The heart of Saxony beats right here, in the city of Dresden. Already the nickname Florence on the Elbe is a clear reference to Dresden’s magnificent imperial structures and the city’s picturesque location on one of Germany’s longest and most scenic rivers. Its distinctive aura and elegance make Dresden one of Germany’s most beautiful and worthwhile travel destinations.
Take Me to the River
Following the course of the Elbe River, you can travel 1,094 kilometers from the Giant Mountains in the Czech Republic across Germany, where the river flows into the North Sea near Cuxhaven. Since I’m based in Hamburg, I see the Elbe every day. After all, it is the foundation of the Port of Hamburg, the third-largest harbor in Europe.
So far, so good, but what about the other places along the mighty Elbe? While it flows leisurely through Germany for 727 kilometers, there must be a lot going on along its banks.
I wanted to get to the bottom of the matter, and so this summer I set out to visit one of Hamburg’s most beautiful twin cities on the river, the baroque pearl of Dresden, also known as the Florence on the Elbe.
Dresden, Germany’s Florence on the Elbe
But why is Dresden called the Florence on the Elbe? Well, the nickname originated in the 19th century and refers to some indeed striking similarities between Dresden and the magnificent hometown of the Medici family.
Like Florence, Dresden captivates with a unique mix of magnificent buildings, elegant bridges, and historic squares. The Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, and the legendary Frauenkirche in particular lend the city an extraordinary sophistication. And just like Florence, Dresden is a city of art and culture. Being a frantic collector, Augustus the Strong turned Dresden into a center for art. Again, quite comparable to the Medici family in Florence.
And finally, just as Florence lies on the Arno River, Dresden is idyllically situated on the banks of the Elbe. The river landscape with the rolling hills, overgrown by lush vineyards in the background, gives the city in eastern Germany a somewhat Mediterranean vibe.
Rise, Decline, And Renascence: Dresden’s History
But Dresden didn’t always have it easy, as the city looks back on a long and extraordinarily eventful history, marked by periods of prosperity but also destruction, and finally reconstruction.
Dresden’s origins date back to the 12th century, when the city was founded as a settlement of Sorbian fishermen and farmers. Soon after, Dresden became a margraviate and, thanks to its favorable location on the Elbe River, developed into an important trading center.
In 1547, it became the capital of the Electorate of Saxony. The city grew and flourished into a political and economic powerhouse.
However, Dresden experienced its gilded age under Augustus the Strong. In the 17th and 18th centuries, this Elector and his son, Frederick Augustus II, transformed the city into a stronghold of the Baroque. Dresden was uplifted into a magnificent royal residence and acquired its still-famous glorious structures, such as the Zwinger Palace and the magnificent house of worship Frauenkirche.
This era made Dresden a European center of art and culture, absolutely comparable to the heydays of Paris or Florence. In this era, the city attracted artists from all over Europe. Like hardly any other painter, Bernardo Bellotto, the nephew of the famous Venetian artist Antonio Canal, is connected to Dresden.
Doom And Resurrection
In the course of the industrialization in the 19th century, Dresden grew rapidly. Factories, railways, and bridges were constructed, and the city developed into a center of engineering, science, and industry. Yet, it remained a stronghold of art and culture.
The most devastating turning point in Dresden’s history came on one night in February of 1945, when Allied air raids almost completely destroyed the old town. Thousands of people died, and world-famous buildings were reduced to rubble. The Frauenkirche, the Palace, the Semper Opera House, and many other buildings lay in ruins.
After the war, Dresden was located in the former GDR. There, as in other socialist countries, Brutalist and mainly functional architecture dominated. In addition, the government simply did not have the resources to care about magnificent structures, so many historic buildings remained in ruins for decades. Comprehensive renovations only began after German reunification in 1990.
The Must-Sees of Dresden
“When I came to Dresden in 1992, there was nothing in this area”, tells Claus, who’s guiding me through Dresden’s old town. 1992, well, that was only two years after the reunification of Germany. “Over there”, he points to the impressive castle, “was nothing. You could see all the way to the river Elbe. And where we are standing right now was a gigantic parking lot.” That’s totally surreal since we are in a lively shopping alley, lined with beautiful houses in alluring pastel shades.
Obviously, in the course of the so-called moral bombing, an incredible 80 to 90 percent of the old town was destroyed, including all its architectural and artistic gems. The government of what later became the GDR simply lacked the financial means to rebuild those treasures. As this was only started after German reunification in the 1990s, the façades in Dresden’s old town look so flawless. Just like in Potsdam, by the way, another imperial jewel located in what used to be the GDR that I introduced in a former post.
The façades around the main square and its side alleys are painted in beautiful, delicate hues. Obviously, the ravages of time have not been able to do much harm to these walls since the reconstruction around 30 years ago. Nevertheless, the city center by no means feels like an aseptic amusement park. There are small shops everywhere, there’s hustle and bustle, and countless restaurants have set up tables and chairs on the cobblestone paths, where Dresden residents and their guests from all over the world meet for coffee and some serious people-watching.
Albertinum
However, the old buildings were not only reconstructed according to original plans. The opportunity was also seized to adapt them to modern design and usability. An excellent example of this is the Albertinum. The building was originally constructed as an armory. Completed in 1887 and named after King Albert of Saxony, it stands right on Brühl’s Terrace overlooking the Elbe.
After the extensive damage from WWII, a fundamental modernization and redesign of the interior only took place in early 2000. As part of this, the museum was not only restored but also brought up to date architecturally and functionally. The centerpiece of the renovation is the so-called Ark, a spectacular, flood-proof storage and exhibition area built above the inner courtyard. This climate-stabilized structure allows for the safe storage of the Albertinum’s two important collections. The New Masters Gallery houses paintings mainly from the Romantic and Impressionist periods, as well as contemporary works. Another section is dedicated to the sculpture collection.
With its successful combination of historical substance and contemporary exhibition concept, the Albertinum is one of the most outstanding museum buildings.
The Albertinum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A general ticket for the New Masters Gallery, the Sculpture Collection, as well as temporary exhibitions costs 14 €uros.
Archive of the Avantgarde ADA
Another wonderful example of preserving the exterior while completely redesigning the interior is the Archive of the Avantgarde, or ADA for short. The Italian art patron Egidio Marzona founded the ADA, which documents a remarkable collection of the radical avantgarde of the 20th century. It is located on the right bank of the Elbe River, right next to the Augustus Bridge.
The 19th-century building was part of the office complex of a major mechanical engineering and steel company. Therefore, the choice of this location was not accidental, as the building itself reflects a piece of industrial culture. The building was renovated and converted into a museum. The architectural aesthetics of industrial architecture were preserved and combined with modern, minimalist elements. The result is rich in contrasts and respects the history of the site while simultaneously providing a framework for avantgarde art. For this, the ADA was awarded the title of Museum of the Year in 2016.
The ADA is open Tuesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A general ticket costs only 5 €uros.
Dresden Castle
The best place to begin a walking tour through Dresden is probably the castle. It is a place where 800 years of Saxon history come to life. Once the seat of the Saxon electors and kings, the splendidly restored palace now combines several museums under one roof. The Historical and New Green Vaults are particularly famous.
The Green Vaults are pure magic as they are unparalleled treasure troves. The exhibits combine royal splendor, baroque luxuriance, and meticulous craftsmanship. Originally established by the notoriously art-loving Elector Augustus the Strong in the 18th century, they are today some of the most important treasury museums in the world. Here, precious metals and exquisite gems sparkle and shine in a profusion rarely found anywhere else.
Dinglinger got his inspiration for the depiction of the palace courtyard and the 132 figurines from illustrations and descriptions in travel books on India and China.
The lavishly decorated state rooms give you an idea of how the royalty lived, and the armory with ceremonial weapons and tournament equipment is a fascinating witness to past court life.
Splendor’N’State Rooms
Further highlights include the Princes’ Gallery, the tower room in the Hausmann Tower, and the large castle courtyard. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Hausmann Tower during your visit, from where you have a spectacular view of the old town.
The castle is open from Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A standard ticket for the palace is 16 €uros. For the same price, you can also visit the Historical Green Vault, but you need a fixed time slot. Climbing the Hausmann Tower costs 5 €uros.
However, for 28 €uros, you can purchase a ticket for all exhibition areas, although booking a time slot is still required for the Historical Green Vault.
Stable Courtyard
However, the exterior of the palace is also not to be missed. Firstly, there is the stable courtyard, which was originally a tournament ground in the 16th century. Here, courtly equestrian and tournament games took place. Accordingly, it is surrounded by Renaissance-style arcades, typical of the era.
Particularly striking are the decorative hunting trophies and animal reliefs. They stand for the passion for hunting and symbolize the power of the Saxon court, combining Renaissance architecture with Baroque splendor.
Procession of Princes
The exterior wall of the stable courtyard is adorned with an absolutely outstanding masterpiece! A 100-meter-long equestrian parade of Saxon rulers was created from over 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles. Interestingly, the original design by the history painter Wilhelm Walther was a sgraffito frieze. However, it turned out that it wasn’t sufficiently weather-resistant. Therefore, the damaged frieze was replaced with seamlessly fitted ceramic tiles from the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory between 1904 and 1907.
It depicts 35 margraves, dukes, electors, and kings from the House of Wettin. These noblemen are flanked by scholars, artists, craftsmen, and children.
What I love most about this fantastic mural is the peculiar monikers those noble gentlemen had: while I totally get why they called Konrad the Great, I wonder what made Dietrich the Afflicted. Besides, I find it much more impressive to be called wise than bearded.
If you look closely, you can see that the entire work mimics a tapestry. It is held in place at the top by 38 differently designed buttons, while tassels adorn the bottom.
Howsoever, the Procession of Princes is not only the largest porcelain picture in the world, but there definitely are also some quirky aspects to it.
Frauenkirche
A visit to Dresden’s Frauenkirche is a memorable experience, not only because of its beauty, but also because of its moving history.
In the heart of the old town, the baroque dome rises as a symbol of peace, resilience, and resurrection.
Originally built in the 18th century by George Bähr, it was considered an architectural masterpiece of its time. Regardless, it was completely destroyed in World War II.
Only after German reunification did the spectacular reconstruction begin. Original stones were used, among others. Since 2005, the building of the Frauenkirche has once again shone in its former glory. Its sandstone façade radiates over the Neumarkt while its expansive dome offers one of the best views of Dresden. Inside, a bright, almost celestial vibes envelopes you. Sit back for a moment on one of the light-colored seats and soak up the the special aura.
Symbol of Resurrection
The Frauenkirche is far more than a church building. It is a living symbol of reconciliation and togetherness. Whether for historians, culture vultures, architecture fans, or the faithful, obviously, a visit inspires and fills both, heart and soul.
The four larger ones depict the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The smaller panels are painted with allegories of the Christian virtues of faith, love, hope, and mercy.
The original paintings were done by the Venetian theater painter Giovanni Battista Grone. The current paintings are by Christoph Wetzel, based on historical photos and models.
The church is usually open Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. Admission to the church is generally free. However, a fee applies for certain activities such as tower climbs, concerts, or guided tours, obviously.
The original altarpiece, by Johann Christian Feige the Elder and Johann Gottfried Klemm, was severely damaged in World War II. The thoroughly reconstructed altarpiece consists of an impressive 80% of original pieces.
A definite highlight is climbing the dome. A spiral staircase and, later, an interior walkway lead to the observation deck, with breathtaking views over the old town and the Elbe Valley.
Zwinger Palace
The Zwinger Palace is one of the most famous Baroque buildings in Germany. It was built in the early 18th century under – by now, you probably guessed so – Augustus the Strong and originally served as an orangery, a festival ground, and a representative building for his court events. Indeed, the palace impresses with its magnificent architecture, richly decorated pavilions, galleries, and the spacious courtyard with fountains and manicured gardens.
A visit is worthwhile for several reasons. First, the Zwinger’s architecture is a masterpiece of the Baroque period. Second, it houses important museums such as the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, hence, the Old Masters Picture Gallery, with works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Rembrandt, the Mathematical-Physical Salon, as well as one of the most important porcelain collections in the world.
The Old Masters Picture Gallery and Sculpture Collection in the Zwinger are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Porcelain Collection and the Mathematical-Physical Salon open only at 11 a.m. Admission to all museums is 16 €uros. Access to the Zwinger courtyard, the outdoor galleries, and the gardens is free.
A Germano-Italian Connection
The artistic connection to Italy is long-standing in Germany. Countless German painters discovered Italy as a source of inspiration, initially during the Renaissance and later by the so-called German-Roman Nazarene artists such as Anton Raphael Mengs, Johann Friedrich Overbeck, and many others. Although he was not a painter, über-poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe should also be mentioned in this context, as he was probably Germany’s most devoted fanboy of Italy.
However, in return, Italian painters such as Bernardo Bellotto and Pietro Antonio Rotari were invited to the Dresden court, as were musicians and even gondola builders! Venice definitely served as an absolute cultural benchmark, especially for the Saxon Elector Frederick Augustus II. Art dealers were sometimes sent on secret shopping sprees so that the actual buyer remained anonymous. Yet, at times works were also openly commissioned.
Actually, the Zwinger is my happy place among all of Dresden’s glories. Not only for its expansive splendor, which allows for leisurely strolls both in the courtyard and on the lavishly decorated walls. Of course, as a devoted culture vulture, I particularly love the Picture Gallery with its alluring art treasures. Of particular note are, of course, the many works by Bernardo Bellotto.
Canaletto in Dresden
Bernardo Bellotto aka Canaletto was the nephew of the famous Giovanni Antonio Canal, who, under his artist name, which, confusingly, was also Canaletto, became known primarily for his detailed cityscapes of Venice and London. Bellotto’s most famous works, however, include vedute of Warsaw, Vienna, and Dresden.
Canaletto came to Dresden in 1747 on a commission from Augustus III, the son of Augustus the Strong. He spent about ten years there at the Saxon court.
Hence, I marked the spot for you on the map at the end of this post.
During this time, he created some of Dresden’s most famous cityscapes, which are considered not only works of art but also historical documents of inestimable value. Canaletto’s depictions of the city document its Baroque splendor before its destruction in World War II.
Many details about buildings, squares, and the everyday life of that time have survived today only thanks to his paintings.
One of Canaletto’s most famous works is the painting of Dresden from the Right Bank of the Elbe, below the Augustus Bridge, 1748. This view is now an integral part of Dresden’s identity. From the Neustadt bank of the Elbe, you can see the baroque skyline almost exactly as in Canaletto’s painting. In addition, you can put yourself into the picture, literally.
Brühl’s Terrace
Talking ’bout views: Another absolutely magical place is the so-called Brühl’s Terrace. Constructed in the 18th century, it stretches along the banks of the Elbe and offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding districts.
The terrace was originally designed as a private garden for Augustus the Strong and his successors and was part of the royal Brühl Palace. Construction of this palace, named after Augustus’s minister, Johann Gottfried von Brühl, began in 1723. Gradually, the terrace became a central location of court life.
The Brühl’s Terrace is characterized by its classical architecture and Baroque garden style. The gardens on the terrace contain numerous sculptures, fountains, and large shady trees.
The beautiful grounds, with the million-dollar view over the Elbe, were only opened to the public in the 19th century.
There’s More
As a matter of fact, the Castle and the Zwinger Palace are just two of Dresden’s architectural gems. In the immediate vicinity, for example, stands the Semper Opera House, one of the most beautiful and famous opera houses in the world.
Designed by Gottfried Semper, it reopened in 1878 in the Italian High Renaissance style after the original building burned down. The Semper Opera House impresses with its magnificent façade and its sumptuous interior, featuring rich stucco and ceiling decorations. If you’re interested, you can take a guided tour that offers exciting insights behind the scenes.
A tour of the magnificent spaces lasts approximately 45 minutes and is also available in English.
The box office is located in the so-called Schinkelwache at Theaterplatz 2, and a general ticket costs 14 €uros. You can also book online, obviously.
Getting to the Heart of Augustus
Directly opposite the Semper Opera House is the Catholic Court Church, now the Cathedral St. Trinitatis. It was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style as a symbol of the Catholic faith of the Saxon Elector Augustus III. The ornate statues on top of the façade and the imposing interior of the church are particularly impressive.
There are people who find the Cathedral St. Trinitatis far more spectacular than the Frauenkirche, and in all honesty, I’m one of them.
You can visit the church free of charge during their opening hours from Monday to Thursday and Saturdays between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, they open only at 1 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. If you want to see the Crypt, which contains 49 sarcophagi of the Wettin family, including the heart of Augustus the Strong, you must join a guided tour.
Kulturpalast Dresden
The so-called Kulturpalast, hence, Culture Palace, was built as a cultural and events center on the Altmarkt Square. The architects Wolfgang Hänsch and Leopold Wiel gave it a cubic shape in the style of international modernism, which stands in stark contrast to Dresden’s baroque architecture. After its opening in 1969, it served as a multi-purpose venue for concerts, readings, and political events. As with other buildings from the socialist GDR era, there were initial discussions about whether the Kulturpalast should be preserved after the reunification. Regardless, it has been a listed building since 2008.
The centerpiece of the Kulturpalast is a concert hall, where world-renowned musicians have performed. But the building also houses the city’s Central Library, and for visitors, the Café Tutti on the first floor is a great place for a break during your sightseeing, as it offers a magnificent view of the entire Altmarkt Square. It is open from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
For me, as a street art aficionado, the mural on the north façade of the palace is particularly appealing. Heinrich R. Süss and Gerhard Kettner created it in 1969 for the opening of the palace. It is an outstanding example of mural art from the late 1960s in the GDR. The motif reflects the political and social orientation of the time, idealizing a society in which art and culture play an important role in shaping daily life and social progress. As a big fan of Shepard Fairey, it reminds me, both stylistically and in content, of many of his expressive and socially combative portraits— without the dogmatic superstructure, obviously.
On the Other Bank
On the right bank of the Elbe lies the so-called Neustadt, hence, the New Town. It is divided into the Inner New Town and the Outer New Town. The Outer New Town lies further northeast and is popular for its alternative cultural scene, bars, cafés, and creative shops. Some even refer to it as Little Berlin. The Inner New Town has baroque streets and prestigious buildings and is located directly across from the old town.
The New Town offers a fascinating contrast to the historic old town on the opposite bank of the Elbe. The beautiful Königsufer stretches along the Inner New Town bank of the Elbe. This bank, with its spacious green spaces and romantic rose garden, forms a landscaped contrast to the stone terraced banks on the old town side.
The Königsufer is home to magnificent buildings such as the Japanese Palace, the Hotel Bellevue, as well as the buildings of the Ministry of Finance and the State Chancellery.
Dairy Pfund
Royal Castle or Zwinger Palace, that’s all well and good. But Dresden’s most distinctive gem is actually a dairy shop! It’s the Pfund Brothers Dairy, to be precise. Since its founding in 1880 by Paul Gustav Leander Pfund, the small shop has developed into a unique attraction as its interior is a masterpiece of hand-painted tiles. Walls, ceilings, and floors are entirely decorated with scenes from the dairy industry, mythical creatures, and floral patterns.
This impressive work of art deservedly entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1997 as the allegedly most beautiful dairy shop in the world.
In addition to its stunning architecture, the dairy offers an exquisite selection of regional and international cheese specialties, wines, and other delicacies. A visit to Pfunds Molkerei is not only a feast for the eyes, but above all, of course, a feast for the palate. For visitors from outside, it’s a fantastic source of truly special souvenirs, and in the café upstairs, you can sample local delicacies while taking a break.
The dairy is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Out of Dresden
Even though a weekend is hardly enough to admire all the spectacular buildings and visit the great exhibitions in Dresden, you should definitely also see Dresden’s beautiful surroundings if at all possible.
The Elbe River winds its way through Dresden, encouraging visitors to take walks or bike rides. Furthermore, the proximity to the vineyards and the Saxon Switzerland is ideal for day trippers.
A true classic is a trip to Saxon Switzerland. Especially if you’re short on time, participating in an organized tour is a highly recommended option. On this full-day excursion, a bus will take you to the impressive rocky landscape of the sandstone mountains. There, you’ll visit, among other things, the so-called Bastei, a striking rock formation. From this famous vantage point, 305 meters above sea level, you’ll enjoy magnificent views over the Elbe Valley. Later, you continue to Königstein Fortress, one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe. Built in the 16th century on a 240-meter-high cliff overlooking the Elbe Valley, it served as a military installation and later as a prison.
You can then return to Dresden either by the very tour bus or by taking a leisurely steamboat ride down the Elbe.
Winding’N’Vining
However, the Elbe region around Meissen, about half an hour north of Dresden and home of the famous porcelain, is equally fascinating. The city is idyllically nestled between vineyards and castles. If you want to experience the flair of the Saxon Wine Route, this is the place to be. A bike ride along the Elbe Cycle Path or a ride on the Saxon Steamship Company makes this trip an even more special experience.
A visit is particularly worthwhile during the annual Open Winery Weekend on the last weekend in August. This year, it will take place on August 30th and 31st, 2025. However, many wineries will open their doors already from Thursday on for a warm-up.
During this event, wineries along the Elbe River open their doors to visitors. Guests can sample wines, take tours, and learn more about the production of Elbe Valley wine. The event offers a relaxed opportunity to experience the region’s wine culture and enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Elbe River. Participation is generally free, but it’s worth checking the website of Dresden Elbland for details in advance, as some wineries ask for advance registration and charge a small fee for very elaborate wine tastings.
While there’s a lot of fun’n’follies during the Open Winery Weekend, the region is worth a visit anytime. Because this area is so special and exceptionally captivating, I’m dedicating an individual post to it, which will be published on August 9th.
Practical Information
How To Get There
Flight
Dresden International Airport is located about 9 kilometers north of the city center. The airport is small but well-equipped, offering both domestic and some international connections. The city center is easily accessible, even by public transport.
The best way to get there is by the S2 local train, which takes about 20 minutes.
A taxi ride to the city center takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Yet, the ride to the main train station costs a hefty 40 €uros.
Train
Because of its convenient location, you can get to Dresden quickly and easily by train, too. Train connections to many cities in Germany, as well as the neighboring Czech Republic, are frequent. You can check timetables and prices on the website of the Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail company. It’s available in eight languages.
Dresden lies in the Federal State of Saxony. If you’d like to explore other places around the area, the so-called SchönerTagTicket is a great deal. It translates to Beautiful Day Ticket, and you’ll certainly have a great day of unlimited travel for only 33 €uros. Up to five people can travel with the ticket, with each additional person paying only 8 €uros. The maximum price for five passengers is therefore 65 €uros. In addition, children up to and including 5 years of age can always travel free of charge, regardless of whether they are your own children or not. They do not need to be counted when determining the number of passengers.
If the children are between 6 and 14 years old, up to three of your own or other children can travel.
This is an absolutely amazing deal, however, there is a small catch: the ticket is only valid in regional trains. Those train numbers begin with S, RE, or MET. You cannot take interregional trains such as the Intercity (IC) or Intercity-Express (ICE).
The Germany Ticket for 58 €uros
Following the fantastic 9 €uro ticket that allowed nationwide travel for an entire month from June to August 2022, there is now the 58 €uro ticket. For good.
With the 58 €uros ticket, you can travel basically the entire country by regional trains. Those train numbers begin with RE, MET, etc. But remember, it is not valid for interregional trains such as the Intercity (IC) or Intercity-Express (ICE). However, you can also use regular buses, trams, subways, and suburban trains, as well as regional express trains everywhere in Germany.
While the 58 €uro ticket is valid throughout the country, it is not linked to German citizenship. It can also be purchased by non-residents. Although it is an annual subscription, it can be canceled on a monthly basis.
Bus
Flixbus is conquering the world, hence, it’s also serving Dresden. It might not be the fastest way to travel, but it’s quite comfortable and definitely the cheapest. For instance, a trip to Berlin takes about 2.5 hours and tickets start at around 11 €uros. For the same price, you can get to Prague in under two hours. Even a trip to Vienna takes just a bit over six hours and costs only 40 €uros.
The Flixbus stop in Dresden is on the southern side of the main train station. To check schedules and prices, visit their website.
How to Get Around
Public Transport
Like every German city, local public transport in Dresden is comprehensive. The transport network includes trams, buses, commuter trains, which are called S-Bahn, and ferries on the Elbe River.
The tram is the backbone of local transport and connects almost all parts of the city. Buses complement the network, and the S-Bahn offers fast connections to the surrounding area, for example, to Meissen.
The Elbe ferries are particularly charming. They connect the two banks of the river and offer beautiful views of the city.
Tickets are versatile and allow for single journeys for 3.40 €uros or day tickets for 9 €uros, depending on your needs.
Also, take into consideration that the Germany Ticket that I’m introducing above covers all regional public transport, hence, you don’t need to buy tickets in Dresden if in possession of the 58 €uro ticket!
Walking And Cycling
Both the old town and the Inner New Town can be easily explored on foot. Cycling is also a great way to experience the city. There is a well-developed network of bike paths.
(Photo: Mimi Green)
You’ll find many rental stations with e-bikes and traditional bikes.
You can easily rent a bike using the MOBIbike system operated by Dresden Public Transport. First, you must register for free using the Nextbike app or on their website. Obviously, you must provide a valid payment method. However, with your MOBIbike account, you can also rent bikes in Berlin and over 300 other cities worldwide!
To rent a bike, scan the QR code on the bike or enter its number in the app to open the frame lock. The first 30 minutes of each rental are included. After that, you pay 1 €uro per half hour and a maximum of 15 €uros for 24 hours.
Visiting Organized
I’m an avid solo-travelling woman, yet I love to join organized tours here and there. Especially for day and weekend trips to cities, organized and guided tours allow you to get to know the most important sights in a condensed yet comprehensive way and not miss anything significant.
Therefore, here are some great ideas of what to do during your stay in Dresden. Especially if you have only a short amount of time, they’ll enable you to leave the planning and organizing to others and just enjoy the city and the surrounding area to the max**:
My Tip:
If you’re interested in a city tour focusing on art and art history, I recommend checking out the Kunstwerk Dresden website to see if there’s something for you. Art historian Dr. Claus Kemmer has been guiding interested guests through his adopted hometown of Dresden for many years with a wealth of expertise and a generous dose of humor.
Where to Stay
In all major cities around Germany, you can find a couple of hotel chains that offer comfort in sleek rooms at an affordable price. Obviously, you cannot expect any outstanding luxury, but you’ll get a functional, clean room in a convenient location at a reasonable rate. I think this is all you need on a city break, as you probably won’t spend too much time in your room, anyway.
One of these simple yet convenient lodging options is the Premier Inn Chain. In the city center of Dresden, there are two of them, one is in the shopping street Prager Straße and the other one, even closer to the historic center, at Dr. Külz-Ring. Either way, the Premier Inn Dresden City Zentrum Hotel** as well as the Premier Inn Dresden City Prager Straße Hotel** are within walking distance to the main station as well as the most important landmarks.
If they should be booked out, you’ll find some suitable alternatives on this map**:
My Tip:
Another no-frill accommodation is the Staycity**, a modern apartment hotel located right in Dresden’s city center. Therefore, basically all of the major attractions can be reached within a few minutes on foot.
But even if you’re not a registered guest at the Staycity**, you can still take advantage of some of their services. For example, the Staycity** offers luggage storage, which allows you a care-free, and most importantly bulk-free, visit.
However, the most iconic feature is their rooftop bar, from which you have a million-dollar view over the Zwinger Palace all the way to the Elbe River. I daresay it’s a place not to be missed on any visit to Dresden!
What to Eat
Dresden offers a rich variety of traditional Saxon cuisine, from hearty home-style dishes to fine pastries. The connection to other Central European regions such as Bohemia, Silesia, and Thuringia is quite obvious.
Particularly well-known are Sauerbraten, roast beef marinated in red wine and spices, beef roulades with red cabbage and dumplings, and Saxon Kartoffelbraten, which is a simple yet flavorful dish with fried potatoes, bacon, and onions.
A particular classic is the so-called Sächsisches Himmelreich, which translates to Saxon Heaven. It is a dish in which salted pork, dried plums, and a creamy roux create a savory mixture with a slightly sweet note.
Classic curd cakes, the so-called Quarkkeulchen, are a very popular, regional dessert. These small fried cakes are made from curd, potatoes, and often raisins. They are mostly served with applesauce and sometimes enjoyed even as a sweet main course.
A typical Saxon sheet cake is Eierschecke. This cake consists of three layers: the base and a curd filling, topped by a mixture made of custard, eggs, and sugar.
However, when it comes to baked goods, the Dresden Stollen, a dense yeast dough pie, takes the cake – pun intended. This Christmas pie, enriched with butter, raisins, almonds, and candied fruit, is famous worldwide.
Cash And Cards
Until now, 20 European countries replaced their former local currency with the €uro starting in 2002. Obviously, Germany is one of them. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0.85 EUR as of August 2025. However, you can check today’s conversion rate on this page.
I know that Germany still has the reputation of cash being king. Although there are still some businesses that accept only cash, credit cards, and contactless payment is spreading rapidly everywhere.
Communication And Connection
Since June 2017, no roaming charges apply within the EU if you have a European mobile phone contract. This involves all 27 countries of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The EU roaming regulation applies to all contracts.
In case European roaming is not available, you can connect to the internet at museums, eateries, or cafés, and, of course, hotels. This being said, in comparison to many other lands, Germany is a developing country when it comes to the internet. There are annoyingly many dead zones, and many places do not offer free Wifi connection.
So if you depend on a reliable online connection, you should opt for a SIM card. Whether phone companies such as O2 or Vodafone, or supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi – there is a wide choice of providers of prepaid cards.
The standard voltage in Europe is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. In Germany, they use plug types C and F.
Whereby, nowadays, all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter.
By the way, you’ll find comprehensive travel info in my post World’s Most Complete Travel Information – an indispensable globetrotter classic.
Say It Right
In Germany, many people speak pretty decent English. In eastern Germany, however, particularly older people are struggling since, unlike the younger generation, they did not learn English at school. Therefore, for some useful words and phrases, you might want to practice a little with the help of e. g. Babbel. Also, the first lesson is free and already supplies you with a useful basic vocabulary.
In this post, I’m writing out some of the German names of brands and places. Obviously, you will notice that there are letters that might not exist in other languages.
Firstly, there is the letter ß, which exists only in the German alphabet. It’s by no means a B – it’s a so-called sharp S. You pronounce it like the double S in kiss. So, although the German word for street, Straße, looks quite exotic, it is simply pronounced Shtrasse. Mind you, when an S stands before a T, it becomes sh instead of s.
Then, there are three more vowels, ä being the easiest one since it’s pronounced like an open e as in head. For some foreigners, ö and ü might be a bit tougher. Ö is pronounced more or less like the e in her. Finally, Ü sounds a bit like the u in huge.
After having read this post down to here, do you still need further information or have specific questions? Of course, I’m here for you, but you can always check out this informative website: https://www.visit-dresden-elbland.de/
Map
On this map, you can see where to find the most amazing buildings that make Dresden a proverbial Baroque treasure chest. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map, including the legend.
Pinnable Pictures
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