Spending a weekend in Dresden, Germany

Although it’s not particularly easy to get to (from the UK at least), Dresden is well worth a visit. Easily walkable and filled with beautiful architecture, it is perfect for a low-key break away from home.

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Getting to Dresden

Direct flights from the UK to Dresden are thin on the ground unfortunately. Although I managed to get one from London City airport (LCY) at the time of my visit, as of March 2023 it seems the only UK airport providing direct flights to Dresden is actually London Stansted.

From Dresden airport though you can easily get to Dresden Mitte by train. Alternatively, you can fly into Leipzig airport (which will give you more options airport-wise) and take the train straight to Dresden. It takes just over an hour to get there, making this a relatively stress-free option.

Fun fact: if you’re travelling back to the airport by train, keep your eyes on the line – the trains are so quiet I missed one because I was looking the other way…

 

Staying in Dresden

When I visited Dresden I stayed at the Penck Hotel Dresden, a rather arty hotel close to Dresden Mitte, the convention centre, and Zwinger. There isn’t a huge amount of choice when it comes to finding places to eat though, so you’ll have to walk into the centre to find dinner. It’s a pleasant 15-20 minute walk.

There are a selection of hotels both in the new and old town, if you’d prefer to stay closer. I personally preferred the old town over the new town.

 

How long should you spend here?

I’d say you could probably spend a weekend here. I was here for work and managed to fit in most things with the day and a half I had free.

Things to do in Dresden

Dresden is split into the old town and new town, separated by the river Elbe. Rebuilt in the years following WW2, the architecture really is the star of the show here. From the Semperoper (Opera house) to Dresden Castle to the Frauenkirche, there is plenty to be impressed by.

Zwinger

Originally built as an orangery and garden, this palatial complex is not only home to art museums (including the Dresden Porcelain Gallery and Old Masters Picture Gallery), but it is also a venue for performances. It is well worth a stroll through the grounds – if you go through the French Pavilion you arrive at The Nymph’s Bath, a pretty amazing baroque fountain.

You can also access Theaterplatz and Dresden Castle via the east exit.

Neumarkt

The Neumarkt really feels like the heart of Dresden. With the Frauenkirche as the main focus, there are plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating in the square so you can eat great food, admire the architecture, and watch the world go by.

When I was here one evening it was so insanely windy that there were tables flying across Neumarkt and plates and mugs smashing everywhere. It was a pretty cool experience but I er, went somewhere else to eat that evening.

Procession of Princes

This 102 metre mural along Furstenzug depicts the 35 rulers of Saxony between 1127 and 1904 and is over 100 years old (it unbelievably survived the Dresden bombings). The detail is simply amazing – it’s easy to spend a good while here just admiring it in its entirety. It’s less easy to get a good photograph given the width of the street itself!

Yenidze

What looks like a beautiful mosque at first glance is actually a former tobacco factory. It’s an office block now, but it’s worth observing, even from a distance.

Wandering along the river

Brühlsche Terrasse is a great place to have a wander along the river post-dinner. Not much more to say really other than it’s very pretty!

Kunsthofpassage

Nestled away in a courtyard off of Alaunstraße is the Kunsthofpassage, where the buildings themselves have been turned into works of art. Apparently, when it rains, the drainage system on the blue building turns the falling raindrops into music.

Know before you go!

As Dresden gets fewer English-speaking tourists than say, Berlin, I’d recommend learning a little bit of German before you go, even if you feel a bit awkward using it. A little prep goes a long way!

For more travel inspiration check out my travel destinations page here.