For a long time, Dresden’s fame has unfortunately been attributed to its claim to being one of the most bombed cities of World War II. However, over the last decade or so it has successfully acquired a name for itself as a city with much to offer in the way of visitor attractions. With many of its old palaces and period buildings restored to their former glory, this is a destination with striking beauty and form at the turn of every corner.

Few cities in Germany have the wealth of attractions that Dresden boasts. The beautiful Zwinger Palace with its fascinating museums can't be missed: the same can be said about the Royal and Japanese palaces. Museums such as the Carl Maria von Weber Museum and City Historical Museum offer visitors a greater insight into some of the people and forces that have influenced the city over the years.

Family visitors and those wanting to enjoy outdoor and leisure activities will find plenty to occupy their time. Warm summer weather makes the Great Garden and the banks of the River Elbe attractive destinations, while compensating for the icy chills of winter is the fun-packed skating rink at Ostragehege Sports Park.

As part of the Saxony region, Dresden enjoys some fantastic cuisine and visitors are offered more than ample opportunity to sample it at the city’s wide variety of restaurants and public houses. With an abundance of establishments offering international cuisine also, Dresden’s dining scene caters to all tastes.

The city has a well-established visitor infrastructure which includes a wide selection of accommodation options. There are a few budget venues on hand for backpacking tourists as well as upmarket hotels for those wanting luxury. However, the majority of hotels tend to fall in the mid-range category. For visitors wanting the reassurance of an international chain, there are branches of Hilton and Radisson on hand. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Getting to the city is easy enough, with its own major international airport providing easy and speedy access from a large number of European cities and destinations beyond. Getting around the city is a breeze too, with trams, buses and trains making light work of moving between popular attractions. The city is car-friendly and renting a vehicle during your holiday can be a comfortable and convenient way of getting around.

Dresden experiences four distinct seasons, making it a city with relatively predictable weather conditions. Summers is the best season in which to schedule a holiday, as temperatures are warmest at this time of year, making for better sightseeing conditions. The mercury can reach as high as the mid-20s (°C) in July and August but drops considerably in September. Rainfall is frequent in the summer, with June and July being the wettest months.

Winter is Dresden can be extremely cold with subzero temperatures common in December and January and snow a frequent feature. If you plan on taking a Christmas holiday in the city, be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes, including gloves, hats and scarfs.