Leipzig Private Walking Tour: Old Town, Bach & Local Secrets

Summary

Discover Leipzig Landmarks with a Local Guide

If you want to see Leipzig beyond postcards—walk its streets with someone who knows every shortcut and story. This private tour covers history, music legends like Bach, hidden corners in Mädler Passage, and local spots you’d miss alone. Easy pace, real insights, all ages welcome.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as we gathered outside the Old Town Hall was the faint smell of roasted coffee drifting from a nearby café—locals already chatting away at tiny tables. Our guide, Anna, waved us over and pointed out the Renaissance facade, explaining how this place once held both city leaders and unlucky prisoners. I never realized it only took nine months to build—she joked that Germans have always been efficient.

A quick stroll brought us into Auerbach’s Keller. The wooden beams creaked underfoot and you could almost hear echoes of old student songs. Goethe used to hang out here—there’s even a statue of Faust near the entrance if you look closely. We ducked into Mädler Passage next; sunlight filtered through the glass ceiling and everything felt just a bit grander inside, with shop windows full of chocolates and books.

St. Thomas Church stood quiet in the morning light. Anna shared stories about Bach—his music still played softly from somewhere inside—and we peeked into the Bach Museum next door. I caught a whiff of beeswax polish as we wandered through old manuscripts and instruments. Then it was off to Nikolaikirche, where pastel columns reached up like tree trunks; hard to believe this peaceful spot was once at the heart of East German protests.

Augustusplatz buzzed with students heading to class at Leipzig University, while Krochhochhaus loomed above us—the city’s first high-rise, built back when elevators were still a novelty here. We followed Grunewaldstrasse past the Concert Hall (someone practicing violin inside) and crossed Rossplatz, noticing those blocky Stalin-era buildings that feel straight out of another time.

The New Town Hall marked our last stop—its tower really does scrape the sky at 114 meters. Anna let us in on a secret: if you come just before sunset, the stone glows gold and you can sometimes hear bells echoing down the boulevard. We wrapped up feeling like we’d seen Leipzig’s layers—old stories tucked between modern life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Leipzig City Highlights

• Visit Old Town Hall
• See Auerbach’s Keller
• Explore Mädler Passage
• Visit St. Thomas Church and Bach Museum
• Visit Nikolaikirche
• See Augustusplatz and University
• View Krochhochhaus
• Walk along Grunewaldstrase
• Pass Concert Hall
• See Rossplatz
• Explore New Town Hall

Top questions

Is this walking tour suitable for kids or older adults?

Absolutely! The route is flat and easy-going—no steep climbs or tricky steps. Our guide made sure everyone kept up comfortably.

Can we start from our hotel instead of the Old Town Hall?

If your hotel’s in central Leipzig, yes—that’s no problem at all! Just mention it when booking so your guide can meet you there.

Are there breaks for coffee or snacks during the tour?

You’ll pass plenty of cafés along the way; just ask your guide if you’d like to stop for a quick break or try something local.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes! The whole route is wheelchair-friendly and works well for strollers too. Sidewalks are wide and smooth throughout central Leipzig.

What’s included

Your own private local guide just for your group; flexible meeting point (Old Town Hall or your central hotel); customizable stops along the way; easy pace suitable for all ages; no need for public transport during the walk; wheelchair accessible route.