Dresden, a multifaceted city

The "Florence of the Elbe" is full of baroque treasures on both sides of the Elbe, in the heart of the city. In the Altstadt, visit the Frauenkirche, the Hofkirche, the Zwinger and the breathtaking collections of Augustus the Strong and his successors: the Grünes Gewölbe and its jewels, the Türkische Cammer and its oriental treasures, the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and its paintings of the Italian Renaissance or Flemish masters, the Porzellansammlung and its porcelains from Meissen or Asia... Stroll along the Brühl Terrace, once owned by Augustus the Strong's minister, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Neustadt. Cross the Augustusbrücke bridge and admire the famous panorama painted by Canaletto in the 18th century. Innere Neustadt, the baroque district wanted by Augustus the Strong on the northern bank of the Elbe, offers a glimpse of bourgeois life in the days of crinolines and powdered wigs, with its charming houses with cobbled and carefully renovated inner courtyards. Finally, if you have not been to Dresden in winter, you can visit the magnificent Pillnitz Castle, the place of all the summer pleasures of Augustus the Strong.

In addition to the baroque architecture that has made Dresden famous throughout the world, the Saxon capital is full of interesting buildings. The villas of Blasewitz and Loschwitz, the neoclassical castles of the Elbe, the Blaues Wunder ("Blue Miracle", a bridge considered a feat of engineering) and the strange Yenidze, a fake mosque that housed a cigarette factory, are beautiful examples of 19th century architecture in Dresden. Contemporary architecture is present in the Altstadt, with the Saxon Parliament, the Congress Centre, the New Synagogue and the Glass Factory.

Dresden is crossed by the Elbe, one of Europe's most majestic rivers: it is an unexpected opportunity to visit the city in one of the Saxon city's traditional steamers! A classic cruise will take you across the city to the famous bridge Blaues Wunder, passing by the charming little castles on the banks of the Elbe. But you can also choose a longer cruise, which will take you to Pillnitz Castle, which you can naturally visit, for example. If you prefer the cow floor, Dresden by the river can be experienced by bicycle along the Elberadweg, the long cycle path that follows the course of the river. To end your day, enjoy a sausage and beer at the famous Fährgarten Johannstadt, a traditional Biergarten known and appreciated by all Dresden residents, which can be reached by a small ferry from the north bank of the Elbe.

Dresden is also aimed at a trendy youth, with the soul of an artist. While most squats have disappeared, Äussere Neustadt is still full of workshops, alternative shops, bars and bohemian restaurants. TheKunsthof, with its courses decorated by contemporary artists, has become a must in Dresden. Visit the galleries around Bautzner Strasse, explore the clothes of Böhmische Strasse and the trendy shops of Görlitzer Strasse, try a vegan and hype restaurant in Louisenstrasse. Take a walk on theAlaunplatz, very green, like the real Dresden people when they want to play Frisbee, walk their dogs or have a picnic with friends. In the evening, you can stay in the Äussere Neustadt and dine in a restaurant with creative cuisine, such as Raskolnikoff, Villandry or Böhme and finish your night in a bar that never closes.

Dresden has 63% of its green spaces, a godsend for all nature lovers. The wide and welcoming banks of the Elbe are ideal for bubbling in summer or for a long walk in all seasons. Prefer the northern bank of the Elbe, on the Neustadt side, more wild and exotic. By bike, the Elberadweg, a long cycle path that crosses the city and leads to the vineyards of the Elbe Valley, offers one of the most beautiful walks in Germany. From the banks of the Neustadt, you can also reach the Dresdner Heide, a real urban forest with its lakes, waterfalls and a thousand nature activities (tree climbing, archery...). For a less wild but just as exotic walk in the heart of the city, opt for Grosser Garten, a wonderful baroque park combining a French and an English garden. You can can canoe there while watching the swans pass by or take a little train driven by... children!

From Dresden, you can reach the beautiful medieval town of Meissen in 35 minutes, by S-Bahn or by car. Stroll through the old town, admire its market square (Markt) and climb up to l'Albrechtsburgthe beautiful margraves' castle of Wettin's house. Visit the interior, which was in turn the princes' residence and the porcelain factory wanted by Augustus the Strong in the 18th century. Leaving the castle, admire the view of the Elbe Valley and enter Meissen Cathedral (Dom), one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Germany with its pure lines and intimate atmosphere. On your way back down through the city, you will easily reach the Meissen Porcelain Factory, a real institution in Saxony since the 18th century. A visit to the workshops and the factory museum is absolutely fascinating. We learn everything about the secrets of artisanal porcelain making. In the evening, dine at one of the city's good restaurants (there are many of them) and taste the local wines (they are rare and exquisite).

Saxon cuisine is a happy combination of German and Czech culinary arts. If you are ready for this gustatory marathon, you will not be disappointed... fortunately, a new lighter kitchen has taken over in many modern restaurants. Start your gastronomic day in the Neustadt with a hearty salty breakfast or brunch (great German tradition)... vegan! Yes, trendy German cuisine is politically correct and proves that you can enjoy a meal without meat, milk or eggs. Then visit the famous Pfunds Molkerei, the "most beautiful creamery in the world", still in the Neustadt, where you can taste cheeses, milk sweets and fresh butter on beautiful slices of artisanal bread. For lunch, try a restaurant with a creative and light cuisine that revisits the German classics, in the Innere Neustadt or the Äussere Neustadt. It can be the Raskolnikoff or Villandry in the Neustadt, or for the larger scholarships, Ven or Palais Bistro in the Altstadt. In the afternoon, visit the Waldschlösschen brewery to learn all about the secrets of Saxon beer making and enjoy a fresh foam. If you have a sweet palate, enjoy a Dresdner Christstollen or an Eierschecke in a café in the Altstadt. Finally, in the evening, go under the fresh vaults of the Altstadt or Innere Neustadt taverns for a real Saxon dinner, with a Sauerbraten or a roasted goose, liters of regional wine or Saxon beer and a service in traditional costume.