Go beyond Dresden’s Old Town, cross the Elbe and explore Neustadt, a district that has changed so many times in the past. From a fishing village, through a magnificent Baroque city, past the Industrial Revolution and wartime destruction, to the political and cultural ferment of the early 1990s! Join us to feel the true spirit of Dresden!
Neustadt, which literally means ‘new town’, is not all that new. It dates back to the 11th century, when a small fishing village was settled here. To add to confusion, it was originally called “Altendresden” (Old Dresden), as it is where the original Slavic settlements existed. It soon grew into a town with its own market square and a church. All this was reduced to ashes in a devastating fire in 1685, only to be rebuilt in a much more spectacular and monumental form at the request of Augustus the Strong. Now renamed the New Royal City, it gave the area its current name. Despite the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, some amazing baroque buildings survived and can still be admired here. In stark contrast to the palatial Innere Neustadt is the outer Neustadt (Äußere Neustadt), an area born as a result of the Industrial Revolution, full of factories and shops established to meet the needs of the growing population. One of them is now known today as the most beautiful milk shop in the world. 1989, a time of change, brought new challenges to Neustadt: factories disappeared, some were turned into clubs and art galleries, while others were demolished to make way for residential buildings. The place where the artists used to live was no longer affordable for them. So they revolted – in 1990 the Bunte Republik Neustadt (“The Colourful Republic of the New Town”) was founded, rejecting the introduction of capitalism and declaring itself an independent state. Although it didn’t last long, it left an indelible mark on the cultural face of the area, and its ideas are still remembered here.
Our walk will start at the Golden Rider, the most conspicuous statue in the area, setting the tone for the first part of our tour through the Inner New Town, which has the largest number of baroque buildings in Dresden! We will walk along the Königstraße to see some of the most beautiful houses and the Albertplatz with its charming fountains. We will see the Kügelgenhaus, where artists and thinkers, including Caspar David Friedrich, discussed romantic ideas, and stop at the Dreikönigskirche, once the city’s parish church. Then the atmosphere will change as we head into the area covered by graffiti and street art, known for its counter-culture: the Outer New Town. Many say it has the best club and pub scene in Germany! Walking around, you will see some of the coolest bars and cafés. We will stop at the Kunsthofpassage, a complex of a few courtyards that have been transformed by local artists into wonderful art zones. We will show you the famous Assi-Eck intersection, the hub of nightlife, and the popular Martin Luther Square. We will then pass by the Old Jewish Cemetery and end our tour in front of the most beautiful milk shop in the world, decorated with neo-Renaissance tiles.
Join us to see the two contrasting faces of Neustadt and learn about its fascinating history. Discover the transformation of this vibrant district and see how its blend of old and new creates an unforgettable experience. We promise – this tour will change the way you see Dresden forever!
During the 2-hour tour, you will see and discover:
- Kügelgenhaus
- Dreikönigskirche
- Königstraße
- Albertplatz
- Scheune
- Kunsthofpassage
- Assi-Eck intersection
- Martin-Luther-Platz
- Old Jewish Cemetery
- Pfunds Molkerei
