Leipzig

Including Leipzig in your travel plans is certainly not be the most obvious choice when thinking of taking a city break. But we can guarantee you that you’ll be glad you did. Home of music, arts and fairs, Leipzig is one of the most vibrant cities and representative of the transformation that Eastern Germany has gone through since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Come and discover it with us. 
The city was founded in the 12th century and soon became an important trading centre for Europe due to its strategic location. But this story has many chapters. Before the Second World War, there were more than 400 publishing houses in Leipzig alone, making it the market leader in book printing.  
Here Johann Sebastian Bach performed for more than 25 years. In this period, he composed important pieces such as the St Matthew Passion and the Christmas Oratorio, while directing the world-famous boys’ choir of St. Thomas Church (Thomanerchor). It was also the home of important composers, such as Richard Wagner and Robert Schumann. 
Another interesting chapter recalls that many of Martin Luther’s sermons took place here in the 16th century, which culminated in the Protestant Reformation. And it was also in Leipzig that Napoleon Bonaparte was definitively defeated by the armies of Prussia, Russia, Sweden and Austria in 1813. The colossal Battle of the Nations Monument, built to mark this moment, is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. 

With 590,000 inhabitants, there is no shortage of life here

With 590,000 inhabitants, there is no shortage of life here. With the New Leipzig School, the city has taken on a pioneering role in the world art market of the 21st century. In the Museum der bildenden Künste you can appreciate works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Monet, but also by Arno Rink and Neo Rauch.
For fans of shopping, we recommend a visit to the Passagen shopping galleries in the historic centre, including Speck Hof and the Mädlerpassagen. And, when you’ve finished, take a look at the Central Station, Europe’s largest railway terminal which is also a shopping centre to blow your mind: the Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig, home to more than 140 shops open seven days a week. 
Restored historic buildings, green spaces, contemporary architecture rubbing shoulders with prefabricated former East German buildings, cranes and buildings yet to be restored. All this makes the Eastern German city a success story worth getting to know up close. The best season? Well, the warmer months, from April to September, are ideal for strolling around and relaxing in the open air. But, in winter, the city also has a lot of charm, especially during the Christmas period – the Christmas Market on Marktplatz is one of the most traditional in Germany –, not to mention the cultural and gastronomic surprises awaiting you in the pedestrian zone of the historic centre. 
Most hotels are located in the historic centre and close to the Central Station. They represent the best option for anyone staying for few days, because, besides the ease of urban transport, you can visit many of the attractions on foot. The region is also full of restaurants.  
For all this and for the many things left unsaid, take the plunge. Pack your bag, prepare your heart. This is a place where cathedrals still reverberate to the sound of Bach’s harmonies, where modern art spaces are open all week and alleyways are full of quaint establishments. It is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting cities in Germany (and Europe).