Even 250 years after holding the position of St. Thomas Cantor, Johann Sebastian Bach continues shaping the city. Leipzig keeps the memory of the world-renowned baroque musician alive through its Bach Archive, Bach Museum, Bach Festival, and Bach Competition. Leipzig’s St. Thomas Choir and its Gewandhaus Orchestra are two world-famous institutions which were already in existence during the great composer’s lifetime.

Congress City in Eastern Germany
The first large fair took place in the mid-12th century, as the city was strategically located at the intersection of two large trade routes. This makes the city one of the oldest fair venues in the world. Visit Leipzig’s Book Fair, which is held in March every spring. Discover a city that is both modern and traditional.

Interesting Events
In the nearby city of Markkleeberg, an antiques and flea market takes place during the last weekend of every month. Around 1,000 merchants travel from every corner of Germany to sell basically anything that can be found in a loft, from antiques to zinc baths. For flea-market lovers, it is the El Dorado.

Every year, in the autumn, the “Leipzig Market Days” take place at the St. Nicholas Church Square. For five days, there is a broad offer of culinary and cultural delights, including a traditional fountain to give thanks for the harvest.

In the south of the city, the large theme park “Belantis” is definitely worth a visit for families. It is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre, and if you book a child seat together with your car, we will ensure that it is properly installed prior to your arrival.

Another very popular event is the annual Museum Evening in May, which also has a lot to offer for families. Since 2009, it is held together with the city of Halle, located 40 km away. Your best option is to hire an Avis car in Leipzig so you can move freely between the nearly eighty event venues. Every year, a varied programme filled with exhibitions, tours, concerts, performances and films starts at 6:00 p.m. – the children’s programme begins earlier, at 5:00 p.m. Tip: book one of our reliable TomTom GPS systems together with your car, so you can easily find all the museums.

The Bach Festival taking place each summer is a real highlight in the city’s calendar. World-famous performers, the St. Thomas Choir, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra guarantee a festival like no other in the entire world. Classical-music lovers should really take note of this date.
 

The Church of St. Nicholas is one of the oldest in the city and became widely famous due to the peace prayers and the peaceful revolution of the former GDR. The city and parish church has been standing for 800 years, with various modifications exhibiting romantic, gothic, renaissance, baroque, and classical styles. Its concert organ is among Germany’s largest. Erected close to the church in 1490, the Alte Nikolaischule had some famous pupils such as Leibniz and Wagner.

St. Thomas Church was originally constructed around 1212 as a place of worship for the Augustinian Canons. It was not shaped into a late-Gothic hall church until the 15th century. Today, the church is mostly known due to the famed St. Thomas Choir. The remains of Johann Sebastian Bach, inarguably the choir’s most famous cantor, are buried underneath the choir room.

The St. Thomas Choir is the city’s oldest cultural institution, boasting an 800-year-old tradition. In 1212, a school admitting not only choir boys but also the children of private citizens was affiliated to the St. Thomas Church; thus, becoming Germany’s first public school.

In terms of cultural history, the city’s most interesting building is the Königshaus, where the Council lodged its guests since 1610. Even Tsar Peter the Great stayed there in 1698 during a stopover.

Are you a coffee lover? Then make sure not to leave out restaurant and café “Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum” from your sightseeing list. “Coffe Baum” is one of Europe’s oldest coffee houses. People have been enjoying delicious coffee there since 1711. Intellectual greats such as Goethe, Lessing, Bach, E. T. A. Hoffmann, and Wagner used to go there for coffee and a chat. In more recent history, Helmut Kohl and Lothar de Maizière met there to discuss the opportunities of the impending German unification over a cup of coffee.

Saxon Switzerland is an especially beautiful destination in the surrounding area. Hire a car in Leipzig and you will be right in the middle of the idyllic Elbe Sandstone Mountains in two hours. The local restaurants offering regional cuisine are particularly recommended.

Have you already been to Leipzig’s New Lake District? This unique lake area is located 30 km to the south of the city. With its total of seventeen recreational lakes, it is perfect for a relaxed day on the water.

We would be happy to be of assistance during your stay in this lively city. At our Avis stations, we offer you not only first-rate conditions, but also our customary service.

As soon as you arrive at any of our car-rental stations in Leipzig you will be well looked after. Whether you need a little run around for a quick trip into the city or an elegant saloon for a business trip or a roomy minibus for a family holiday, the perfect car is waiting for you.

Frequent customers get an upgrade – as well as additional free days – by registering for our loyalty programme Avis Preferred.