Germany's Saxony is where the far-right AfD is strongest. Leipzig, though, feels like its antidote. The city is multicultural, stubbornly leftist in parts, and buzzing with culture. It’s where politics isn’t just in parliaments or rallies but in food...
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Restaurants
Culture stuff
Cafés
Restaurants
In a state where migration, veganism or LGBTQ+ people get politicized daily, these restaurant picks (more to come when I'm there next) feel like a quiet rebuttal. And they're so good, too.
If you want ramen that hits like a warm hug from a stranger who knows spices, head to Ramen 197. Veggie and vegan options are solid enough they don’t feel like second choices.
Ramen1974 - Japanese Ramen
Their vegan schnitzel hits hard.
VLEISCHEREI
Very authentic Afghan cuisine.
Shams
Culture stuff
Leipzig is not utopia (far from it). You see so many contradictions: You pass the Völkerschlachtdenkmal and feel how nationalism lingers. But the point is: the city resists being one thing. It wants to be more: messy and loud, and full of hope.
This is in Leipzig’s leftist stronghold. One of the few places where you can watch Palestinian films, post-colonial docs, or old school political cinema. Their programming has context.
UT CONNEWITZ
Smaller, indie bookshop with a high-quality curation.
Buchhandlung DRIFT
Commemorates the Battle of Leipzig (1813), which was a turning point against Napoleon. Climb up for the view, but think about why monuments like this are built: who wants to remember what, and who had to pay, who got left out.
Völkerschlachtdenkmal
Very impressive modernist church.
Propsteikirche St. Trinitatis
Try to understand everyday life under surveillance. What felt oppressive, what opportunities for resistance existed.
Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Leipzig
Cafés
This list has a strong focus on politics and culture. Take a break.
Leftist café, owned and run by Kurds.
Café Rosa
Get the Tahin Börek. Don’t hesitate.
Brothers Bakery & Café
Eastern European dishes are so underrated. Try the vareniki.
