The "Florence of the Elbe" is the first tourist destination in Saxony, a fortiori for who is fond of classical culture. Its baroque ensemble on the right bank of the Elbe, built by the voters of Saxony and kings of Poland, is unique in the world. Its museums, many of which have been founded by enlightened Saxons voters, have invaluable treasures, forming one of Germany's most impressive collections. Dresden is also a "revenge" on the tragic history of the country in the twentieth century. It was razed to 60%, including almost all the city centre, by the Anglo-American bombings of 13 and 14 February 1945. Almost 18 million cubic metres of rubble on a surface of 15 km ², and at least 35 000 dead… But what you can see today from the Baroque Altstadt is the same, methodical and impressive reconstruction of each monument. It took place from 1951 under the communist regime and continued beyond the inauguration of the revived Frauenkirche on 30 October 2005.Dresden, now 518 000 inhabitants, does not limit itself to a city of museums invaded by tourist coaches: if this is the case at the Altstadt, the other side of the Elbe has a very different face. Here it is alive, dynamic, young, avant-garde. The Neustadt contains a district from the alternative movements of the 1990 s, which is now a pilgrimage of revellers, leftists and adherents of underground cultures, punk and post-hippie…The capital of Saxony has also well preserved the darker aspects of Communist reality. The city centre, behind the baroque ensemble, is the prototype of a symmetrical and modulated socialist city, without much soul. As for the peripheral areas, on the banks of the Elbe, they alternate charming vineyards on hills or along the very beautiful river Elbe and dilapidated industrial areas dating back to Communist times. The whole result is a very mixed, multi-faceted city. As evidenced by the fact that in 2009 it was removed from UNESCO's World Heritage List, because the town hall built a motorway bridge in the middle of the protected Elbe landscape! In any case, Dresden is an imperative of East German tourism and a window on the "post-GDR". It is also at the gates of the most beautiful reliefs of Saxony and of major attractions: Saxon Switzerland, the Castle of Moritzburg, the medieval town of Precursor.HistoryDresden's great history began with the dukes and then princes of Saxony who, from 1485, made the city their residence. In 1697, Auguste the Fort became king of Poland and converted to Catholicism. It started the transformation of Dresden into a flamboyant Baroque city quickly named the "Florence of the Elbe". Dresden was completely destroyed during a fire in 1685, leaving it to bold achievements. Triumph in politics, Auguste the Fort had every reason to build a great ensemble… And he built a work of "total art", records paintings, sculptures and precious objects, founded on museums and protecting the arts. Between 1694 and 1763, during the so-called augustinian period of the reign of Augustus II the Fort and his son Auguste III on Saxony and Poland, the city came to its climax. At this time, the main elements of Saxon Baroque: The Zwinger (1711-1718), place of parade of the court, the "churches (Catholic church of the court), in 1739, and Frauenkirche (Notre-Dame). The brilliant court of the Augustus naturally became one of the Enlightenment centres, attracting artists, writers and philosophers. At the end of the th century, it was also of course that Dresden became one of the first romantic homes.Industrial development began in the first half of the th century, partly thanks to the steam navigation on the Elbe. The industries and factories were installed outside the centre, so as not to disturb the image of the city of Auguste the Fort. With the advent of the second German Reich in 1871, a new opera, Dresden, was built on behalf of its Semper architect; Albertinum and Kunstakademie, the school of art, whose painter Otto Ten (1891-1969) was one of the pupils.This great administrative city nurtures both the conformism of civil servants and the cultural revolution of artists, which in 1905 formed the Expressionist group "Die Brücke" (Le Pont) in rebellion against the Prussian conservative Conservative.After the upheavals of the two wars, the advent of the GDR would go down Dresden in a provincial city configuration. It was only in German reunification that it regained capital status, welcoming Parliament and the institutions of the Free Land of Saxony. But in his own Land, she remains economically and culturally overtaken by her sister and rival, the commercial Leipzig. At the German scale, Dresden today is an average city that can boast of a glorious past and demonstrate it. It is perhaps the Queen of Tourism in the new Länder.

What to visit Dresden?

When to go to Dresden?

Dresden is a pleasant destination all year round, but the best months to visit are April to October:

in spring, the city comes alive with gardens in bloom, while summer offers warm, sunny weather, ideal for exploring its architectural wonders. This is the period of the Dresden Easter Festival, a traditional celebration with craft markets and concerts;

summer, from June to August, is Dresden's peak festival season, with open-air concerts, street performances and cultural events;

in September and October, temperatures remain mild, and you can enjoy Dresden's autumnal beauty. Take part in the Dresden Classical Music Festival; it's also harvest season in the surrounding vineyards;

december and February offer a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, while January is the quietest month to visit the city.

If you want to avoid the crowds and get lower fares, consider traveling outside the peak tourist season, particularly in November or March.

Use the map to see the lowest prices at a glance:
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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Dresden enjoys a temperate continental climate, with distinct seasons. Temperatures vary considerably from season to season:

The summer months, from June to August, are the hottest, with daytime temperatures approaching 25 to 30°C. This is the peak tourist season, with many outdoor activities and gardens in bloom;

Autumn, from September to November, is a pleasant time to visit Dresden, with mild temperatures between 15 and 20°C;

Winter, from December to February, is the coldest season, with temperatures often below freezing. Snow is frequent, creating a charming winter atmosphere. December and January are particularly popular for their traditional Christmas markets;

Spring, from March to May, is a period of transition, with rising temperatures, fluctuating between 10 and 15°C;

Dresden's weather is strongly influenced by the seasons, making the city attractive all year round.

Budget

Here are some guidelines to help you plan a budget for your stay in Dresden:

The currency used in Germany is the euro (EUR). Dresden is well equipped with ATMs, so be sure to bring credit cards and cash for your expenses;

You'll find youth hostels and guesthouses from EUR 30-50 per night, budget hotels from EUR 60-100, and superior hotels from EUR 100 per night;

German cuisine is delicious, and meals in local restaurants will cost you around 10-20 EUR for a main course. Cafés and bakeries offer light meals for around 5-10 EUR ;

A one-way ticket for public transport costs around 2.40 EUR. Cabs are also available, with a basic fare of around 3.50 EUR and a surcharge per kilometer;

Museums and historic sites have entrance fees ranging from 5 to 12 EUR. You can also save money by buying tourist passes if you plan to visit several sites;

Gratuities are not included in the bill, but it's customary to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants. For cab drivers, round up the fare or leave an extra tip.

Procedures

Here's what you need to know about the administrative formalities required to travel to Dresden:

For EU citizens, a valid passport is generally sufficient for a tourist stay in Dresden;

EU citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Dresden lasting less than 90 days. However, if you are planning a longer stay or a specific purpose, please check the appropriate visa requirements;

No special vaccinations are required for travel to Dresden. It is, however, advisable to be up to date on your basic vaccinations;

It's always advisable to take out travel insurance covering medical care and emergencies, in case you need it during your stay.

If you plan to stay in Dresden for more than 90 days, you may need to apply for a residence permit. Contact theGerman embassy in your country for more information.

Check the latest information on administrative formalities before you leave, as rules may change.

Health

Here's some important information to ensure a safe and healthy trip to Dresden:

No specificvaccinations are required to enter Dresden. However, make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. This may include vaccinations against measles, flu and others, depending on the recommendations of your home country.

Before you leave for Dresden, check whether your health insurance covers you abroad;

Travel insurance is recommended ;

Tap water in Dresden is of excellent quality and perfectly drinkable;

Dresden has first-class medical facilities.

In the event of health problems, there are hospitals, clinics and pharmacies nearby to help you.

How to go to Dresden? Our advice & tips

To go on a package tour to Dresden, you have several options:

Visit a local travel agency or go online to explore the different offers available;

Join organized tour groups visiting Dresden;

Search for travel groups on social networks, travel forums or specialized websites;

Many companies offer all-inclusive packages for Dresden. They usually include accommodation, meals, guided tours and sometimes even air tickets;

Another option is to take part in local guided tours once in Dresden;

Some cultural and educational associations organize educational trips to Dresden.

And don't forget to check the details of organized trips, including costs, itineraries, activities included and exclusions!

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

Here is some essential information to help you organize your solo trip to Dresden:

Start by booking your flight to Dresden International Airport (Dresden Airport) or Berlin International Airport (if you prefer), then take a train or bus to Dresden;

Dresden offers affordable youth hostels, luxury hotels, or apartments and B&Bs for a more local experience;

The city has a good public transport network , and you can buy daily or weekly tickets to make getting around easier. A Dresden City Card offers discounts on transport and attractions.

Enjoy cultural visits to the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger Palace and the Albertinum art galleries. Check opening times and entrance fees;

Explore local restaurants for traditional dishes;

The official language is German, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas;

A printed travel guide or mobile app is useful for exploring the city on your own;

Be open to meeting locals to learn more about Dresden's culture and history!

Here's how to get around Dresden:

The streetcar is a very popular means of transport in Dresden;

The Dresden bus network complements the tramway; bus tickets are the same as tramway tickets;

Dresden has an excellent regional train network (S-Bahn);

Dresden is a bicycle-friendly city, with numerous cycle paths. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental stores or use the bike-sharing services;

You don't need a car to explore downtown Dresden, but you do if you're planning excursions into the Saxon countryside;

Dresden is easy to explore on foot;

Easily recognized by their yellow color and illuminated signs, cabs are more expensive than public transport.

If you want to enjoy the view from the Elbe, you can take a boat.

Don't forget to check public transport timetables and fares to optimize your exploration of this beautiful Saxon city.

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Pictures and images Dresden

Vue sur Dresde. Oleksiy Mark - Shutterstock.com
Place de l'église Frauenkirche. Leoks - Shutterstock.com

Discover Dresden

When to travel?

Dresden is a pleasant destination all year round, but the best months to visit are April to October: Read more about it

Weather forecast

Dresden enjoys a temperate continental climate, with distinct seasons. Temperatures vary considerably f...
Read more about it

Budget

Here are some guidelines to help you plan a budget for your stay in Dresden:

The currency used in German...
Read more about it

Formalities

Here's what you need to know about the administrative formalities required to travel to Dresden:

...
Read more about it

Health

Here's some important information to ensure a safe and healthy trip to Dresden:

No specificvaccinatio...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Here is some essential information to help you organize your solo trip to Dresden:

Start by bo...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

To go on a package tour to Dresden, you have several options:

Visit a local travel agency or go <...
Read more about it

Getting around

Here's how to get around Dresden:

The streetcar is a very popular means of transport in Dresden;

T...
Read more about it

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