Barfussgasschen (Barefoot Alley), Leipzig
Barefoot Alley (Barfußgäßchen) is a lively 160-meter (524.9 feet) long residential street in the heart of Leipzig. This vibrant street connects the bustling market square with the Dittrichring and has earned its reputation as one of the city's popular party spots, offering a mix of traditional and modern dining establishments.
The name "Barefoot Alley" dates back to the first half of the 13th century, when a Franciscan monastery was established in the northwest part of the city. The Franciscans, often referred to as "barefooters" due to their minimalist footwear—sandals or none at all—inspired the name Barfußgasse for the path leading from the market to their monastery.
Today, Barefoot Alley is characterized by its vibrant culinary scene. With eleven dining establishments along its short stretch, the street boasts a variety of options, from traditional restaurants to trendy, alternative pubs. The ground floor spaces, previously occupied by shops, are now almost exclusively dedicated to gastronomy, making it a hub for locals and visitors alike. Outdoor seating is abundant and can be enjoyed year-round, contributing to the street’s lively atmosphere late into the night.
As the centerpiece of the Drallewatsch pub area, which spans nearly the entire western city center, Barefoot Alley stands out as a central hub for socializing and dining, blending Leipzig's rich history with a dynamic, modern vibe.
The name "Barefoot Alley" dates back to the first half of the 13th century, when a Franciscan monastery was established in the northwest part of the city. The Franciscans, often referred to as "barefooters" due to their minimalist footwear—sandals or none at all—inspired the name Barfußgasse for the path leading from the market to their monastery.
Today, Barefoot Alley is characterized by its vibrant culinary scene. With eleven dining establishments along its short stretch, the street boasts a variety of options, from traditional restaurants to trendy, alternative pubs. The ground floor spaces, previously occupied by shops, are now almost exclusively dedicated to gastronomy, making it a hub for locals and visitors alike. Outdoor seating is abundant and can be enjoyed year-round, contributing to the street’s lively atmosphere late into the night.
As the centerpiece of the Drallewatsch pub area, which spans nearly the entire western city center, Barefoot Alley stands out as a central hub for socializing and dining, blending Leipzig's rich history with a dynamic, modern vibe.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leipzig. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Barfussgasschen (Barefoot Alley) on Map
Sight Name: Barfussgasschen (Barefoot Alley)
Sight Location: Leipzig, Germany (See walking tours in Leipzig)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Leipzig, Germany (See walking tours in Leipzig)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Leipzig, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Leipzig
Creating your own self-guided walk in Leipzig is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
A Walk on the Leipzig Music Trail
The spatial density of historic locations associated with music in Leipzig is truly mind-boggling. But then again, this is hardly surprising, given the eclectic score of musicians who had left their mark on the city in various years.
Indeed, it was in Leipzig that Johann Sebastian Bach served as an organist and choirmaster at Thomaskirche as well as a cantor at Nikolaikirche; composer Robert... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Indeed, it was in Leipzig that Johann Sebastian Bach served as an organist and choirmaster at Thomaskirche as well as a cantor at Nikolaikirche; composer Robert... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Leipzig Architectural Jewels
Anyone who has ever wanted to delve into Leipzig's history could hardly imagine doing so without exploring the local array of architectural jewels. Indeed, Leipzig boasts one of Germany's most beautiful collections of Renaissance buildings.
Our first point of interest lies in downtown Leipzig at the intersection of Katherine and Bruhl Streets. Here, the stunning Baroque-style Romanus... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Our first point of interest lies in downtown Leipzig at the intersection of Katherine and Bruhl Streets. Here, the stunning Baroque-style Romanus... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Leipzig Introduction Walking Tour
The name "Leipzig" may be derived from the Slavic word "Lipsk", meaning "linden trees place." The Nazi government renamed the city "Reichsmessestadt Leipzig" ("Reich Fair Trade City Leipzig"). In 1989, with the fall of communism, the city was "Hero City" - in recognition of the role that the Monday demonstrations there played in the fall... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles