Dresden's inspiring rebirth
Today, Dresden is rebuilt, full of life, and wide open for visitors. These streets paint a portrait of the city's highest highs and lowest lows, but in this era of cultural rebirth, Dresden is in its prime.
IF YOU VISIT...
SLEEPING: Hotel Kipping has 20 quiet, tidy rooms behind the train station. The original building survived the 1945 firebombing and even served as a shelter (moderate, www.hotel-kipping.de). Aparthotels an der Frauenkirche rents 100 units in beautifully restored houses in the heart of the Old Town (splurge, www.aparthotels-frauenkirche.de).
EATING: Winzerstube Zum Rebstock is a charming pub serving Saxon cuisine in the New Town. Sit in the leafy and quiet "Baroque garden" courtyard (Haupstrasse 17, tel. 0351/563-3544). In the Old Town center, Grand Cafe and Restaurant Coselpalais is a good value for Saxon and French cuisine in the shadow of the Frauenkirche. Dine indoors under Baroque chandelier s, or in the fine outdoor courtyard (An der Frauenkirche 12, tel. 0351/496-2444).
GETTING AROUND: Buy a day pass for the trams -- they are cheap, easy to use, and run every few minutes. Otherwise, most worthwhile sights are within walking distance along the south bank of the river.
FOR TOURIST INFORMATION: www.dresden.de/tourismus.
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(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2015 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
