Yet in many ways Leipzig is not too new at all. Saxony’s largest city boasts Germany’s oldest coffee house (Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum, established in 1720), one of its oldest universities (Leipzig University, founded in 1409), and a long-standing musical heritage (the local St Thomas Choir of Men and Boys has existed for more than 800 years), explained Susann Palm, sales manager for the Leipzig Tourism and Marketing board.

When we met last week at the Germany Travel Show 2016, Palm also highlighted some of the city’s more contemporary attributes. “After the GDR [German Democratic Republic], Leipzig reinvented the city in a completely new way,” she said. While the city’s burgeoning art scene might be eclipsed by neighbouring Berlin, an hour away by train, Leipzig looks set to creep out from its shadows. The Spinnerei has attracted much critical acclaim. A former cotton mill, the industrial site now plays host to myriad galleries and artists studios. There’s also a Museum of Fine Arts and a Museum of Contemporary Art. 

And that’s not to mention the arty residents that walk Leipzig’s streets and the counterculture movements that thrive there: this year the “Wave-Gotik-Treffen” – said to be the largest Gothic festival on the planet – is celebrating its 25th anniversary. “Leipzig has always been bohemian,” added Palm. “We are open-minded.” 

The destination is most renowned, however, as a hotbed for musical luminaries. “We’re a world-class music city,” she said. “Famous composers lived and worked there, including Bach and Wagner, and you can visit Mendelssohn’s house, now a living museum. There are music festivals almost every month and the Gewandhaus [concert hall] has a lot of concerts just for families.” Those who want to learn more about the city’s musical heritage can follow the Leipzig Music Trail – a three-mile journey through the city centre, which is marked by a curved steel ribbon in the pavement and features 23 stops of historical (musical) significance. 

But if classical music is a turn-off for your clients, they are sure to find respite in some of the city’s watering holes. The nightlife scene might not be vast enough to rival Berlin, but Leipzigers aren’t shy of a party. “The city is young, vivid and lively,” said Palm. “We have so many clubs and pubs and there are no closing hours.”