractive buildings and long associated with markets, celebrations and public events. Admire the Renaissance-style Old Town Hall and discover stories about the city’s government, trade fairs and urban development.

Walk by a historical market square where you can see the old town hall along with old buildings.

Visit St. Thomas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach served as music director and where his remains now rest. Learn about the church’s celebrated musical tradition, the St. Thomas Boys Choir and Bach’s enduring connection with Leipzig. See the Bach Monument located beside the church.

Finish at the imposing New Town Hall, constructed on the site of the former Pleissenburg fortress. Admire its monumental architecture and distinctive tower—one of the tallest town hall towers in Germany—while hearing how Leipzig expanded beyond its medieval centre.