Dresden is a beautiful city in eastern Germany which is so underrated! I'd
recommend you to spend 2 full days in Dresden (a day trip from Berlin simply
doesn't do it justice!) And stay in the Altstadt (old town). The Altstadt
has much more to offer than the Neustadt (new town). The Altstadt is
where the main attractions, museums and churches are located. It is also nearer
to Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main train station). The Neustadt is further from the
main attractions and is where the pubs and nightlife are located. I do not like
the Neustadt as much as it is not as organized as the Altstadt.
Dresden Altstadt
I stayed at Motel One am Zwinger (which I recommend) when I was in Dresden.
Just across the hotel is the hidden gem: the Zwinger, a beautiful baroque
palace! And what is even better? Admission to the palace is free! No prize in
guessing where I visit everyday. The Zwinger is converted to museums. Admission
fee applies if you would like to visit the museums. The museum houses one of Raphael’s famous artpiece, Sistine Madonna. Go for it if you
are an art lover.
Zwinger
Exit the Zwinger from the other side and continue walking and you will
reach the Semperoper.
Walk along Brühl’s Terrace
during sunset. Cranes can be spotted easily in Dresden as the city is undergoing
restoration. The Augustus Bridge connects the Aldstadt (old town) to the
Neustadt (new town).
If you walk across the bridge to the Neustadt, you can take a photo of
the Altstadt and the Elbe river.
Sunset view along Elbe river
I would also recommend you to visit the Frauenkirche. Admission is free.
The Frauenkirche might look plain on the exterior. Once you enter it, it exudes an
aura of elegance and sacredness. I would
strongly recommend visitors to pay to go to the top of the church for the
marvelous view of Dresden.
Frauenkirche
Interior of Frauenkirche
It was “eat with everyone day” at Dresden. It’s a potluck event which
happens once a year and everyone is invited to eat with anyone at the event. The following photo was taken from the 67m high viewing platform at Frauenkirche.
Shopping at Dresden: The Altmarkt Galerie and the shopping street at
Dresden Altstadt have almost everything we need. The Altmarkt Galerie also
offers tourist tax refund on the spot.
Dresden Neustadt and outskirt
After spending 1 full day at the Altstadt, I spent the next day in the
Neustadt and in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Half day trip from Dresden to Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Tip: Bring
along water and some snacks for this trip.
Buy 1 day Dresden 3 zones ticket at 13.50 Eur. (So expensive!
In comparison, 3 zones ticket in Hamburg cost 6.40 Eur. If I am a resident at
Dresden, I'd complain to the transport minister. )
Anway, take S1 from Dresden Hauptbahnhof (~30min) to Kurort Rathan. The train sets off every hour.
Kurort Rathan
Exit from Kurort Rathan station and walk towards the river. Buy return
ferry tickets at 2 Eur.
Take the ferry to cross the river.
Walk along the beautiful town in the direction of Bastei.
To get to Bastei, it is a non-stop upwards climb for about 0.5h.
And so I climbed…
And climbed
2 Eur entry fee to take photos of Bastei bridge and surroundings
Finally, I reached the Bastei bridge after 40min of climbing. By now, my
stomach has been growling. Food at the Bastei bridge was rather expensive. Since
I brought my own food, it is time to take a break and have a bite before descending
and returning to Dresden.
Bastei bridge
beautiful rock formations
Since I have purchased the 1 day pass, I made use of it to visit Dresden
Neustadt. The train S1 also stops at Dresden Neustadt.
Kunsthofpassage at Neustadt (new town). It
has very interesting design. When it rains, the rainwater flows through the
pipes and creates sounds.
Tip: You can take flix bus from the bus stop outside Dresden
Hauptbahnhof to do a day trip to Prague.
