Hello readers! It’s the New Year, and the best time to start planning for your perfect travel destination! So, here’s our hidden gem travel spot, and you’ll enjoy exploring it, we bet! Yes, you’ve guessed correctly, and we’re talking about Leipzig, which is often dubbed the “new Berlin” or “Hypezig”. Indeed, this Saxon metropolis has a soul entirely its own that defies simple comparison.
Stepping onto its cobblestone streets, you are walking through centuries of musical genius, revolutionary spirit, and architectural splendor. From the echoing melodies of Johann Sebastian Bach at St. Thomas Church to the silent power of the Battle of the Nations Monument, every corner whispers a story of transformation. Unlike other German giants, Leipzig feels intimate yet grand, boasting a stunning network of covered arcades and a vibrant canal system that rivals Venice.
However, with so much hidden history tucked away in courtyards and repurposed industrial zones, visiting without a plan means missing the magic. Whether you are a history buff, an urban explorer, or a family seeking adventure, the city offers diverse experiences that go far beyond the guidebook basics. We have curated the ultimate list of top-rated tours and activities to help you peel back the layers of this fascinating city. Get ready to discover why Leipzig is Germany’s best-kept secret.
1. Explore the Wilderness at Leipzig Zoo
Forget everything you know about traditional zoos. Leipzig Zoo is a revolutionary “Zoo of the Future” that transports you into immersive worlds like Gondwanaland, a giant tropical hall where you can take a boat ride through the rainforest. It is home to one of the world’s most renowned primate centers, Pongoland, and offers a unique glimpse into global biodiversity without leaving Saxony. This isn’t just about staring at animals in cages; it is an expedition into nature. Perfect for families or solo travelers, this ticket includes public transport, making your journey into the wild completely seamless and stress-free.
2. Cruise the Karl Heine Canal
Escape the city noise and drift through the arteries of Leipzig’s industrial past on this serene electric boat cruise. The trendy Plagwitz district, where 19th-century red-brick factories have transformed into vibrant lofts and studios, centers around the Karl Heine Canal. From the water, you get an exclusive view of landmarks like the Riverboat and the Stelzenhaus that you simply cannot see from the street. The silent electric motor ensures a peaceful journey, allowing you to fully absorb the commentary on how this waterway shifted from a busy industrial transport route to a haven of modern leisure.
3. See It All on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus
This classic double-decker bus tour is an ideal choice for those with limited time or those seeking a comprehensive overview of the area. With 13 strategically placed stops, you can hop off at major icons like the massive Monument to the Battle of the Nations or the ornate Gohlis Palace, then hop back on when you are ready. Riding open-top on a sunny day gives you a fantastic vantage point for photography and people-watching. It is the most efficient way to connect the dots between the widely scattered attractions of this sprawling metropolis while resting your feet.
4. Glide Through the City on a Segway
Walking can be exhausting, so why not glide? This Segway tour offers an adrenaline-pumping alternative to the traditional walking tour, taking you along the “Bridge Line” from the bustling city center to the scenic Lindenau Harbor. It is specifically designed to showcase Leipzig as a “green city,” weaving through parks and along cycle paths that cars can’t reach. You will be equipped with a headset, meaning you receive a stream of fascinating facts about the city’s industrial transformation while you ride, ensuring you never have to stop the momentum to hear the guide. It’s effortless sightseeing with a thrill.
5. Experience History with a Multimedia Old Town Tour
This is not your grandfather’s history lesson. This tour reinvents the sightseeing experience by combining a classic guided walk with cutting-edge multimedia technology. As you stroll through the historic Old Town, your guide uses a mobile projector to beam historical images and videos directly onto the facades of buildings. Suddenly, the past overlays the present, allowing you to witness the city’s evolution from a medieval trade hub to the stage of the Peaceful Revolution. It is an “ingeniously multimedia” experience that makes history tangible, engaging your eyes and ears in a way that dry guidebooks never could.
6. Step Back in Time at the Titanic Exhibition
Leipzig is currently hosting a spectacular exhibition that invites you to relive one of history’s most tragic events. “Titanic: An Immersive Journey” goes far beyond a museum display; it is an emotional deep dive into the legend of the unsinkable ship. Through stunning visual storytelling and reconstructed scenes, you explore the ship’s grandeur and the heartbreaking personal stories of its passengers. This attraction is a powerful reminder of human ambition and fragility. It is a visually arresting experience that captivates visitors of all ages, offering a poignant contrast to the cheerful bustle of the city outside.
7. Discover Hidden Courtyards and Passages
Leipzig’s true character hides inside its buildings. This private tour unlocks the secret world of the city’s famous intricate passageways and courtyards, a system unique in Europe. Built for the world’s oldest trade fairs in the 1500s, these architectural gems allow merchants to move goods without getting wet. You will marvel at the grandeur of the Mädlerpassage and the artistic details of Specks Hof. Having a private guide is essential here; they know exactly which unassuming doors lead to breathtaking atriums and can explain the centuries of commerce that shaped this “Little Paris.”
8. Play Your Way Through the City
Turn your sightseeing into a high-stakes game with this self-guided e-scavenger hunt. Perfect for competitive friends or families with teenagers, this app-based adventure challenges you to solve riddles and complete tasks at various landmarks. Instead of passively listening to a guide, you are actively engaging with the environment, searching for clues on statues and buildings. The best part is the flexibility; there is no meeting point or schedule. You can start whenever you wake up, pause for a coffee or a bratwurst, and resume your quest for glory whenever you are ready to play again.
9. Join a Free Walking Tour of the City Center
The best things in life are free, and this walking tour proves it. This tour, ranked #1 for a reason, provides a comprehensive overview of Leipzig’s history at no upfront cost. You will wander past the architectural marvel of the University of Leipzig, stand in the shadow of the New Town Hall, and learn about the “Miracle of Leipzig” that helped bring down the Berlin Wall. Passionate locals who love their city lead this social, high-energy experience. It’s the perfect starting point to orient yourself before diving deeper into specific attractions.
10. Get a local’s introduction and taste the culture
For a more intimate introduction to the city, this small-group walking tour connects you with a knowledgeable local guide who feels more like a friend. Beyond just seeing the famous churches like St. Thomas (where Bach worked) and St. Nicholas, you get a literal taste of the culture. The tour includes a sampling of the “Leipziger Lerche,” a delicious marzipan-filled pastry with a fascinating history. This experience is designed to equip you with insider knowledge, offering personalized restaurant recommendations and hidden tips that ensure you spend the rest of your trip living like a local.
Final Verdict
Leipzig is a city that rewards curiosity, offering layers of history, culture, and modern energy that are best explored through active participation. Whether you are gliding on a Segway, solving riddles in an alleyway, or drifting down a canal, these tours ensure you don’t just see the city—you experience it. Don’t let your trip be ordinary. Choose the adventure that speaks to you, click the link, and secure your spot to witness the magic of Leipzig firsthand.