Tucked away in the heart of Saxony, Leipzig is no longer Germany’s best-kept secret. With its vibrant creative scene, rich musical heritage, and resilient spirit, Leipzig has transformed from a historic trade city to a dynamic cultural powerhouse—so much so that it has earned nicknames like “New Berlin” and even “Silicon Valley of Europe.”
Today, with TPO.Travel’s Private Walking Tour, discerning travelers can uncover Leipzig’s many layers—from Bach’s baroque symphonies to echoes of revolution and renewal. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply a seeker of authenticity, Leipzig offers a unique blend of grandeur and grit.
A City of Commerce, Culture, and Courage
Leipzig’s history as one of Europe’s oldest trade cities sets the stage for everything else. Its name comes from the Slavic word Lipsk, meaning “settlement where the linden trees stand,” but by the Middle Ages, Leipzig had bloomed into a strategic marketplace on two major trade routes: Via Regia and Via Imperii.
TPO.Travel’s private walking tour begins in the Old Town, where cobbled streets and elegant arcades echo centuries of commercial importance. As you wander through the historical heart, your local guide will unravel stories of booming fairs, guilds, and exchanges that once made Leipzig an economic giant.
The Old Town Hall—an architectural gem of German Renaissance design—dominates the market square and offers a picturesque backdrop to this introduction.
Bach, Mendelssohn, and the Spirit of Music
It’s impossible to speak of Leipzig without mentioning Johann Sebastian Bach, who served as the city’s music director for 27 years. One of the tour’s emotional highlights is a visit to St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche), where Bach composed, conducted, and where he is now buried.
Across the square lies the Bach Museum, which brings his legacy to life with manuscripts, instruments, and interactive exhibits.
But Bach wasn’t Leipzig’s only musical prodigy. Composer Felix Mendelssohn also called the city home and helped revive Bach’s forgotten works during the Romantic era. TPO.Travel’s walking tour brings you face-to-face with these musical landmarks, including concert halls, memorials, and the University of Music and Theatre.
For classical music lovers, Leipzig is a pilgrimage—and with TPO.Travel’s premium customization, you can even pair your walking tour with a private concert or curated museum experience.
Auerbach’s Keller and Goethe’s Inspiration
Just steps from the main square lies Auerbach’s Keller, one of Germany’s oldest and most legendary restaurants. Immortalized in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust, this 16th-century tavern served as a literary and philosophical hub during Goethe’s student days in Leipzig.
Today, the cellar still welcomes visitors beneath its arched ceilings, where bronze statues of Faust and Mephistopheles stand guard. During your walk through the adjacent Mädler Passage, your guide will explain how this beautiful arcade reflects the city’s blend of elegance and storytelling.
Napoleon’s Defeat and Leipzig’s Pivotal Role in European History
Leipzig has seen the rise and fall of empires—and TPO.Travel’s private guides will help you navigate its pivotal moments. One of the most dramatic was the Battle of the Nations in 1813, where Napoleon Bonaparte suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of the Sixth Coalition.
Known as one of the largest battles in Europe before World War I, this event marked a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars and is commemorated by the towering Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations) on the outskirts of the city—an optional addition TPO.Travel can arrange with private transfers.
The city also carries scars from the Third Reich, including the haunting history of mass suicides inside the New Town Hall during the regime’s final days. These sobering tales add emotional depth to the journey.
From Dictatorship to Democracy: The Peaceful Revolution
Leipzig’s role in toppling the East German dictatorship is perhaps its most inspiring chapter. In 1989, the city became the epicenter of the Peaceful Revolution that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Your walking tour includes a stop at the St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche), where weekly peace prayers grew into mass demonstrations against the communist regime. It was here that Leipzig’s citizens ignited change not with violence, but with unity and courage.
TPO.Travel’s expert guides share first-hand insights and historical context that breathe life into these streets—making history feel personal and present.
Academic Excellence and Architectural Highlights
Leipzig is also a proud university city, home to one of Europe’s oldest academic institutions—Leipzig University, founded in 1409. The university campus includes both historical buildings and modern marvels, including the striking Paulinum, a glass-and-steel tribute to the church destroyed by East German authorities.
Nearby, admire the Krochhochhaus, Leipzig’s first high-rise building and an architectural milestone in German modernism. From here, walk to Augustusplatz, one of the largest city squares in Germany, lined with the Opera House, Gewandhaus concert hall, and more.
Rossplatz and the New Town Hall: Stories in Stone
Leipzig’s architectural diversity continues with a visit to Rossplatz and the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). With its towering sandstone façade and richly decorated interiors, the New Town Hall exudes imperial grandeur—but hides darker memories from the final days of World War II.
Here, your guide will share chilling stories from April 1945, when Nazi officials and civilians took their lives as the Allies advanced. These tragic moments contrast sharply with the optimism that radiates from the rest of the city.
This juxtaposition is what makes Leipzig unforgettable.
Why Travel Leipzig with TPO.Travel?
TPO.Travel’s private walking tours are curated for those who want more than just sightseeing—they want connection, comfort, and customization.
Expert Local Guides
Our guides are historians, storytellers, and passionate locals who offer depth, context, and authenticity at every step.
Luxury Transfers
Arriving from Berlin, Dresden, or Prague? TPO.Travel arranges door-to-door luxury transportation, so your journey is as smooth as your destination.
Tailored Hotel Bookings
From boutique stays in historic townhouses to high-end hotels near Augustusplatz, we ensure your Leipzig base reflects your style and comfort.
Optional Add-Ons
Want to end the day with a private concert, wine tasting, or guided museum visit? TPO.Travel offers fully personalized itineraries.
Leipzig—A Story Still Being Written
Leipzig is a city where music echoes from church towers, revolutions rise from prayer meetings, and creativity flows from every cobbled corner. It’s a place where the past informs the present, and the present dares to dream of the future.
With TPO.Travel’s Private Walking Tour, you’re invited not just to observe but to immerse—to walk, wonder, and weave your own chapter into the ongoing story of Leipzig.