Dresden, access and general information

Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It has a history of more than 800 years and is the perfect place to visit from Berlin, as it's only 2 hours from the capital by train.


Access

We suggest you to use the train from Berlin as it is the fastest and cheapest way to visit Dresden. In Dresden there are two main train stations: Dresden Hauptbahnhof and Dresden Neustadt. You are advised to get off at the Hauptbahnhof as it's much closer to the Old Town. On the other hand, the Dresden Neustadt is located on the other side of the river Elbe. Train tickets can be prebooked in advance and can be sent to you through the official site of the German Railways. If you want to prebook your tickets, click here.

TIP: You can book your tickets even 90 days before your journey online. If you do so, there are great discounts and you will save money. In addition, through the official website of the German Railways, you have the ability to buy travel cards for public transport in Dresden together with your tickets. So, just try to visit the official website as soon as possible...

After arriving at Hauptbahnhof, visit the info point of DVB and take a map of the public transport lines which will help you stroll around in a more convenient way. The station is located at Prager Strasse where you can also find a tourist information point. By walking down this street, you can reach the main part of the town.

In Dresden there is both a tramway and a bus network. The tramway network has 13 lines and is the best way to go around.

Main tourist attractions

• Kunstakademie (The Academy of the Arts): this beautiful building is located in the heart of the historical centre, near the bank of the river Elbe. Famous artists teach here and there are various sectors like theatre, restauration and costumes design. The building is really impressive... If you wish to study there, click here (information only in German).
  
• Frauenkirche: This church is one of the symbols of the city. It was completely destroyed during the Second World War, but it was reconstructed and is open to the public since 2005. You can visit the church for free. Many concerts are organised here. If you want to learn more about the history of the church, click here.
• Schloss Zwinger (Zwinger Palace): This palace is a masterpiece of the baroque architecture. It was built in 1709 on the orders of August the Strong. It now houses art collections, famous paintings, a sculpture and a porcelain collection. The palace is located just near Postplatz and Theaterplatz. For opening times, price and access information, visit the official website of Dresden palaces here.
• Rathaus (Town Hall): The town hall is one of the most famous buildings of the town. Its most impressive part is its tower, which is 100m high and has also a platform at 68 metres which can be reached by the lift.
• Bruhlsche Terrasse: This terrace is really the most beautiful part of the town and offers a splendid view to the river Elbe. It is located on a former military site and was named after Heinrich Earl of Bruhl, who was Friedrich August II's cabinet minister. The terraces are now one of Dreden's most important promenade stretches.
• Dresden Fortress: Hidden in and amongst Dresden Bruhlschen Terrasse is really worth a visit!! It appears to be underground and offers the visitor the opportunity to discover the hidden side of Dresden. For more information and price details, click here.
• Furstenzug (Procession of the Dukes): is a mural painted by Wilhelm Walther and located in Augustusstrasse. It was transferred to Dresden from 1904 to 1907. The picture represents all the members of the Wettiner dynasty from 1123 to 1904 and in addition 58 other persons. It is 102m long.
• Grosser Garten This garden is the absolute green oasis of the city. The best way to go around the garden is park railway which operates a round trip. Trains runs at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes. It's really worth a tour, especially if you have kids. For more information, visit the official website here.