Dresden
Western Europe · Germany
Did you know?
- The Green Vault occupies the Residenzschloss.
- Brühl's Terrace offers panoramic views without an admission ticket.
- Eierschecke is a local quark cake.
See also
Overview
Dresden is known for its artistic heritage and Baroque architecture. The nickname Florence on the Elbe captures its appeal for art and architecture lovers.
Languages: German
Why go?
Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is often called 'Florence on the Elbe' for its artistic heritage and beautiful Baroque architecture. Severely damaged in WWII, the city has meticulously rebuilt landmarks like the Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace. Today it's a relaxed, walkable city with a lively student scene in Neustadt, excellent museums, and easy access to Saxon Switzerland and other day trips.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The historic centre is compact and walkable. Trams and S-Bahn cover the city; major lines run 24h on weekends. A single tram ticket costs around €2.70. Bikes can be rented from hostels or stations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Dresden Hauptbahnhof is the main rail hub, with direct ICE trains from Berlin (2 hr), Leipzig (1 hr), and Prague (2 hr). Dresden Airport (DRS) has limited scheduled flights, mostly charter. Long-distance buses arrive at the central bus station next to the Hauptbahnhof. From the station, trams 3, 7, and 8 run to the Altstadt in 10 min.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Summer (June–August) is warm and lively, with festivals and outdoor events. Christmas markets (Striezelmarkt) draw crowds in December. Spring and autumn are mild and less crowded. Winters are cold but festive.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Budget options cluster around Neustadt (plenty of hostels) and near the Hauptbahnhof. A&O Hostel offers dorms from €19–26. Lollis Homestay in Neustadt gives free bike rental. The Altstadt has pricier hotels but closer to sights. Booking ahead saves money.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local specialities include Dresdner Stollen (Christmas cake) and Eierschecke (quark cake). For cheap eats, try Döner kebab (€5–6) or currywurst. Neustadt has many budget-friendly ethnic restaurants; Altmarkt area has tourist traps. A pizza from Pizza 5 costs €4.50.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Must-sees include the Frauenkirche (free), Zwinger Palace with its Old Masters gallery (€16 combo), and the Residenzschloss with the Green Vault (€12). Walk Brühl's Terrace for free panorama. Neustadt's Kunsthof and Pfund's Molkerei (lovely tiles) are offbeat. The Großer Garten is great for strolling.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Dresden is very safe. Avoid Alaunpark at night and dark side streets in Neustadt after midnight. Far-right demonstrations occur occasionally on 13 February; they are small but draw counter-protests. Dynamo Dresden matches have heavy police presence.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Local telephone code is 0351. Free Wi-Fi is available at many public spots; see the city's Wi-Fi map. German mobile networks (T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2) have good coverage.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A backpacker can get by on €40–60 per day: dorm €20–26, cheap meal €5–8, tram ticket €2.70, museum entry €5–16. Supermarket supplies are affordable. Many attractions are free or have discounted days.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Meissen (25 km, medieval cathedral and porcelain), Saxon Switzerland (Elbe Sandstone Mountains, hiking, Bastei bridge), Königstein fortress (40 km), and Moritzburg Castle (14 km, by narrow-gauge railway). Leipzig and Prague are 1–2 hours by train.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Dresden Hauptbahnhof, trains run to Leipzig (1 hr), Prague (2 hr), and Berlin (2 hr). Buses connect to many European cities. The central bus station is at the main train station.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- drink
Alter Schlachthof
Popular concert venue in an old slaughterhouse building from the 19th century.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Altes Wettbüro
Bar-club and restaurant in a former casino fitted with vintage furniture and radios. Offers good meals, live DJs, dance parties and concerts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Altmarkt-Galerie
A huge shopping centre which practically fills the western side of Seestraße and has an appearance of being many separate buildings, but they are in fact all interconnected. You can find everything from premium boutiques to very affordable shops there, as well as a fitness centre and even an ibis budget hotel (see "Sleep" section of this guide).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Audio tour: Jewish life in Dresden 1933-1945
Download the free map and audio tracks (in English) and take yourself on a walk covering the history of Jewish life in Dresden from 1933 to 1945. You will need several hours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Bar Peanuts
Small, cozy bar is located at the corner of the Hilton overlooking the Elbe. Peanut shells are scattered on the floor and as the name suggests, peanuts are the central theme. Cocktails and beer are the main draws here, along with the spectacular view.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Blue Note
This is the Dresden Jazz point. In the web page you may find the schedule of concerts. There is always very good music. This is a place to sit and enjoy good music. The scotch bar has very good drinks to enjoy during the concert.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Blumenau
This popular nightspot is considered one of the best in the city for its ambience, friendly service, and selection of drinks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bunte Republik Neustadt (BRN)
A massive yearly street festival that consumes the Neustadt part of Dresden in June. The festival consists of many stages featuring local musicians of different styles. The festivities run very late into the night with plenty of booths offering a wide variety of food and drink. If you plan to overnight, it is advisable to book accommodation outside of the Neustadt area during BRN.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi available at many public spots (see stadtplan.dresden.de). SIM cards can be bought at supermarkets or electronics stores.
Culture
Saxons are reserved but helpful. English is common in tourist areas. Tipping 5-10% is customary.
Currency
Currency is Euro (€). ATMs widely available.
Health
Tap water is safe. Pharmacies and hospitals are widely available. EU citizens should bring an EHIC card.
Language
German. English spoken at tourist spots and younger people.
Local transport
Trams and buses run frequently; day ticket covers all inner-city journeys. Bike rental is easy via nextbike or local shops.
Lodging tax
Dresden charges a lodging tax (Beherbergungssteuer) of 6% on accommodation. Minors exempt.
Money
Euro (EUR) is the currency. Credit cards widely accepted, but some smaller stalls may prefer cash. ATMs plentiful.
Safety
Generally very safe. Avoid Alaunpark and dark streets in Neustadt after midnight. Be aware of large demonstrations around February 13.
Tourist info
Tourist information: visit-dresden-elbland.de
Visa context
Visa rules depend on your passport; check current entry requirements before booking.