How to get there
The lowest round-trip air fare from Boston to Frankfurt at press time was $336 on
What to do
Concerts and musical performances of all sorts take place in Leipzig throughout the year. The big classical music event is the annual Bach Festival, May 14-23. The Classic Open, Aug.5-15, is an outdoor festival in historic Market Square featuring classical, jazz, and popular music performances.
Where to stay
Seaside Park Hotel
Richard Wagner Strasse 7
011-49-341-98-52-0
Despite the name, this hotel with its landmark facade and pleasant Art Deco decor, is nowhere near the sea, but it is directly across from the main railroad station. (One of the largest in Europe, the station has an attached shopping arcade with some 150 stores.) From $106.
Leipzig Marriott
Am Hallischen Tor 1
011-49-341-96-53-0
A top-class, 220-room hotel with many amenities. A short walk from most of the sights and attractions in downtown Leipzig. From $114.
Where to eat
Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum
Kleine Fleischergasse 4
011-49-341-961-00-60
Founded in 1711, this coffeehouse and restaurant is a local institution. Dining rooms on three floors serve traditional German cuisine, and a coffee museum is on the top floor.
Auerbachs Keller
Maedler Passage
011-49-21-61-00
One of the most famous restaurants in Germany, Auerbachs Keller dates from the early 16th century. Goethe spent a lot of time drinking here when he was a student and set a key scene in ''Faust" in its wine cellars. The spooky medieval vault that inspired Goethe can be visited by special arrangement. A good restaurant as well as a historic site, this is the place for hearty, old time Saxon fare.
Information
www.leipzig.de
The Leipzig Tourist Service website has a full English version covering events, accommodations, and sightseeing.
www.cometogermany.com
The German National Tourist Office website for North America has information on Leipzig and other cities. A section titled ''Music-land Germany" is devoted to musical events.