Located in Saxony, Leipzig has a population of about 530,000. Historically Germany's premier trade center, it was originally a walled city and earned the nickname Little Paris in the 19th century for being a cultural hub. Leipzig is situated at the junction of the Weisse Elster, Parthe, and Pleisse Rivers.
The city's history is deeply connected to classical music. Both Bach and Mendelssohn lived in the city during the height of their careers. The Bach Museum also puts on the Bach Festival every year in early summer. You can also spend an evening at Oper, the city's opera house or enjoy live classical performances at Gewandhaus Orchestra, where Mendelssohn used to play.
Every Christmas, Leipzig hosts the Christmas Market. Leipzig also arranges the Wave-Gotik-Treffen, the world's largest goth festival, every summer. People travel from far away to experience its medieval market and music performances. Leipzig is packed with a wide variety of different cultural spaces, from the impressive Museum of Fine Arts to the Old City Hall, where one can learn about Leipzig's prolific history.
For visitors who like to explore the outdoors, Leipzig has a variety of parks to enjoy. The Rosenthal Park will lead you right to the famous Leipzig Zoo, which will delight children and adults alike. University of Leipzig also has Germany's oldest Botanical Garden and is open to the public. Don't miss out on Völkerschlachtdenkmal, a towering monument to the Battle of the Nations during the Napoleonic Wars.
While staying in Leipzig, many visitors opt to purchase the Leipzig Card. This pass provides discounted fares on all public transportation choices throughout the city. It also offers discounts at selected restaurants and event venues.
Leipzig is easily accessible by the A9, A38, and A14 motorways. The city also has the largest train station in Europe. The Leipzig/Halle Airport is conveniently located 15 minutes from the city proper, with a shuttle service running regularly between the two. Thanks to its central location and varied to-see list, Leipzig is a favored destination in Germany.
