Leipzig Landmarks and Viewpoints

October 31, 2026

Leipzig landmarks and viewpoints

Leipzig’s main sights are spread between the compact centre and a few outlying spots. This page covers the churches, the monument, the square landmarks and the high viewpoints, with the visiting details that matter.

Thomaskirche

The Thomaskirche at Thomaskirchhof 18 is an active Lutheran church and the home of the Thomanerchor, which was founded in 1212. Johann Sebastian Bach’s grave lies in the chancel, where it has been since 1950. Motets take place on Fridays at 18:00 and Saturdays at 15:00 in term time. The programme costs EUR 3 on the door, with no tickets or reservations. Dress modestly and be discreet with a camera during services and motets. See thomaskirche.org .

Nikolaikirche

The Nikolaikirche at Nikolaikirchhof 3 was the starting place of the 1989 Peaceful Revolution. Visitor hours are Monday to Friday 11:00 to 18:00, Saturday 11:00 to 16:00 and Sunday 11:30 to 14:30, and the church closes to visitors during services and events. Peace prayers have been held every Monday at 17:00 since 1982. That is a living prayer service, so enter quietly and do not treat it as a show. Over 70,000 people marched through Leipzig on 9 October 1989, and the protests helped bring about the end of the GDR. Hours are on nikolaikirche.de .

Völkerschlachtdenkmal

The monument stands in Probstheida, about 4 km south-east of the centre, at Straße des 18. Oktober 100. Tram 15 and tram 2 stop at “Völkerschlachtdenkmal”, and the S1 and S4 station of the same name is about 10 minutes on foot. Tram 15 can be rerouted during roadworks, so check the LVB timetable. Entry is about EUR 12 for adults and EUR 10 reduced, and children go free. The viewing platform is 91 m up, reached by 364 steps from the crypt level, while lifts serve only the lower walkway at 58 m. The stairs are narrow with one-way traffic, so it is not suited to anyone with severe vertigo, heart problems or claustrophobia. It ranks among the largest monuments in Europe. See the Stiftung’s site .

The Markt and the passages

The Altes Rathaus stands on the Markt and houses the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum. Check the museum’s ticket price on arrival. The Mädlerpassage houses Auerbachs Keller, which dates from 1525.

Augustusplatz

Augustusplatz is home to the Oper Leipzig and the Gewandhaus, two separate buildings. The Gewandhaus is the concert hall of the Gewandhausorchester.

City-Hochhaus Panorama Tower

The tower at Augustusplatz 9 is 142.5 m tall, and the viewing platform is on the 31st floor. Entry is EUR 5 per adult, and children aged 5 and under are free. Confirm platform hours before you go. See leipzig.travel .

Guided city sightseeing

If you want a guide for the centre, compare listings at Leipzig sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide .