The gorgeous city of Dresden in Germany is packed with spires, towers, and domes from its many palaces, churches, and stately buildings. It is the capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, located between Berlin and Prague. The city hosts many stunning and record-breaking museums, like one of the world’s biggest treasures in the Royal Palace, the biggest Porcelain Museum in the Zwinger Palace, and the Old Master’s Gallery with Raphael’s most famous cherubs. Exploring the cultural city becomes a lot easier with a Dresden City Card, which offers prepaid travel within the Dresden tariff zone as well as handy discounts at restaurants, shops, tours, and events. Here are our top tips to soak up Dresden’s cultural, historical, and culinary delights…
Private 2-hour guided tour of Dresden
Let Dresden’s past come alive with an exclusive, private 2-hour guided tour of the historical old town. You’re taken through the dark days of the Middle Ages and conjure up the force of the Reformation and the splendor of the Baroque age in this wonderfully informative, fun, short-walking tour.
Frauenkirche
The baroque church Frauenkirche is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings and a stunning signature landmark famed for its grand dome. After its destruction in WWII from 1994 to 2005, the church has been completely rebuilt to its former glory and is now a monument for peace and reconciliation. You can take a guided tour or visit the viewing platform for amazing city views, but the best way to enjoy this magnificent building has got to be by attending a cultural event there. Frauenkirche plays host to a series of musical concerts where you can listen to famous vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs, orchestras, and conductors in the most stunning setting, where even Bach gave the first organ concert in 1736.
Dresdner Residenz Konzerte
Dresdner Residenz Konzerte is held regularly in the famous Wallpavillon of the Dresden Zwinger Palace. The concerts in a rather private atmosphere feature a young orchestra and outstanding young musicians who tackle classical masterpieces bringing a marvelous contemporary touch to celebrated pieces. Music lovers will thoroughly appreciate the special and memorable renditions.
Semperoper
The Semperoper Dresden, located near the Elbe River in the city’s historic center, is the opera house of the Sächsische Staatsoper Dresden and the concert hall of the Staatskapelle. It also is home to the Semperoper Ballet and is an absolute delight for culture lovers. Already Richard Strauss and other famous composers and conductors performed here. Be sure to take in at least one performance during your stay and consider a guided tour, too, to explore the architecture and history of this stunning building.
Hop On Hop Off City Tour
An impressive way to get your bearings is to use the minimum 2 hours Hop On Hop Off City Tour. With 22 stops, you will discover not only the architectural, historical, and cultural highlights of the city but also an image of Dresden’s romantic side with vineyards, villas, and beautiful meadows along the Elbe River. You can hop off and on whenever you wish and enjoy the onboard guided tour in one of 19 languages. You can even take the tour in the evening to see the city come alive at night or join one of the walking tours in English or German included in the ticket. If weather permits, they will use their convertible buses so you can travel with the wind in your hair!
Where to Stay
As far as we’re concerned, if you’re visiting Dresden, a stay at the luxurious and prestigious 5-star Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski is an absolute must for culture and culinary delights. Located right in the heart of the historic center in a stunning baroque palace attached to the Royal Palace, the hotel is a charming blend of historic grandeur and contemporary style. Stay in one of the 182 rooms, or better still, one of the 31 suites. Dine at the exceptional restaurant Intermezzo, the Palais Bistro, Café Vestibül, and end your day at the award-winning Karl May Bar. When you crave relaxation, there’s a stunning pool, spa lounge, and a fitness center. The hotel also has a rather special historic inner courtyard that’s a true oasis during the summer, perfect for a chilled beverage in the sun, and come wintertime, it turns into an enchanting sparkling ice rink!
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