Leipzig is a name you’ve likely heard of but can’t entirely place.

Classical music fans will recognize Leipzig, Germany, as the place where Johann Sebastian Bach was laid to rest, and where Felix Mendelssohn’s funeral was held.

Movie buffs might recognize it as a filming location for Captain America: Civil War, Mr. Nobody, and The Operative. 

Here is your guide to Leipzig, a fantastic day trip from Berlin. 

Karl Heine Canal in Leipzig, Germany. Image Credit: Getty Images, Oliver Helbig 

Where is Leipzig in Germany?

Leipzig is 92 miles southwest of Berlin and 62 miles west of Dresden, making it an easy day trip from either city. Leipzig is in Germany’s Saxony state, which includes Dresden, Chemnitz, and Görlitz — all charming cities and towns worth a stop if you’re trying to see underrated areas of Deutschland.  

How to get to Leipzig in Germany by train

Thanks to Germany’s prompt and ever-present railway, getting to Leipzig from most major cities in Germany is simple. Many routes are direct, and the routes that feature changes, treat you to quick stops in wonderful German cities like Frankfurt. 

Chapel in Südfriedhof cemetery in Leipzig, Germany. Image Credit: Getty Images, Allan Baxter

The top cultural attractions in Leipzig

Leipzig is overflowing with cultural sites that will delight even the person in your group that was over the “tourist stuff” three old town squares ago. 

Start in the Marketplatz and then plan a few hours in the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum, Forum of Contemporary History, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Monument to the Battle of the Nations is another must-see; you’ll find it south of the city beside the Südfriedhof cemetery, which is filled with beautiful memorials. 

Gohlis Palace is just north of the zoo and nature preserve; check its schedule and try to catch a guided musical tour through the German castle. And lastly, what’s a Leipzig Germany itinerary without a stop at the Mendelssohn-Haus, the former home of the 19th-century composer. 

Check out the best churches in Leipzig

The churches in Leipzig, Germany, deserve their own chuck of your itinerary. St. Thomas Church is the first stop for most travelers; this gothic church is where Johann Sebastian Bach was a cantor. He was originally buried in the St Johanniskirche graveyard, but his remains were relocated to St. Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church). 

🚆Trainline Tip: While you’re at St. Thomas Church, you should visit the Bach Museum in Leipzig, Germany. It’s right next door and you’ll get double cultural points if you’re visiting during Bach Fest. 

St. Nicholas Church has more than just religious significance (and we’re not talking about it being an Accidentally Wes Anderson location, either). Built in 1165, it’s the largest church in Leipzig, Germany, and Bach was also a cantor here. Perhaps more importantly, this was the site of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 that helped lead to the removal of the Berlin Wall.

Old town hall in Leipzig, Germany. Image Credit: Getty Images, Animaflora​

Other top things to do in Leipzig, Germany

So, you’ve seen some museums and you’ve explored a few churches — now you need more things to do in Leipzig, Germany, that don’t include museums or churches. 

Leipzig’s Christmas markets date back to the 15th century and continue to fill areas like Marktplatz and Altes Rathaus with hundreds of festive stalls during the holiday season. 

Obviously, Leipzig has more than one concert venue worth scalping tickets for: Gewandhaus, Oper Leipzig, Moritzbastei, Schumann Haus (home to the Leipzig Chamber Music Festival), and Musikalische Komödie are all worth your ears and applause. 

Read also: Best German Christmas Markets in 2024 to add to your holiday wishlist

Ready to take a day trip to Leipzig? We’ve got your bach. Download the Trainline app and start planning your visit to Leipzig, Germany, today. 

Skyline of Leipzig, Germany. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Jakob Fischer 

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