Dresden has had to learn patience.
Restoring buildings destroyed in World War II has taken decades in some cases. Flooding in the area back in 2002 put a big dent in the tourist trade for a time.
Dresden needs your business, but it shouldn't have to beg. This is one of those places that is a budget travel bargain. It's not necessarily that prices are rock-bottom compared to other European cities. It's this: Dresden is a mid-sized city packed with attractions. Spend your money to get here, and you'll be rewarded with plenty of attractions for the euro. This beautiful city deserves its nickname "Florence of Northern Europe."
Here are a few "don't miss" locations in the area:
Semper Opera House (pictured to the right) has played host to royalty and sheltered refugees during World War II. It is a classic Italian Renaissance structure that was rebuilt after the fire-bombing. The flood waters did significant damage in the basement areas in 2002.
Zwinger is a palace with a remarkable courtyard and garden rich in Baroque styling from the early 1700s. If you doubt the power that Saxon kings wielded, look at the gold-guilded Crown Gate. It's a testament to the riches of a people who ruled Poland as well as Saxony. One hall inside the palace features an important Japanese and Chinese porcelain collection. Zwinger is located in the historic Old Town (Altstadt), just west of the Schlossplatz.
Speaking of porcelain, world-famous Meissen is only about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from central Dresden. For generations, the town has been renowned for its high-quality china and wines. It's accessable via suburban train (S-Bahn) or Highway 6.
Nearby Moritzburg Castle was constructed as a hunting lodge by King Augustus the Strong. Included among the furnishings: priceless baroque antiquities, and a collection of antlers that includes a 66-point red stag. How's that for variety?
The Church of Our Lady or Frauenkirche is an amazing restoration. The building survived Allied fire-bombing February 13-14, 1945, but collapsed a few days later when its sandstone exterior cooled. It was left as a reminder of war's horror until 1990, when a campaign to reconstruct it gained momentum. The restoration was completed in time for the city's 800th anniversary in 2006. It's east of the Schlossplatz, not far from the city center.
Brühl Terrace is a place the famous German author Johann Wolfgang Goethe dubbed the "Balcony of Europe." It runs along the Elbe's west bank, and immediately in front of several impressive historic structures like the state parliament house. It's a lovely place to walk in the early evening, when the sunset and the river views are spectacular.
This is not an exhaustive list of Dresden attractions. In fact, some who are familiar with the city will no doubt protest the omission of several other significant sights.
Dresden is large enough to offer a wide array of historic and aesthetic attractions, yet small enough to cross in a short time.
That combination can save you money and precious time.
Other European cities also fit this description. Click "next" and read about some other medium-sized cities with big-time attractions.
