Dresden On a Budget
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.Sights
Located in the neighborhood Innere Altstadt, one of Dresden's most sought-after landmarks is none other than the Frauenkirche Dresden, or Church of Our Lady. A simply breathtaking cathedral, the Frauenkirche Dresden was built in the 11th century as a missionary church to convert the surrounding Sorbian villages to Christianity. In the 18th century, the famous dome structure was built by George Bahr and remained dominant throughout the city for 200 years. Though the church was destroyed during World War II, the 1990s saw a unique rebuilding project that was supported throughout the globe. Open to all locals and visitors, the Frauenkirche Dresden allows its visitors to partake in services and devotions, with only English-speaking sermons held once a month. The historic dome of the Frauenkirche Dresden can be visited by all, where visitors can enjoy unique views over Dresden and its surroundings. Besides this, about 130 musical concerts also take place in the Frauenkirche Dresden for your entertainment. Whether you wish to worship or simply admire its history, the Frauenkirche Dresden is a must-see in the city!Activities
In the heart of the Old Town, 200 stores, restaurants, and cafes are simply waiting to be explored at the Altmarkt Galerie. Unlike most malls, the Altmarkt Galerie hs a rich history, with the beginning of its trading history spanning over 800 years ago. Within the Intecta building of the gallery, a family tradition of confectionary has ensued for more than 185 years. A confectionary experience like no other, the Intecta has a wide array of cafes and bakeries that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth with its fresh ingredients and top-tier standard. Besides its exquisite eateries, the Altmarkt Galerie has a wide variety of stores that suit any and all tastes. Some of these stores include Apple, Boss, Marc Cain, Guess, Gant, Högl or Thomas Sabo, all shops of which are only available once in the new federal states. From housing the first Armani Jeans in Germany to its fourth largest Saturn, the possibilities are endless at the Altmarkt Galerie.Food and Dining
A fine dining experience that won the Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor as well as the Falstaff award, Restaurant Daniel has been open and serving up gourmet dishes since 2013. Founded by Daniel Fischer in Innere Neustadt, Restaurant Daniel is hidden in the Nieritzstraße. A cozy, modern-designed eatery, Restaurant Daniel presents fresh, local ingredients found throughout the region. Besides his first-rate food, Fischer also offers cooking classes as well as cooking shows for the education and entertainment of its patrons. Some of Fischer's meals include veal and red wine butter, colorful vegetables, and fried potatoes, roasted sturgeon and char fillet with autumn vegetables and sugar beet, duck paste and pumpkin ragout, beetroot and walnuts, and much more. However, be weary that with a fine dining experience as rare as this one, comes a fine price! Visit Fischer and his friends at Restaurant Daniel!Transportation
The best prices for buses and trains in Germany can be found on Omio (formerly GoEuro). They let you search across all train, bus, and plane routes throughout Europe.Getting around Dresden is relatively easy, especially in the Old Town where most destinations can be reached by foot. Besides walking, Dresden also supplies its inhabitants with a combined tram, bus, and train system that connects to all points of interest. Nevertheless, be weary of its peak hours as it tends to get a bit crowded. Tickets for the bus and tram are relatively cheap with a Day Ticket costing 6 Euros and a Family Day Ticket costing 8.50 Euros.
Be that as it may, if you are looking for a more private method of travel, rental car services are available throughout the city. Dresden is known for its impressive street networks, with many roads having been refurbished recently. Yet as with most urban areas, traffic can be quite heavy during rush hour. If you are looking to beat the daytime traffic, renting a bicycle is not a bad way to go as Dresden has many many designated cycle paths. Whether you are pedaling or steering, be sure to make the most out of your time in Dresden, Germany!
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