© www.tomthiele.com, Tom Thiele

Shopping and dining in the city centre

Ein Paar kommt aus dem Kaffeehaus Riquet heraus.

Leipzig's city centre enchants visitors with historic splendour, diverse flair and a compact, charming atmosphere. Its architecture tells stories of centuries past, while modern boutiques and cafés shape the cityscape. In this labyrinth of streets and arcades, the history of the trade fair and trading city blends with contemporary culture. Leipzig city centre preserves tradition and innovation in a lively mix that harmoniously combines historical treasures, diverse shopping opportunities and culinary delights.

Information about Leipzig city centre

  • Most of Leipzig city centre is completely car-free

  • The Leipzig weekly market takes place on the market square every Tuesday and Friday

  • From April to August, the city centre invites you to the Leipzig evening market on the fourth Thursday of each month

  • Despite the wide range of options, the city centre is known for its short distances

  • In the centre, Baroque buildings stand alongside Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture

Shopping in the city centre

Ob kleine Dekoartikel oder große Möbelstücke - das Geschäft Wohnmacher hat viel zu bieten.
© www.tomwilliger.de, Tom Williger

Planning an extended day of shopping in Leipzig? Discover charming boutiques, renowned brands and trendy shops that line historic streets and inviting arcades. From traditional artisan shops to modern concept stores and popular brands, downtown Leipzig offers a variety that fulfills every shopping wish. Let the welcoming atmosphere and the wide-ranging selection inspire you and enjoy a fantastic day of shopping in Leipzig city!

You don't have to leave your four-legged friends behind on an extended shopping trip either. They are welcome companions, and many shops have something not only for you, but also for your furry friends. This makes shopping with your dog a pleasure.

Local shops

Shopping in unique shops in Leipzig city centre ‒ 
here are our local insider tips!

Welcome to Leipzig - The podcast for your Leipzig trip

Shopping in Leipzig - between shoes and arcades

Shopping on a grand scale

Dive into the large shopping centers and discover the shopping paradise of downtown Leipzig. Here you will find a wide selection of trendy brands such as adidas, ZARA or Pandora. But in addition to the well-known stores, the city center also offers special highlights such as the LEGO Store in the Höfe am Brühl and a wide range of independent shops. You are sure to find just the right thing here! So get ready for an extensive shopping trip and explore the diversity of Leipzig's shopping world.

Shopping centers in downtown Leipzig

Höfe am Brühl

Leipzig

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Promenades Leipzig Central Station

Leipzig

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Petersbogen (Petersstraße)

Leipzig

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© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Travel offer

Getting to know Leipzig for the first time

© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Explore the city centre with the 
Explore Leipzig App

Mit der Explore Leipzig App können Stadtrundgänge jederzeit ganz individuell gemacht werden.
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

If you have enough time, the “Leipzig on foot” tour is the perfect way to explore the city at your leisure with the Explore Leipzig App. The large city center tour includes 25 stops and takes you to the trade fair city’s most important sights. You can freely choose the start and end point, and the order of the stops can be customized to suit you.

Highlights: Old Town Hall, Leipzig Opera, Gewandhaus and many more.

Tip: Use the Explore Leipzig App to navigate through the city and get detailed information about each stop.

Enjoy an extended walk through Leipzig’s city center and discover the city in all its diversity!

© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Architecture in Leipzig's city center

Exceptional Arcade System

Good news: You don’t have to travel all the way to Milan to stroll through special arcades. Leipzig’s city centre is criss-crossed by a network of 21 arcades in various historic architectural styles, bringing you closer to many different eras of the city’s history. The starting point for the creation of the many trade fair palaces with their special arcade system was the Leipzig Sample Fair, whose innovative concept gained worldwide recognition and changed the trade fair industry for good. So get going and explore the unique arcade system in the city centre!

The Most Beautiful Arcades

Unique Arcade System

In the arcades of the city centre, you can stroll under cover through historic passageways even in bad weather. The hidden passageways offer unique shopping experiences away from the main shopping streets. Here, historic charm and modern flair come together. The mix of traditional shops, trendy boutiques and cosy cafés creates a vibrant atmosphere. The best-known arcades include the Mädler-Passage and Specks Hof.

Beyond the arcades, the architecture of Leipzig city centre impresses with a fascinating interplay of historic splendour and contemporary design. Around every corner, traditional façades invite you to pause and admire them, while the artfully designed details of the historic buildings give the streets a unique flair.

  • The first Leipzig trading courtyard was built by Heinrich Stromer ­von Auerbach between 1530 and 1538

  • The size of Leipzig's arcade system is unique in Europe

  • The arcades are closely linked to Leipzig's development into an up-and-coming trade and trade fair city

Dining in Leipzig's city center

In Auerbachs Keller werden gerne deftige Speisen verzehrt.
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Feeling thirsty and your stomach is rumbling? Then set off on a culinary journey through Leipzig city centre! Stroll along historic streets full of innovative restaurants, cosy cafés and lively bars and treat yourselves to a wide range of local delicacies and international specialities. The historic establishments and trendy hotspots in the centre create an inviting atmosphere that encourages you to linger and explore. Enjoy the diversity of Saxon cuisine in the heart of the city, where pleasure and history come together and make every visit an unforgettable experience. Bon appétit!

Traditional restaurants

These restaurants serve home-style, German or authentic Saxon cuisine!

Special restaurants in the city center

Fine dining in a unique setting ‒ here you'll find truly special Leipzig restaurants!

Vine

Leipzig

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Max Enk

Leipzig

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R10

Leipzig

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Trendy restaurants

Dining in the city's urban restaurants ‒ 
Leipzig's food hotspots are right here!

Welcome to Leipzig - The podcast for your Leipzig trip

Restaurants and Cafés in Leipzig's City Center: Macis, Moritzbastei & More

Bars & cafés

in Leipzig city centre

Discover Leipzig’s vibrant nightlife and explore the wide range of bars along the famous pub mile, Barfußgäßchen, as well as many other places in the city centre! For cosier hours in the morning or afternoon, numerous cafés await. So sit back and treat yourselves to a little break with freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats.

Bars

Elegant bar or traditional Irish pub ‒ you’ll find the best drinks in Leipzig city centre here!

Dhillons

Leipzig

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Tonelli's

Leipzig

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Barfusz

Leipzig

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Cafés

Not just for Saxon coffee lovers, but also for tea and cake fans - this is the coziest place to take a break.

© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Food & Drink in the city centre

  • One of the most famous establishments in Leipzig is “Auerbachs Keller”

  • In Leipzig’s “Barfußgässchen” (also known as Drallewatsch), cafés, bars and restaurants line the street

  • Numerous bars and cafés in the arcades also invite you to linger

© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

From the districts to the city center

Getting here by public transportation

What makes Leipzig special: you can easily get to the city centre by public transport from any direction in the city. 

The following stops provide direct access to the city centre:

  • Goerdelerring
  • Hauptbahnhof
  • Augustusplatz
  • Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz
  • Thomaskirche
  • Markt

You can find more detailed information about the routes in the network map.

When planning your journey, we also recommend the LeipzigMOVE app. The app shows you which tram or bus routes are best suited to get you to your destination. You will also find an overview of the available rental bikes and scooters ready for use in your area.

Getting here by car

More information and tips

Leipzigs Innenstadt lässt sich einfach und barrierefrei mit Kinderwagen entdecken.
Altes Rathaus und Marktplatz - Leipziger Innenstadt

Drinking fountains and restrooms

For a trip to downtown Leipzig, it’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle. You can refill it anytime at the drinking fountains on Petersstraße or Katharinenstraße.

If you need a restroom break, you can use the public restrooms. In the city center, you’ll find public restrooms at the following locations:

Restroom at the Market Square

Restroom at Schwanenteich on Goethestraße

Restroom at Augustusplatz

Restroom at Martin-Luther-Ring

Restroom at St. Thomas Church

In der Reichsstraße gibt es zwei Spielgeräte für Kinder.
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Leipzig city center for children

A shopping trip or museum visit can sometimes feel long for children. But don’t worry: in the city centre there are hidden places that offer a fun change of pace and the chance to let off steam. You’ll find a small playground with a climbing hill and built-in trampoline on Reichsstraße, level with Leos Brasserie restaurant.

Mithilfe des Blindenleitsystems findet sich die sehbehinderte Frau in der Innenstadt gut zurecht.
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Accessibility

So you can get around downtown Leipzig in a relaxed and worry-free way, you will find all the information about accessibility in Leipzig on our page. Whether you are looking for tips on getting here, cultural activities or accessible dining - here you will find a complete overview to help make your travel planning easier.

Accessible offers

Relaxing in the countryside

Bei der Lenné-Anlage sitzen an warmen Tagen viele Menschen im Gras.
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

After you have browsed through a few shops, explored museums, or discovered hidden passages, it is time for a break. Our recommendation: the green spaces that stretch around the city center. Here, despite being close to the lively bustle of Leipzig’s city center, you can enjoy a moment of peace and make plans for how the rest of the day should unfold.

Behind the Leipzig Opera, the idyllic Schwanenteich awaits you. Not far away, behind the Gewandhaus, you will find the Linnéanlagen with the Otto Koch Monument. Separated by Universitätsstraße, the Linnéanlagen finally lead into the picturesque Schillerpark, characterized by the impressive Gellert Monument and a large lawn.

On the northwestern edge of the city center, you will find the Richard Wagner Monument, surrounded by a green lawn that is perfect for a relaxing break – especially in spring, when the square is surrounded by colorful flower beds. And right in the lively center between St. Thomas Church and Market Square lies Thomaswiese, a green retreat with plenty of seating in the shade of the trees.

City centre walking tours

Eine Gästegruppe erfährt Interessantes über Leipzig.
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Set off and discover the hidden sides of Leipzig city centre on a guided walking tour! Immerse yourselves in the city’s vibrant history and culture, passing plenty of sights. These are presented by knowledgeable guides who offer you exclusive insights and fascinating facts. With a wide range of guided tours, you can discover the city in a whole new way - the choice of tours is as diverse as Leipzig itself.

In the city centre, you have a wide choice of guided tours. Here are two interesting providers:

If you’d rather explore Leipzig on one of the popular double-decker buses , take a look at this provider:

Any questions? You’ll find us here!

In der Tourist-Information gibt es Broschüren und Souvenirs zu kaufen.
© www.pkfotografie.com, Philipp Kirschner

Do you still have questions about event and excursion tips, guided city tours, dining or accommodations?

We would be happy to advise you in person at our Tourist Information at ­Katharinenstraße 8 in the center of Leipzig.

Monday to Friday
10:00 AM − 6:00 PM

Saturday, Sunday and holidays
10:00 AM − 3:00 PM

All city center tips at a glance