Dresden (map) is the capital of Saxony (Sachsen). It’s often referred to locally as Elbflorenz, or “Florence on the Elbe”, reflecting its location on the Elbe river and its historical role as a centre for the arts and beautiful architecture – much like Florence in Italy.

Dresden is over 800 years old, having become a city as long ago as 1206. Many Saxon princes, dukes and kings called Dresden home.

In general, the interesting districts are Altstadt (“old town”, map) and Neustadt (“new town”, map). Their historic cores are the Innere Altstadt (map) and Innere Neustadt (map), respectively.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Information • Attractions • Brochures

Dresden is a very beautiful, light-spirited city, especially in summer, when you can appreciate the serene setting of the historic centre. Dresden is one of the greenest cities in all of Europe, with 62% of the city being green areas and forests. Dresden has some 13 000 listed cultural monuments and eight districts under general preservation orders.

Altmarkt-Galerie (map). A huge shopping centre which practically fills the western side of Seestraße and has an appearance of being many separate buildings, but they are in fact all interconnected. You can find everything from premium boutiques to very affordable shops there.

On behalf of the city farmers markets are organized throughout the week, selling regional products at various locations. Neustädter Markthalle (map) + Fleamarket (map). Every Saturday there is a fleamarket on the banks of the Elbe by the Albertbrücke, with all kinds of sellers: semi-professionals, grandmothers selling homemade jam and children selling their old toys laid out on blankets.

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (map) is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. Founded as a one-day market in 1434, it is considered the first genuine Christmas market in the world.

A big event each year in June is the Bunte Republik Neustadt, a culture festival lasting three days in the city district of Dresden-Neustadt. Bands play live concerts for free in the streets and there are refreshments and food.

DVB – Dresden public transport.

Dresden Hauptbahnhof (map). At the southern end of Dresden’s main shopping street, Prager Straße, about 2 km from the historic old town. Dresden-Neustadt (map). This is the other big train station. It is just north of the New Town and also offers very good train connections, as most trains run through there, too.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Arrival & Public Transport (dresden.de)

BUS: MeinFernbus | Stations & Destinations — Germany’s largest long-distance bus company. + Flixbus • Berlin Linien Bus • Postbus • MeinFernbus • DeinBus. Information on almost all bus routes in Germany – BUSRADAR.com. (*Intercity buses in Germany)

TRAIN: Deutsche Bahn | German Rail Pass • VGN • SNCB International • ÖBB • Thalys • RailEurope. (*Rail travel in Germany)

AIRPORT: Berlin Airport • Cologne Bonn Airport • Frankfurt Airport • Stuttgart Airport • Hamburg Airport • Munich Airport • Düsseldorf Airport

FERRY: DVB operates three ferries on the Elbe.

Germany is, in general, bicycle friendly, with many bike lanes in cities. There is also a substantial network of well signed, long distance bike routes BICYCLE ROUTE PLANNER GERMANY + Germany – EuroVelo

Lonely Planet has chosen Dresden as one of its top travel destinations for 2023. We have long been convinced that Dresden is well worth visiting, so now we will show you why. Follow us from the Zwinger to the hip Neustadt district.

⇒ video source: DW Travel / youtube.com /

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Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair). It is held annually in Munich, Bavaria.

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