Leipzig, Germany fuses centuries of musical genius with a creative, modern vibe. Think grand concert halls, cutting-edge art, and a culinary scene that treats wine lists like symphonies. It’s a city where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Bach and Mendelssohn by day, then toast the night under chandelier-lit vaults where Goethe set a scene for Faust. For culture-hungry travelers who like their history with a side of haute dining and design, Leipzig belongs at the top of the list.
Score your own soundtrack on the Leipzig Music Trail
Johann Sebastian Bach’s influence transcends centuries, weaving its way into the heart of modern music in surprising and innovative ways. His intricate harmonies and counterpoint techniques have inspired countless contemporary artists, bridging the gap between classical and popular soundscapes. For instance, Sting’s Grammy-winning duet with Mary J. Blige, “Whenever I Say Your Name” (2003), carries inspiration from Bach’s “Little Prelude in C major,” while Lady Gaga’s global hit “Bad Romance” (2009) chose “Bach’s Fugue in B minor“ from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 as inspiration for her song. These connections showcase how today’s most iconic performers continue to draw from Bach’s timeless musical language, proving that the master composer’s legacy is not only preserved in concert halls and museums, but also alive in the rhythms and melodies that dominate modern charts.
That said…
Start with the Leipzig Music Trail (Leipziger Notenspur) a self-guided, 5.1-km loop marked by sleek steel inlays that connect 23 music landmarks where Bach, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Wagner, and more lived, taught, and performed. It’s the most elegant crash course in European music you can take on foot.
Duck into the Bach Museum to see manuscripts, instruments, and multimedia galleries that make the composer’s Leipzig years – and his Thomaskantor legacy – feel immediate. You can also listen to samples of some of today’s music artists paying homage to Bach in their songs. Then head to Mendelssohn-Haus, the composer’s preserved last residence, where the salon still hosts chamber concerts and the exhibits illuminate his pivotal years as Gewandhauskapellmeister, or conductor and music director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.
Monumental moments: from Napoleon to sky-high views
Leipzig’s audacity is carved in stone at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal). This brooding giant rises 91 meters above a reflecting lake, with 364 steps and an elevator lead to a viewing gallery that sweeps the city’s green canopy and spires. The on-site Forum 1813 museum adds context to the 1813 battle that changed Europe.
An art experience you’ll remember: Panometer Leipzig
For a jaw-dropping change of scale, visit the Panometer, artist Yadegar Asisi’s 360-degree panoramas inside a former gasometer. You’ll step into an immersive, floor-to-ceiling world with layered sound and light that turns a single image into a full scale multimedia experience. The Cathedral of Monet is currently on exhibition.
Tables worth a pilgrimage
Leipzig’s dining scene is quietly glamorous, with rooms and menus that take traditions seriously:
Restaurant Weinstock sits directly on the Market Square opposite the Old Town Hall. Go for seasonal regional classics and stay for the serious wine program. Pro tip: Leipzig Card holders often receive a dining discount.
Wagners is a polished, contemporary bistro near Richard-Wagner-Platz, that pairs international plates with a thoughtful wine list. The team leans into pairing suggestions, so take their advice in order to enjoy a unique culinary experience.
Auerbachs Keller is a legend and one of Leipzig’s oldest restaurants, having been immortalized by Goethe in the tragedy Faust. Descend under the Mädlerpassage to vaulted cellars and historic rooms, and then ascend to Mephisto Bar upstairs. It’s touristy in the best way – heritage you can taste.
How to enjoy a day in Leipzig
In the morning, trace the Music Trail from Thomaskirchhof, weaving museum stops with café breaks. Uber or tram to the Battle of the Nations Monument for the climb and the view for your afternoon activity. For the early evening, book the Panometer for a golden-hour entry. Then, return to the center of Leipzig for dinner at Weinstock or Wagners. For a nightcap, wander the passages and raise a glass to Leipzig’s past and present.
Why Leipzig now?
Leipzig is a place of curiosity and taste. You’re tapping into a city that shapes conversations about design, sustainability, and culture in reunified Germany. The payoff is high-caliber music in intimate venues, destination dining that honors terroir, and statement-making sights that are as photogenic as they are profound. It’s the rare European getaway where your itinerary reads like a playlist – and every stop hits a higher note.
Details regarding the 2026 Bach Competition Leipzig (March 13-21), as well as Bachfest Leipzig 2026 (June 11-21) are available here. Ticket sales commence November 25, 2025.
