Dresden has something to offer all visitors whether retirees, young and independent types or families with little ones in tow. The Großer Garten perhaps has the greatest all-round appeal, especially during the summer when it draws visitors of all ages for relaxation, games and sporting activities. Come wintertime, if you can brave the cold, the ice rink at the Ostragehege Sports Park is where the action is at.

Fishing
The Elbe River runs through the city and offers great opportunities for angling enthusiasts to indulge in their passion. A licence is necessary to fish in Germany; however, visitors with a valid licence from their own country and an accurate translation into German are usually eligible to apply for a 90-day visitor’s permit called a Besucher-Fishereischein. The permit is issued at government offices.

Großer Garten
The Big Garden (the Großer Garten) covers a spacious area and incorporates a variety of different sections. There are walking and cycling paths, open grassy areas and even a miniature train ride for the little ones. Phone: +49 351 491 92 100.

Ice-skating
During the winter season, head for the Ostragehege Sports Park where both indoor and outdoor skating can be enjoyed. The indoor rink covers a 1,600-square-metre area and is connected via a tunnel to the large outdoor speed-skating track. Skates are available for hire and a snack bar offers a variety of refreshments. Phone: +49 351 488 52 52.

Walking
The banks of the Elbe River are the perfect location to enjoy a leisurely stroll on a warm summer afternoon or a brisk walk on a cold winter one. Rollerbladers and cyclists also frequent the banks, but everyone’s respectful of each other’s space. The bank that runs alongside the Old Town is the smoothest and therefore the one the best suited to rollerblading.

Zoo Dresden
The fourth-oldest zoo in the country is located within the grounds of the Great Garden and has been a feature of the city since 1861. Calling the zoo home are some 3,000 animals representing close to 400 different species. There are animals from every continent on the planet and an especially large collection of Asian beasts. Phone: +49 351 478060; www.zoo-dresden.de

Something of a dream destination for culture seekers and history enthusiasts, Dresden offers fascinating venues detailing a variety of aspects of the city’s rich heritage. The Zwinger Palace is perhaps the highlight and the attraction with the broadest appeal, particularly when you consider the wealth of treasures it is home to. For a look at the historical rise and fall of the city, be sure to check out the City Historical Museum.

Burg Stolpen
Anna Constanze, the Countess of Cosel (and mistress of August the Strong) was held prisoner in this medieval fortress for nearly half a century. Visitors to the decaying building can see the cell in which she was incarcerated as well as other interesting rooms, including the gruesome torture chamber. The castle also houses a small museum featuring artefacts from its days as a prison. Phone: +49 3597 32 3410.

Carl Maria von Weber Museum
Carl Maria Von Weber, a famous German musician, used this house that now serves as a museum as his summer residence between 1818 and 1824. In the museum’s collection are a variety of artefacts relating to the musician, including manuscripts, paintings and personal items. Come summertime, the gardens around the house are used for Classicistical music concerts.Phone: +49 351 261 8234.

City Historical Museum
The building that houses this museum was rebuilt following its destruction by Allied air raids in WWII. The original building dated back to the mid-17th century and like its successor, it was used for government purposes. The museum’s collection includes various photographs, archives and artefacts detailing the city’s development as well as exhibits describing the extensive bombing campaign that reduced the city to ruins. Phone: +49 351 498 660.

Japanese Palais
If fine architecture is your thing, be sure to visit to the Japanese Palace on Grosser Meissner Strasse. Construction on this magnificent late Baroque-Classicistic style building began in 1714, and enlargements were made between 1723 and 1733. The palace was originally intended to serve as a venue for storing and displaying the impressive ceramics collection of Augustus the Strong.

Residenzschloss
The building’s name translates as ‘Royal Palace’, which is appropriate considering that it was once the Saxon royal family’s official residence. Construction on the palace began as early as the 12th century and continued into the 19th century, hence the palace features Baroque, Romantic, Renaissance and neo-Renaissance influences. World War II air raids caused significant damage to the palace; however, an extensive repair programme has brought it close to its original splendour. Phone: +49 351 491 46 22.

Zwinger Palace
Unquestionably one of the city’s finest architectural treasures, Zwinger Palace was the work of architect Matthäus Pöppelmann and was constructed between 1710 and 1728. Popular opinion holds that the palace is Germany’s finest example of late Baroque architecture. Besides it’s stunning exterior, it houses a number of museums and exhibitions including the Armoury, the Zoological Museum and the Old Masters Picture Gallery. Phone: +49 351 491 92 100.

Dresden enjoys the tasty cuisine typical of the Saxony region, hearty fare that’s generally heavy on proteins and carbohydrates. Meat and potatoes are dominant ingredients and are often served up together in delicious hot soups and stews. Dresden is also famous for its stollen, a rich fruitcake typically consumed at Christmas time.

The city has plenty of restaurants at which you can enjoy local delicacies as well as its fair share offering international fare. The Neustadt, or New Town, is home to the greatest concentration of restaurants and the broadest selection. For reasonably priced food, head for Albertplatz or the eastern quarter of the city. The Frauenkirche area is home to a good selection also, but prices tend to higher here.

Shoppers will find Dresden caters to all needs and tastes whether it’s traditional local goods you are looking for or branded products. For the former, the Markt Halle is the best place to head; this multi-level shopping emporium contains numerous market stalls that sell everything from food to handicrafts and home furnishings. If you want to see an authentic slice of Dresden life or pick up something unique or unusual, then this is the place to head.

For mall-style shopping, the newly built Altmarkgalerie is among the best places to head. This large modern-designed building offers everything from designer clothes shops to electronics retailers. There are places to eat and drink inside also. The city’s main outdoor shopping area is Prager Strasse, a long road that connects Wiener Platz with Waisenhausstrasse. It contains a wide variety of retail outlets as well as restaurants and cinemas.