If you are planning a trip to Germany and want to go somewhere different from the most popular cities, you may find this guide to cool things to do in Leipzig handy. The city has a solid and long-lasting cultural heritage, with many buildings and sites highlighting its checkered history and many modern sites and landmarks. Whatever you are interested in or like to do on vacation, Leipzig will likely provide a fantastic time, particularly if you are looking for a frugal break. 

To help you decide what to see and do while there, we have included below a guide to the best things to do in this pretty German city.

1. Forum of Contemporary History

Like most of the world, Germany's modern history has been shaped by the Second World War. You may find the Forum of Contemporary History fascinating if you are a history fan or interested in the war. It highlights life in the country, from the war's end to the reunification of West and East Germany in 1989. 

Here, you will find a stunning variety of recorded accounts, films, photographs, objects, and artifacts, making it one of Leipzig's best things to do. 

While there, you should also consider a trip to the Stasi Museum and Memorial. It is built on the site of the former headquarters of the GDR's oppressive secret service. 

2. Battle of The Nations Monument

The above museums are free to enter, but if you still want more information and details on the war, the Battle of the Nations Monument is another free thing to do in Leipzig. This is one of the most significant war memorials in Germany. Both imposing and incredible, it is a fine example of the famous Wilhelmine School of Architecture. 

The building was completed in 1913 as part of commemorations on the 100th anniversary of Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of the Nations in 1813 in Leipzig. If you want perfect photography opportunities, you should go over the viewing platform for beautiful vistas of Leipzig in all its glory.

3. The Markt & The Old City Hall

Among the cool things to do in Leipzig is the 16th-century Rathaus, or Old Town Hall. It is a perfectly well-maintained example of sublime Renaissance architecture. Its exterior is particularly striking. On the inside, you will find a fascinating museum that shows what the city was like throughout the centuries since the Middle Ages. 

Once you have explored every inch of the Old City Hall, you should go to the arcade underneath the exterior of the building, where you will find many great little shops. Furthermore, if you go on Tuesday or Thursday, you will see the Farmer's Market held within the old market square.

4. St. Thomas Church

Are you a music lover? One of the fun things to do in Leipzig is to visit Johann Sebastian Bach's final resting place in St. Thomas Church. This is a great place to visit for so many reasons. Although the church's choir section was constructed in 1212, the remainder dates back in time. 

The place of worship is also iconic for controversial reasons, as it was where Martin Luther was active as a preacher during the 16th century. It was eventually converted into a Protestant place of worship, and even today it is still used as such. Regular musical performances, as well as other social gatherings and exciting events, are held there.

5. Madler Passage

A trip to Madler Passage is one of the fun things to do in Leipzig. This shopping center was built in 1910 and is not just superb for some sometime-needed retail therapy. It is an architectural delight found between Neumarkt and Grimmaische Strasse. Don't let looks deceive you, because although it doesn't look like much from the outside, you will find four spacious stories of shopping when you step inside. There are 40 specialty stores, cafes, and restaurants. And while you are there, stop at Auerbachs Keller, a famous wine tavern with a long-standing history that dates back to around 1438.

6. Karl-Heine-Kanal

As you may have guessed by our guide so far, one of the best things about Leipzig is its history and heritage. Another attraction in the city that could be more interesting is one of the most magical places in Leipzig. The man-made canal is 3.3km long, and you can walk along the bank at your own pace, drinking in the stunning atmosphere, sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world around you. During spring and summer, you will see lots of birds, greenery, and blooming flowers, while in autumn, you can expect more yellows, rusts, reds, and tones of orange. 

In winter, you will see the water freeze and have a stunning gleaming surface. If you don't want to walk and can afford the inexpensive fare, you could also take a boat ride along the canal. 

7. Gohlis Palace

If you are going to the city as a couple and are looking for free, romantic things to do in Leipzig, consider visiting Gohlis Palace. Built during the 18th century, this Rococo-style palace is an impressive structure to behold and explore, to say the very least. You can walk around the country house and its adjoining gardens before sitting in the restaurant or café on site for a delicious meal or drink with your significant other.

For an even more incredible experience, why not look at their events calendar and book your break in the city to coincide with a musical recital or performance in this magical setting?

8. Clara-Zetkin Park

After spending a lot of time in the busier parts of the city, you will be looking for a bit of peace. One of the best things to do in Leipzig, especially if you are on a tight budget, is to visit Clara-Zetkin Park. This dense forest area has many significant shaded areas, ponds, fountains, and sunny lawns where you can stroll around or sit and have lunch. There is also a Schubert monument for classical music and composers fans, an open-air café, a historic bandstand, and a stunning lake with some fun little wooden bridges to cross for spectacular views up and down the water. 

9. RB Leipzig Stadium Tour

Germany is an essential nation in international football, having won the World Cup four times and the European Championships three times. Leipzig has a soccer team that eventually entered the Bundesliga, the upper division of the German football league. The RB Leipzig stadium tour will interest any sports lover, specifically professional football or soccer fans. 

There has been much controversy surrounding RB Leipzig because of its owners and the heavy corporate influence many football fans in Germany see as inauthentic. However, the money spent on making their stadium has been well spent, as it is beautiful. 

10. Belantas

For some more exciting and more fun things to do in Leipzig, you should check out Belantas. From April to October, Belantas – The Adventure Begins is a top-rated seasonal summer attraction in the city. Here, you will find lots for children of all ages, from shows and rides to standard fun fairs and theme park features. There is also an attraction known as the Hurricane, a rollercoaster, and many stores and restaurants. You should ensure you have a day in your itinerary to get the most out of a trip to the park. Whether you are going with your family or your significant other, there are plenty of thrills and fun here. 

11. Floating Church Vineta

Another of the most romantic things to do in Leipzig is a trip to the Floating Church Vineta. This is a common locale for many looking to have destination weddings from abroad or locals looking to get married in a gorgeous and unique place. Not only is it romantic, but it is one of the most unusual things to do in Leipzig. You can take a boat trip around the surrounding lake, visit the church, and then stop at one of the many fine eateries on the shore for a romantic German meal.

If you are planning on getting married to your significant other abroad, then this is a great place to do it. Be aware that it is trendy, and you may need to book far in advance for your big day. 

12. Leipzig Botanical Garden

We have already discussed one of the great things you can do if you are looking to have some peace and quiet. If you need more, one of the best things to do in Leipzig for free, which will help you get back in touch with the natural world and some tranquility, is a trip around the impressive Leipzig Botanical Gardens. Not only is it Germany's oldest, but it is also one of the oldest gardens of its kind in the whole world. 

Walk around a total of 3.5 hectares over a day and enjoy the various greenhouse collections, open-air plantings, and many themed garden feature areas. Different nations worldwide are represented, with plants originating from Australia, South America, Central America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps, and other famous mountainous regions, ponds, marshlands, prairies, and forests. 

13. Asisi Panometer

Formerly used as a gasometer, the Asisi Panometer is now one of the most unusual things to do in Leipzig. You can experience the visually astounding panorama with a virtual tour of its currently running theme. Some pictures have a circumference of just under 105 meters and stand 30 meters high. In addition to the treat for the eyes, sound effects and other extras make it a fully immersive experience. You can also head to the visitor's platform to get a closer look at many of the intricate details in the pictures used in the panorama. 

We are sure you will leave this experience with fresh eyes and a fresh sense of wonder about the world. 

14. Leipzig Zoo

For animal lovers, one of the best things to do in Leipzig is the Leipzig Zoo. We understand that the idea of zoos puts off many frugal travelers, but this scores highly as Germany's best zoo and is considered by many experts to be a futuristic zoo. It covers around 27 hectares of land and has approximately 859 species. 

We recommend that you make space in your schedule to take a whole day to explore the extensive collection of animals. Two of the many highlights stand out: Gondwanaland, the second most enormous indoor rainforest hall in the world, and Pongoland, home to the primates. 

Final Thoughts

Like many small, quaint, trendy German towns and cities, Leipzig is an absolute delight, regardless of your desired vacation. With its rich and deep history, exciting culture, and warm and friendly people, we know you will enjoy your time there. There are many things to do in Leipzig at night, during the day, or first thing in the morning. From eating in local dining options that sell regional German delicacies and filling food to museums, theme parks, and many green spaces, you will be spoiled for choice.

You will even have the opportunity for retail tourism in Leipzig, as there is always a shop around the corner or an engaging little local craft workshop. We hope our guide helps you have the best holiday on a tight budget.

Of course, you may have visited Leipzig and traveled frugally around this beautiful city. In that case, you may know of some great recommendations and suggestions for first-time visitors that we still need to include.

Please let us know of these in the comments section below. We always look to improve our guides to make them as detailed and helpful as possible for our readers.