Dresden is the capital of the German federal state of Saxony. Located on the Elbe River, it is an industrial, governmental, and cultural center, known worldwide for the Bruehl's Terrace and its historic landmarks in the Old Town (Altstadt).
Dresden has about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. The Zwinger was rebuilt in 1964, the Semper Opera house in 1985, and the now most famous landmark of Dresden, the Frauenkirche, in 2005. When asked what they like most about their city, Dresden citizens will reply Old Town (which is quite compact, even though it has a lot of well-known attractions and museums of worldwide meaning), Dresden-Neustadt (an alternative central quarter) and the surroundings like the wine town Radebeul, the climbing area Saxon Switzerland, lots of castles, and most of the city landscape of about 80 quarters.
The number of international tourism is growing, especially with the US and China. Dresden is a stop between Prague and Berlin, and that´s why just one city quarter is recommended. Architecurally, Blasewitz is the most interesting living quarter, despite it being a hilly landscape.
PLACE TO VISIT
Zwinger Palace The baroque palace features a nympheum, many sculptures of Permoser, a bell pavilion and famous art collections. Do not miss the "Alte Meister" - you'll find the famous Madonna Sistina of Rafael there including the well known angels. There is also a very nice museum on the arms of Saxon kings, the "Rüstkammer".
Semperoper The building is well worth visiting, as it is one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The acoustics and the orchestra, the Staatskapelle, are marvelous. Its history saw many operas of Wagner and Strauss having their first nights there. Nowadays productions are of lower quality and follow the German "Regietheater" fashion. Make sure to inquire about the production in advance, or you might have unpleasant surprises. Make sure to also book tickets in advance. Some last-minute tickets are available from the box office shortly before the performance starts. Seats which do not have a good view are very cheap, and you can sit on benches behind the seats, right at the top of the auditorium, for free. When there is no rehearsal or performance, the opera offers an interesting tour behind the scenes (7 euro, 3.50 euro reduced and a 2 euro photography pass, but they don't check if you have it).
Frauenkirche The reconstructed Church of Our Lady was completely destroyed during WWII, and has now been reopened. The City of Coventry, which was raided by the Luftwaffe in WWII, donated the golden cross for the dome of the church. Check out some ruins in the basement. Do not miss the tower visit and bring good shoes to climb in (otherwise you will not be admitted in!).
Fürstenzug This biggest porcelain painting of the world shows (almost) all Saxon princesses and kings on their horses and splendid parade uniforms. It leads to the "Stallhof" - the last preserved tournament place contained in a European castle. This place is in winter the location of a very romantic Christmas market with a big fireplace.
Albertinum Museum The collections of "Neue Meister" feature a wonderful collection ranging from romantic painters (Caspar David Friedrich etc.) up to Rotloff and Van Gogh.
Gläserne Manufaktur Lennestr. 1, 01069 Dresden, Mon-Sun 8AM-8PM. The transparent factory is the site where Volkswagen builds its luxury sedan Phaeton. There is a tour (English language) offered by Volkswagen (4 euro, 2 euro reduced).
Schloss und Grünes Gewölbe The Green Vault is Europe's most splendid treasure chamber museum. You can see the biggest green diamond and the court of Aurengzeb and its precious crown jewels.
Kassematten under the Brühlsche Terrasse (the terrace at the Elbe river) are the remains of the old fort. Gives you a glimse of what a fort in a medieval European town was like.
Schwebebahn Dresden - a unique aerial tramway.
Museum of Mineralogy One of Dresden's most important museums.
Dresden Neustadt -- Very nice, lively part of the town. From heavy alternative style in the 90s it has become more and more "pseudo-exclusive" and expensive. But still you can still find some of the older ways. Check out the Bunte Republik Neustadt festival in June. But you shouldn't leave your bicycle unattended without a good lock, as there can be a serious risk of damage to your bicycle as well as your car, especially on weekend nights.
Elbwiesen (River Banks): Go to the (mostly) green river banks, especially in hot summer evenings/nights for a very nice view of the old parts and lot of people playing sports, having barbecues and parties. There are often big concerts and a huge movie screen offers "outdoor cinema."
Großer Garten (Big Garden): Recommended for relaxing and sports (rollerblades are very common). It is Dresden's "green lung" and can be reached easily by tram. You can also go on a ride on a miniature train through the park.
Erich-Kästner-Museum Architectural concept museum.
Military Historic Museum Has many items and machines regarding military in history. A must for the interested. Easily accessible with tram lines 7 and 8 and bus line 91 at stop "Stauffenbergallee".
The Artists' Court A nice complex of inner courtyards artistically decorated. The complex offers art galleries as well as coffee shops.
Weber Museum Dedicated to the Dresdner most famous composer.
German Hygene Museum Near the Big Garden. A comprehensive museum dedicated to hygene in various times and cultures.
Japanisches Palais, on the north bank of the Elbe between Augusbrücke and Marienbrücke. The palace was bombed out, and in its partially restored state holds several small museums, including the museum of natural history of the region, museum of prehistory and a display of assorted exotic garments (ethnological collection)
WHAT TO DO
Dresden is host to a number of worldwide known events, often unique or the biggest of their kind:
The Striezelmarkt is Germany's oldest Christmas market. It takes place from the last days of November until Christmas. Actually located at the Altmarkt, all kinds of shops and Glühwein Buden (mobile cafes selling mulled wine - delicious!) now stretch through the whole city center during this period.
The Dixieland Festival is Europe's biggest Jazz Festival. It normally takes place within the second week of May (from May 10-14 in 2006) and attracts bands and visitors from all over Europe, America and the world.
The Filmnächte take place from June to August at the banks of the Elbe, just across the castle on the other side of the river. A huge movie screen offers cinema in a beautiful setting and there are also many concerts with popular stars. Again, it is the biggest event of its kind in Europe!
Go on a tour through town or visit one of the many events.
Stroll around the Großer Garten (Great Garden). Only a few minutes from the city center, this beautiful big garden with a little castle in its middle is used by many locals to relax, walk around, go rollerblading or rowing in small boats on the Carolasee.
Go on a tour with one of the old paddle-steamers. It is a really great experience. Best start your tour from the main pier at the castle and go down to Meissen or up to Pillnitz or the Saxon Switzerland.
An evening out in the Semper Opera is an unforgettable experience, but be sure to book in advance.
HOW TO REACH
By Plane - Dresden-Klotzsche Airport is located north of the city and can be reached by bus (line 77 and 97) and tram line 7 (change for the bus at tram station Karl-Marx-Straße). Even faster is the connection with local train lines (S-Bahn). Flights leave to nearly all important German cities and a few European destinations, like London, Zurich and Vienna. The emergence of low-frill airlines Germanwings and Air Berlin has led to reduced fares to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich. Lufthansa operates to most domestic destinations. Air Berlin also offers flights to and from Rome and Barcelona. In 2007 British Airways started offering a direct service to London (Gatwick); however, it has suspended its route to Dresden in 2008.
By Train - Dresden is served by two big train stations, one on the northern side of the Elbe, Dresden Neustadt, and one on the southern side of the Elbe, Dresden Hauptbahnhof or main train station. Be sure to check if your train is really leaving/going to Dresden Hauptbahnhof or to Dresden Neustadt.
The main train station is situated at the southern end of Dresden's main shopping street, Prager Straße, and in short walking distance from most central attractions in Old Town. It is very well connected with the local bus and tram network and can be reached very quickly from nearly everywhere, also at night time. Trains to nearby towns, such as Meissen and Pirna run till around midnight. Regular trains leave the main train station for the rest of Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich) and to Prague and Budapest.
By Car - Dresden can be reached without problems by car from the rest of Germany. It is well connected with the German highway system and a new Autobahn to Prague has been finished recently.
