Leipzigis one of Germany's most exciting and fastest-growing cities – the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, the scene of the 1989 Peaceful Revolution that helped bring down the Berlin Wall, and today a vibrant cultural metropolis with over 600,000 inhabitants. Whether you are visiting for a weekend break, a family holiday or an extended cultural trip, aholiday apartment in Leipziggives you more space, more privacy and much greater comfort than a hotel room – and almost always at a lower price.
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Why Leipzig is worth visiting
Leipzig has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. After reunification the city struggled economically, losing population and industrial output. But from the mid-2000s onwards something changed: artists, students and young entrepreneurs began moving in, attracted by low rents and empty industrial spaces that could be converted into studios, galleries and clubs. The result is a city with an energy and creativity that rivals Berlin – but without the crowds or the prices.
The cultural offer is extraordinary for a city of this size. The Gewandhaus Orchestra, founded in 1743, is one of the world's most prestigious. The opera company performs in Germany's second-oldest opera house. The zoo is regularly ranked among the best in Europe. And the art scene – centred on the famous Baumwollspinnerei in Plagwitz – has made Leipzig a serious destination for contemporary art collectors and enthusiasts from across the world.
Beyond culture, Leipzig is simply a very pleasant place to be. The city centre is compact and walkable, the tram network is extensive, the restaurants and cafés are affordable, and the people are welcoming. It is also an excellent base for day trips: Dresden is an hour away by train, the Saxon Switzerland national park two hours, and Berlin less than an hour and a half.
Holiday apartment vs. hotel – the honest comparison
For a short solo business trip, a hotel can make sense. But for a family holiday, a group of friends or any stay of more than two nights, a holiday apartment is almost always the better choice – both in terms of comfort and cost.
- Own kitchen:Preparing your own breakfast and packing lunch for a day of sightseeing can easily save a family €30–50 per day compared to eating every meal out.
- More space:A real living room, a separate bedroom, a proper dining table – instead of a hotel room where the only chair is a desk chair and there is nowhere to sit except the bed.
- More privacy:No hotel corridors, no housekeeping knocking on the door, no neighbours arguing through a thin wall at midnight.
- Flexible schedule:Cook when you want, eat when you want, stay up as late as you like without worrying about disturbing other guests.
- Significantly cheaper from two people onwards:A hotel charges per room; a holiday apartment charges per property. A family of four in two hotel rooms will typically pay €150–300 per night in Leipzig; in a fairschlafen apartment the same family pays €72–108.
💡Real example:Two adults and two children, 3 nights in Leipzig. Two hotel rooms: from €450. One fairschlafen apartment: from €216 (at €18/person/night).Saving: over €230 – enough for a day at the zoo and dinner out.
The best districts to stay in
Leipzig-Plagwitz – creativity and atmosphere
If you want to experience the most interesting side of modern Leipzig, stay in Plagwitz. This former industrial district has been transformed into the city's creative hub: the Baumwollspinnerei art centre, independent galleries, concept stores, craft beer bars, vegetarian restaurants and outdoor events along the Karl-Heine-Kanal. It is lively without being overwhelming, and the tram takes you to the historic city centre in 15 minutes. fairschlafen has four apartments here, all in the same building with a lift.
Leipzig-Gohlis – quiet elegance
Gohlis in the north of the city is one of Leipzig's most beautiful residential districts: wide tree-lined avenues, well-preserved late 19th-century townhouses and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. It is ideal for families who want peace and quiet in the evenings but easy access to the city during the day. The tram stops right outside most of our apartments here. Friedrich Schiller wrote his famous Ode to Joy in Gohlis in 1785, and the house where he stayed is now a small museum.
Leipzig-Grünau – practical and affordable
Grünau may lack the glamour of Plagwitz, but it has real practical advantages: the best public transport connections of any of our locations, a large shopping centre within walking distance, free parking right outside and – thanks to its position in the west of the city – easy access to both the motorway network and the city centre. Our Grünau apartment sleeps six, making it particularly good for larger groups.
Leipzig-Großzschocher – space and greenery
For travellers who want a quieter, more suburban feel, Großzschocher in the southwest of Leipzig is an excellent option. It is close to the Cospuden Lake, a popular summer destination with a sandy beach just 15 minutes from the city centre. We have seven apartments in a single building here – ideal for large family gatherings or group trips.
Top sights and attractions
1. Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal)
This colossal monument, completed in 1913, commemorates the 1813 Battle of the Nations in which the allied European powers decisively defeated Napoleon Bonaparte. At 91 metres tall, it is one of the largest monuments in Europe. The climb to the viewing platform (500 steps) rewards visitors with a panoramic view over the entire Leipzig region. Allow around 90 minutes. Admission approximately €10 for adults.
2. Leipzig Zoo
Regularly ranked among Germany's three best zoos, Leipzig Zoo is home to over 850 animal species. The undisputed highlight is Gondwanaland: a 16,500 square metre tropical rainforest habitat enclosed under a vast glass roof, housing hundreds of exotic animals in an immersive environment. It is genuinely unique in Europe. Adult admission approximately €26, children approximately €13. Allow at least three hours.
3. Baumwollspinnerei art centre
Once the largest cotton spinning mill in continental Europe, this sprawling industrial complex in Plagwitz is now home to over 100 galleries, artist studios, cafés and creative businesses. It is the heart of the internationally recognised Leipzig School of painting movement. The complex is open to the public and entry is free; galleries charge their own admission if any. Every first Saturday of the month, most studios open their doors for an organised open day. Allow two to three hours.
4. Nikolaikirche
The church that started a revolution: it was from the Nikolaikirche that the Monday demonstrations began in autumn 1989, the peaceful protest movement that ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification. The interior is surprisingly bright and elegant, with its distinctive palm-tree column design dating from an 18th-century renovation. Free admission; guided tours available.
5. Gewandhaus and Opera
If you have any interest in classical music, a Gewandhaus concert is unmissable. The orchestra, founded in 1743, performs in a superb purpose-built concert hall and tickets are remarkably affordable – from around €15 for many concerts. The Leipzig Opera, which occupies Germany's second-oldest opera house, offers equally excellent performances from €10.
6. Museum of Fine Arts (Museum der Bildenden Künste)
A world-class art museum in a striking modern glass building, housing works ranging from Cranach and Dürer through Caspar David Friedrich to contemporary Leipzig painters. Thursday afternoons from 4pm: free admission.
Food, drink and markets
Leipzig's restaurant scene has improved dramatically in recent years and now offers something for every taste and budget. The Karl-Heine-Straße in Plagwitz is the most interesting strip: independent restaurants serving everything from Vietnamese street food to Neapolitan pizza, craft beer bars and cocktail lounges. The Südvorstadt district, south of the city centre, has a similarly lively café culture popular with students and young professionals.
For self-catering, the weekly market on the Marktplatz operates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and sells fresh local produce, bread, cheese and flowers. There is also a good farmers' market in Plagwitz on Saturdays. All our apartment locations have supermarkets within easy walking distance.
A Leipzig institution worth knowing: the Auerbachs Keller in the Mädlerpassage arcade, one of Germany's oldest restaurants, immortalised in Goethe's Faust. Worth a visit for the atmosphere even if you only have a drink at the bar.
Getting there and getting around
By plane:Leipzig/Halle Airport (IATA code LEJ) has direct connections to major German cities and a growing number of European destinations. The airport express train takes just 14 minutes to reach Leipzig main station – one of the fastest airport-to-city connections in Germany.
By train:Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is a major ICE hub. Journey times: Berlin 1h 15min, Frankfurt 2h 15min, Munich 3h 30min, Hamburg 2h 30min, Dresden 1h 10min. The main station itself is worth a visit – its historic hall is home to an excellent shopping centre on three levels.
By car:Leipzig sits at the intersection of the A9 (Berlin–Munich) and A14 motorways. Our apartments in Grünau, Gohlis and Großzschocher all offer free parking.
Getting around the city:Leipzig has an excellent tram network that covers most of the city. A single ticket costs approximately €2.80; a day ticket approximately €9; a group day ticket for up to five people approximately €25. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.
Practical travel tips
- Best time to visit:May and September offer the most pleasant weather without peak-season prices or crowds. The Christmas market in December (one of Germany's most atmospheric) is worth timing a visit around. Avoid March if possible – the Leipzig Book Fair fills the city and pushes up accommodation prices significantly.
- Leipzig Card:Unlimited public transport plus discounts or free entry to many museums. Available for 1, 2 or 3 days. Worth buying if you plan to visit more than one or two paid attractions per day.
- Cospuden Lake:A former open-cast lignite mine turned into a popular lake with sandy beaches, sailing, paddle boarding and waterside bars. Just 15 minutes from the city centre by tram – perfect for a half-day trip in summer.
- Panometer:A unique experience – enormous 360° panoramic paintings by artist Yadegar Asisi, displayed inside a former gas storage tank. The subject matter rotates every few years. Admission approximately €12.
- Day trips:Dresden (1h by train), Saxon Switzerland national park (2h), Dessau and the Bauhaus (1h), Weimar (1.5h) and Halle (30 min) are all easily reachable.
2 rooms · 5 beds · 4th floor with elevator
2 rooms · 6 beds · 4th floor
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19 fully furnished apartments in Leipzig & Chemnitz – from €18/person/night