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Dresden

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Dresden

Dresden is the capital of the German state of Sachsen, offering stunning natural scenery, delicious cuisine, street art and charming modern districts. Dresden's city center is just the right size, so you can explore it on foot and find the best attractions in close proximity to each other. If you're feeling tired, you can escape the bustling city by walking along the Elbe River for as long as you like.

Even with a short walk around the city, you can experience the splendor of Dresden. Thanks to the meticulous restoration of the city, it's hard to believe that the historic center was once in ruins after the bombing in 1945. 

Dresden is also called "Florence on the Elbe" due to its resemblance in Baroque architecture to the Italian city of Florence. Located on the banks of the Elbe River, the city of Dresden's rich Baroque architecture offers many attractions for its visitors.

Travel Tips for Dresden

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Dresden

A guide to Dresden's local transportation

Trams
Bus
Train
Taxi
Bicycle
Walking
Car Rental

Locals generally rely on trams for daily transportation, as there are around 12 lines that cover every area of the city. The tram schedule in Dresden runs from 6am to 8pm, with departures every 10 minutes.

After 8pm, waiting times can be slightly longer. If you plan to ride the tram until 11pm, there is a night tram option marked with a "GuteNachtLinie" label at each stop. A tram ride in Dresden costs around €2.80.

Practical Tips for Dresden

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Why is Dresden so famous?

Dresden is famous as one of the German cities known for its charming Baroque architecture, stretching gracefully along the Elbe River, which weaves through a wide valley in the heart of the city. The city's architectural landscape looks very distinctive when compared to other cities. One of the things that sets Dresden apart from other German cities is the number of Baroque architectural wonders located in the old town. In contrast, many German cities have old towns that often exude a medieval atmosphere.

What are the top things to do in Dresden?

There are various tourist attractions in Dresden Germany that are worth a visit, including the Altstadt or old town of Dresden, which may be small but is very charming. Here, you can stroll around the Altstadt while taking in its architectural beauty.

Next, you can also visit one of Dresden's must-see landmarks and attractions, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) located in Neumarkt. The church was originally built in the Baroque style in the 18th century, but was severely damaged during the bombing of Dresden in World War II. More than 3,800 stones from the original church were saved and used in the reconstruction process between 1994 and 2005, along with new stones.

Lastly, you can visit the Fürstenzug, the largest and longest mural in the world, about 102 meters long, which depicts the rulers of Sachsen (kings, dukes, nobles and electors) participating in a grand parade on horseback, with their names written below their images.

How to get to Dresden?

To reach Dresden, fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) or take a train to Dresden Hauptbahnhof, the main railway station. Dresden is well-connected by highways for those traveling by car. The city is accessible from major European cities via various transportation modes, providing convenient options for both domestic and international travelers.

How many days do you need in Dresden?

The time needed to explore the beauty of Dresden will depend on your preferences and itinerary. If you have limited time, a single day in Dresden is enough to explore its beauty and uniqueness.

However, in a single day, you may feel rushed and unable to enjoy the city at a leisurely pace. For a more comprehensive experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Dresden will allow you to explore the famous landmarks and enjoy the local cuisine without being pressed for time.

How is the Dresden weather throughout the year?

Although a visit to the city can be made at any time, the best time to visit Dresden is from May to September. During this period, you can enjoy the beauty of Dresden with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall.

In This Guide

Travel Tips for Dresden