Leipzig

In one of Germany's most exciting cities, there are plenty of popular areas to stay, including Zentrum, Musikviertel and Süd-Ost. The lively city has accommodations to suit all wallets, from luxury hotels to low-cost hostels.

The Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof provides five-star luxury in the elegant setting of a historic building, located in the heart of the city. Discover the comprehensive services on offer, including a spa, gym and an in-house restaurant.

With colourful rooms and a short walk to local amenities, the Five Elements Hostel Leipzig provides an attractive alternative to the more expensive hotels. All the rooms and dormitories have en-suite bathrooms, and a healthy buffet is served every morning. This hostel has much to offer travellers looking for a budget-friendly option.

From elegant arcades to boutique-lined passages, Leipzig’s shopping scene oozes class at every turn. The Promenaden Hauptbahnhof is where you’ll find the standard high-street shops and department stores, but if it’s designer labels you’re after then head to Mädler Passage. This historic mall is an incredible architectural mix of baroque, Renaissance and art nouveau styles, and it’s where the city’s most exclusive boutiques have set up shop. The refurbished arcades in Specks Hof and Barthels Hof are fabulous for leisurely window-shopping, and on most days you’ll find a jumble of market stalls in the area around Leipzig Central Station. The antique and flea market that takes place on the first weekend of the month on platform 24 is particularly worth attending.

Embracing diversity, Leipzig boasts art deco coffee houses to Michelin-starred restaurants offering culinary delights from Japan, Italy or the Middle East.

The Panorama Tower Restaurant is the highest restaurant in Central Germany featuring breathtaking views of the city from the 29th Floor of the tower.

For a piece of both history and culture, the Riquet is one of the last remaining coffee houses in the centre of Leipzig dedicated to reviving the café tradition. The building dates back to the start of the 20th century and incorporated both Art Nouveau and Chinese architecture in its design.

Historic Easter Fair

April

The countryside comes to Leipzig in April for five days of historic celebrations. Expect to see Easter lambs, jugglers, actors and musicians in traditional dress, and discover how people in Germany used to do trade.

Classic Open

August

Held at the beginning of every August since 1995, this lively summer festival focuses around a stage in front of Opera Leipzig at the Augustusplatz. It features live music, recordings and plenty of stalls selling scrumptious local produce and takeaway food.

Mendelssohn Festival

September

The life of Leipzig native Felix Mendelssohn is celebrated in this annual event, which comprises a series of concerts, exhibitions and workshops across the city.

Leipziger Opernball

October

Rub shoulders with the Leipzig glitterati at the annual Leipzig Opera Ball, an all-out extravaganza which attracts over 2,000 guests and sees famous politicians, sportspeople and entertainers jet into the city from all over the world.

Leipzig Christmas Market

November-December

More than 250 stalls grace the city’s historic market square during the run-up to Christmas. Expect fairy lights, singing choirboys, organ music and all the usual festive razzmatazz.