Cities & Culture
It's on: 48 hours in Dresden
Anyone who visits this city in Saxony only because of its impressive monuments and magnificent Old Town is making an error. Because Dresden would also like you to discover its youthful side. Here you can read where and how to do this.
It goes without saying, you can't visit Dresden without seeing these distinguished cultural monuments. That's why the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and the Semper Opera House also belong to the first day of your city tour. The good news is that these impressive landmarks are close to each other in the Old Town area.
Memories and Wonders: Dresden's Old Town
Start with the famous Frauenkirche, because its unique design and stone dome are really striking. But the Frauenkirche is not only architecturally interesting. It is also a symbol of reconciliation because the reconstruction of the church, which was destroyed during the Second World War, was financed by donations from all over the world. The Dresden Zwinger is just as meaningful. You can feel that as you stand in front of it. The cluster of several interlocking buildings, pavilions and galleries surrounds a large courtyard. The Zwinger is also home to three museums. Here you will find the Dresden Porcelain Collection, the Maths and Physics Hall and the Old Masters Picture Gallery of Dresden. Around the Zwinger you will also find a number of pubs. So time for a break.
After lunch, go on to the Semperoper, one of the most well-know opera houses in Germany, which is also famous for its architecture and history. Then stroll to the Brühl Terrace and walk the 500 metres along the Elbe. Around the Brühl Terrace, which is also known as the "Balcony of Europe", there are also a number of historical sights.
Dresden's Neustadt: young and versatile
Now it is time to cross the Elbe: You can spend your afternoon exploring the Neustadt. While on the one side of the Elbe there are historic sights, on the other side there are trendy districts with international restaurants, vegan cafés, bakeries, galleries, arts and crafts and fashion. In short, Neustadt is youthful and lively. Dresden locals also go shopping and visit the cinema on Prager Strasse. So, just have a look around, enjoy the atmosphere and delight in the distinct coffeehouse culture.
Spend the morning of your day 2 in Dresden, at the German Hygiene Museum. With its exhibits, the museum poses very central human questions: it presents topics such as sexuality, intellect, physical activity and nutrition in an exciting way. Children are also welcome as there is a special children's area. If you want to, you can also have something to eat at the museum.
Otherwise, here are four ideas for the early afternoon
How about a steamboat trip along the Elbe with a view of the Old Town? A picnic alongside the Zwinger lake or in the meadows along the Elbe would also be very relaxing. On the Neustadt side, the vast meadows offer unspoilt nature and a spectacular view of the city. Also beautiful: in the South West of Dresden there is the Plauenscher Grund with the Hohe Stein observation tower. In good weather, the view extends as far as Saxon Switzerland. You also have an excellent view of the Loschwitz Bridge from the upper station of the suspension railway in the east of Dresden. It connects the districts of Loschwitz and Oberloschwitz. This sprightly lady has been in operation since 1901 and is the oldest railway of its kind in the world.
Those who still have time for a little culture, head for the Panometer. The history of Dresden is conveyed here very vividly and with stunning imagery. The 27-metre high Panoramic views of the city, created by the artist Yadegar Asisi, are really worth seeing.
And in the evening? You will find numerous restaurants and pubs waiting for you in Münzgasse, right next to the Frauenkirche. Those who would like to watch the sun go down on the Elbe should visit one of the beer gardens around the Käthe-Kollwitz-Ufer or on Schillerplatz. Here you can round off your Dresden trip in a particularly beautiful way. But beware of the sorrow of saying goodbye.