Rick Steves’ Europe: Vibrant, Historic Dresden Is Worth a Detour

Dresden met with destruction during the second world war, but today, the city is young again.

A statue of Protestant reformer Martin Luther looms large outside the lovingly rebuilt Frauenkirche, which had lain in ruins for nearly six decades since being destroyed in the Allied firebombing of Dresden in World War II. Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli, Rick Steves’ Europe

Intriguing Dresden, Germany, winds up on far fewer American itineraries than it deserves to. Don’t make that mistake. Since its horrific firebombing in World War II, the city has transitioned to a thriving cultural center that’s well worth a visit. Even with only a day to spare, Dresden is a doable side trip from bigger attractions like Berlin or Prague.

The burg surprises visitors with fanciful Baroque architecture in a delightful-to-stroll cityscape, a history that mingles tragedy with inspiration, and some of Germany’s best museum-going. A generation ago, Dresden was dreary, but today it’s young and vibrant, crawling with proud locals, cheery tourists, and happy-go-lucky students who have no memory of communism.