Germany’s Leipzig - vibrant European city full of history, music, culture

In an article published in Parade, journalist Casey Clark describes Germany’s Leipzig city, brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, and an eclectic mix of arts, music, and cuisine.

If Europe is on your travel radar, you're in good company. According to Statista, "In 2023, Europe alone accounted for over half of international tourist arrivals worldwide, with inbound arrivals exceeding 700 million."

While some of these trips likely included iconic stops like Paris for an "Emily in Paris" experience or London to see Big Ben, there are many other remarkable European cities that travelers are increasingly flocking to. With so much to explore, Samantha Brown, the host of the popular PBS show Places to Love (returning in January 2025), shared one surprising European destination that should be on your list—and here's why. Brown suggests that Leipzig, Germany, is a must-visit spot for anyone planning a European getaway.

"Leipzig is often overlooked when it comes to Germany, but if you love music, history, and art, it’s a destination you can’t miss," she says. "The city has long been known as 'Hype-zig' due to its affordability and diversity, drawing young people from all over Europe."

She recommends stopping by St. Nicholas Church to admire its architecture and learn about its historical significance. "At the church, you'll discover the story of the Prayers for Peace movement, which began with just a handful of people in 1982 and grew to a 70,000-strong protest in 1989, playing a key role in the fall of the Berlin Wall," she explains.

While in Leipzig, Brown also advises taking some time to visit St. Thomas Church for a moment of prayer or to enjoy a musical performance. "More than 290 years ago, Leipzig was where the great conductor Johann Sebastian Bach lived and worked, composing some of his most renowned masterpieces," Brown notes. 

"Pay a visit to St. Thomas Church, where Bach served as the Thomas Cantor (choir master) for 27 years until his death, and experience one of his concerts." Brown believes that no visit to Leipzig is complete without sampling its local cuisine. One of her top picks is The Auerbachs Keller, the second-oldest restaurant in the city, where even Bach dined. "This is easily the most famous restaurant in Leipzig, offering two distinct dining experiences: one upscale and gourmet, the other a lively beer cellar," she said.

"The menu features hearty Saxon dishes—lots of roasted meats and potatoes. My favorite is Schlesisches Himmelreich—smoked pork simmered with pears, apples, and prunes, served with potato dumplings." Another favorite of Brown’s is Céu Dining, an upscale restaurant located in Niemeyer’s Sphere. "Niemeyer’s Sphere is a geodesic dome that looks like it has just landed from outer space and embedded itself into an old brick factory," she says. 

"They accept reservations for their 8-course dining experiences on Fridays and Saturdays, with a menu that blends modern Portuguese and German cuisine, changing weekly." Given Leipzig’s reputation for arts, music, and culture, Brown recommends visiting Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei. "It’s a 25-acre industrial complex that was once the largest cotton-spinning mill in continental Europe. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was repurposed as a hub for local artists," she explains. "Many studios are open to the public, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants." 

By Naila Huseynova