Dresden is the capital of Saxony and was once the royal residence of the Saxon Kings. They call it the “Florence of the Elbe,” and I can see why. If you’re traveling between Berlin and Prague, it’s the perfect stop. Of course, Dresden is also known for something much darker—the horrific WW2 bombing that destroyed most of the city. Luckily, Dresden rose from the ashes and today it’s stunning.
Day One: Old Town Magic
The reason I came? The Military History Museum. But since it’s closed on Wednesdays, I had a whole day to explore the Old Town.
First stop: Zwinger Palace. Imagine a giant courtyard filled with hundreds of statues, fountains, and the kind of architecture that makes you stop and stare. Honestly, I half expected a Roman centurion to walk past.
Next, I wandered to the Procession of Princes, the world’s largest porcelain mural. Mounted rulers of Saxony march across the wall—a 19th-century masterpiece that somehow survived WWII.
I also checked out the Dresden City Museum, but if you’re hunting for WW2 stuff, don’t get your hopes up. So I spent the rest of the afternoon snapping photos along the river and treating myself to a Pork Knuckle at Augustiner an der Frauenkirche. I’ll admit, it sounded gross at first, but it was ridiculously good. With the Frauenkirche just steps away, I sat, ate, and people-watched on a sunny afternoon.
That evening I wandered into the Shamrock Irish Pub to catch a Champions League game. Dortmund crushed Real Madrid, and I ended up sharing a few drinks with Alex and Fritz, two German college students. They were super curious about America and asked a million questions—travel is definitely more fun when you make friends along the way.
Day Two: Military History Museum Mayhem
Thursday morning, I grabbed a day tram ticket and took #8 to the Stauffenbergallee stop. I was finally inside the Military History Museum Dresden, and wow—four floors of military history goodness. I hit the Stalingrad exhibit first and then wandered through WW1, WW2, modern military, even war toys and animals in combat.
Highlights? Definitely the Stalingrad exhibit, the massive WW2 tanks, and the artillery. There was a brief fire alarm scare (my heart stopped), but thankfully everything was fine, and I got back in to finish exploring.
A Hipster Twist: Neustadt
After all that history, I checked out Dresden Neustadt (New Town). Picture long streets of shops, little fountains, and benches lined up like someone planned it for Instagram. The vibe was young, fun, and artsy—Dresden definitely has a hip side to it. I kept thinking: “San Francisco, but German.”
Quick Tips for Visiting Dresden
- Time needed: 2 days is plenty for the highlights.
- Transport: Grab a day tram ticket; the city’s super easy to navigate.
- Must-sees: Zwinger Palace, Procession of Princes, Military History Museum, Frauenkirche, Neustadt.
- Food & drink: Pork Knuckle is a must, and local pubs are perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
So… Should You Visit Dresden?
Yes! Dresden is charming, historical, and surprisingly lively. From stunning architecture to WW2 history and a fun modern side, it’s a city that sneaks under your skin. Two days was enough for me, but I could easily see myself coming back. Dresden deserves your time—trust me.