Situated between Berlin and Prague, Dresden in Germany may be the coolest city you never thought you’d visit. With its mix of stunning baroque architecture, wild street art, cosy beer halls and an alternative scene, Dresden is a perfect stopover for solo travellers and backpackers looking for offbeat vibes. Whether it’s a skyline full of castles or punk bars in hidden courtyards, this city serves it all – and does so with surprising ease.

But Dresden, Germany, is more than just a pretty stopover: it’s a city of contrasts, resilience and creativity. You’ll walk through cobbled streets rebuilt from the ashes of war, cross the Elbe and stroll through neon-lit neighbourhoods full of artists, students and street performers. It’s a place where you can walk up to a medieval fortress during the day, have fun with your hostel friends at night and feel like you’ve come into contact with something authentic. Ready to explore a destination that mixes history, culture and modern-day hippy energy? Dresden is waiting.

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Why visit Dresden?

Situated halfway between Berlin and Prague, Dresden is a jewel often overlooked on the typical Central European route. However, this city offers a mix of majestic history and modern creativity that is hard to find elsewhere. Dresden was largely destroyed in the Second World War and meticulously rebuilt, so today baroque beauty mixes with modern art in its streets. Travellers can enjoy world-class architecture and museums without the crowds of larger cities like Berlin or Munich. At the same time, Dresden’s youthful energy and alternative scene – especially in its New Town – give it a modern, artistic vibe that appeals to backpackers and Generation Z looking for something different. In short, if you’re travelling from Berlin to Prague (a very popular route), Dresden in Germany is the perfect stop to soak up a rich culture, meet other travellers and experience a city that is equal parts a “Florence on the Elbe” and a fun university town.

(Fun fact: many visitors to Dresden take the Berlin-Dresden-Prague route. The train journey from Dresden to Prague is not only convenient, it’s one of the most picturesque in Europe, winding along the River Elbe past stunning rock formations. So if you’re travelling between Germany and the Czech Republic, you’ll literally be passing by one of Europe’s most beautiful cityscapes)

Explore Dresden’s old town (Altstadt)

Frauenkirche and Neumarkt: Symbols of Resilience

Dresden’s Altstadt (Old Town) is a feast for lovers of history and architecture. Strolling through its cobbled streets, it’s hard to believe that this area was reduced to rubble in 1945 – today it’s grander than ever, thanks to faithful reconstruction. The skyline is dominated by the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), a magnificent Baroque church with a dome and a symbol of peace. Left in ruins for decades after the Second World War as a war memorial, the Frauenkirche was rebuilt and reopened in 2005, using many of its original stones. Its huge sandstone dome is one of the largest in Europe, and the climb up offers a glorious panoramic view of the city. Even if you don’t go up, you can admire it from Neumarkt Square. This church, risen from the ashes, embodies Dresden’s spirit of resistance.

Baroque squares and the Fürstenzug mural

Around the Frauenkirche, the Neumarkt and Altmarkt squares teem with cafés and street artists. The imposing Baroque buildings line the squares, but take note: almost all of them are reconstructions of structures destroyed during the war. As you stroll around, don’t miss the Fürstenzug – a 101 metre long porcelain mural depicting Saxon dukes and kings on horseback. It is, in fact, the largest porcelain work of art in the world, made with 25,000 tiles from Meissen, and miraculously survived the bombings.

Semperoper and Theaterplatz

Just round the corner is the Semperoper, Dresden’s famous opera house. Its ornate Renaissance façade faces Theaterplatz and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a performance or at least get a peek inside its luxurious interior. (Fun tip: students under 27 can sometimes get last-minute tickets to the opera for ~10 euros!)

Zwinger Palace and museum treasures

One of the most impressive complexes in the Altstadt is the Zwinger Palace. Built in 1700 for royal festivities, the Zwinger’s elegant halls and galleries now house several museums. Art enthusiasts should visit the Old Masters Gallery, which houses masterpieces such as Raphael’s Sistine Madonna. There is also a Porcelain Museum and a Maths and Physics Hall with historical instruments. Even if you’re not interested in museums, take a stroll through the Zwinger courtyard, which is free to enter. You’ll find beautiful baroque fountains, statues and gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a budget picnic.

Elbwiesen and the classic skyline view

Speaking of picnics, head to the banks of the River Elbe (the Elbwiesen), just opposite the Old Town. This grassy riverside area offers the classic view of the Dresden skyline, the iconic “Canaletto view” painted by the Italian artist Bellotto centuries ago. Grab a Radeberger beer or two from a supermarket and join the locals relaxing on the grass. The sight of the sun setting behind church towers and palace domes, with the Elbe in the foreground, is magical. On hot days, these meadows fill up with people sunbathing, playing music and enjoying the outdoors. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

If you visit in the summer (usually in July/August), check to see if the Filmnächte am Elbufer film festival is taking place. At night, they project films on a giant screen by the river, with the Old Town lit up in the background. It’s a cinema experience!

More places not to miss in the Old Town

Other highlights of the Old Town include the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace), which houses the Green Vault treasure collection and the historic armoury, and Brühl’s Terrace, a promenade nicknamed “The Balcony of Europe” for its elevated views over the river. Take in whatever catches your eye – perhaps the Albertinum museum of modern art or the Catholic cathedral (Hofkirche), where the heart of Augustus the Strong (a famous Saxon king) is said to be buried.

The Altstadt is compact and best explored on foot. Allow yourself to wander aimlessly and immerse yourself in the Baroque splendour. It’s “nothing short of a miracle” to see how this city has come back to life.

Embrace the New Town (Neustadt) – The hippy heart of Dresden

Welcome to the Neustadt: the alternative soul of Dresden

Cross the Elbe into Neustadt (New Town) and you might feel as if you’ve entered a different world. Ironically, Neustadt is actually older than Altstadt – most of its 19th century buildings survived the war – but today it’s known as the city’s alternative, bohemian neighbourhood. This is the cultural heart of Dresden, Germany, full of colourful street art, trendy boutiques, independent galleries and an atmosphere where anything goes.

Residents are “hippies, social and favour an alternative, relaxed lifestyle”, as one local description puts it. In the warmer months, you’ll see people sitting on terraces or relaxing in Alaun Park with a beer in hand, musicians playing on street corners and perhaps a spontaneous street jam or fire performance after dark. Neustadt is a melting pot of progressive ideas, unique parties and celebrations, and even has its own annual street festival, Bunte Republik Neustadt, every June, where the whole neighbourhood is transformed into a giant block party.

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Neustadt exterior: Street art and hidden courtyards

Start your exploration in the Outer Neustadt (Äußere Neustadt), the dirtiest part north of Albertplatz, which is a haven for street art. Take a stroll or simply wander down the side streets, such as Louisenstraße, Görlitzerstraße and Alaunstraße, to see vibrant murals and graffiti. You might be surprised by the rich concentration of urban art hidden in alleyways and on building façades. Dresden’s street art scene is a little-known surprise, often overshadowed by Berlin’s fame.

A place not to be missed is the Kunsthofpassage, a series of connected courtyards just off Görlitzer Straße. Each courtyard has its own artistic theme. Look out for the famous “singing” drainpipes (when it rains, they create musical sounds) and imaginative sculptures mounted on the walls. The Kunsthofpassage is also home to artistic shops and cute cafés, perfect for a coffee break in a creative atmosphere.

Nearby, don’t miss the Photokiste, a retro black and white photo booth on Louisenstraße. It’s a tradition to get together with your travel buddies and take an analogue photo strip for just 2 euros!

Nightlife in Neustadt: from jazz bars to techno clubs

Neustadt is also the centre of Dresden’s nightlife. At nightfall, the informal atmosphere of the day turns into a bustling scene. There are numerous bars, breweries and discos to suit all tastes. Fancy a relaxed pub with live jazz? A dirty rock bar covered in graffiti? A techno disco in an old factory? Neustadt has it all.

For a typical Dresden snack, have a curry sausage at Curry & Co on Louisenstraße, a local snack bar that won a national curry sausage competition – they offer quirky sauces like peanut or jalapeño cheese, and even a vegan sausage option. Then hop between bars: you’ll find craft beer at Kulturkneipe, creative cocktails at Lebowski Bar and late-night dancing at Katy’s Garage or the legendary Groovestation.

The beauty is that everything is relaxed and unpretentious. It’s easy to strike up conversations and many places have that do-it-yourself charm, with furniture that doesn’t match. It’s very much a “come as you are” kind of scene.

Markets, films and alternatives for relaxation

If discos aren’t your thing, Neustadt still offers plenty of evening entertainment. Visit the Neustadt Night Market (if you’re visiting on a summer weekend) or watch an indie film at the Thalia art cinema. There are also several quirky flea markets – an indoor flea market in Scheune, or the open-air Elbe flea market on Saturdays – where you can browse for vintage clothes, vinyl records or old East German memorabilia.

Even just wandering the streets at night is pleasant; the street art looks different under the neon lights of the bars and you’ll hear music coming from the open windows.

A legacy of rebellion and creativity

If you’re curious about the history of the local counterculture: in the GDR era, Neustadt was a haven for artists and dissidents who occupied abandoned buildings, which gave rise to its anarchic creative spirit. That spirit lives on today in its co-operative bookshops, vegan restaurants and the generally liberal outlook of the people you’ll meet.

Why you shouldn’t miss Neustadt

Don’t leave Dresden without visiting Neustadt. It’s the perfect complement to the grandeur of the Old Town. Here, you’ll find the city’s modern soul, full of youthful energy, creativity and, yes, a good dose of hippy vibes. Whether you’re shopping by day or bar-hopping by night, Neustadt promises an authentic flavour of local Dresden life.

And if you stay at Lollis Homestay, remember: you’re right in the middle of all the action (but still in a safe and cosy environment). Enjoy!

Food and drink: What to eat in Dresden

Traditional Saxon flavours to try

One of the joys of travelling is sampling the local flavour, and Dresden has some unique dishes to offer. Saxon cuisine tends to be healthy, but this city also has a great taste for sweets and a growing international gastronomic scene, especially for young travellers.

Classic sweets: Eierschecke and Stollen

Be sure to try a piece of Dresdner Eierschecke, the city’s signature dessert. The Eierschecke is a three-layer cake, a bottom layer of yeast dough, a middle layer of quark (German cheesecake) and a top layer of vanilla cream whipped with eggs and butter. It’s fluffy, not too sweet and absolutely delicious. A famous Dresden author even lamented that “the Eierschecke has remained unknown to the rest of the world”, so try it here while you can!

Cafés all over the city serve it, but for a special experience, visit the historic Café Schinkelwache, near the Semper Opera House, or the medieval-themed Sophienkeller restaurant, where they sometimes demonstrate the traditional preparation of Eierschecke.

If you’re visiting in December, Christstollen is the star of the holiday season. This dense fruitcake dusted with icing sugar is traditionally made only by local bakers. Pick up a slice at the Dresdner Stollen Christmas Market and accompany it with a warm cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) for a festive winter treat.

Hearty meals: Soups, roasts and dumplings

For something more savoury, try a bowl of Saxon potato soup (Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe), often served with sausage and topped with crispy leeks or sprouts. A great place in the Old Town on a budget is Aha Café, a fair trade café known for its generous and hearty bowl of Kartoffelsuppe with bean sprouts, sunflower seeds and rye bread.

Another local speciality is Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef) served with red cabbage and dumplings, a solid choice at traditional German restaurants such as Pulverturm or Dresdner Dampfschiff.

Drink local: Saxon beer and wine

You can’t leave without trying some of Saxony’s local drinks. Start with a Radeberger Pilsner, the first pilsner brewed in Germany, available on tap in most bars. Fancy something more adventurous? Visit the Watzke Brewery on the Elbe or look for microbrews in the bars of Neustadt.

And yes, Saxony is also a wine region! Try a glass of local white wine like Müller-Thurgau or Riesling from the neighbouring Elbe Valley. Dresden’s restaurants and wine bars often feature bottles from Meissen, a charming wine town upstream.

Cheap backpacker restaurants

On a backpacker’s budget? Dresden has it covered. In Neustadt, head to Curry & Co for gourmet currywurst (six creative sauces and a vegan option) or Fettboy, known for its juicy burgers with brioche or focaccia buns and an unforgettable plum ketchup. Meals here are tasty and affordable, usually between 4 and 8 euros.

Vegetarian and vegan-friendly places

Dresden, especially Neustadt, is great for vegetarians and vegans. Check it out:

• Hot Dog Factory for vegan hot dogs

• Der Dicke Schmidt for vegan döners

• Café OSCAR or Botanischer Garten Café for vegan cakes and snacks

The city’s alternative vibe is fuelling a growing list of plant-based options, so you won’t go hungry here.

Coffee and desserts: where to indulge

Craving caffeine? Get your fix at Oswaldz, an elegant espresso bar often hailed as the best coffee in town, or cosy up at Café Continental in Neustadt.

For dessert lovers, go beyond the Eierschecke for ice cream at the Tiki Bar (Neumann’s) on Görlitzer Strasse. This retro ice cream stand, which has been around since the 1960s, serves creative flavours such as blueberry yoghurt and chocolate with coconut – straight out of GDR nostalgia.

Finally, don’t miss Pfunds Molkerei on Bautzner Strasse – often called “the most beautiful dairy shop in the world”. With hand-painted 19th century tiles on every surface, it’s a visual treat, and its fresh buttermilk and quark desserts are as delicious as they are unique.

Travelling to Dresden: Berlin – Dresden – Prague

One of the advantages of Dresden is its ease of access, especially as part of a Central European railway circuit. If you’re travelling from Berlin or Prague, you have several options:

By train

Germany’s Deutsche Bahn runs fast trains every hour between Berlin and Dresden, and the journey takes around 2 hours. From Dresden to Prague, EuroCity trains leave every two hours and take around 2 hours and 20 minutes. The Dresden-Prague railway route is famous for its scenery: the tracks follow the River Elbe through the mountains of Saxon Switzerland and then along the Czech countryside. Get a window seat – you’ll pass by storybook sandstone cliffs, the fortress of Königstein perched high above, and eventually the beautiful Vltava River as you approach Prague. It’s a trip you’ll want your camera for! Tickets can be very affordable if booked in advance (usually between 20 and 30 euros). In Dresden, there are two main stations: Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main station), in the south of the centre, and Dresden-Neustadt station, which is closer to the hostel and the New Town. If you’re coming from Berlin, you can get off at Neustadt station to save time – many Berlin-Dresden trains stop there before the main station.

By bus

Long-distance buses such as FlixBus and RegioJet frequently connect Berlin, Dresden and Prague. Buses can take a little longer than trains (Berlin-Dresden ~3 hours, Dresden-Prague ~2.5 hours, depending on traffic), but they can be very cheap, sometimes less than 10 euros if you book in advance. FlixBus, for example, has direct routes and often runs late into the night too. The buses usually stop at Dresden Hbf or at the nearest bus station. They are modern buses with Wi-Fi and air conditioning, so it’s a comfortable journey if you want to save money. Don’t forget that delays can occur on the road; the train is more reliable in terms of timetables.

By shared transport/car

If you’re adventurous, you could try using BlaBlaCar (popular in Germany) to hitchhike between cities for a small fee. The journey by car takes around 2 hours to Berlin on the A13 motorway and 1.5 to 2 hours to Prague on the D8 motorway (border control can add some time). Having a car can be useful if you want to explore Saxon Switzerland or the smaller towns around Dresden according to your own timetable. But within the city, you don’t need a car at all (parking in the centre is limited and public transport is great).

Regardless of how you’re travelling, Dresden fits perfectly as a stopover or as a longer stay. A common itinerary is Berlin (3-5 days) → Dresden (2-3 days) → Prague (3-4 days), which gives you the opportunity to visit two capitals, with Dresden as a relaxing break in between. You could even do Dresden as a day trip from Berlin (since a 4-hour round trip is possible), but honestly, it’s recommended that you spend at least one or two nights to get to know its daytime attractions and the Neustadt nightlife scene.

Getting around Dresden

Once in Dresden, getting around is simple and very easy for travellers:

On foot

The historic centre (Altstadt) is compact. You can walk from the main sights of the Old Town to the river and to parts of Neustadt in 15-20 minutes. In fact, from the Lollis Homestay in Neustadt, it’s only about a 15-minute walk to the Old Town across the Augustus Bridge. Walking is the best way to immerse yourself in the cityscape, stumble across statues and plaques and take those Instagram-worthy photos. Dresden is generally safe and pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of pavements and pedestrian crossings. If you’re strolling around the lively Neustadt neighbourhoods in the evening, you’ll usually have plenty of people around until late.

Public transport

Dresden has an excellent network of trams and buses that reach every corner of the city. Trams are super efficient, think of them as metres above the ground. You can buy single tickets (3.40 euros for a single journey in 2025) or a day pass (~9 euros), which is convenient if you plan to travel a lot. There is also the Dresden Welcome Card for tourists, which includes free public transport and discounts on attractions. However, most visitors end up using public transport very little, as most of the tourist attractions can be reached on foot. Nevertheless, you can take the tram if you visit outlying sites such as the Panometer (a 360° panoramic exhibition in a former gasometer) or the Blaues Wunder bridge area. At night, Dresden’s trams and buses continue to run (albeit less frequently), and there are even night bus lines. The Neustadt and the Old Town are connected by tram lines that run at night on weekends, which is great after a night out.

Tickets can be bought from machines (at the main stops or inside the newer trams) – choose English, it’s quite easy. Don’t forget to validate your ticket (stamp it) on the first journey, if it’s a paper ticket. If you’re staying for a few days, a ticket for several days or a ticket for a small group (good value if you’re 2-5 people) can save you money. A useful route: Tram No. 4 can take you from the Neustadt station area to the Hauptbahnhof (main station) and further south. Bus no. 360 goes all the way to Saxon Switzerland if you plan on hiking (although trains are faster).

Bicycles and scooters

Dresden is a bicycle-friendly city in many areas, with cycle paths along the river and throughout the Neustadt. Your hostel can lend bikes (Lollis has free bikes for guests, which is fantastic). It’s a joy to cycle along the Elbe river trail – you can even cycle to the nearest castles or vineyards. Alternatively, app-based e-scooters (such as Lime or TIER) are available in the city; they’re a fun way to cross the bridge or explore the parks, but don’t forget to park them responsibly and watch out for tram tracks when walking.

Local tip

If you want a unique transport experience, try the historic paddle steamers on the Elbe. Dresden has the largest and oldest fleet of steamboats in the world, which function as tourist cruise boats. You can take a steamboat upriver to the beautiful Pillnitz Palace or even to Meissen. It’s a leisurely way to get around (more of a scenic tour than practical transport), but a really memorable one, especially on a sunny day. For example, a steamboat journey to Meissen takes around 2.5 hours and you can return by train in 30 minutes.

In general, Dresden is easy to get around. Many backpackers say they hardly spent anything on transport because they walked everywhere, but it’s good to have options. And remember, if you arrive by train at Dresden Neustadt station, you can probably walk to your accommodation in Neustadt and then to the Old Town without needing a taxi. If you arrive at the main station (Hbf), a quick tram ride or a 20-minute walk will take you to the centre.

Day trips and adventures in the neighbourhood

If you have more time, the outskirts of Dresden offer incredible day trips, from fairytale castles to stunning natural landscapes:

Saxon Switzerland National Park

For nature lovers, this is a must-see! Despite its name, Saxon Switzerland is still in Germany – about an hour south-east of Dresden – and is famous for its dramatic sandstone rock formations in the Elbe river valley. The highlight is the Bastei Bridge, a stone bridge linking imposing cliffs with panoramic views over the Elbe sandstone mountains. You can easily make this half-day trip: take a regional train from Dresden’s Neustadt station to Kurort Rathen (40-50 minutes) and then hike up a well-marked trail (~30 minutes) to the Bastei Bridge viewpoint. The effort is worth it, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially in the morning light or at sunset. Many hostels (including Lollis Homestay) provide free hiking maps and even organise group hikes to Saxon Switzerland, so you can join other travellers for the adventure. Pack a lunch, enjoy the fresh air and be back in Dresden in the evening for a healthy meal. If you’re really keen, there are more trails, even an epic one called the Malerweg (Painter’s Way) that stretches for several days through the park.

Meißen

A charming medieval town just 30 minutes west of Dresden by train. Meißen is famous for its porcelain (the first high-quality porcelain made in Europe, dating back to 1710). You can visit the Meissen Porcelain Factory for a fascinating tour and see the craftsmen hand-painting delicate pieces. The town itself has a beautiful hilltop castle (Albrechtsburg) and cathedral, and narrow cobbled streets lined with wine taverns, because Meißen is also the centre of the Saxony wine region. A fun way to get there is on a paddle steamer on the Elbe (weather permitting), which takes around 2.5 hours one way, passing through vineyards and villages. You can take the boat there, have lunch and wine in Meißen and then take a fast train back. Meißen is much less touristy than other German towns of its calibre, so it feels like a hidden gem.

Moritzburg Castle

If you like castles, Schloss Moritzburg will make your eyes light up. This baroque palace is situated on a small island in the middle of a lake, surrounded by forests. It is about 13 kilometres from Dresden (half an hour by car or accessible by regional bus 326 from Neustadt station). The castle’s mustard-yellow walls and four round towers reflecting in the water make for fairytale photographs. Inside, it is opulently furnished (famous for its collection of deer antler sculptures and a feather room). You can wander the grounds for free – a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic. To get there without a car, take the 326 bus, as mentioned (the VVO day ticket for 13.50 euros covers this region), or in summer there’s a narrow-gauge steam train called the Lößnitzdackel that runs from Radebeul to Moritzburg, which is an experience in itself for train enthusiasts.

Other ideas

Dresden is well placed to visit Bautzen (an hour to the east, known for its medieval towers and Sorbian culture), Görlitz (a beautiful old town used in many films, 1.5 hours away by train), or even Leipzig (1 hour by train to the west, a larger city with an alternative arts and music heritage). If you continue on to Prague, consider a stop at Konigstein Fortress or Pravčická Brána (a natural sandstone arch in Czech Saxon Switzerland) on the way, some specialised tours such as “Berlin to Prague via Dresden” offer these secondary stops. However, for most travellers, Dresden and Saxon Switzerland are the winning combination of city and nature.

(One more interesting detail: Dresden has a quirky seasonal attraction – in winter, you can ride the world’s oldest suspension railway and a funicular in the Loschwitz district for hilltop views. And in summer, there’s even a beach along the Elbe with volleyball courts when the water’s low)

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Where to stay: Lollis Homestay Hostel

A creative base in the new city of Dresden

For backpackers and solo travellers, Lollis Homestay is the place to stay in Dresden. This genuine backpacker hostel is located in the heart of Dresden’s trendy Neustadt (New Town) district, just a 20-minute walk from the historic centre. From the moment you see its façade dotted with murals, you’ll know that Lollis is something special.

Inside, the hostel radiates a cosy, hippie-style charm, full of colour, character and creative energy. Each room is individually decorated by artists – from a Trabant car-themed room to a whimsical Hansel and Gretel space. The owners have created an atmosphere full of personality, using recycled materials to create fun lamps, recycled furniture and handmade decor. It’s a hostel with soul – and perfectly mirrors the bohemian vibe of its neighbourhood.

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Community vibes and social events

But Lollis isn’t just about the decor – it’s about the community. The hostel organises daily social events (except on Fridays) designed to bring guests together. One night you might be treated to a free home-cooked dinner, the next to an improvisation session, a games night or even a Neustadt bar.

They also organise unusual excursions, including walking tours of the city , visits to the Sunday flea market and hikes in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The comfortable common room and ambient music make it easy to relax and connect with other travellers. If you’re travelling alone, this is the kind of place where you’ll end up swapping stories and travel tips over a coffee or a beer – and probably leave with new friends from all over the world.

Comfort, sustainability and cheap rates

Lollis Homestay offers everything you need for a comfortable and conscientious stay. Facilities include:

• A fully equipped kitchen for guests

• Free tea and coffee 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Free Wi-Fi

• Free city maps

The staff are friendly locals, always ready to give you tips for exploring Dresden beyond the usual tourist trails. And if you care about sustainable travel, you’ll appreciate the fact that the hostel runs on green energy and serves vegetarian/vegan breakfast options.

Although Lollis Homestay no longer offers its own bike hire service, they recommend Mobi Bike, a convenient option run by the city. Think of it as a local version of Lime, but with bright yellow bikes that are easy to spot – perfect for exploring Dresden on two wheels.

With beds in dorms starting from around 18 euros (including bed linen) and private rooms from 24 euros, it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for something personal and memorable. It’s no wonder that Lollis Homestay is consistently ranked among the best hostels in Dresden.

The hostel also offers free self-guided hikes, created by its experienced team, to help you traverse some of Saxon Switzerland’s most iconic trails – Bastei Bridge, Lily Stone and Schrammsteine. Each guide includes practical tips and insider advice to make the most of your adventure. Prefer a traditional map in your hand? You can rent detailed hiking maps for a refundable deposit of 5 euros, ensuring that you are well prepared for the journey.

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Why Lollis feels like home

If you’re looking for an authentic, communal experience, Lollis offers it. Whether you’re relaxing on the floor cushions with a guitar playing nearby or heading out for a pub crawl with other guests, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

At the Lollis, you don’t just visit Dresden – you become part of its creative heart.

Final thoughts

Dresden is a city that truly captivates those who venture off the beaten track. It offers an ideal balance: during the day, you can immerse yourself in the high culture and history of the Altstadt and, in the evening, relax with a craft beer in a courtyard adorned with graffiti in the Neustadt. The city’s journey from near destruction to glorious rebirth is evident everywhere, giving it a poignant depth. And thanks to places like Lollis Homestay, travellers can connect directly with a friendly community that shares tips, stories and a genuine love for the place.

So if you’re planning your Berlin-Prague itinerary, do yourself a favour and make Dresden a stop (if not the highlight) of your trip. Whether you’re hiking sandstone cliffs, playing guitar at night in a hostel or gawping under the illuminated Frauenkirche, Dresden has a way of leaving a lasting impression. It’s less touristy than its neighbours, but just as rich in experiences – a sustainable and culturally vibrant destination that’s absolutely worth it. Take your curiosity (and perhaps an appetite for cake and beer) and enjoy every facet of this fascinating city. Dresden may surprise you and steal a piece of your traveller’s heart. Bon voyage – or as they say in German, Gute Reise!

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