Where to stay in Dresden [Most Comprehensive Guide for 2023]

Wonderful Cityscape, The old town of Dresden with the river Elbe after sunset with colorful sky. Evening view of Academy of Fine Arts and Baroque church Frauenkirche cathedral. Creative image.

So you are planning a visit to the “Florence of Germany.” While Dresden Germany is perhaps best known for the total devastation incurred during WWII, the city has been rebuilt and has much to offer travelers who come here.

Most of the best attractions in Dresden are closely centered around the Old Town area, making it a very walkable city.

Should you choose one of the Dresden hotels outside of the city center, the public transportation system in Dresden includes 12 tram routes and 27 bus routes, so you’ll be able to get around easily, no matter where you stay in Dresden.

Using our guide to the best areas of Dresden, we can help you decide where to stay in Dresden, Germany. We will cover off all types of Dresden accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Dresden hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Dresden Germany 2023.

This guide shows the best Dresden hotels, best places in Dresden to visit, the best places to stay in Dresden, hotels near Dresden attractions, Dresden neighborhood guide and many more.

Below are 7 of the best neighborhoods in Dresden to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Dresden for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Dresden so you can use this as a go to guide to pick the best accommodation in Dresden for you.

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Table of Contents

Old Town – Where to stay in Dresden for first timers

Dresden’s Old Town, or Altstadt, is the best area for tourists who are visiting Dresden for the first time, or for visitors who only have a short time to stay in Dresden.

Altstadt is full of places to stay for first-time visitors and travellers alike. Whether you’re looking for luxurious accommodations or something more moderate, the area has plenty of options.

For those who want to get the most out of their Dresden visit, staying close to the city centre can’t be beaten. At Rathaus Dresden, guests will find themselves in the heart of the city’s culture and entertainment. The hotel itself offers modern amenities and an unbeatable atmosphere.

Dresden Hbf is another great option for those seeking convenience in their accommodation. It’s just a short walk away from countless attractions such as Dresden Castle, Frauenkirche, and Zwinger Palace. Guests also have access to shops, restaurants and nightlife nearby.

The German Hygiene Museum is another great place to stay during your time in Dresden. With its modern design and convenient location near downtown Dresden, it makes a great base for exploring the city’s many attractions while still offering comfortable lodging with friendly staff and various amenities.

Zoo Dresden is another great option for travellers looking for a unique experience in a different part of the city. This zoo boasts over 200 species of animals from around the world plus numerous interactive exhibits that are perfect for both adults and children alike!

For something truly luxurious during your stay in Dresden, The Grand Garden Palace is definitely worth considering! This grand hotel sits at the edge of The Grand Garden of Dresden which adds an extra layer to your stay by giving you access to one of the city’s most beautiful parks without having to leave its limits!

Best places to stay in Dresden Old Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Dresden Old Town

Budget accommodation in Dresden Old Town

Mid range accommodation in Dresden Old Town

Family Friendly accommodation in Dresden Old Town

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Dresden Old Town

Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection

DRESDEN, GERMANY - Horse carriage ride at Neumarkt square in Altstadt (Old Town) district of Dresden, the 12th biggest city in Germany.

Innere Altstadt – Where to stay in Dresden for Tourists

Dresden’s Innere Altstadt is the best area to stay in Dresden for tourists and travellers who want to explore the rich cultural attractions of the city.

Innere Altstadt sits on the left bank of the Eble River and is the cultural hub of Dresden. Despite the destruction of World War II, Old Town was rebuilt to retain the same architectural diversity of Renaissance, Baroque and 19th-century styles.

Fürstenzug, also known as the Procession of Princes, is a must-see mural located in the Old Town, spanning an entire side of the building at Augustusstraße.

Brühl’s Terrace, known as ‘balcony of Europe’, is another popular destination located nearby. Kurländer Palais and Dresden Castle are two historic landmarks right near the city centre that offer unparalleled views of the city skyline.

For those interested in learning more about Dresden’s history, a visit to Dresden Transport Museum is highly recommended.

With its interactive exhibits and interesting displays, this museum provides visitors with enlightening information about Dresden’s transportation network over time.

Best places to stay in Innere Altstadt

Budget accommodation in Innere Altstadt

Mid range accommodation in Innere Altstadt

Family Friendly accommodation in Innere Altstadt

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Innere Altstadt

Dresden, Germany - Procession of Princes (Furstenzug) on the outside wall of Dresden Castle

Neustadt – Where to stay in Dresden on a budget

Across the river from Old Town, you’ll find the Dresden area known as Neustadt. Don’t let the name “New Town” fool you, Neustadt is just as historic as Old Town, but there’s a distinctively hip vibe here, as opposed to the tourist hub of Altstadt.

This is a budget-friendly area where it’s possible to find cheap hostels in Dresden that still offer a convenient, central location.

While you can easily reach Old Town on foot, Neustadt also has many attractions. Foodies will love exploring the Neustadt Market Hall, and you can also visit the Japanese Palace, Military History Museum and the Jewish Cemetery.

Neustadt, or Dresden New Town is a bustling district of Dresden offering a variety of options for budget travellers looking for the best places to stay in the city.

The Neustädter Markthalle is perfect for visitors wanting to experience local culture and cuisine – it’s a traditional market hall full of regional specialities from food to fashion.

For people looking for an iconic view, the Golden Rider is a must-see – perched on top of a hill it offers stunning panoramic views across Dresden. The Japanisches Palais is a neoclassical palace located in Neustadt, and its breathtaking architecture makes sure it stands out from the crowd.

Canaletto-Blick also has an incredible skyline view – just be sure to wrap up warm if you fancy admiring the sunset here!

Best places to stay in Dresden New Town

Budget accommodation in Dresden New Town

Mid range accommodation in Dresden New Town

Family Friendly accommodation in Dresden New Town

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Dresden New Town

Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palais

GERMANY, DRESDEN - buildings with street art in kunsthofpassage artistic neighborhood

Outer New Town – Where to stay in Dresden for nightlife

Dresden’s Outer New Town, or Äußere Neustadt, is a lively area of Dresden known for nightlife. In addition to nightclubs and pubs, you’ll find many restaurants, plus theaters and cinemas in the area around Sebnitzer Strasse.

This is a great place to stay in Dresden if you are looking for a more local experience, as you’ll be mingling with more residents than tourists in Outer New Town.

This is a foodie haven, with many trendy restaurants and pop-up shops throughout the neighborhood.

Since it is also residential, you’ll find it surprisingly family-friendly despite a few noisy streets that are easily avoided. Grocery shops and artisan boutiques are easy to find and convenient for families staying in apartment rentals.

Last but not least, check out Kunsthofpassage Dresden, which is home to some interesting art galleries and creative surprises around every corner!

Best places to stay in Äußere Neustadt

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Äußere Neustadt

Budget accommodation in Äußere Neustadt

Mid range accommodation in Äußere Neustadt

Family Friendly accommodation in Äußere Neustadt

DRESDEN, GERMANY - People visit restaurants in Neustadt district of Dresden. Neustadt is a hip district of quirky restaurants and alternative shopping.

Radebeul – Where to stay in Dresden for relaxation

If you prefer a more suburban location for your stay in Dresden, the area of Radebeul is just 20 minutes by car or tram to central Dresden.

Sometimes referred to as the “Nice of Germany,” Radebeul is one of the richest towns in Germany.

Radebeul has a history as a wine-growing region and is home to the writer Karl May, who is still widely celebrated at the Karl May Museum and an annual festival.

This is the perfect destination for a laid-back vacation if you would like to tour vineyards, enjoy a small-town atmosphere and take day trips into Dresden.

Best places to stay in Radebeul

Budget accommodation in Radebeul

Mid range accommodation in Radebeul

Family Friendly accommodation in Radebeul

Radebeul, Germany - Houses and restaurants in the district Kötzschenbroda

Blasewitz – Where to stay in Dresden with family

Another tranquil suburban option outside of Dresden is the town of Blasewitz. Blasewitz is quite large on its own, with six distinct quarters, including Striesen.

Blasewitz is best known for the central square called Schillerplatz. Several beer gardens line the Elbe River, including the very popular SchillerGarten beer garden.

The Dresden Zoo and Grand Garden of Dresden are near this area as well. Overall, Blasewitz is a nice family-friendly place to stay near Dresden, and you can reach Dresden Old Town in under 30 minutes by train.

Best places to stay in Blasewitz

Budget accommodation in Blasewitz

Mid range accommodation in Blasewitz

Family Friendly accommodation in Blasewitz

View over the river Elbe to Dresden, Germany.

Laubegast – Where to stay in Dresden for long term travel

Further along the Elbe River, past Blasewitz, lies the town of Laubegast. Just 30 minutes from Dresden by public transit, Laubegast.

This is a wonderful, quiet neighborhood in easy commuting distance of Old Town Dresden. Enjoy local parks and grocery stores, the riverfront and many shops and restaurants.

A stay in Laubegast is the perfect location for long-term visitors or families who plan to rent an apartment for a more low-key holiday.

Best places to stay in Laubegast

Budget accommodation in Laubegast

Mid range accommodation in Laubegast

Family Friendly accommodation in Laubegast

Wilsdruff, Germany - Street view with shops and residential buildings in the early morning in a small town Wilsdruff, a suburb of Dresden, Germany. Dresden is 14 km from the town.

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Dresden

❤️ Best Area first timers	Dresden’s Old Town, or Altstadt
💸 Best Luxury Hotel	Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss
👪 Best Hotel for For Families	Aparthotel Villa Freisleben
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel	NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
🛏️ Best Budget Hotel	Motel One Dresden – Palaisplatz
✨ Best Hostel	Hostel Lollis Homestay Dresden

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