Dresden Travel Guide
Dresden Travel Guide
I visited Dresend for the Christmas Markets, but fell in love with the city. I didn’t know much about Dresden other than that it has one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany (it ended up being my favorite of all of them that I visited) but I also loved Dresden itself. The city was so stunning.
Dresden is steeped in history, but also boasts great shopping, fun bars, good restaurants, stunning sunsets & more. This city is so underrated!
- *Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Pick for Drinks With A View*
- Where to Stay in Dresden
- Dresden Christmas Markets
- How Many Days to Spend in Dresden
- Getting to Dresden
- Safety for Solo Female Travel in Dresden
- Dresden– Top Blog Posts
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
*Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Pick for Drinks With A View*
Felix Rooftop Bar Dresden
One of Dresden Old Towns best (and only) rooftop bars. This place had a lively, upscale vibe and offered some lovely views over Dresden’s Old Town.
Where to Stay in Dresden
Altstadt
Altstadt, or “Old Town” is the most popular area of Dresden for tourists to stay. If you’re visiting for the Christmas Markets, this is closer to the most popular market, Dresden Striezelmarkt. It’s also in the heart of Dresden’s historical center where many of it’s non Christmas related higihlights are, like the Castle and Cathedral.
Hotel NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
If you’re looking for a semi upscale option right in the heart of Dresden I recommend Hotel NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt. This hotel is right at Altmarkt where Dresden’s most infamous Christmas Market, Striezelmarkt is held and could not be any closer to the highlights of Dresden! NH Collection hotels are always one of my picks when looking for a place to stay in a new city!
Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
Another option in Old Town is Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection, this upscale hotel is less than 10 minutes from Altmarkt, but is a little removed from the main square if you’re looking for a quieter stay. I’ve stayed in many Autograph Collection hotels and always recommend them!
Neustadt
If you’re looking for a quieter stay that is still walkable to all the highlights in Altstadt, consider Neustadt, or “New Town” It sits directly across the river from the Old Town neighborhood and offers stunning views of the Dresden skyline. New Town is filled with charming riverside beer gardens, quieter streets & at Christmas is home to the Augustusmarkt International Christmas Market.
Romantik Hotel Bülow Residenz
I stayed at the Romantik Hotel Bülow Residenz on my most recent trip to Dresden. It was quiet, charming & about a 2 minute walk to the Augustusmarkt International Christmas Market. To get to Old Town it was less than a 15 minute walk, so the location worked out perfectly for me!
Dresen Christmas Markets
Dresden had my very favorite Christmas Markets of the 14 I visited. I cannot recommend visiting during December enough, Dresden was everything I pictured the Christmas Markets being & more! See my full Dresden Christmas Markets Guide here!
How Many Days to Spend in Dresden
2 Days
Dresden is lovely and worth a stop, but I don’t think you need longer than 2 days to visit. If you’re visiting not during December without the Christmas Markets you could likely hit the highlights in just one day if you’re short on time!
Getting to Dresden
By Train
Dresden is connected to all major cities in Germany, and many orher major European cities by train, making that the easiest way to get there. There are 2 major stations in Dresden and most trains stop at both, so try to choose the one closest to where you’re staying.
- Dresden HBF is the main station and is closer to the Old Town and the touristy side of the city. This is likely where you’ll be disembarking
- Dresden-Neustadt – located across the river from Old Town, Dresden-Neustadt is more accessible to “New Town” If you’ve opted to stay in this neighborhood during your trip to Dresden it’s easier to take the train to this station if possible.
By Plane
Dresden Airport is an international airport, and is less than 3 miles from Dresden city center if you’re too far to travel to Dresden via train.
Safety for Solo Female Travel in Dresden
4.5 out of 5
I felt very safe in Dresden and I spent a lot of time walking at night after the Christmas Markets had closed. Like any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas around public transport, but it was very safe overall!
