If you’ve read anything about Leipzig, you might have heard that this city in the former East Germany has continuously been described as what Berlin was like before it became more refined and polished. In essence, they’re referring to Leipzig being edgy in the way Berlin once was.

I take these comparisons with a grain of salt, because Leipzig has a vibe all of it’s own.

Noticeably quieter than the metropolis of Berlin, Leipzig can actually be visited as a day trip from the German capital.

Located about an hour and fifteen minutes away on the ICE, visiting Leipzig is a breeze.

I chose to stay a night, and I’d highly recommend doing so in order to cover more of what Leipzig has to offer.

However, if you can’t afford to spend a night here, with a vibrant arts scene and lots of cool restaurants and eateries to check out, Leipzig might just be the city break day trip you’re looking for.

Marktplatz

Start with the historic city centre at Marktplatz, which is surrounded by picture perfect cobblestone streets and imposing churches like the St. Nicholas and St. Thomas churches.

There’s also a farmer’s market that takes place in the square where you can pick up fresh produce.

Augustusplatz

Stepping east, you’ll also find an other major square by the name of Augustusplatz, which is home to the world renowned Leipzig Opera, but what stands out is also the futuristic design of the Leipzig University.

City-Hochhaus

To get sweeping skyline views, you can head to the modern skyscraper of Hochhaus on Augustusplatz, and ride a lift all the way up to the observation deck.

Karl-Liebknecht-Straße

Known locally as ‘Karli,’ this street lined with restaurants and bars is a Leipzig hotspot.

Particularly noteworthy along this street is Feinkost, a former factory that has been converted into a cultural space for flea markets, Christmas markets, vintage shops, vinyl stores, and even a cinema in the summer.

It is also a space designed to create new spaces for small businesses and creative livelihoods, which is definitely a cause I can get behind.

Be sure to check out the official website to find out the latest happenings.

The Japanese House

Speaking of cultural spaces, The Japanese house is located along Eisenbahnstraße, which has gained a reputation as the centre of much controversy.

The Japanese House was founded by migrants to strengthen social cohesion in the east of Leipzig, and build bridges between different cultures.

Do note, however, that this cultural centre only opens towards the end of the week.

On Thursday and Saturday evenings for example, they host a Kitchen For All concept, where meals are provided with a voluntary donation in return.

Aside from that, they have exhibitions, function as an events venue, and hold workshops from time to time.

Visit their official website and Facebook page to find out what’s on.

Whilst you’re on Eisenbahnstraße, check out Brothers Bakery & Café, a Turkish bakery that’s an incredibly popular place to get coffee and pastries.

Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei

Also an industrial site that has been converted into an arts space, located west of the city is the Baumwollspinnerei, a former cotton mill which eventually became the largest spinning mill on the continent.

Today, it has become a space for art galleries, studios, and exhibitions.

You can walk into any that are open to visitors, and during the time of my visit, there was an exhibition that contemplated the future of cities and climate change, presenting it’s message through various mediums and interactive exhibits, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Find out the current exhibitions and events here.

And yes, you can even stay here with Meister Zimmer, which looked like an incredibly cool prospect, but I unfortunately didn’t manage to get any availability on the dates I was travelling.

Karl-Heine-Kanal

Check out the leafy canal that winds through the city, which is also a place many residents themselves come to hang out.

Steps away is the Kunstkraftwerk, which is also another industrial site (this time a former power station) that has been converted into a space for immersive art installations.

However, it is currently listed as temporarily closed.

Plagwitz / Lindenau

Known as the hipster areas of Leipzig, you’ll find many coffeehouses, bakeries, and local boutiques here.

Walk down Karl-Heine-Straße to discover where most of them are.

Highly recommended are süß + salzig, a popular place for brunch, as well as Café Kater.

I also had a magical Chicken Tagine at Salon Casablanca, which is a great place for Moroccan food.

Clara-Zetkin Park

Leipzig has many green spaces within the city, and a massive green lung right smack in the middle is Clara-Zetkin Park, which is a lovely space to spend an afternoon.

Don’t miss the views at Sachsenbrücke— and if you’re there in the autumn, the stunning foliage and dreamy colours truly transports one into a different world, far away from the buzz of the city centre.

Monument to the Battle of the Nations

Located quite a bit out of the way, a tram or bus ride 25 minutes south of the city centre takes you to the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, or the Monument to the Battle of the Nations.

This monument, which is over a 100 years old, was built to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig.

You can pay to enter the museum, but you can also walk up the stairs to find a stunning view of the city below.

Where to Stay in Leipzig

If you’re looking to make an overnight or weekend trip to Leipzig instead, there are several decent options around.

I stayed at Multitude Hostel which was spotlessly clean, and located in the buzzing neighbourhood of Lindenau. Not far is Hostel & Garten Eden, which has, yes, a garden as well.

There’s the above mentioned Meister Zimmer, and if you’d like to stay closer to town there’s Pentahotel.

These are all cool, chic and edgy places to stay in, which perfectly match the vibe of the city.