The river Elbe winds its way through Dresden, becoming a landmark in between this city's classic, albeit largely reconstructed, architecture. Almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II, Dresden was resurrected after German unification and many of its buildings have been totally restored, including the famous Frauenkirche. Today, there are numerous museums, cultural events, and outdoor concerts amongst the former ruins. For nature lovers, the Tharandt Wald, a beautiful forest, is only a 20 minute drive away. When you rent a car in Dresden, you will be pleased with the ample cultural, historic, and natural activities readily available.
Car rental Dresden: the most important rental sites
A car rental makes Dresden simple and accessible. It's easy to enjoy the city's significant cultural sites, learn about its 800-year history, and simply have a good old cosmopolitan time exploring the streets and stopping off in the charming cafés and restaurants. You can rent a car from numerous sites around the city, including:
Rental Site | Address | Main Opening Times* |
Dresden Airport | Wilhelmine-Reichard-Ring 1, 01109 Dresden, Germany | 07:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. |
Dresden Station | Schlesischer Platz 1, 01097 DResden, Germany | 06:30 a.m. - 06:30 p.m. |
*The opening times may differ and vary depending on the car rental site. Precise information can be found in the listing details. Pick-ups and returns may be possible outside the stated hours, but this might incur additional charges.
Rent a car: Dresden and its sights
Frauenkirche: Visitors to Dresden can't miss the Frauenkirche, a gorgeous Baroque Lutheran church that was completed in 1743 on the site of an earlier church of the same name. Almost completely destroyed during Allied bombing in 1945, the Frauenkirche's ruins were left alone for 50 years until being reconstructed, based on original plans between 1993 and 2000. The church was officially reconsecrated in 2005.
Neumarkt: Park your car hire as close to the city centre as you can, and visit the Neumarkt, a historically significant square which lies in front of the Frauenkirche. Likewise mostly destroyed at the end of World War II, the Neumarkt has now been almost entirely reconstructed in step with its history. The area was partially rebuilt in the socialist realist style.
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister: Dresden offers numerous museums. One highlight is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery), which features works by Raphael, Vermeer, and Rembrandt, among others. For something totally different, pay a visit to the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon, one of the world's most significant museums for historical scientific instruments, including telescopes and planetary models. Set on beautiful grounds right next to the Elbe and the Altstadt (Old Town), it's a great idea to park your car nearby and proceed on foot.
Striezelmarkt: Christmas is a particularly beautiful and unique time to visit Dresden. The city hosts Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in Germany, dating back to 1434. Come for the crafts, such as world-renowned nutcrackers, Erzgebirge wooden handicrafts, and stay for the Glühwein (hot mulled wine).
Getting around Dresden
From Dresden, you can rent a car and explore its surrounding regions with ease. Motorways are excellent and drivers can easily get anywhere in Germany or even bordering countries via the autobahn. Take the A4 highway to Frankfurt, or even Nuremberg. Those who rent a car from Dresden can also easily reach fellow former East German city Leipzig via the A4. The A13 route will take you to Berlin in less than two hours. If you wish to go to Prague in the Czech Republic, or easily visit Vienna, then take the A17 from south-east from Dresden. Car rental means you can really explore on your holiday, as the city is so well located. Though it's easy get used to driving fast on German autobahns, be sure to observe speed limits within the city. As for parking, both street parking and garages are easy to find, though they are generally accompanied by fees, albeit reasonable ones.