Leipzig's old trading and mercantile courtyards, founded long ago by business-minded merchants, have been restored and today house modern, prestigious shopping arcades that radiate an illustrious fin de siècle atmosphere.

Restored courtyards and modern arcades
Enjoy the elegant shopping in the Mädlerpassage arcade or browse in the prestigious Specks Hof courtyard. Find that special something in the Jägerhof courtyard, particularly its antique shops, and hunt for designer bargains in Germany's first city-centre factory outlet centre. All of the shops and stores housed in the Städtische Kaufhaus, the oldest mercantile building in the city, have their very own extra-special charm.

The Renaissance Old Town Hall is where Johann Sebastian Bach signed his employment contract as cantor of nearby St. Thomas's Church. St. Nicholas's Church became known throughout the world in 1989 as the starting point of the "peaceful revolution" which paved the way for the reunification of Germany. Visitors can follow in Goethe's footsteps at Auerbachs Keller restaurant.

The Museum at the Mendelssohn House is devoted to the memory of Felix Mendelssohn, who was kapellmeister of the Gewandhaus. The university's Musical Instrument Museum, the Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Museum of Ethnology can all be found at the Grassi Museum complex on Johannisplatz. The Museum of Fine Arts presents a comprehensive collection of European art from the 15th to the 20th century in a spectacular new building.