Hello my beloved readership,

Dresden is the state capital of the Free State of Saxonia and a metropolis at the very east of Germany. Here I present you nine things to see in Dresden.

1. Dresden City-Center

Cafes, restaurants, clean streets, modern, glass architecture right within the Baroque-style and as if this was not enough street-art shining under the brightest sunshine you could probably wish for in May. A city trip without a meal in a restaurant or a little bit of shopping would not make it as memorable than just walking off the sights. You also need to make it enjoyable and charge yourself and your little co-adventurers with a little bit of entertainment. Therefore do also not miss the Altmarkt Galerie.

2. Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss)

You can view it from two sides and two more sides, from the back and the forth (Elbe-river-side), from inside and outside passing it through and you would not want to miss a single inch of this building: the castle of Dresden (Residenzschloss). Taking a review of the photos I myself have taken from it is huge and there is a lot to see from all sides so that I can say I would not know where and how to talk from if we did not have our great native guides with us. The Castle of Dresden is the former residence of the Saxon Electors and Kings. Its construction had begun in the middle of the 16th century and endured up to the early 20th century in the new Renaissance style.
Hint: Do not miss the paintings (Fürstenzug) along the castle’s walls.

3. Dresden Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)

If you are thinking about Dresden the Church of Our Lady (Ger.: Frauenkirche) probably is your first and only association. Once you arrive in Dresden and do not look for the first cafe possible because one of the children urgently needs a toilet or a restaurant you would like to eat at because you realize not only your children are hungry the church at the new market would be your starting point to discover the city. The name of the originally named Church of our dear Lady refers to Mary (Maria) – the mother of Jesus Christ. Another important significance this church and its ruins have been holding is that it is a cenotaph against war and destruction. The heat of the fire from Dresden’s night of bombing during February 13th and 14th during World War II weakened the walls of the church and burnt it down one day later finally. Its ruins remained during the GDR and the reconstruction took place in 1994. Therefore you are also going to find the fountain of peace (Friedensbrunnen) at the Neumarkt (new market square).

4. Coselpalais

Which was the former residence of King August the Strong and Lady Cosel has nowadays become a popular cafe, restaurant and event-location for instance for weddings. The Coselpalais restaurant and grand cafe is located bear to the right back of the Church of our Lady in front of the art-academy. It is standing out and recognizable not only because the name is written on the building but as well because it differs from all the other buildings in Dresden with its yellow color and white roof. This goes back to its reconstruction after it was destroyed at Dresden’s night of bombing in February 1945 along with other buildings around the Church of our Lady. Visit their official site here.

5. Academies and Museums

In Germany we have many towns and cities which are famous for their academic organizations: Heidelberg, Tübingen, Lüneburg… Personally I think that meanwhile universities or academies have gained as much of a significance as town halls. While towns and cities probably have more significant sights they are famous for than their town hall, museums or university however meanwhile the desire grows to also not leave a town without having seen one of its universities or academies. One considerable in Dresden would be the art-academy in the city-center. Museums such as the Museum Johanneum is as well worth a view.

6. Dresden Townhall

You know this one at least from my article about Traben-Trarbach here: you have never completely seen a town or a city if you have not seen its town hall. Even if this one may hardly stand out of the numerous splendid buildings, churches, castles, theatres it is still a must to register the townhall in the sights you have seen. However I can becalm you that you cannot miss this one once you have stepped out of the the city center and admire Dresden from an outer view of the Elbe-bank.

7. The Elbe-river Dresden Side

My Japanese best friend called me typically German or that it is rather a German’s thing to fall in love with the Elbe from the Dresden-side as it is a connection to Hamburg. In fact this was my motivation as well feeling close to home while enjoying being abroad but meeting the Elbe-river chilling there a little bit longer during the sunset definitely woke some nostalgic moments. As a partner-city of Hamburg we would say: We are connected through more than just the Elbe-river.

8. Saxon State Opera (Semperoper)

The opera of Dresden is not only the opera of the city but as well the state opera of Saxonia. It is located close to the Elbe from where you can enjoy the view on more historical buildings the the theatre-square and the memorial of King John (König-Johann-Denkmal). You can book exhibition tickets as well as tickets for theatre-plays and shows. Find out more on their official website here.

9. Dresden Zwinger

If you are German and find the term “Zwinger” distressing then first of all welcome to the club. I rather connect this word with the German word “Hundezwinger” (Engl: kennels) or a person who would force you to do something. Secondly let me clear up the mistake and explain the background: Behind this rather awful word there is actually something beautiful and magnificent hiding. A “Zwinger” which has its origin in the Middle Ages describes the part between the inner and outer walls of a castle. Nowadays the complex has the alternative name “Kronentor” (Engl.: Crown-gate). If you are lucky you can usually see a beautiful garden inside the walls of the “Zwinger”. we however found construction works. Nonetheless we enjoyed the passing from one side to the other thanks to its beautiful stairs.

Splendid Dresden

The Elector of Saxonia and King of Poland August the Strong had a huge impact on Dresden’s architecture with his vision of a grand and splendid architectural style which makes it the most meaningful Baroque-metropolis. Johann C. Knöffel who was the leading constructor was responsible for the realization. Definitely a place worth visiting! If you are excited to see more impressions of Dresden do not miss to follow my Instagram-feed @JohannaKarajan.
Hint: I suggest you to equip yourself with more than just one camera or more batteries because at every corner there is something to take a photo of.

Huge thanks to our dearest friends for guiding us through Dresden and introducing us to the culture and history of this impressive city. You know who you are and you are loved dearly.

Love, Johanna