Dresden

Dresden, Germany

Dresden was known as both the 'Florence of the North' and the 'Venice of the River Elbe' before World War II destroyed most of this once-magnificent Baroque city. But Dresden has managed to restore much of its former glory. The views from the banks of the Elbe and plentiful architectural delights, such as the rebuilt Frauenkirche or the famous Semper Opera, provide glimpses of what today’s vibrant Dresden once looked like. With 63 percent of its area devoted to woods and green spaces, Dresden is also one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Population:

500,000

Currency:

1 euro = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 110
Fire brigade and ambulance: 112

Opening Hours:

Stores are normally open from 9am-8pm, but close at around 1pm or 2pm on Saturdays. Supermarkets are often open until 8pm on Saturdays.

Newspapers:

Dresden News
Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten

The City

Ignoring history is impossible when visiting Dresden, which saw its city centre reduced to ashes and rubble during the massive air raids by the allies in February 1945. However, following Germany’s reunification in 1990, the city has experienced a building boom hardly seen anywhere else in the country, and the main landmark, the Frauenkirche, yet again stands proud in the city’s main square.

As the capital of the state of Saxony and with a population of nearly 500.000 people, today’s Dresden is a modern and vibrant city that yet again acts as the cultural magnet it once was. Visit the Old Town for magnificent Renaissance, Baroque and 19th-century buildings and museums and galleries on the river bank. Go to the Neustadt Quarter (the New Town Quarter), across the Elbe, where you find an eclectic mix of Baroque architecture and monumental government buildings from the 19th century. You can also find pockets of alternative culture, as well as a raft of shopping facilities and restaurants.

Do & See

There is a reason why Dresden is one of the most popular German cities to visit. Dresden is a town filled with history and culture, hence the countless museums. Whether you want to pay a visit to a museum dedicated to jewellery, watch a spectacular performance at the opera house or watch the animals in the Dresden Zoo, you can do it in Dresden.

Dining

As the capital of Saxony, Dresden has all the usual culinary offerings of a major city, as well as a wide range of top-class restaurants, but also offers some special Saxon treats. The Inner Neustadt area also has plenty of restaurants serving dishes from the nearby region of Bohemia, while the alternative restaurant scene in Outer Neustadt offers culinary treats from across the globe. Locally brewed beer should be enjoyed in one of the many beer gardens along the Elbe, while wines from the surrounding vineyards taste best in one of the romantic restaurants on the river slopes.

Cafes

There are plenty of lovely cafes to while away an hour or two, or simply take a short mid-shopping breather. Choose from 30 different types of hot chocolate or enjoy an appetiser by the beautiful church.