Living history in Leipzig’s traditional establishments
Auerbachs Keller, Ratskeller Leipzig and Bayerischer Bahnhof
In Leipzig’s traditional establishments, history meets indulgence – the perfect combination for your supporting programme or a side event. Auerbachs Keller has been serving wine and celebrating conviviality since 1525. But a visit to these impressive vaulted cellars is worthwhile not only for the fine cuisine and worldwide fame bestowed on the venue by Goethe’s Faust. The choice is yours: the Fasskeller ceremony brings the spirit of the 500-year-old vaults to life. Tales told by the cellar master and enticing tastings – such as a “rejuvenating draught” – guarantee devilishly good entertainment. A theatrical intermezzo offers insights into Goethe’s wild Leipzig years. Or how about table delights and dinner speeches in the company of Martin Luther and his wife? Regional specialities, of course, are always part of the experience. And there’s a very good chance you’ll come face to face with Mephisto himself.
At Ratskeller Leipzig, Saxon specialities meet cutting-edge brewing craft. Our tip: invite your participants to the Ratskeller Braumanufaktur. In a beer seminar, they will learn what really matters in brewing “barley juice” and find out more about topics such as beer sensory analysis. Or join a brewery tour to follow the creation of Lotteraner Kellerbier from the brew to the barrel – with a tasting included, of course.
Bayerischer Bahnhof is the oldest preserved railway terminus in the world. Where trains of the Saxon-Bavarian Railway Company once stopped, you will now find a unique ensemble of restaurant, brewery and event venue. Behind the impressive portico lies the Gose brewery – home to an authentic Leipzig speciality. And after your conference, what better time to watch the brewmaster at work or even brew your very own beer together?
Speaking of breweries: get to know some of Leipzig’s young breweries on a guided tour complete with tasting:
- Syndebräu, inspired by American craft beer
- Cliff’s Brauwerk, Leipzig’s first microbrewery. It offers not only tours with tastings but also brewing courses.
- Plagwitzer Brauerei, where a guided tour gives you insights into the creation of Red Beer, Blonde and Ale. Brewing seminars are also available.
Culinary experiences for your supporting programme in Leipzig
Bespoke chocolate creations and coffee workshops
At the Goethe Chocolaterie Leipzig, it’s all about watching – or, even better, joining in. Let the professionals show you how they fill, coat and decorate exquisite handmade chocolates. Or get creative yourself in a chocolate-making course or chocolate bar workshop. With expert guidance, you will temper, mould and decorate chocolate and try your hand at the fine art of confectionery. Along the way, you will gain plenty of knowledge about cocoa varieties and production techniques, enjoy sweet samples, and take home your very own unique Leipzig souvenir.
Great coffee has been a favourite in Leipzig for centuries. Zum Coffe Baum is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Europe, where coffee has been served since 1711. To this day, you can enjoy speciality coffees in the more than 400-year-old building, in rooms ranging from the Schumann Room to the Kaisersaal. The Arabian Coffee Tree Museum also awaits you with an exhibition dedicated to the black beverage and the history of Saxon coffee culture. Have you ever heard of the strict coffeehouse regulations of the 18th century – or the coffee crisis? If not, a visit is well worth your while!
Fancy becoming a barista yourself or taking part in a roasting session? Leipzig’s vibrant coffee tradition offers special experiences for you and your conference guests:
- Espresso extraction, creating the perfect milk froth, and discovering the many facets of coffee. Barista courses, latte art workshops and tastings are all on offer at Obenauf Kaffeemanufaktur.
- Filter, portafilter, AeroPress or Graycano: at Franz Morish everything revolves around the many ways to process and prepare coffee. Take part in a cupping session to explore different flavour notes and aromas – combined with plenty of coffee philosophy.
- At Röskant, you can learn how to prepare the perfect espresso in the Barista Basic workshop. Coffee lovers can also sign up for Coffee Basic, which covers a variety of brewing equipment and methods.
- At Elstermühle Coffee Roastery, craftsmanship takes centre stage – and you are invited to witness the roasting process live.
Or are you just looking for somewhere for a special coffee break – perhaps for a side meeting during your conference or an informal get-together? In that case, make a note of places like Café Grundmann, Café Maître and Dankbar Kaffee Leipzig. You will also find true coffeehouse tradition at Riquet and Café Kandler by St Thomas’ Church – both in the heart of the city and offering wonderful views. Our recommendation: with your coffee, enjoy a Leipziger Lerche, or “Leipzig lark” – a local speciality with a fascinating history and the finest marzipan.
Cooking up connections: Culinary events for your supporting programme
Create your own menu with professional guidance
A cooking event makes a welcome change after an intensive day of lectures and discussions. Cooking together offers plenty of scope for special moments, lasting memories, and handy tips to take back to your own kitchen. Goodbye fast food, hello The Kitchen Leipzig. Here, experienced chefs show you how to conjure up dishes from fresh ingredients – tailored to your personal tastes. The feuerwassereis cookery studio welcomes you with a wonderful view of the market square and the Old Town Hall. Embark on a culinary journey through the diversity of regional and exotic cuisine.
Our tip: while some people are cooking, others can try their hand at mixing cocktails. Tips and tricks from a creative kitchen also await you at the Küchenfuchs Eventstudio Leipzig. Barbecue, gourmet cuisine, Italian or fish seafood – the choice of what lands on your plate is yours. Panoramic windows, an open bar and a spacious terrace round off the pleasure of enjoying your own culinary creations.
Or would you rather simply watch the professionals at work? Then we have three recommendations for Leipzig restaurants with an open kitchen:
- At Planerts, cooking is all about inspiration in action. The open kitchen perfectly complements the restaurant’s young, urban style and creates a truly special atmosphere.
- At Shiki, you can watch the masters at work as they prepare sushi, sashimi and pan-Asian delicacies.
- At L’Osteria, the open kitchen is a window onto the passion of Italian cooking.
Leipzig has many more exciting dining concepts in extraordinary settings to offer:
- Step into the atmosphere of a historical luxury dining carriage at Steaktrain. Its interior design – down to original accessories – is modelled on the legendary Orient Express. This themed restaurant comes highly recommended – especially for meat lovers.
- Looking for an impressive art experience with your dinner? That’s exactly what 7 Paintings at Innside by Meliá provides. Michelangelo, Banksy, van Gogh and more – each course is paired with a work of art. Thanks to 3D projection mapping, the artworks are brought to life on your table.
- A journey back in time awaits you at Gaststätte Kollektiv. Under the motto “Eat like in the old days”, classics of GDR cuisine are served in a matching setting. Pure nostalgia – and a popular spot in the trendy Südvorstadt district.
Food tours: Discovering Leipzig’s culinary highlights
A unique combination of sightseeing and taste experiences
Get to know Leipzig from its tastiest side with a food tour. Alongside architecture and history, you’ll discover exciting culinary hotspots in the city centre or on Eisenbahnstraße, with its cultural diversity and international cuisine. During your private tour, you can look forward to five or six tasting stops offering some truly unique flavour experiences.
A wide range of themed city tours will also whet your appetite. On guided tours through the city centre, Leipzig’s main railway station or along musical trails, you will discover just how many cafés, bars and restaurants are perfect places to take a break and enjoy.
Or would your group prefer to explore by bike? Then head for Plagwitz. See for yourself how the city’s former industrial heart has transformed into a unique creative district – complete, of course, with a vibrant food scene. On Karl-Heine-Straße, culinary discoveries await at every turn: Spanish flair at La Cantina, Italian bistro ambience at Dispasquale, or industrial charm at Kaiserbad.
One top tip: salz – Bistro & Garten on the Spinnerei grounds, surrounded by studios, galleries and workshops. Combine a delicious meal with a stroll through this fascinating centre of contemporary art and culture, set in a former cotton mill.
Make your supporting programme the culinary highlight of your conference
Leipzig is sure to whet your appetite – and beyond these culinary tips, the city has countless more ideas for inspiring supporting programmes. At the Leipzig Convention Bureau, we are here to support you with brainstorming and planning. We also have many more good reasons why Leipzig is the perfect choice for your next conference – and we would be delighted to show you how our services can make organising your event easier. Give us a call or drop us an email – we look forward to hearing from you!
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