Discover the Splendour of Dresden

We have a brand new Staycity Aparthotel in a brand new location – Dresden! We've cherry-picked some of the best sights and attractions in this fabulous city, so you can prepare your action-packed itinerary ahead of yor visit.

Classical Music History

Dresden is otherwise known as ‘the Florence on the Elbe’, due to the Elbe river rolling right through the city. Absolutely brimming with art, culture and history, Dresden is perhaps most famous for its classical music heritage. Home to the world-famous Semperoper opera house which first opened in 1841 but was reconstructed twice after it was destroyed by a fire in 1869, and then again after the second World War. Composers such as Mozart, Richard Wagner and Heinrich Schütz were all attracted to live and work here for spells of time. Heinrich Schütz served as Kapellmeister (orchestra conductor) here, shaping the city’s early musical traditions. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed in Dresden, delighting audiences with his brilliance, while Richard Wagner worked as the court conductor, premiering his works while drawing inspiration from the city’s cultural vibrancy. Each left a lasting legacy, cementing Dresden’s status as a vital hub for classical music.

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City of Splendour: Palaces, Galleries & More

A simple wander through the streets of Dresden is a feast for the eyes. The grandeur of the Baroque architecture, magnificent palaces, art galleries and vast city parks is undeniable, and the city feels steeped in history and culture. The Zwinger Palace is a magnificent sight to behold, and is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Germany. Built in 1709 as a forecourt and orangery for a castle, today the Zwinger Palace houses the Old Masters Picture Gallery, as well as the Porcelain Collection and the Museum of Mathematics and Physics. Located less than a five minute walk from our aparthotel, there really is a wealth of art, culture and history to discover right at your doorstep! You can find the palaces opening times and information about its exhibitions here.

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Frauenkirche: The Symbolic Heart of the City

Dresden is also home to the iconic Frauenkirche, or the Church of our Lady. A Baroque church building, it has withstood several wars, including the Seven Years' War and the Napoleonic Wars, surviving significant damage during those conflicts. However, it was destroyed during the Allied bombing of Dresden in February 1945, when a fire caused its collapse. Left in ruins during the Cold War as a war memorial, the church was finally reconstructed between 1994 and 2005 after German reunification, using original materials where possible. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of peace, reconciliation, and resilience, and is located just a 7 minute walk from our aparthotel.

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Saxon Cuisine

Amidst the sightseeing, river strolls, and gallery visits, Dresden offers the perfect opportunity to refuel with its Saxon cuisine—delicious, hearty, and steeped in tradition. Pulverturm provides a dining experience like no other, with its atmospheric, stone-lined rooms housed in a historic gunpowder tower. Whether you savour your meal underground or in the lively square outside, this restaurant serves up a slice of Dresden’s storied past. Dresden 1900 has an early 20th-century theme, complete with hearty German dishes, a quirky cable car interior, and a friendly "conductor" offering complimentary schnapps.

Don’t miss classic Saxon dishes like Sächsischer Sauerbraten, a delicious marinated pot roast, or Leipziger Allerlei, a medley of vegetables paired with crayfish and dumplings. For dessert, indulge in Dresdner Eierschecke, a beloved layered cheesecake unique to the region. Pair your meal with a glass of Saxon wine or a locally brewed beer to get the full culinary experience of Dresden.

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