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, 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.

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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 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.

The domed Dresden Frauenkirche church looms over the city, making it easy to always find your way back to Old Town after exploring other areas of Dresden. Some of the best hotels in Dresden are found in and around Old Town, making it an excellent place to stay.

Best places to stay in Dresden Old Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Dresden Old Town
cityherberge
Jugendgastehaus Dresden
Elbe’s Hotel Dresden
a&o Dresden Hauptbahnhof

Budget Hotels in Dresden Old Town
Am Terrassenufer Hotel
The Student Hotel Dresden
The Student Hotel Dresden
Ibis Budget Dresden City

Mid range Hotels in Dresden Old Town
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
Hapimag Resort Dresden
Star Inn Hotel Premium
Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe

Family Friendly Hotels in Dresden Old Town
Holiday Inn Express Dresden City Centre
Aparthotel Neumarkt
Amedia Plaza Dresden
Vienna House QF Dresden

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Dresden Old Town
Gewandhaus Dresden
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski
Bulow Palais

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

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.

Best places to stay in Neustadt

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Neustadt
Elbe’s Hotel Dresden
Kangaroo-Stop Hostel
Hostel Louise 20
cityherberge

Budget Hotels in Neustadt
Hotel Am Waldschloesschen
B&B Hotel Dresden
Schiffsherberge Poeppelmann
Motel One Dresden-Palaisplatz

Mid range Hotels in Neustadt
The Westin Bellevue Dresden
Romantik Hotel Bulow Residenz
Hofgarten 1824
Maritim Hotel Dresden

Family Friendly Hotels in Neustadt
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Aparthotels Muenzgasse
Hilton Dresden Hotel
Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Neustadt
Bulow Palais
Hotel Suitess
Heinrich-Schuetz-Residenz
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

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.

Best places to stay in Outer New Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Outer New Town
Hostel Lollis Homestay
Hostel Mondpalast Dresden
Hostel Louise 20
LaLeLu Hostel

Budget Hotels in Outer New Town
Guesthouse Mezcalero
Sportpension Dresden
Motel One Dresden-Palaisplatz
Schiffsherberge Poeppelmann

Mid range Hotels in Outer New Town
Hotel Rothenburger Hof
Akzent Hotel Privat – Das Nichtraucherhotel
Hotel Pension Mezzaluna
Park Inn by Radisson Dresden

Family Friendly Hotels in Outer New Town
Best Western Macrander Hotel Dresden
Courtyard by Marriott Dresden
Quality Hotel Plaza Dresden
NH Dresden Neustadt

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Outer New Town
Bulow Palais
Hotel Suitess
Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

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 Hotels in Radebeul
West Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Radebeul
Hotel Villa Constantia
City Hotel Dresden Radebeul
Radisson Blu Park Hotel & Conference Centre

Family Friendly Hotels in Radebeul
Ferienhof Dittrichs Erben
Goldener Anker

Radebeul, Germany - Houses and restaurants in the district Kötzschenbroda

Blasewitz – Where to stay near 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 Hotels in Blasewitz
Alttolkewitzer Hof
Hotel Gutshof Hauber

Mid range Hotels in Blasewitz
Am Blauen Wunder
Pension am Grossen Garten

Family Friendly Hotels in Blasewitz
Villa Freisleben Aparthotel

View over the river Elbe to Dresden, Germany.

Laubegast – Where to stay near 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.