Insider Tips for Dresden

Nothing helps me escape everyday life faster than occasional weekend getaways. In this article, we've written down the best insider tips for Dresden. This way, you can get to know the most beautiful and exciting sides of Dresden. The tips range from getting there to sightseeing tips, as well as recommendations for restaurants, culture, and shopping.

The capital city of the Free State of Saxony, with over half a million inhabitants, has a lot to offer! And the best part: The many attractions in the Old Town are close together and can easily be reached on foot. The Dresden Neustadt is just a stone's throw away. You can explore and see a lot over a weekend.

Here are my tips for a weekend full of culture, beautiful spots, and sights in and around Dresden!

What comes to mind when you think of Dresden? Of course! The Frauenkirche! At the heart of the Dresden Neumarkt, it majestically stands out and cannot be missed. The baroque church was completely destroyed during World War II - just like almost everything else in Dresden.

It is all the more beautiful that the church was completely rebuilt by 2005 and has since welcomed many visitors as a symbol of reconciliation. But it's not just the view inside the Protestant church that is worth it. You can climb the Frauenkirche's viewing platform via ramps and steep stairs and enjoy the best view over all of Dresden. The view of the city and its surroundings is magnificent.

Tip: The €8 entrance fee is really worth it. It's best to visit early in the morning. The Frauenkirche opens at 10 AM. Get an overview of the city and its attractions from above.

Since the Radeberger beer commercial, the Dresden Semperoper has become known as another landmark of Dresden. Admittedly, as an opera fan, I can't fully embrace that (yet), but the history surrounding the opera house on the Elbe is truly fascinating.

Tickets for an opera performance are not cheap. A good alternative to get a taste of the opera atmosphere is to take a guided tour of the Semperoper.

My tip: Book a ticket for the nighttime tour at 10 PM. After nearly an hour, you'll know all the important information about the opera and get a great insight into the entire building. Tickets can be purchased in advance or for last-minute guests directly before the tour for €11. Note, photography is only allowed in the opera with a photo license for €3.

More info at: www.semperoper-erleben.de

Next to the Semperoper, you'll find one of Germany's most famous baroque buildings and a true Gesamtkunstwerk: The Dresden Zwinger! If you have time, visit not only the beautiful garden but also one of the various museums.

You cannot miss the impressive Renaissance building in the Old Town, the Residential Palace of the Saxon Electors and Kings. Five museums are located here: Green Vault, Coin Cabinet, Print Room, and Armory with Turkish Chamber.

For all you sweet-toothed individuals, CAMONDAS is a dream in chocolate heaven. This little shop near the Residential Palace offers a large selection of chocolates, truffles, and pralines, as well as a chocolate museum.

When I was in Dresden, it was quite cold. What better way to warm up than with a homemade hot chocolate and enjoy the great atmosphere of the shop?

From the Residential Palace, a short walk over the Augustus Bridge brings you to the Dresden Neustadt. Right on the banks of the Elbe, joggers enjoy a great view of the river and the Old Town. The beer garden at Narrenhäusl on the Königsufer invites you to have a beer with a view in the summer.

In the Neustadt, you can expect a contrast to the Old Town. Here you'll find the trendy, cultural, and nightlife district of the city. Many unique shops and restaurants give the neighborhood its own charm. Feel free to wander around and explore the streets on your own.

Surprise in the backyard! Here, you'll find art and architecture. The courtyard of elements is particularly impressive. Both yellow and blue facades and downspouts uniquely represent the elements. They create a very special atmosphere, especially in the rain.

Yes, I admit. This is also where the tourist bus stops. But I must say, rightly so!

The Pfund Dairy are not called 'the most beautiful dairy store in the world' for nothing. Unfortunately, photography in the store is not permitted, but the shop with its beautiful hand-painted tiles on the walls is truly worth a visit. Cheese specialties and other dairy products are displayed and sold like in a fairy tale. Perfect for a quick snack: A delicious glass of buttermilk in the sales room.

Discovered by chance and found to be perfect for a quick break! A cool, stylish café with delicious dishes. From pasta to superfoods. From breakfast to coffee and cake.

Located at Königsbrucker Straße 74.

The Panometer is an old gasometer that displays impressive 360-degree panoramic images on various exhibitions by artist Yadegar Asisi.

Since mid-2015, panoramas of Dresden in the Baroque period and Dresden 1945 have been alternated, allowing visitors to experience the city's history up close.

When I was there, the 1:1 scale panorama of Dresden after the bombings in 1945 was impressively displayed. From a 15-meter-high platform, visitors can view the giant round image from all sides.

Just a 10-minute drive from the Panometer, the Loschwitz Bridge, nicknamed 'Blue Wonder', crosses the Elbe into the Loschwitz district.

Here, you'll find many small shops related to crafts and a beautiful old funicular that connects Loschwitz with the lovely old villa district of Oberloschwitz. (no operation due to maintenance until April 2017). You can also reach it on foot via the Veilchenweg. The steep ascent can be done in a good 10 minutes. Once at the top, you have a beautiful view of the Elbe and the Dresden countryside.

Admittedly, I was initially skeptical. An old brewery in the middle of a relatively new business park? Supposedly even the most beautiful brewery in Dresden. And indeed, with a great beer garden and a view over the Waldschlösschen Bridge onto Dresden's silhouette, it's a fantastic place to be. On Sundays, there's even live music. The food is typically hearty and the atmosphere is relaxed. Brewery tours are also offered.

So if you want to refuel before heading home, you can do so here. And, by the way, the beer is also available to take home.

The name says it all: The Kempinski Hotel represents a very good hotel chain. Its location in the Old Town, directly at the Residential Palace and the Semperoper, is perfect for exploring Dresden.

Motel One hotels are generally great options for city trips. The rooms are modern, somewhat smaller than in the expensive hotels, but that's okay. Because you're only here to sleep.

The price-performance ratio is the best you can get. The Motel One is also located in the best area in the Old Town.

While exploring the Old Town and the Neustadt, I walked nearly 18 kilometers on a Saturday. I only took the tram once to get back to the old town center. So definitely don't forget your comfortable sneakers!

If you don't want to take the time to plan your trip to Dresden, I have a tip for a great city tour! In just under two hours, you'll learn and see everything important you want to know about Dresden's history. Top!

Maybe you have some tips aside from the Frauenkirche, Zwinger, and typical attractions in Dresden? If so, please leave us a comment at the end of the article! Thank you!

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