Leipzig

Leipzig is one of Germany's most exciting cities - a place where Bach composed, Goethe studied, and peaceful protesters brought down the Berlin Wall. The city's musical heritage is extraordinary: Bach spent 27 years as cantor of St Thomas Church, Mendelssohn founded the conservatory, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra is among the world's finest.

Today Leipzig buzzes with creative energy. Former cotton mills house galleries and studios in the Spinnerei art district, the Karli (Karl-Liebknecht-Straße) strip is one of Germany's best nightlife streets, and a thriving food scene has earned it comparisons to Berlin - but cheaper, friendlier, and more compact. The city's role in the 1989 Peaceful Revolution, when Monday Prayers at the Nikolaikirche became mass demonstrations, adds profound historical depth.

May to September is warmest (16-24°C). The Bach Festival in June and Wave-Gotik-Treffen at Whitsun are major events. Leipzig has a continental climate - cold winters, warm summers.