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Dresden


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Florence on the Elbe. Largely destroyed in February 1945, Dresden has been rebuilt and renewed into the fine city we see today.

Founded on a bend of the Elbe River, Dresden is a beautiful city. It’s also a monument to persistence and rebirth. Bombs flattened Dresden's Old Town in World War II. But the city has bounced back and regained its rightful reputation as “Florence on the Elbe.” Dresden’s signature sights? Start with the magnificent dome of the Frauenkirche, a baroque church built in 1743 then reconstructed after the war. The Kreuzkirche is another must-see, among the city's lovely church. You’ll also find excellent museums of art and history, including masterpieces from artists like Raphael.

Route for Dresden tour

Dresden’s architecture is lovely. But there’s also vibrant cultural life, with fine dining, street fairs, and concerts calling to mind the city's rich classical and opera heritage. The city’s Christmas markets are some of the most famous in Germany too. With several markets throughout the city you'll have no shortage of mulled wine and festive snacks. In summer a great option is the Grosser Garden, a manicured oasis of green in the center of the city. Sitting between Prague and Berlin, Dresden puts visitors in an ideal position for exploring more of the region. It’s perfect for a short stay on a tour of Central Europe.

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Dresden

Spend some time in Dresden on a tour that takes in other cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Dresden and other destinations throughout Germany and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

* Starting price is based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

What we love about Dresden

Sasha

Trip Planner

The thing that impresses me the most about Dresden is the way it managed to rise, becoming such a remarkable place after being severely damaged during WWII. Having said that, I would highly recommend not only seeing the - indisputably beautiful -Dresden Old Town, with all its attractions (the Zwinger Palace being my favourite) but also to venture out to the hip and busy New Town, with its street art, lively nightlife, and some of Saxony's best cocktail bars.

Norbert

Operations Training Specialist

Funny enough, I remember Dresden as the ultimate shopping destination. Of course, I really enjoyed my introduction tour to the city, as the history is quite rich in this German city as well, but the highlight of my visit was the huge shopping district.

Where to stay in Dresden

Dresden's Altstadt (Old Town), is the location for all of the accommodations we've selected in the city, so you can be sure you're staying within a few minutes walk of the main sights. From well-equipped studio apartments, handy for that mid-trip laundry pitstop, to grand rooms in palace built for a king's mistress, we've chosen places with the styles, locations, and ambience to suit everyone. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.
Central Family Apartments in Dresden
Central Family Apartments
Smart decor, a prime location on the atmospheric Neumarkt square in the heart of Old Town, and washing machines in most rooms make this an ideal home away from home.
Classic Central Hotel in Dresden
Classic Central Hotel
This hotel has a classic European feel, with good amenities and a perfect location right on Neumarkt square.
Large Luxury Hotel in Dresden
Large Luxury Hotel
Ever wanted to stay in a palace? Built for the Saxon ruler's mistress, this is real lap-of-luxury stuff. Grand rooms and an exquisite spa area.

Things to do in Dresden

Easy to overlook or think of as just a couple of hours stop on the way from Berlin to Prague, Dresden warrants some time to appreciate its treasures. Learn about the city's royal past, the punishing air raids of early 1945 and the extensive reconstruction that has taken place since. Dresden is also the ideal base for further exploration of the region. The Saxon Switzerland National Park is a hiker's dream while former royal residence Meissen just downriver is renowned for its pottery. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider for adding later.

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Dresden

How can I get around Dresden?
Dresden is a medium-sized city with compact Old Town, so most of the sites are an easy walk from the centrally-located accommodations we provide. Should you need to go a bit further, you can buy tickets from most central bus and trolley stops, service points, bus drivers, or machines aboard trolleys. You can also use the free VVO app for tickets. The S-Bahn (light rail) can also take you to the Saxon Switzerland upstream, or Meissen downstream. A single ticket is 2.40 EUR, a day pass is 6.
How long should I spend in Dresden?
While possible as a long day trip from Berlin or Prague, Dresden makes for an ideal overnight destination. We recommend a guided tour in the morning, visiting a museum or gallery in the afternoon, then enjoying a romantic walk along the Elbe River in the evening. Dresden's memorable history, and the impressive architecture of the Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace, and the art collections of the Albertinum and Dresden Castle across the street (home to Europe's largest treasure trove) can certainly fill a day.
Is Dresden safe?
As with other German cities, Dresden is very safe.
When is the best time to visit Dresden?
Weather-wise, spring and fall are best, but the city is a must-see for those fond of Christmas markets. Dresden is home to Germany's oldest such market, and is the original source of many traditional Christmas decorations and gifts, which draw visitors from across Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Can I pay by card?
While Germany isn't the cash-only economy it used to be, it's still a very good idea to have cash on hand, especially if you're eating out. Avoid using the blue-and-yellow Euronet ATMs, and if an ATM asks if you want to be charged in Euros or your own currency, select Euros to avoid paying a useless fee. We recommend asking accommodations staff for recommended places to exchange money.
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