Where to Stay in Dresden – What You Need to know
Dresden is the capital and largest city of the German state of Saxony.
This city, located on the banks of the Elbe River in eastern Germany, was the capital and royal residence of the Kingdom of Saxony.
Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, not in vain its nickname is “Florence on the Elbe”. Its fantastic neoclassical and baroque buildings were severely damaged by Allied bombing during World War II, but have been rebuilt, giving this Saxon city its palatial fairy-tale appearance and former glory.
Dresden is located roughly halfway between Berlin and Prague, and its charms make it one of the most visited cities in East Germany.
The capital of Saxony has a continental climate, which means harsh winters and mild summers. The best time to visit Dresden is during the summer. That said, Dresden Christmas markets turn the city into a true winter wonderland worth seeing despite its sub-zero late December temperatures.
Dresden City Centre concentrates most of the attractions in the city and it is very easy to walk. To move around town, Dresden has an extensive transportation system that includes trams and buses.
When it comes to accommodation, the central area (Altstadt), with its many tourist attractions is the most recommended area to stay in Dresden. See accommodation in Dresden-Altstadt.
Accommodation Options in Dresden
Hotels in Dresden
The best hotels to stay in Dresden
Hostels in Dresden
Hostels and cheap stays in Dresden
Apartments in Dresden
Would you like independence? Book an apartment in Dresden
Bed & Breakfast in Dresden
Inns, B&Bs and guest houses in several areas around Dresden
The Best Areas to Stay in Dresden, Germany
1. Recommended Area: Altstadt (Old Town)
Dresden-Altstadt, or Dresden’s Historical Center is located on the west bank of the Elbe River.
This beautiful area includes Renaissance, Baroque and 19th-century buildings.
Despite having been devastated during World War II, the Altstadt has preserved or recovered most of its attractive buildings.
The most famous symbol of the city’s reconstruction is the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), this magnificent domed baroque church once again dominates the Dresden skyline.
After World War II, the Neumarkt square and the symbolic ruins of the Frauenkirche remained almost intact for half a century before they were rebuilt.
The Altstadt is the centre of life in the city: it houses the City Hall, Saxon Parliament and important cultural institutions such as the Gallery of Paintings of the Ancient Masters, the Semper Opera and the State Theater of the Green Vault.
Between Altmarkt and Neumarkt squares, Prager Strasse and Postplatz concentrate many places to shop, eat and drink.
Altstadt is the best area to stay in Dresden thanks to its historic buildings, its interesting gastronomic life and the proximity to all the attractions of the city.
What makes this the best area to stay in Dresden
- Heart of the city
- Tourist attractions
- Frauenkirche
- Shopping options
- Best area for tourists
- Train station
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top ChoiceNH Collection Dresden Altmarkt is in the Altmarkt square, in the historic centre of Dresden. It offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a gym and a terrace.
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Budget Option
ibis budget Dresden City is located right in the centre of Dresden, a 5-minute walk from the Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche Church. Ibis Budget offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception.
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Midrange Option
Holiday Inn Express Dresden City Centre enjoys a central location on the Altmarkt square and offers soundproofed rooms, a breakfast buffet and underground parking. In addition, the hotel has a 24-hour reception desk.
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Luxury Option
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski offers elegant rooms and 3 restaurants. It is next to Dresden Castle, a 5-minute walk from the Frauenkirche church. It offers rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite and minibar.
2. Neustadt
The Neustadt (literally New Town) is located on the east bank of the Elbe, opposite the Altstadt.
A catastrophic fire in 1685 reduced this old independent city to little more than ruins and ashes. It was reconstructed in a baroque style and incorporated to Dresden.
This Baroque reconstruction resulted in attractive and palatial streets, especially in the area around Königstrasse.
In this area, you can find the Neustädter Markt, with the equestrian statue of the Saxon Elector and Polish King Frederick August I, the “Golden Horseman”. This statue marks the beginning of Hauptstrasse, the main street of this historic district. Further to the north is the government district, dominated by the two monumental buildings of the Saxon Ministry of Finance and the Government of the State of Saxony, with their splendid historicist facades.
The northernmost neighbourhood within Neustadt is called Outer Neustadt. It is a residential district with historic architecture from the turn of the century that has become the alternative epicentre of the city, with many culinary and cultural options.
What makes this the best area to stay in Dresden
- Very central
- Alternative area
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Choice
Park Inn by Radisson Dresden is located in the Neustadt district of Dresden, a 5-minute walk from the Elbe River. It offers spacious rooms and a lobby bar.
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Budget Option
Pension Olé is a 1-minute walk from the Bischofsweg tram stop in the trendy Neustadt district. Pension Olé offers simple rooms and fully equipped apartments, as well as free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury Option
The Westin Bellevue Dresden is located among beautiful gardens on the banks of the Elbe, facing the beautiful Augustusbrücke bridge, in the Baroque district of Dresden. The property has a spa with a swimming pool, saunas and a gym.
3. Pieschen
The district of Pieschen is located in the north part of town.
Pieschen is a traditionally a working-class residential district.
Bürgerstrasse and Oschatzer Straße concentrate the commercial activity in this neighbourhood.
After the renovation of many buildings, Pieschen became in recent years a very popular area, especially among young people.
The Pieschen area is connected to the city centre by its S-Bahn (city rail) stations Dresden-Pieschen and Dresden-Trachau.
The accommodation rates in this area are usually lower than those found in more central neighbourhoods such as Altstadt or Neustadt.
What makes this the best area to stay in Dresden
- Quiet area
- Budget accommodation
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Choice
Hotel Windsor is located in Dresden and has a typical English decor. It offers free Wi-Fi and public parking, both for free.
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