Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [159]
White Chocolate ( 2689 085; Gottschedstrasse 1) The white-chocolate interior (complete with Aero bubbles rising to the ceiling interior) at this laid-back bar looks so good, party-goers occasionally try to bite chunks off. Or perhaps it’s just the booze…
Spizz ( 960 8043; Markt 9) Classic brass instruments dangle above the stage at this city slicker, where you might catch some cool jazz. It has three levels, a good range of wine and beer and slow service (due to sheer numbers).
Cafe Barbakane ( 702 5930; Universitätsstrasse 9) Part of the cavernous Moritz-Bastei, this is an always lively cafe-bar with courtyard seating and dirt-cheap yet delicious fare (€3 to €5) to vanquish that hangover.
Sixtina ( 0177 476 4855; Katharinenstrasse 11) At some point in the last few years the word ‘absinthe’ has ceased to mean ‘bad idea’, and the result is places like Sixtina, wholly dedicated to the deadly green fairy. Smoky, but if you’re drinking this stuff, you probably don’t care.
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Entertainment
The best listings magazine is Kreuzer, although the free monthlies Frizz and Blitz might do just fine.
LIVE MUSIC
Moritz-Bastei ( 702 590; www.moritzbastei.de; Universitätsstrasse 9) This classic student club occupies a warren of historic cellars below the old city fortifications. It has live bands or DJs most nights, and the neat Cafe Barbakane (left), and runs films outside in summer.
naTo ( 391 5539; www.nato-leipzig.de; Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 46) The mother of Leipzig’s alternative-music pub-clubs, with jazz, experimental and indie sounds alongside films and theatre. Take tram 10 or 11 to Südplatz.
Conne Island ( 301 3038; Koburger Strasse 3) This former squatter’s haunt has morphed into the city’s top venue for punk, indie, ska, rock and hip-hop concerts. It’s in the southern suburb of Connewitz; take tram 9 to Koburger Brücke.
Werk II ( 3080 140; www.werk-2.de; Kochstrasse 132) This large cultural centre in an old factory is great for catching up-and-coming bands, alternative film and theatre or even circus acts. It’s also in Connewitz; take tram 9 to Connewitzer Kreuz.
NIGHTCLUBS
Flower Power ( 961 3441; Riemannstrasse 42) It’s party time any time at this wackily decorated haunt (check out the old pinball machines). The action doesn’t reach a crescendo until 4am and the music tends to be older than the crowd.
Ilses Erika ( 306 5111; Bernhard-Göring-Strasse 152) The living-room look makes this small but legendary club feel warm and welcoming. Musicwise, expect indie, retro electronic and whatever the mostly student-age crowd has on their iPod.
Bounce 87 ( 149 6687; Nikolaistrasse 12-14) This is a key venue for black music: mellow R&B and soul in the Red Lounge, cool rap classics in the Blue Basement.
GAY & LESBIAN VENUES
GegenPol (www.gegenpol.net, in German) and several free publications keep track of the city’s small gay scene. Also check www.gayleipzig.de (in German) for ideas.
Rosa Linde ( 879 6982; www.rosalinde.de; Lange Strasse 11) Cafe, culture centre and information point for men and women.
Blaue Trude ( 212 6679; Sternwartenstrasse 16) This LGBT club is a scene stalwart, with film and student nights, shows and themed discos.
New Orleans ( 960 7989; Brühl 56) A low-key mixed place with a modern interior, some Cajun flavour and flirt-friendly table telephones.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Gewandhausorchester ( 1270 280; www.gewandhaus.de; Augustusplatz 8) Led by Ricardo Chailly since 2005, this is one of Europe’s finest and oldest orchestras, with a tradition harking back to 1743 – Mendelssohn was one of its conductors. It performs primarily at the Neues Gewandhaus as well as in the Thomaskirche.
Thomanerchor ( 9844 211; www.thomaskirche.org; Thomaskirchhof 18) This famous boys’ choir performs Bach motets and cantatas at 6pm on Friday and 3pm on Saturday, and also sings during Sunday services at 9.30am and 6pm at the Thomaskirche. Special concerts take place throughout the year.
Oper Leipzig ( 126 1261; www.oper-leipzig.de; Augustusplatz 12) Leipzig’s Opernhaus (opera house) has a