Top Things To Do In Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) (Leipzig) In 2026 - 2027

Top 10 things to do in Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

1. 1. Old Town Hall Architecture Tour

   The Old Town Hall, or Altes Rathaus, of Leipzig is one of the city's most prominent historical landmarks. Built in the 16th century, it stands as a testament to Renaissance architecture and the city's rich history. The Architecture Tour is a guided journey through the building's aesthetic elements and unique design features. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants will discover the beauty of the grand staircase, the ornate ceilings, and the well-preserved council chambers. The tour provides insights into the architectural techniques of the Renaissance period and how they have been preserved or restored in this building. Visitors will also learn about the Old Town Hall's transformation over the centuries, including its current role as the Museum of City History, which exhibits Leipzig's development from medieval times to the present day. This educational excursion is a must-do for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

   Duration: 1.5 hours · Price: €12 per person

2. 2. Leipzig Historical Highlights Walk

   Embark on a journey through time with the Leipzig Historical Highlights Walk, centered around the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This walking tour offers participants an immersive experience of Leipzig's rich cultural and political history. As you meander through the cobbled streets and quaint alleyways, a professional guide will recount stories from Leipzig's past, including the events that shaped the city and the prominent figures who left their mark. The tour takes you to key historical sites, including the Market Square, where the Old Town Hall majestically stands. Participants will learn about the Old Town Hall's significance as a former seat of municipal power and its current role as a historical museum housing valuable artifacts. The walk is a splendid opportunity to explore Leipzig's historic core and appreciate the architectural splendor of the Old Town Hall while uncovering the tales and secrets of this ancient city.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: €15 per person

3. 3. Museum of City History Visit

   The Museum of City History, housed within the Old Town Hall, presents a unique opportunity to delve into Leipzig's past. The museum's collections span several floors, with exhibits showcasing artifacts, documents, and artwork that tell the story of the city from medieval times to the contemporary era. Visitors will find themselves engrossed in exhibitions about trade fairs, the city's musical heritage including Bach's legacy, the Battle of Leipzig, and other significant historical moments. The visit is self-guided, allowing individuals to pace themselves as they explore rooms filled with curiosities and narratives of Leipzig's evolution. The Old Town Hall itself is part of the exhibition—its walls and chambers a living artifact. For history enthusiasts, this visit is an educational and enlightening experience, providing a thorough understanding of how Leipzig has grown and changed throughout the centuries.

   Duration: 1 to 2 hours · Price: €8 per person

4. 4. The Music Trail of Leipzig's Composers

   Leipzig is a city synonymous with music, responsible for nurturing some of the world's most revered composers, such as Johann Sebastian Bach. The Music Trail is a guided tour inviting participants to explore the Old Town Hall's connections to this musical heritage. The tour delves into the lives and works of composers who lived and worked in Leipzig, with a special emphasis on the influence of the city's atmosphere and institutions on their compositions. Visitors will see the Bach Museum and the St. Thomas Church where Bach was once a cantor. Inside the Old Town Hall, which is also part of the tour, individuals will discover its links to Leipzig's musical past, including historical instruments and artifacts on display. This tour is an exploration of the intersection of the city's cultural, historical, and musical storylines and is an enlightening experience for anyone interested in classical music and its history.

   Duration: 3 hours · Price: €20 per person

5. 5. Leipzig at War: A Historical Perspective

   The Old Town Hall's 'Leipzig at War' tour is a deep dive into the city's experiences during periods of conflict, notably the Napoleonic Wars and the two World Wars. As visitors walk through the impressive Renaissance building, they are transported back in time to hear tales of how battles and political decisions shaped Leipzig and its citizens. The guide will recount the stories behind the Battle of Leipzig, also known as the Battle of Nations, which was a pivotal point in the Napoleonic Wars. The tour includes an examination of artifacts, military regalia, and original documents stored in the Old Town Hall's museum that offer insight into the life of the city during these tumultuous times. This tour is a powerful reminder of Leipzig's resilience and strategic importance in European history and is particularly recommended for those with an interest in military history and geopolitics.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: €15 per person

6. 6. Leipzig Market Square Food and Culture Tour

   The Market Square Food and Culture Tour is a gastronomic adventure that begins at the historical Old Town Hall and takes foodies and culture enthusiasts on a culinary exploration around Leipzig's Market Square. The tour not only offers tastes of traditional Saxon delicacies and local specialties but also imparts the history of the square and the Old Town Hall's place within it. Participants will savor bites of Leipziger Lerche (Leipzig lark), a marzipan-filled pastry, among other regional treats, while learning about the culinary customs that have been a part of Leipzig's social fabric for centuries. The Old Town Hall stands watch over the square, which has historically been a center of trade and communal gatherings. The Food and Culture Tour provides a delicious opportunity to appreciate Leipzig's history and culture through the universal language of food.

   Duration: 2.5 hours · Price: €30 per person

7. 7. Discover Leipzig's Renaissance Art

   The Old Town Hall is not only an architectural masterpiece; it's also a treasure trove of Renaissance art. The 'Discover Leipzig's Renaissance Art' tour is a guided exploration of the art pieces housed within the Old Town Hall, which now functions as the Museum of City History. Participants get to admire a diverse collection, including portraits of notable figures from Leipzig's past, landscapes depicting the city as it once was, and artifacts that demonstrate the artistic flair of the Renaissance period. The tour guide offers expert commentary on the techniques, symbols, and significance of the art pieces, providing an illustrative look into how art was intertwined with Leipzig's cultural and political life. Art enthusiasts will find this tour an enlightening experience, demonstrating the diverse array of creativity fostered within the walls of the Old Town Hall.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: €18 per person

8. 8. Leipzig Ghost Stories Night Walk

   When night falls over Leipzig, the city's secrets and mysteries come alive, making the 'Leipzig Ghost Stories Night Walk' an intriguing activity for those who love a touch of the supernatural. This evening tour begins at the Old Town Hall, whose centuries-old walls have witnessed many tales, some long forgotten. A guide leads participants through dimly lit streets and alleyways, recounting ghost stories and local legends that have been passed down through generations. The tour taps into the lesser-known aspects of Leipzig's history, including the darker sides of its past, and the accounts of unexplained phenomena, making it a chilling yet captivating experience. Venturing through the city's historic heart by night offers a different perspective of the Old Town Hall and the city itself, and will undoubtedly leave an impression on any thrill-seeker or ghost story aficionado.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: €20 per person

9. 9. Leipzig's Citizens and Their Legacy Tour

   The 'Leipzig's Citizens and Their Legacy' Tour is a fascinating insight into the individuals who have contributed to the city's legacy, taking place within and around the Old Town Hall. The tour focuses on the lives of notable residents – merchants, scholars, artists, and revolutionaries – who influenced Leipzig's development. As visitors walk through the historical halls and rooms of the Old Town Hall, now a museum, they will learn about the impact these figures had locally and sometimes globally. This tour is an homage to Leipzig's spirit, highlighting the diversity and dynamism of its people. From the narratives of the Middle Ages to the stories of contemporary contributors, this activity enlightens guests on the human foundation that underpins Leipzig's historical and cultural growth.

   Duration: 1.5 hours · Price: €12 per person

10. 10. Children's Interactive History Quest

    Suitable for families, the 'Children's Interactive History Quest' at the Old Town Hall offers an engaging and educational way for the younger visitors to learn about Leipzig's past. The quest takes children on a treasure hunt through the Old Town Hall, where they solve riddles and complete tasks related to the city's history. This interactive journey captivates children's imaginations and encourages them to explore the museum's exhibits in a fun, hands-on manner. As they hunt for clues, they'll learn about medieval trade, famous historical figures, and Leipzig's transformation over the centuries. With enthusiastic guides to lead the way, the children become detectives of the past, making this an enjoyable and memorable learning experience that sparks a lifelong interest in history.

    Duration: 1 to 2 hours · Price: €10 per child