Leipzig stands out for its rich architecture, lively neighborhoods, and intriguing history, making it a fantastic city for exploring through guided tours and unique activities. We especially love the Leipzig: City History Canal Sightseeing Tour on a Motorboat because it offers a relaxing way to see the city’s industrial heritage from the waterways, blending history with scenic views. Plus, many tours, such as the Combo Tour in Leipzig: Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing, provide a comprehensive look at both Old Town landmarks and outside neighborhoods, giving you a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re interested in history, local culture, or fun vehicle experiences, Leipzig delivers with numerous options that are both engaging and authentic.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 15 best tours in Leipzig. From walking and biking tours to immersive stadium visits and ghost stories, each offers a different way to experience the city.
1. Leipzig: City History Canal Sightseeing Tour on a Motorboat
At number one, this 70-minute canal cruise takes you through Leipzig’s waterways, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s industrial past and modern development. The tour explores historic industrial buildings and scenic spots where history and present-day life intersect. The boat’s pace makes it easy to take in the views, and guides like Uwe make the stories lively and engaging. Reviewers highlight the beautiful city views and charismatic guides, with one saying, “The tour had beautiful sites, interesting history, and Uwe was very knowledgeable.” This experience is perfect for those who enjoy relaxing water-based sightseeing and want to learn about Leipzig’s industrial heritage from the water.
Bottom line: A relaxing, scenic way to see Leipzig’s history with friendly guides and picturesque views — ideal for boat lovers and history buffs alike.
2. Combo Tour in Leipzig: Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing
At number two, this 2.5-hour combined walking and bus tour offers a rundown of Leipzig’s highlights, including the Old Rathaus, Nikolai Church, and Mädler Passage. The tour combines a walking exploration of the city center with a bus ride through the outskirts, giving you a broad picture of Leipzig’s architecture and neighborhoods. The guide’s storytelling is highly praised, with visitors noting how well they bring Leipzig’s history to life and how the tour adapts well to bad weather with the bus component. For only around $25, it’s a great value for first-timers wanting a balanced overview of both historic sites and modern city life.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of walking and bus sightseeing with informative commentary.
3. Leipzig: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in German
Number three features a 2-hour walking tour through Leipzig’s city center, perfect for those who want to dive deeper into the city’s landmarks. Led by an expert guide, this tour covers the Old Town Hall, Nikolai Church, and Auerbach’s Keller, plus a stroll down the famous Barfußgässchen. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s knowledge and wit, with one saying it’s “highly recommended.” If you’re comfortable with German, this tour offers a rich, detailed narrative that makes Leipzig’s stories come alive.
Bottom line: A solid choice for German speakers or those wanting an in-depth, engaging city walk.
4. Leipzig: 1.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour in German
Number four offers a more compact, fast-paced tour lasting 1.5 hours, again in German. It highlights Leipzig’s main sights like the Old Town Hall, St. Thomas Church, and the Opera House, with anecdotes and legends woven into the walk. With a 4.7/5 rating and enthusiastic reviews, this tour is praised for informative storytelling and charm. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see Leipzig’s most iconic sites.
Bottom line: A quick, engaging way to get a taste of Leipzig’s historic center.
5. Leipzig: 90-Minute Trabi City Tour
Number five is a fun, self-driven experience that lets you drive a classic Trabi car around Leipzig for 1.5 hours. This cult vehicle adds a layer of excitement, and guided convoys take you past spots like the Red Bull Arena and the Battle of the Nations monument. Reviewers love the unforgettable driving experience and the knowledgeable guides who switch effortlessly between English and German. It’s especially suitable for car enthusiasts or those seeking a different way to explore.
Bottom line: For a unique, hands-on tour, this is one of the most memorable ways to see Leipzig.
6. Leipzig Zoo: Entry Ticket
Number six brings you face-to-face with animals from around the world. The Leipzig Zoo offers immersive habitats like Gondwanaland’s rainforest and Pongoland’s primates. Visitors praise it as “one of the best zoos in Germany,” with plenty to see for families and animal lovers. The panoramic views from Gondwanaland’s observation deck are a highlight. This is a full-day experience that’s easy to fit into your schedule, especially for those traveling with children or seeking an interactive nature escape.
Bottom line: A top-rated zoo experience, combining biodiversity with engaging exhibits.
7. Leipzig: 13-Stop Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Ticket
Number seven offers a flexible way to explore Leipzig’s key sights from a double-deck bus, including St. Thomas Church, Augustusplatz, and the Red Bull Arena. With a valid 1-day ticket, you can hop on and off at your own pace, making it ideal for customized sightseeing. The open-top option is perfect in nice weather. Guests appreciate the easy access and the opportunity to see the city without tiring walks. This is perfect if you want to cover many landmarks in a day.
Bottom line: A convenient, flexible way to see Leipzig at your own pace.
8. Gruseltour Leipzig: A Haunted Guided Tour
Number eight explores Leipzig’s dark side with a 90-minute haunted walk. The tour reveals ghost stories, legends, and unsettling events, perfect for those interested in spooky tales and local legends. Reviewers describe it as super spooky and fun, and many appreciate the friendly guide’s storytelling. It’s a great pick if you want a different perspective on the city’s history and enjoy a bit of thrill.
Bottom line: An entertaining and chilling way to learn about Leipzig’s supernatural past.
9. Leipzig: Mulled Wine Motorboat Tour
Number nine offers a 60-minute canal cruise in winter, with mulled wine or hot tea and cookies. This cozy ride is perfect for chilly days, combining scenic water views with warm drinks. Reviewers mention the lovely, relaxing atmosphere and the chance to enjoy Leipzig’s waterways in a different season. Suitable for those who want a casual, festive experience.
Bottom line: A charming way to enjoy Leipzig in winter with warm drinks and scenic water views.
10. Leipzig: 360° Panorama THE CATHEDRALE OF MONET ticket
Number ten presents an immersive art experience with the largest 360-degree panorama in the world. It transports you to 19th-century France, recreating Monet’s Cathedral of Rouen with changing day and night scenes. Visitors praise it as an exceptional visual experience. It’s perfect for art lovers who want to see impressionist painting in a new light.
Bottom line: A captivating visual journey that combines art and technology in an unforgettable way.
11. Leipzig: City Tour 2.0 – Spot Past with Mobile Projections
Number eleven offers an interactive walking tour with wireless headsets and multimedia projections that bring Leipzig’s history and architecture to life. This innovative approach is perfect for tech-savvy travelers or those who want to see and hear Leipzig’s stories with clarity. The tour covers numerous landmarks, from St. Nicholas Church to the Old Town Hall.
Bottom line: An engaging, multimedia-rich way to explore Leipzig’s history, especially suited for first-time visitors.
12. Red Bull Arena Leipzig: Stadium Access & Guided Walking Tour
Number twelve takes sports fans behind the scenes of RB Leipzig’s stadium. Tour highlights include changing rooms, the player tunnel, and exclusive areas. Light shows are part of the night tour, adding extra excitement. The 1 to 1.5-hour experience offers a fascinating look at modern football culture in Leipzig.
Bottom line: A must for sports fans eager to see a top European stadium from the inside.
13. Leipzig: 3-Hour Bike Tour
Number thirteen features a 3-hour guided bike ride through Leipzig, ideal for active travelers. Covering the Old Town Hall, Plagwitz, and the Battle of the Nations monument, this tour brings you close to local neighborhoods and architecture. Reviewers praise the experienced guide and the good pace, making it accessible even for casual cyclists. You can rent bikes via Nextbike for added convenience.
Bottom line: Perfect for active visitors wanting to see a wide swath of Leipzig at a reasonable pace.
14. Leipzig: Courtyards, Houses, Trade – Passage Tour in German
Number fourteen explores Leipzig’s passages, courtyards, and exhibition houses. Over 2 hours, you stroll through areas that have long been shoppers’ paradises and art hubs, admiring architectural diversity and lively trade history. Reviewers enjoy the charm and ambiance of these historic spaces.
Bottom line: A great way to experience Leipzig’s architectural and commercial history, especially for lovers of art and design.
15. Leipzig: Exclusive BMW & MINI Behind-the-Scenes Factory Tour
Number fifteen is a 100-130 minute guided tour of the BMW and MINI factory in Leipzig. This tour showcases vehicle production, cutting-edge electromobility, and architectural design. Visitors praise the modern facility and the opportunity to see cars being assembled firsthand. It’s perfect for anyone interested in automotive manufacturing or technology.
Bottom line: A fascinating, high-tech look at automotive production that appeals to car enthusiasts and tech fans alike.
How to Choose Your Tour in Leipzig
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, pace, and budget. Want a relaxed water ride with beautiful views and history? The canal sightseeing tour is ideal. For those who love history and architecture but prefer walking, the guided city walks are excellent. If you’re looking for something more active, consider the bike tour or Trabi experience.
Budget also matters: walking tours start around $16, while immersive experiences like the factory tour or stadium visit cost more but offer unique insights. For family fun, the zoo or haunted ghost walk is a hit. Planning ahead and booking early ensures you get your preferred time slot, especially in peak seasons.
Final Thoughts: The Best Tours for Different Travelers
Leipzig offers a diverse array of tours for all kinds of travelers. History enthusiasts will appreciate the guided walks and canal cruise, while families and animal lovers should not miss the zoo. If you’re into cars or sports, the factory tour or stadium visit will be memorable highlights. And for something truly unique, the panorama experience and interactive city tour stand out.
No matter your preference, Leipzig’s range of tours means there’s something for all. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Stadium Tour or the factory visit. Use this list as your starting point to craft a personalized Leipzig adventure!