Loacker

Hi peeps,

I'll be spending 5 days in Prague in August.
I'm trying to decide whether a day trip to Dresden would be worth it?
Personally, I'd rather spend the whole time in Prague, but my friends are set on visiting Dresden.

I'm someone who enjoys well-preserved cities, so the fact that Dresden has been rebuilt from scratch kinda makes it less interesting it for me. Also, from pictures, it looks kinda dull compared to Prague.

Wouldn't a day-trip to Cesky Krumlov be more interesting?

rs899

If this is your first trip to Prague, I would stay there.

Dresden is interesting enough, but as you say, much has been rebuilt.

Dull?

You may find Prague overrun with tourists in August. Dresden will offer a break from that, at least.

massimop

Why not have your friends go while you stay in Prague for the day? When I travel I don't like to "drag" people to things I want to see and they don't, because if something goes wrong then I feel very badly. I certainly don't want them coming if they are going to express their negative views of the place.

Also, I would not try to talk a group of people who want to go to Dresden into the idea that some other day trip is more interesting (according to social media). Of course you suggest it and give them stuff to read, and maybe they will all decide you're right. But I don't think you want to steer everybody to the kind of town you think you would prefer. What happens if it isn't what you expected or is unpleasant in some way for everybody?

WMPT

I enjoyed Dresden, there are still things to see as its a small area to explore. Its a great small city.

Dukey1

I don't quite understand: you want to spend "the whole time in Prague" and are now asking about a day trip to somewhere else in the Czech Republic.

We are going to Dresden next year but doing so to see the things which are INSIDE those rebuilt buildings.

I love Prague and agree, depending on what you are interested in, that your friends should be encouraged to visit Dresden while you stay behind.

danon

I spent five nights (four full days ) days in Prgue ...it was enough time...for me.
The city is beautiful, but easily covered There are some nice small museums but none that take hours.
Dresden's old town could be a nice change ..Green Vault and more will keep you busy.. I stayed 2 nights in Dresden

Loacker

Thanks. From your answers I sense that Dresden is not that much of a must-see.

Ingo

I suggest you stay away from Dresden. Although you are totally wrong about it being rebuilt from scratch, it would certainly be a disappointment for you. Frankly, Dresden already has too many visitors that enjoy the city very much, no need for more tourists being dragged there from their friends against their wish.

rs899

I personally was interested in it from a historical perspective. I was interested in how it looked after having such a horrific past. I saw [in 1993] the Frauenkirche laid out in a big parking lot like a giant jigsaw puzzle, then the next time back [2005] saw it back together in all its glory.

Loacker

I just don't know why it hasn't lured me. Most people are like "it's a neat town", but no one is overly enthusiastic about it. It just doesn't seem to wow its visitors.

greg

If you have to ask this question, it is not worth going. These is a matter of taste question. Just as you might draw a boundary around certain cities that appeal to you, I am surrounded mostly by people who feel Prague or for that matter anywhere in Europe or anywhere outside their small city to be worth visiting.

As others mentioned, it seems the most obvious solution is to let your friends go to Dresden on their own and you stay in Prague unless you guys are joined at the hip.

I have been to both Prague and Dresden. I just visited Dresden last December again. I like Dresden for what it is not like Prague. It is still a less visited German city. You see the resilience of people bringing back the former glory. The transformation of the city center during last decade, as mentioned by a poster above, is stunning. It seems Dresden, being a later city to be reconstructed, has learned the lessons from other European capitals rebuilt after the war.

Prague is very beautiful and gleaming, but for that reason it is crushed by flag waving tour groups. Of course, just a few blocks from usual tourists routes, you find tranquility even in Prague.

PalenQ

Thanks. From your answers I sense that Dresden is not that much of a must-see.>

For most it would be but your criteria precludes you from overlooking its dreadful socialist-era tower blocks framing the modern main square that you have to go thru to get to the deftly and neatly restored old Dresden - Florence on the Elbe that is the dreamy old-world city you crave though a vest-pocket in size compared to the city as a whole.

Been there thrice - loved it everytime - have not been there for years and can only imagine how the Elbe front shines now.

I think Cesky Krumlov and or Cesky Budejovice would be more your cup of tea - CB being the original Budweiser town. Or go with the group to Dresden but get off at Saxon Switzerland and see some amazing scenery - train goes right thru it - a highlight of the trip.

https://www.google.com/search?q=saxo...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Sit on the east side of the train for the best views!

Be sure to book trains ASAP for discounted tickets- 29 euros or so each way- book at Czech Railways sight. www.seat61.com has tips on this - general train info also www.budgeteuropetravel.com (their online European Planning & Rail Guide Czech section has info on other days trips in CzRep by train) and www.ricksteves.com.

WMPT

Dresden makes a nice over night stop on the way from Prague to Berlin by train. One day in Dresden is enough to see the sights. Its a gem of a city, so try to work it in if you can.

massimop

Where did you get the information people are not "wowed" by Dresden? From 4 answers on this message forum? By the way, could I talk to you about a business proposition? Do you realize the potential in investing in bridges?

Why Dresden Is One of The Best Places to Visit in Germany
http://monkeysandmountains.com/dresd...sit-in-germany

"Arguably the prettiest of German cities, Dresden"
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/...n-8561648.html

10 Reasons to Fall in Love with Dresden
https://www.chronic-wanderlust.com/1...-with-dresden/

one could go on and on...

But why on earth should you need to "prove" to yourself there's nothing interesting about Dresden? You aren't interested. That's enough. Travel where you want to go. Simple.

LSky

Prague is much more interesting than Dresden. I agree with WMPT stop off on the way to Berlin but I would have cried if we'd made a special trip just for Dresden.

massimop, everyone gets their opinion. From one of your articles, "close to Saxon Switzerland"
Yes, and Sächsische Schweiz is beautiful, still no reason to go to Dresden.

I'm happy they found a way to brighten up some of the communist architecture, should be done anyway.

Dresden was completely rebuilt and the did retain some beautiful things. If someone is in the neighborhood, Dresden is nice. I will never forget the meal I had outside of Dresden but I barely recall the city itself.

Loacker

Thanks for the tips guys.

Despite your amazingly well-thought marketing pitch, I'm still not sold on the idea of going to Dresden.
Its architecture looks really boring to me. I don't know why.

I guess I'm not a fan of German Baroque architecture.

Melnq8

Then don't go.

Easy, peasy.

We really enjoyed our four nights there, and could easily have stayed longer.

Dresden is a city of contrasts. Stalinesque architecture intermingling with historic landmarks is something I’ve not seen before and will not soon forget.

CausticDude

Actually Im not sure u gonna see much through 1 day, just major sites, memorials and stuff.. The best idea would be to take a local sightseeing bus

PalenQ

Despite your amazingly well-thought marketing pitch, I'm still not sold on the idea of going to Dresden.>

Why ask a loaded question when you know what the reponses will be and what your criteria is and what your answer will be- same as with your Berlin Q recently?

There is nothing no one could rave about Dresden that would change your mind -that said your criteria is fine but why play around? I think it's myopically throwing the baby out with the bathwater but still it's what you desire.

It was called Florence on the Elbe because it was a Renaissance and Baroque Wonder and parts are once again.

In a good spirit - cheers!

PhillyFan

I very much want to go to Dresden. ZwingerPalace looks beautiful. It's art museum has a Vermeer and Raphael.