Note the medley of architectural styles in this grand 18th-century square, which is surrounded by some of the city’s most acclaimed cultural institutions.

Augustusplatz is an inner-city square that encapsulates Leipzig’s historic charm. Architects from three different centuries have contributed their designs to the square’s skyline. Take in the spacious square’s streetscape and check out some of Leipzig’s most notable landmarks. Local events are regularly held in Augustusplatz where heritage façades provide a pretty backdrop.

Stroll around the spacious square, which encompasses 430,000 square feet (40,000 square meters) of public space. To the north, find the Oper Leipzig, which was built in 1960 on the site of the former opera theater that was razed during World War II. Notice the late-classical architectural flourishes of this modern landmark. South of the square, the Gewandhaus Concert Hall is another modern architectural highlight and contains two expansive venues.

The western side of the square is bordered by the campus of Leipzig University. Check out the university’s Egyptian Museum or visit the Paulinum, which was built to commemorate the church that was destroyed in 1968. An auditorium and a prayer room occupy this contemporary building. Leipzig’s distinctive City-Hochhaus is a 466-foot (142-meter) high-rise building with an observation platform on the upper level.

Find the square’s oldest feature, the Mendebrunnen (Mende Fountain), which was erected in 1886 and now stands in front of the Gewandhaus Concert Hall. The Demokratieglocke (Democracy Bell) was added to the square in 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution. Select from numerous cafés and restaurants located on the square’s southern edge. Have a coffee or enjoy a drink before making your way into the opera or concert hall for a show.

Augustusplatz is located in the city center, east of the Leipzig University campus. Reach the square directly by tram or bus. Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, the city’s main railway station, is less than a 10-minute walk north from the square. There is an underground parking garage on the southern side of the square. Visit Augustusplatz any time of the day for free.