gay-leipzig-guide-2017

Gay Leipzig · City Guide

Planning to visit Leipzig? Then our gay Leipzig city guide can help you get from A to Z.

gay-leipzig-guide-2017

Leipzig

Proclaimed the most liveable city in Germany and with a wealth of historical treasures and an award-winning modern transport system, you can see why Leipzig is a favorite destination for travelers.

Leipzig has been an important trade city since the Holy Roman Empire times, and was a major centre for learning and culture within East Germany. It's now a bustling urban centre, boasting a population of 1/2 million people, with a world-class zoo, gorgeous open spaces and a famous opera house, to name just a few star attractions.

 

Gay Leipzig

As the city that started the Peaceful Revolution in 1989 that led to the fall of communism in East Germany, Leipzig has a long history of being a tolerant, gay-friendly city. It's home to Europe's largest gay sauna Stargayte, and Cocks Bar, Saxony's biggest gay cruise club.

The scene here is fairly young owing to the big university here, and is spread out across the city centre. No matter what your sexual orientation, there are plenty of fun Gay Bars & Dance Clubs for you to enjoy.

The annual CSD celebrations in Leipzig (pride) are one of the best moments to experience the gay scene here. They take place every year in July, culminating in a massive party, the PrideBall. Not to be missed!

 

Getting to Leipzig

By air

Leipzig/Halle Airport is well connected to major German cities, as well as other European cities including London, Barcelona and Istanbul. For international holidaymakers, transfers are easy from Munich or Frankfurt.

The Deutsche Bahn's 'FlughafenExpress' (Airport Express) connects the airport to the Central Rail Station in just 14 minutes for €6.  The S-bahn takes slightly longer and costs €4.50 to get into the city centre.

Taxis take around 40 minutes and cost around the €30 mark.

By train

Leipzig Central Station is a key transport hub in Germany, connecting travelers to all the major German cities including Hamburg, Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich. ICE trains usually run hourly. Very handy, very quick, very cheap!

 

Getting around Leipzig

Leipzig public transport has a world-famous reputation as ultra-modern and easy-to-use. There are trams, buses and trains at your disposal.

We would recommend buying the Leipzig Card. Valid for one or three days, it entitles users to unlimited journeys on public transport, as well as up to 50% off attractions, museums, bikes and boat trips. Prices start at €11.50 per day.

Walking tours are a good option too, perfect for those that want to see all the culture and history on offer in Leipzig. They're offered in many languages. Head to the Tourist Information office on Katharinenstraße 8 for more information and to arrange a booking.

Where to Stay in Leipzig

There are plenty of affordable hotel options in the city centre and near the Central Station, the best place to stay if you're hoping to enjoy the gay nightlife and check out the tourist sights.

There are plenty of budget options, luxury options and cosy, apartment-hotel choices. Enjoy massive hotel discounts in Leipzig on the  Gay Leipzig Hotels page.

 

Things to See & Do

St. Thomas Church - this gorgeous church was home to the legendary German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who's remains are located here.

Johann worked as a Kapellmeister in this 12th century Lutheran church, which boasts four bells and a series of colourful stain-glass windows. Out of all the churches and religious places of worship in Leipzig, this is our favorite.

Monument of the Battle of the Nations - this spectacular memorial marks the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, where the coalition of armies including Russia, Prussia and Sweden defeated the French army of Napoleon.

The memorial is 91 metres tall with a viewing platform at the top and is one of the iconic structures of Leipzig's skyline. Be careful, you'll have to climb 500 steps to get to the top!

Leipzig Zoo - experience the animal kingdom up-close at one of Europe's best zoos, which includes the world's biggest centre's for apes and a fantastic savannah experience that takes guests up-close to the African jungle. Elephants, tigers and bears are just some of the sights to see here.

GRASSI Museum of Musical Instruments - Leipzig has a proud musical history, for the city has been the workplace for famous composers including Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Robert and Clara Schumann. Wagner was also born and educated here. Find out more about the city's musical history and see exquisite instruments on display here.

Leipzig Museum of City History - the best collection of history on Leipzig can be found here. The Museum of the Battle of the Nations, the Leipzig Coffee Museum and the Sports Museum are also located here.

Museum of Contemporary Art - Leipzig isn't just a city that prides itself with its rich history, it's also pretty pleased with its modern art and architecture. This gallery features art created post-1945, and is now a leading art institution in Germany. Stunning garden and cafe on-site are worth a visit too.

Oper Leipzig - The opera house in Leipzig is one of the most acclaimed in Germany, with several performances taking place throughout the year. The building's facade and interiors are simply gorgeous so make sure you bring your camera.

Mädler Passage - shopper's paradise in a beautiful arcade, filled with luxury stores and cute boutiques. Check out the city's regular food and flea markets if you prefer a bargain!

 

When to Visit

Leipzig is a city of music, and during the summer months a series of concerts and shows attract guests from all over. The Backfest Festival in mid June, the Monday concert series from July through to August at the Bach Monument, and the Klassik airleben at the end of June are all popular times to visit the city.

The Leipzig Christmas Market dates back to 1458, and starts at the end of November, running for one month. It boasts an impressive array of stalls, eateries and attractions.

Spring is another popular time to visit, when the natural colours come into season. There are lots of outdoor tours and mini-festivals around this time, great for nature lovers and exercise fanatics.

Autumn is usually the cheapest time to visit. In October, reenactment events to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig regularly take place and are definitely worth seeing. This ties in nicely with the Leipzig Autumn Festival, which runs across most of the city's museums, galleries and concert venues.

 

Visa

Germany is within the European Schengen visa area. If travelling from outside Europe, check to see if you require a Schengen visa.

 

Money

Germany is a member of the Eurozone. Cash dispensers are widely available. You may be asked for photo ID if paying with a credit or debit card in a shop.

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