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Dining in Europe > Leipzig Fine food and drink, followed by a wild night out on the town has only recently become a problem-free proposition in Leipzig. Until the opening of Markt 9 in Barfussgässchen several years ago, there was arguably not a single proper bar in the city centre. Now, however, the small street is full of tapas bars (Tapa Mundo and Spizz), reopened historical inns like the Zum Arabischen Coffeebaum as well as countless clubs. In the summer months, a large, open-air seating area is set up directly on the main marketplace, allowing visitors to eat, drink, meet people, and celebrate late into the night. Those who find the clientele here too young or stylish can look for something more suitable on Gottschedstrasse in the Schauspielviertel. Its proximity to the theatres ensures that the people here are generally a bit older, but therefore more cultured or at least culturally oriented. Visitors can meet up with actors lunching at the Luise, while dancers, music students and architects sit together at Maga Pon. The Barcelona specialises in Spanish cuisine and offers fine wines and cocktails. Many other pubs and restaurants provide specialities and ambience from far away lands, and in summer often set up tables on the street or in courtyards. At the start of Gottschedstrasse, visitors can attend cultural events or dance the night away to electronic music at places like the Kosmoshaus and Kabarett Club. With respect to restaurants and bars, the southern district of Leipzig is the oldest area of the city. Students, artists, and the Szenevolk (in-crowd) have lived in and around Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse for generations, and these most definitely form the majority of the clientele in this areas haunts. Ex-students also keep memories of student life alive here. Here, you'll find Killywilly, a legendary Irish Pub, Cortex, a trendy cocktail lounge with electronic music and Avocado , the best-known vegetarian restaurant in the area. Bohemian poets and actors frequent the Cafe Grundmann and enjoy coffee, red wine and antipasti in its art-deco interior. A very new and critically acclaimed restaurant is the Kitchen, with its changing weekly menu featuring authentic international cuisine. Farther to the south is the Connewitzer Szene, in which alternative and underground lifestyles are still practised. One can purchase beer and enjoy home-cooking in buildings occupied by squatters - those interested will find these places easy to find! Visitors looking for something a bit more traditional will find it in the city-centre. A must for afternoon coffee and cake is the Riquethaus, housed in a former colonial office with a beautiful facade and coffee-house charm. You'll find traditional German fare in Auerbachs Keller. Goethe worked on Faust here during his time in Leipzig. The interior is decorated with scenes from the famous drama, and Mephisto himself shows up from time to time to frighten the guests a bit. Sophisticated Saxon cuisine can be found in Zill´s Tunnel , a traditional Leipzig restaurant, dating from 1841. A step up is the Kaiser Maximilian, one of the few Leipzig restaurants to receive a recommendation from the Michelin Guide. In its stylish and modern atmosphere, diners will certainly experience an exceptional evening. Theres also one clear leader when it comes to international cuisine: Yamato celebrates Japans culture, culinary and otherwise, at the highest standards. Simpler sushi can be found at Mr.Moto, where guests must fish the plate of their choice off an artificial stream. Good Cuban cuisine at reasonable prices is to be found at Varadero. Some recommendations for Italian are Don Camillo & Peppone, and the Emporio, where one can additionally purchase directly imported wine and foodstuffs. The most service-oriented Indian restaurant is the Maha Radscha in Karl-Liebknecht-Strae, while the most solid Mexican fare is on offer at Sancho Pancha in Industriestrae. Fast food is now available on almost every street corner. In particular, one can find snacks from all over the world in the Hauptbahnhof and the city centre. In sum, there is considerable choice in all things culinary in and around Leipzig. Frequent ownership changes and new openings makes it impossible to give reliable tips for some areas. However, the choice of German and international cuisine in the range of good to very good is quite acceptable. In the town centre and the Schauspielviertel, everyone will find something to their taste and in line with their budget. Entertainment in LeipzigLeipzig's attractions don't just stop at trade fairs, but include an impressive array of activities stemming from its role as a multi-cultural centre within Europe. Its many museums testify to the towns eventful history, and music and theatre enliven daily life. Fine cuisine is of great importance and an active nightlife seems to reign in the city. Plenty of sporting activities take place and shopping here holds many a possibility. Daytime Activities: Viewing the many sights of the city is rewarding: Leipzig has a whole host of museums, impressive monuments and buildings of historical importance, not to mention the historical trade fair. The Stadtgeschichtliche Museum (Local History Museum) is housed inside the Altes Rathaus on the main market square, and offers information on all aspects of local history. Other sights include the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (the monument of the Battle of the Nations), the Museum Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum, the Schillerhaus and the Sportmuseum. The citys more recent past can be explored in the Museum in der Runden Ecke and in the Stasi Bunker. The Museum der bildenden Künste, the main fine arts museum, offers its visitors a glimpse into different artistic periods and genres. The nearby Naturkundemuseum explores the relationship between man and nature, as well as some more general ecological issues. For music-lovers, Leipzig has the Johann Sebastian Bach Museum, the Mendelssohn Haus, and the Musical Instruments Museum. The latter is housed in the Grassimuseum, which also includes the Museum of Ethnology and the Museum of Arts and Crafts. Others include the Egyptian Museum, the Automatic Museum and a Technical Centre. Further collections tailored to more specific interests are the Museum of Printing, the National Garden Museum, the Camera and Photo Museum, the Historical Railway Station and the Saxon Chemists' Museum. Leipzig also has a wide array of cafés, bars and pubs in which students, trade fair visitors and tourists all meet up for a drink. Those who prefer to spend their day and money on jewellery, stylish clothing or souvenirs can follow their hearts desire during a leisurely walk around the shopping districts of the town centre. Here, numerous boutiques and shops make for an enjoyable afternoon. A large number of specialist shops attract many a curious passer-by in the Mädler Passage, Messehofpassage, and Petersstrae, as well as in the Messehaus Specks Hof and Barthels Hof. The Städtische Kaufhaus and other department stores offer at least as much as the newly built shopping centres. The regular markets for fresh produce, flowers, ceramics and books all have vendors calling out for the attention of potential customers as they seek to sell their quality wares. Leipzig catches the hearts of sports fans, since all can have a good romp, or at least contentedly spectate. All around Leipzig, enthusiasts jog through parks and skaters speed along streets. Other appealing activities include swimming, cycling, rowing, fishing, volleyball and fencing. Germanys largest stadium was built here in 1965 and has seen many tears - be it in victory or defeat. Theres also the Scheibenholz race-track, where so many have tried their luck with a flutter. Other sporting events include international tournaments such as the German freestyle wrestling championship, held in the summer, and the international womens tennis Grand Prix in autumn. For those seeking something more relaxing, Leipzig has some romantic lakes where visitors can indulge themselves by soaking up the afternoon sun. Nightlife After a hard days sightseeing, visitors may well be in the mood for a taste of Leipzigs nightlife. A good starting point is the Moritzbastei, a youth and student club which stages concerts and exhibitions in its underground vaults. In the summertime, plays and open-air films are organised. The nearby marketplace provides a second possibility with its jazz festival and other varied events running for the most part of the summer. After 10pm, the bars in Barfugächen and Gottschedstrae start to heat up and are perfect for sampling the local brew. The somewhat less central Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse is also home to an exciting array of restaurants and pubs which will delight gourmets. Werk II on Connewitzer Kreuz is a multicultural centre which organises jazz concerts and dance performances. All the adjoining districts have smaller clubs with rock or jazz music, while discos provide an exciting venue for dancing through the night. The most important event of the year occurs no less than twice: Europes Honky Tonk festival, with over 100 bands, takes place in May and November. From the smallest pub to the most exclusive restaurant, the most diverse establishments take part in this festival, which is widely regarded as the biggest pub festival in the world. For those inclining more towards classical tastes, the boys of the Thomanerchor provide untold aural pleasure, as do the soloists and choir of Leipzigs famed Gewandhausorchester, with its classical and contemporary songs. A visit to the Opera House is also highly recommended. The Schauspielviertel is the focal point of the most important theatres in Leipzig. The Krystallpalast Varieté in Magazingasse presents a repertoire combining music, theatre, dance and entertainment. Other theatres competing for attention include the Schauspielhaus, Theater hinterm Eisernen, Theater Neue Szene (including the well-known Kosmospolitan), the Revue- und Comedy-Theater, Theater der Jungen Welt, Puppentheater Sterntaler, Theater im Globus and the Lofft. Current theatre productions include drama, fairy tales, musicals and opera for children, as well as comedy. The Schaubühne in Lindenfels is noted for its attempts to fuse theatre and film. The potential is broadened by numerous small-scale and varieté performances from a wide range of talented artists. In October, the Lachmesse casts its spell over enthusiasts of cabaret and theatre, attracting ensembles from all over the world. The most famous cabarets, the Leipziger Pfeffermühle and the Academixer, are rounded off by others who have also made a name on the cultural scene: the Leipziger Funzel, Sanftwut and Gohglmohsch. In addition, the Leipziger Brettl in the Café am Brühl should not be forgotten, as it too enriches the extensive theatrical essence of the city. The cinematic experience can be seen, heard and felt in the Bofimax, Capitol, Regina-Kinocenter or Schauburg cinemas. The highlight for movie-goers is the annual International Festival for Documentary and Animated Films, which has attracted thousands of viewers to Leipzig every October since its inception in 1957. So let your curiosity lead you out into Leipzigs rich and multi-faceted entertainment scene ' you'll be surprised at what you find! Dining in Europe > Leipzig
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