How to spend top weekend in Dresden - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Dresden is a very popular European destination, known for its numerous historic places of interest, so there’s no wonder why the city is very popular with fans of excursions. However, even such a popular tourist city still has its hidden places, finding which is very interesting, especially for fans of unusual pastime. Bruhls Terrace is one of the places that are not very well-known to the majority of tourists. Bruhls Terrace is also famous under an unofficial name, “the Balcony of Europe”. In order to reach that terrace, visitors need to come to Schlossplatz and head to the wide ladder that will bring them to a magnificent terrace with panoramic views of the Elbe River and marvelous buildings on its banks.

Do you want to find one of the most hidden historic landmarks of Dresden? If so, it’s time to start searching for Napoleon stone! Many important events in the history of Dresden are connected with the name of the great French emperor. Napoleon visited the city many times and stayed at different palaces. In 1813, he lived in the palace of Marcolinipalais. The famous battle of Dresden happened in the same year, with the Napoleon army fighting against the Bohemian army that was led by Field Marshal Schwarzenberg. The battle was won by Napoleon, and in order to memorize his victory, the French emperor laid a special stone marked with the letter”N”. This stone has stood on the square for more than 200 years.

When sightseeing and observation of historic landmarks become somewhat boring, it’s high time to make a ride on Dresden funicular. The funicular road is an essential part of the city transport system, and it connects the neighborhoods of Loschwitz and Weisser Hirsch. The launch of the funicular happened yet in 1895, the total length of its lines is 547 meters. A ride in the historic funicular is a wonderful experience, and one will enjoy a breath-taking panorama of the city from its cabins. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One more unusual landmark of Dresden can be found in a crowded and noisy place, on the Elbe waterfront. This is the oldest mailbox in Europe. Just like many other mailboxes in Dresden, this one is painted yellow and is attached to the beaten fence that separates the waterfront. Don’t forget to find this interesting historic landmark, which is often neglected by many travelers.

Not sure how to make your vacation in Dresden more romantic? Visit the Globetrotter sports shop that can be safely called one of the most romantic places in the city. Here, besides a great number of pavilions with sports equipment, you will find a giant swimming pool that is located right in the heart of the shopping mall. Visitors are welcome to make a boat ride on this pool free of charge, enjoying the surrounding illumination and shiny display windows. There is one more unusual place in this mall – a frost room. The temperature is low all year round in that room and equals -25C. Such an unusual room was built in order to test winter sports clothes. Everyone is welcome to enter the room and make interesting memorable photographs with snowy walls and ice benches. The entrance is free as well.

When it’s time to buy souvenirs, head to Ratags, which is located in building 6 on Kunsthandwerk an der Kreuzkirche. This shop sells amazing wooden handmade souvenirs. Beautiful Christmas ornaments and toys, as well as thematic souvenirs with symbols of Dresden, can be purchased all year round at Ratags.

When you’re hungry, don’t go to one of the nearby cafes and head to Molkerei Pfund instead. This old dairy shop is located on Bautzner Straße. Here you can drink a glass of delicious milk or kefir just for 1 euro, try different sorts of local cheese and other delicacies made from milk. This shop opened yet in 1879 and so it’s also a beautiful historic place. There are several tables for guests inside the shop.