If your trip to Leipzig is all sorted out but your itinerary is a little on the empty side, let us give you a few hints and tips.Not far from the heart of the city, Leipzig Zoo is one sight you might like to consider adding to your to-do list. If you still have room on your itinerary, Red Bull Arena and Monument of the Battle of the Nations will keep you occupied too.

If you’re looking for day-trip inspiration, we can help out. Situated 16 miles away, Merseburg is worth getting in the car for. Among the first stops you make here should be Maya Mare, Merseburger Palace and Merseburger Cathedral. The locals will also likely point you in the direction of Halle, 19 miles away. If you can only see one thing here, let it be Maya Mare. (But we’d also highly recommend Zoo Halle and Giebichenstein Castle.)

Be sure to pack something to read and perhaps even a ball. Leipzig has some magnificent beaches you can cruise to, including:

• Auenhainer Beach (6 miles away).
• Familienstrand Kahnsdorf (12 miles away).

After a long day of mingling with like-minded people, it’s always great to be able to rest your head somewhere nearby. If you’re traveling to Leipzig on business, here are some of the top convention centers that are close to hotels, restaurants and cafés:

• Festwiese (1 mile away).
• Leipzig Trade Fair (4 miles away).
• Merseburger Staendehaus (16 miles away).

We’ve put together a list of the best ways to help you keep more money in your wallet:

• Browse as many different cheap car rental companies as possible (we make that chore a walk in the park!)
• By submitting only your email address into our Price Drop Alert, you’ll be informed of all the best bargains for your desired destination
• Research is the key to scoring the best rental deals in town, so be sure to take a look at both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off outlets before you lock in your ride
• If your vacation is somewhat flexible, modify your dates to find cheaper prices on different days of the week
• See if you can keep your pickup and drop-off times the same. If you return your rental car later than you picked it up, you might be required to pay for an extra day
• Keep more hard-earned dollars in your bank account. You’ll score some of the thriftiest deals when you prepay your rental car
• It’s best to secure your booking as soon as your dates are locked in. You’ll get the biggest selection early on.

Sure, you can explore Leipzig without a rental vehicle. But with so much to see and do here, having one would certainly make your stay more enjoyable. If you’d like to get out of the city and into the countryside, consider a car with some power. A mid-size or full-size SUV will take you to the surrounding snowfields in roomy comfort. Prefer to spend most of your vacation in the city center? A smaller car like a mini or compact is your best bet. Driving through narrow laneways and squeezing into tiny parking spaces will be a walk in the park in one of these.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to rental cars in Leipzig. From SUVs with space to spare to easy-to-park compacts, you’ll find it all here. Choosing your ride of course depends on your budget and what you intend to do. Some road trips are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas other adventures require no more than an engine and four wheels.

Driving in a foreign location needn’t leave you gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles. If you’re planning to visit Leipzig, get comfortable in the driver’s seat with these helpful tips:

You’ll need to keep to the right while driving in Leipzig. In addition, exercise some extra caution if it’s your first time in the driver’s seat here. Once you’re familiar with the roads, you can relax and enjoy the scenery!

Nabbing a parking space in Leipzig shouldn’t be too hard. Of course, it can depend on the time and place — you may find it tricky parking in the very center during peak periods.

As with most places, roads get busier in the early and late rush hours. However, with a population of roughly 505,000, traffic gridlock isn’t a major problem in Leipzig.

In Leipzig, speed limits range from 30km/h to 130km/h. Residential areas have a maximum speed limit of 30km/h unless signed otherwise.

More often than not, your car rental company will bill the fined amount to your credit card, including local taxes and surcharges. Or they may supply your information to local law enforcement agencies, who’ll then send a fine straight to you.

It’s illegal to use your cell phone while driving a car in Leipzig, and you may also be charged a fine for simply holding your phone when you’re in control of a vehicle. That being said, using hands-free or Bluetooth functions is permitted, as long as your attention stays on the road.

When behind the wheel in Leipzig, it’s a criminal offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) higher than 0.05%. Thinking of having a drink or two with lunch or dinner? Consider using a ride-sharing service or booking a taxi.

You aren’t permitted to turn at a red light in Leipzig. If you come across one, take the opportunity to enjoy a couple of mindful moments until the light turns green.

Seat belts are compulsory in Landkreis Leipzig. However, this rule may differ for some vehicles, such as those operated by public transportation systems.