When the morning sun rises over the famous silhouette of the Old Town and the Elbe sparkles with light, even Dresdeners themselves cannot contain their enthusiasm.

Saxony’s state capital boasts a unique collection of historic buildings, outstanding art treasures and its own distinctive character. The city owes its description as ‘Florence on the Elbe’ to the charming combination of the riches to be found in its art collections and the Italian influence on its architecture built under Augustus the Strong.

Dresden is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. Visitors from all over the world pour into the city on the Elbe to explore and experience it, and to see for themselves the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the Zwinger and the Semperoper (Semper Opera House).

The city not only has a strong cultural attraction, it is also the political, economic and scientific centre of the Free State of Saxony. Dresden is home to numerous research institutes and universities, among them TU Dresden, which this year was honoured with the title of ‘elite university’.

It was the love of art of the Electors of Saxony that turned the Elbe valley into a unique cultural landscape. It is thanks to this spirit of innovation and desire for continual progress that this tradition has been continued right up to the present day. And so today beautiful historic buildings stand alongside award-winning modern architecture.

Art, culture and its position on the river, combined with its lasting beauty and things both new and rediscovered, all contribute to the fascination of the city of Dresden, which is constantly reinventing itself.

Dresden is particularly magical from the river! Each day from beneath the Bruehls Terrace, ships embark at regular intervals on tours off the city. Passing by the old town and the Elbe palaces, sailings continue to the Blasewitz villa quarter and back.

On the other side of the Elbe there is a whole different world. Here, life is more colourful, quirky and alternative. The Neustadt inhabitants see themselves as younger, more creative and more international. This part of town is known simply as “the scene”.

Find out how luxury on four wheels came about; Volkswagen’s Gläserne Manufaktur (Transparent Factory) is unique to Dresden. Its eye-catching transparent architecture in the middle of the city reveals every production step – and so the birth of the VW Phaeton becomes a tangible experience.

In December, the Striezelmarkt and a total of ten other completely different Christmas markets turn Dresden into a wonderland. And if you visit Dresden New Year’s Eve, celebrate with us on into the new year on the magnificent Theaterplatz – the stage for the SemperOpenairball in February!

A Champagne reception in the Zwinger? A gala dinner in a royal palace residence? A seminar exhibition in the dungeons of a fortress? Dresden is extraordinary - just like its exhibition spaces. Explore yourself!