'''Dresden''' [http://www.dresden.de/dwt/en/] is the capital of the German federal state of Saxony (''Freistaat Sachsen''). 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).

Understand

Dresden became a city in 1206 and recently celebrated its 800th birthday in 2006.

It was home to many Saxon princes and kings, the most famous of them being ''August der Starke'' (Augustus the Strong), whose kingdom included Poland as well. They apertained to the family of the Wettiner and were closely related to many other European royal families. Many buildings date from their reign and especially the rich art collections are testimony of their extreme wealth. The "Madonna Sixtina" was for instance bought by the son of August the Strong. The last Saxon king abdicated in 1918.

The historical center of Dresden was 75% destroyed in a terrible bombing on February 13 and 14, 1945 by allied forces. The date is deeply marked in the history of the city and is still remembered each year in processions and ceremonies. The destruction of the priceless art treasures that made the city world famous was and is felt as a wound to the soul of the people. More than 30,000 people died in the bombing - the exact number is unknown - as the city was full of refugees and many burnt completely in the firestorm (unofficial sources give numbers of up to 150,000 dead These sources are largely discredited. Even German records state that 30-40,000 is correct ). The ruin of the now rebuilt Frauenkirche acted as a call for peace among the different nations of the world.

The historical center is nowadays largely restored to its former glory, however some parts are still under reconstruction.

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_Ls why just one city quarter is recommended. Architecurally, Blasewitz is the most interesting living quarter, despite it being a hilly landscape.

Get in

By Plane

'''Dresden-Klotzsche Airport''' [http://www.dresden.aero] 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-Strase''). 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'' [http://www.germanwings.de] and ''Air Berlin'' [http://www.airberlin.de] has led to reduced fares to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich. ''Lufthansa'' [http://www.lufthansa.com] operates to most domestic destinations. ''Air Berlin'' [http://www.airberlin.de] also offers flights to and from Rome and Barcelona. In 2007 ''British Airways''[http://www.ba.com] 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 Strase, 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.

The other big train station called '''Dresden-Neustadt''' is located just north of the New Town and also offers very good train connections, as most trains run through there, too. Some trains even terminate there and not at the main train station. Dresden-Neustadt is also easily accessible by tram or car.

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.

Getting around

Walking

In the center, especially in the historic part in Old Town (Altstadt), everything is easily accessible by foot. Note that the city center is not the geographical center of the city.

By bus and tram

There is a combined system of tram (called Strasenbahn), bus and even train, but no subway. It works very well and connects all points of interest, but can be a little busy at peak times. Most lines even run at night time, of course with less capacity at night. This allows you to go out to most places or restaurants without the necessity to use a car, including to far flung places like Pillnitz. See Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe [http://www.dvb.de] for more information.

Best is to get yourself a Day Ticket or for families, a Family Day Ticket. It allows you to ride on all trams, buses, most ferries and trains (except InterCitys and ICEs). It is relatively cheap and valid until the next day at 4:00 AM. You can also get a ticket limited to an hour and some others, but Day Tickets are good if you are traveling around and not sure where you will be going and what you will be doing.

As with most places in Germany, the public transit operates on the honor system: you are assumed to have a ticket, and there are a few inspectors out spot checking. The exception is on the buses after 8 PM, when the drivers are required to see all tickets.

By car

The street network is very good and many roads have been refurbished recently, especially in the city center. As in all bigger towns it can be a bit crowded during rush hours. There are many parking lots in downtown Dresden and it should not be a problem to find a place to park, despite on Saturdays when everyone goes to town for shopping. A number of automatic signs have been created, showing you the available number of free parking spaces, before entering the parking lots. Shops are open from around 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and you will see a lot of tourists and locals going shopping in the city center. Please beware of them when driving and note that this is the time with the fewest available parking spots. Car drivers might seem to be a little more aggressive than in other countries, but are usually more friendly if you don't have a local registration number.

By bicycle

Bikes are the fastest thing in rush hour traffic if going a short to medium distance and if you're in good condition and not afraid of traffic and pedestrians. Bikes are also good for longer distances as they can be carried (with a separate ticket) in trams. There are many designated cycle paths (marked red on pavements, or with a white bike symbol on a blue background) and it is most times very easy to find a place to park your bike. But as anywhere else, always use a good lock! Much of the older streets of Dresden (particularly in the northern, Neustadt area) still have a cobblestone surface: not the most comfortable riding surface! Also, cobblestone is relatively slippery, compared to asphalt or concrete: care should be taken when riding in wet conditions.

Alternative transport

Dresden has a lot of biketaxis [http://www.rikschataxi-dresden.de/eng/], mostly operating around the Old Town. They offer the typical (short distance) taxi service as well as guided city tours. Since 2007 there are also horse carriages that offer touristic sightseeing.

One can also make use of the many bus tour operators. Tickets for these tours can be bought around the old town from various points.

See

Dresden is a very beautiful, lightspirited city, especially in summer, when you can appreciate the serene setting of the historic center. Although Dresden is larger than Munich when measured by area, the historic center is quite compact and walkable. Be sure to check out these places while in Dresden.

  • '''Zwinger Palace''' [http://www.skd-dresden.de/de/gebaeude/zwinger_mit_semperbau.html]. thumb|Zwinger 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 "Rustkammer".
  • '''Semperoper''' [http://www.semperoper.de] 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'''[http://www.frauenkirche-dresden.org/] 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!).
  • '''Furstenzug''' 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''' [http://www.skd-dresden.de/de/gebaeude/albertinum.html]. The collections of "Neue Meister" feature a wonderful collection ranging from romantic painters (Caspar David Friedrich etc.) up to Rotloff and Van Gogh.
  • '''Glaserne Manufaktur''' [http://www.glaesernemanufaktur.de] Lennestr. 1, 01069 Dresden, Mon-Sun 8AM-8PM, tel. 018-05-89-6268, infoservice@glaesernemanufaktur.de. 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 Grunes Gewolbe''' [http://www.skd-dresden.de/de/museen/gruenes_gewoelbe.html]. 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.
  • '''Staatliche Kunstsammlungen''' This website provides a comprehensive overview of all important museums in Dresden: [http://www.skd-dresden.de/en/museen.html]
  • '''Kassematten''' under the '''Bruhlsche 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'''[http://www.snsd.de] One of Dresden's most important museums.
  • '''Dresden History Museum'''[http://www.stmd.de]
  • Neue Synagoge. asenberg 2.

    Dresden from another point of view

  • '''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."
  • '''Groser 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-Kastner-Museum'''[http://www.erich-kaestner-museum.de/english.htm] 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'''[http://www.stmd.de] Dedicated to the Dresdner most famous composer.
  • '''German Hygene Museum'''[http://www.dhmd.de] Near the Big Garden. A comprehensive museum dedicated to hygene in various times and cultures.
  • Other Museums

  • '''Japanisches Palais'''[http://www.dresden-und-sachsen.de/dresden/japanisches_palais.htm], on the north bank of the Elbe between Augusbrucke and Marienbrucke. 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).
  • '''Kuegelgenhaus - Museum of Dresdener Romantic Art'''[http://www.stmd.de]
  • '''Kunsthaus Dresden'''[http://www.kunsthausdresden.de] An exhibition hall for contemporary art.
  • '''Leonhardi Museum'''[http://www.leonhardi-museum.de] A private art collection of DDR art including works by the collector himself.
  • '''City Gallery of Dresden'''[http://www.galerie-dresden.de] Art from the 16th Century to the present day.
  • Events

    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 ''Gluhwein Buden'' (mobile cafes selling mulled wine - delicious!) now stretch through the whole city center during this period.
  • The '''Dixieland Festival''' [http://www.dixieland.de/] 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. A great deal of the music is played on the top decks of paddleboats in front of the Old Stadt.
  • The '''Filmnachte''' 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!
  • Do

    Go on a tour through town or visit one of the many events.

    Stroll around the '''Groser 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 [http://www.saechsische-dampfschiffahrt.de]. 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.

    The city is also home to many good sport clubs. Examples are the '''Dresden Monarchs''' (American Football - German Football League) [http://www.dresden-monarchs.de], '''Dynamo Dresden''' (Soccer) [http://www.dynamo-dresden.de/], '''Dresdner Eislowen''' (Ice Hockey - Second National League) and the '''Dresdner SC''' (Volleyball women - First National League) [http://www.dresdnersportclub.de]

    Buy

    The main shopping district in Dresden extends from Ferdinandplatz to the west of Sankt-Petersburger Strase northwest to about Wilsdruffer Strase. At the south end (Ferdinandplatz) is a cinema, a couple of restaurants, and a huge Karstadt department store (which also sells groceries). Tucked away in a corner is Tee Gschwendner, a truly astonishing tea purveyor. On the north end is a covered mall.

    In the Ausere Neustadt area (north/east of Albertplatz), many small shops provide books, vinyl records and clothing.

    The Innere Neustadt (between Albertplatz and Elbe, mainly Haupstrase and Konigstrase) is rather on a medium-to-fancy level.

    Eat

    Within the historic center and especially around the Frauenkirche are a number of restaurants, serving many different tastes. Be aware, most of these are overpriced, and the quality is often low. On the north bank of the Elbe River is the Neustadt, which accounts for most of the trendy pubs, bars and clubs, and the majority of the restaurants in the city. You will generally have better luck finding decent food for a reasonable price north of Albertplatz in Neustadt.

    The eastern part of the city, toward the Blaues Wunder, has a lower density of restaurants than Neustadt, and they tend to also serve as cafes, and the food is generally tasteful and cheap.

    When in Germany make sure to try a specialty that is not regarded particularly as ''German'' at first sight. Today, '''doner kebab''' is typically served as a kind of sandwich in pita (flat bread). This type of doner kebab has been available in Istanbul since about 1960. The doner kebab with salad and sauce served in pita, which is predominant in Germany and the rest of the world, was invented in Berlin Kreuzberg in the early 1970s, because the original preparation was not appealing enough to the German taste. Therefore, as the "modern" kebab is very dissimilar to the traditional dish except by name, it can be argued that the kebab as most people know it is a "traditional" German dish. When in Dresden you can probably get the best kebabs at '''Babos''' [http://www.babos-dresden.de/] and at '''Durum Kebap Haus''' (Rothenburger Strase 41 - 01099 Dresden). A typical dish including a large drink should be around 5-6?.

    The next step above doner kebab is generally Italian. There are a certain number of ethnic restaurants scattered through the city, and if you go out to the eastern part of town, you will find lots of charming cafes and Volkshauser that serve good food.

    Altstadt

  • '''Afro-Hutte ''', Lausitzer 35, Phone [0]351 / 26212, Deutsches Essen, 5-10 Euro/ person,
  • '''Anita ''', Muhlenstrasse 67, Phone [0]351 / 24493, Italian food, 10-15 Euro/ person,
  • '''Antica ''', Hohenzollerndamm 64, Phone [0]351 / 9652, Deutsches Essen, Less than 30 Euro, Open Mon-Sat from 10 AM - 11 PM,
  • '''Athen''', Schonhauser 94, Phone [0]351 / 1635, Greek cuisine, more than 5 Euros for a snack
  • '''Britzer ''', Fasanenstrasse 17, Phone [0]351 / 20680, Deutsches Essen, voted best deli in town Open Mon-Sat from 7 PM - 12 PM
  • '''Engelbrecht ''', Damaschkestrasse 87, Phone [0]351 / 5211, Deutsches Essen, more than 5 Euros for a snack
  • '''Golden Tweenis''', Alter markt 85, Phone [0]351 / 27228, Deutsches Essen, more than 20 Euros
  • '''Havana''', Alexanderplatz 109, Phone [0]351 / 20535, Serves international food, for 5-10 Euro/ person, Open Mon-Sun from 12 PM - 11 PM
  • '''India King''', Sophienstrasse 45, Phone [0]351 / 11301, Expensive Indian restaurant
  • '''Little Africa''', Mehringdamm 93, Phone [0]351 / 25344, Serves international food and gets a relatively young crowd, Open Mon-Sun from 5 PM - 11 PM
  • '''Maredo ''', Fasanenstrasse 17, Phone [0]351 / 7922, Serves international food, light fare for 10 Euro/person,
  • '''Merz ''', Kochstrasse 85, Phone [0]351 / 908, Deutsches Essen, light fare for 10-15 Euro/ person, Open Mon-Sun from 10 AM - 12 AM,
  • '''Mona ''', Blissestrasse 25, Phone [0]351 / 6914, Deutsches Essen, Where the locals go. Open Mon-Sat from 10 AM - 11 PM
  • '''Petit ''', Rheinstrasse 59, Phone [0]351 / 9010, French cuisine, More than 5 Euros for a snack. Open Mon-Sun from 5 PM - 11 PM
  • '''Roter Ochs''', Lindenweg 15, Phone [0]351 / 27587, Deutsches Essen, Large meals for 15 Euro, Open Mon-Sun from 10 AM - 12 AM,
  • '''Saigon''', Grossgorschenstrasse 103, Phone [0]351 / 21650, Thai food, weekdays lunch time is half price Open Mon-Sun from 4 PM - 11 PM
  • '''Bruhlsche Terrasse''' This terrace is adjacent to the river Elbe and various restaurants are to be found there - especially in summer time this a wonderful place to be. The view and the drinks are very pleasant.
  • '''Italienisches Dorfchen''' One of the most stylish places in town - the baroque pavilion features various restaurants decorated with old paintings and furniture. The prices are higher than elsewhere, but still affordable. Go for the cakes!
  • '''Munzgasse''' If you come as the tourist this is the place to go - lying directly beside the Frauenkirche. The little street is full of restaurants, from glamorous and expensive (for instance the Coselpalais) to the cheaper ones.
  • '''Schutzenhaus''' This little farmhouse-restaurant is not so easy to find. It lies behind the "Herzogin Garten" (which is a ruin) and behind the opera-house. The large Biergarden is a very relaxing place, has good food and good prices and is very pleasant. If you are vegetarian try the adjacent "Brennessel".
  • Neustadt

  • '''Die Scheune''' "The barn" is a restaurant with a large Biergarden in an alternative style - do not be shocked by the punks in front - they are decor. In warm summer nights you will have trouble to find a free place. Good prices.
  • '''Raskolnikoff''' The formerly very alternative restaurant now features sand on the floors, a red lamp in front of the door and a very nice garden with a fountain. Again - in summer it is difficult to get in. Food and prices are good. Bohmischestrasse, close to the Lutherkirche.
  • '''Vecchia Napoli''', Alaunstrasse 33, phone 0351/8029055, [http://www.gastro-gagliardi.de/]. A good Italian restaurant, with a wood fired pizza oven. You can get a pizza or pasta, or a full multicourse meal. Generally very busy, and the food is excellent. ?15-40
  • '''Rosengarten''', Carusufer 12, on the north bank of the Elbe at the edge of the park just east of Albertbrucke. A cafe bordering one of the public rose gardens of Dresden's riverside park, with plenty of outside seating in nice weather. The food is acceptable, but nothing special. The view is gorgeous. Worth a stop for a hot chocolate or an ice cream.
  • '''Brauhaus am Waldschlosschen''', Am Brauhaus 8b, [http://www.waldschloesschen.de/eng/index.html]. Traditional German cuisine with a taste of beer brewed on place. Located on a hill with a splendid view over Elbe riverside from the outside garden. The food is recommended for those wishing to experience what the German cuisine should taste like.
  • '''Amarena Capanna''', Louisenstrase 30/Ecke Alaunstrase, on the southwest corner of this intersection, phone 0351-4969984. An Italian restaurant with a fake tropical hut and palm trees inside. ?8-20
  • '''Devil's Kitchen''', Alauenstrase [http://www.devils-kitchen.eu/], nice selection on burgers and other fastfood with vegan and vegetarian options.
  • Eastern Dresden

  • '''Alimentari ''', Knaackstrasse 85, Phone [0]351 / 22708, Italian food, generally gets a young crowd, Open Mon-Sat from 11 AM - 11 PM,
  • '''Blaues Wunder''', Gustav-Adolf-Strasse 11, Phone [0]351 / 20993, Italian food, More than 5 Euros for a snack. Open Mon-Sun from 6 PM - 12 AM,
  • '''Cafe Toscana''', Schillerplatz 7 in the Blasewitz quarter, right by the Blaues Wunder bridge, phone 0351-3100744. This is a very pleasant cafe that includes a pastry shop and a restaurant. The cakes are gorgeous and will make you understand why the cafe is famous. The decor is fairly new, given the very long history of the place (it was called after Louise von Toscana, the run-away princess that divorced the Saxon king). The terrace however is very beautiful overlooking the river and the famous bridge "Das blaue Wunder". Generally it's full of locals, on Saturday afternoons, who come and admire the local old women chat; they're famous as the "Muttchens" . ?8-20
  • '''Historisches Fischhaus''', Fischhausstrase 14, on the road into the Albertpark to the northeast of the city, phone (0351) 89 91 00. [http://www.fischhaus-dresden.de/] There has been a fish house here since the 16th century (specifically 1573), long enough for the road to be named for it.
  • '''Fischer's ''', Gorlitzer 81, Phone [0]351 / 30434, deutsches Essen, 20-40 Euro/ person, without wine. Open Mon-Sun from 10 AM - 11 PM,
  • '''Hellas7''', Stollbergstr. 95, Phone [0]351 / 31992, Greek cuisine, More than 10 Euro/person, Open Mon-Sun from 10 AM - 12 AM,
  • '''Pow ''', Exerzierstrasse 7, Phone [0]351 / 19102, Serves international food, More than 50 Euro/person, open Mon-Sat from 7 PM - 12 AM
  • '''Volkshaus Laubegast''', Laubegaster Ufer 22, right on the river, phone (0351) 2509377. A simple local eatery and cafe. The food tends to be things stereotypically german (schnitzel, sausages, and the like), and is generally good. Their fried potatos are excellent, though their green vegetables are overcooked. Has a nice view of the Elbe and outside seating. ?10-20
  • '''Wiener Cafe Haus Richards''', Schandauer Strase 94, phone 0351 2508614. An inward looking cafe with small, curtained windows, heavy wooden tables, and upholstered armchairs for seating. They have pictures of Mozart on the walls and his music playing in the background. A charming spot to stop for a snack. ?5-15
  • Drink

    The '''Neustadt''' is a very popular destination, especially for younger people. It boasts a high number of bars and clubs, with many different styles. Especially the area around Alberplatz is filled with places to go.

    The area around the '''Frauenkirche''' and Dresden Castle is very popular with tourists. Some fine restaurants are located there.

    The '''Weise Gasse''' is just around the corner of the '''Altmarkt''' near the shopping center and the historical town. Good alternative, if you do not want to go to the Neustadt.

    '''Bar Peanuts''' Bruhlsche Terrasse, Dresden 01067, 351-864-2838, Located on the Bruhlsche Terrasse, this small, cozy bar is located at the corner of the Hilton overlooking the Elbe. Peanut shells are scattered on the floor and as the name suggests, peanuts are the central theme. Cocktails and beer are the main draws here, along with the spectacular view.

    '''Blumenau''' [http://www.cafe-blumenau.de/] Louisenstrasse 67, Dresden 01099, 351-31-51, This popular nightspot is considered one of the best in the city for its ambience, friendly service, and broad drink selection.

    '''Barenzwinger''' [http://www.baerenzwinger.de/] Bruhlscher Garten, Dresden 01067, 351-495-1409, This popular student club is a good choice for its full schedule of nightly activities, including readings, live music, and discussions.

    '''Cafe 100''' [http://www.cafe100.de/] Alaunstrasse 100, Dresden 01099, 351-801-7729, This full-service nightspot features a cafe, wine bar, and pub.

    '''Cafe Europa''' [http://www.cafe-europa-dresden.de/] Konigsbrucker Strasse 68, Dresden 01067, 351-389-923, This pleasant cafe and bar is a great choice for a pre-dinner cocktail or late-night snack. The cafe closes only one hour a day, so stop by any time. In addition to great drinks, the menu also features a full breakfast menu, which young locals and visitors appreciate after a late night on the town.

    '''Cafe Hieronymous''' Louisenstrasse 10, Dresden 01099, 351-801-1739, This bar is a great place to relax with a nice local beer or a glass of wine. Live music is featured frequently. The crowd here is young, and the service is friendly.

    '''Mona Lisa''' Louisenstrasse 77, Dresden 01099, 351-803-3151, This city center nightspot features a Mexican theme and a full menu, along with plenty of beers and well-mixed drinks.

    '''Paulaner's''' Am Taschenberg 3, Dresden 01067, 351-491-2893, Fax 351-496-0175, This popular beer hall sells a selection of well-brewed local and regional favorites. A full menu is offered, and outside seating is available.

    '''Planwirtschaft''' [http://www.planwirtschaft.de/] Louisenstrasse 20, Dresden 01099, 351-801-3187, This quaint bar and restaurant is located in a refurbished wine cellar. The drinks menu is extensive and served by an energetic staff.

    '''Riesa efau''' [http://www.riesa-efau.de/] Adlergasse 14, Dresden 01067, 351-866-0222, Fax 351-866-0211, The pub is managed by a local events group and features a wide selection of drinks along with a regular slate of activities and entertainment. Good menu of regional beers and mixed drinks, as well as non-alcoholic drinks and coffees. Live music is frequently featured.

    Sleep

    Budget

    Youth Hostels - IYHF:

  • '''Jugendgastehaus Dresden''', Maternistr. 22, (next to "World Trade Center" - train-stop "Freiberger Strase"); Tel. +49-351-492620, [http://www.djh-sachsen.de/jhdresden]. Starts at 19 Euro. Located a few minutes by foot from the historic city centre, opposite the World Trade Center.
  • '''Rudi Arndt''', Hubnerstr. 11, Tel. +49-351-4710667, [http://www.jh-rudiarndt.de]. Only 900 meters form the Hauptbahnhof in the quiet Swiss Quarter. Includes two dining rooms, two seminar rooms, a club room, terrace and cellar bar. Prices starts at 15 Euro.
  • Youth Hostels - Private:

  • '''Lollis Homestay''', Gorlitzer Str. 34, Tel. +49-351-8108458, [http://www.lollishome.de]. Member of the I-hostels network [http://www.i-hostels.com]. This homey hostel offers a well equipped kitchen, nice rooms, and free (old) bike rental! The bikes come in handy because it's in the north area of the Neustadt. Very highly recommended!
  • '''Mondpalast''', Louisenstrase 77, Tel. +49-351-5634050, [http://www.mondpalast.de]. Very clean and bright rooms starting at cheep 10 bed dorm rooms up to ensuite doubles with balcony and TV. Offers a lounge and bar, as well as a self service kitchen.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Ibis''', [http://www.ibis-dresden.de/accommodation-en.html] three of them in a row on Prager Strase, near the Hauptbahnhof. In addition to the standard rooms, the hotel offers studios for up to three persons and apartments for up to four persons.
  • '''Mercure''', [http://www.accorhotels.com] Hamburger Strasse 64/68 01157, (+49)351/42520, Fax (+49)351/4252420. The Mercure Hotel Dresden Elbpromenade is on the outskirts of Dresden. It has 103 rooms boasting contemporary design and Wifi access, which is also available in the public areas.
  • '''Art'otel Dresden''', Ostra-Allee 33, [http://www.artotels.de/dresden/dresden.html]. Contemporary art gallery hotel with restaurant and bar as well as a healthclub and free wi-fi access.
  • Splurge

  • '''Luxushotel Suitess'''", *****L, A Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, An der Frauenkirche, Tel 49-351-41727-0; Fax +49-351-41727-160 [http://www.suitess.de/] Experience the gourmet terrace with its breath taking view to dome of the church of our lady "Frauenkirche".
  • '''Kempinski Taschenberg Palais''', Taschenberg 3, Tel 49-351-4912-0; Fax +49-351-4912-812 [http://www.kempinski-dresden.de/]. One of the finest adresses in Dresden.
  • '''Hilton''' An der Frauenkirche 5; 01067 Dresden; Tel 49-351-86420; Fax 49-351-8642725. Next to Frauenkirche. Try to get a room with view on the Elbe river.
  • Contact

    Local telephone code is ''0351''. There are some Internet Cafes in the city center. One is at the Altmarkt, next to Subway and another is at the back of the "Altmarktgallerie" shopping center at the Altmarkt.

    Stay safe

    Dresden is very safe in general. You can also walk around the city center and most other parts late at night without having any worries. Simply enjoy the city.

    Cope

    If you need medical attention, go to the '''Universitatsklinikum''', Fetscherstrase 74, 01307 Dresden; Tel 49-351-458-2036. It's inexpensive (compared to others in the city), easy to get to (Augsburger Str. stop from the 12 or 6 tram line) and the doctors are well-trained and, most importantly, speak English well.

    Get out

  • Radeberg - a small town a short S-Bahn ride away from Dresden. Home of the Radeberger Brewery. They offer tours throughought the day for 6?, including tasting at the end. [http://www.radeberger.de/] Phone ++49 3528 454 880.
  • Pillnitz - the old garden and summer castle of the former Saxon kings. Follow the road along the Elbe eastwards or take a city bus to get there. Beautiful atmosphere. You might have pay in order to get in (around ?2), but this issue is not yet fully resolved, as there are many people against it.
  • Radebeul - City west of Dresden with the world famous Karl May Museum and the four floor GDR museum.
  • Meissen - medieval cathedral and castle and home to the first European porcelain factory.
  • Konigstein Fortress[http://www.festung-koenigstein.de/] One of the largest and best preserved late medeival fortresses in Europe. The fortress is situated about 30 km from Dresden and can be reached by almost all means of transportation. A trip on the river Elbe in one of the historic paddle-steamers of "Sachsische Dampfschifffahrt" is also highly recommended.
  • Saxon Switzerland (Sachsische Schweiz) upstream along the river Elbe is a national park for hiking and rock-climbing ([http://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/] is available in English while [http://www.nationalpark-saechsische-schweiz.de/] is the official site)
  • Moritzburg - Beautiful castle that was once used when the kings went hunting
  • Erzgebirge hiking and craftwork (Christmas)
  • Prague is about two hours away
  • Leipzig is little more than one hour away by train
  • Bautzen, beautiful old city in the east (approx. 45 minutes with car via Autobahn and 1 hour by train)