While Dresden may be known for its Altstadt (old town), its Christmas Markets, and its many landmarks, the Neustadt or new town offers a lively alternative to crowds of tourists and souvenir sellers and offers some fun things to do while you are in Dresden. In the 1990s, the Neustadt was known for its alternative […]
Exploring Dresden’s Altstadt
Dresden is a historical and charming city located in eastern Germany. The city is divided by the Elbe River with the Altstadt or Old Town to the south and the Neustadt or New Town to the north. Most of the city’s well-known historic landmarks are located in the Altstadt as well as the famous […]
Staying at Hostel Louise 20 in Dresden’s Neustadt
When visiting Dresden, Germany, I recommend that you choose a hotel or hostel away from the Altstadt (old town), and stay instead in the Neustadt (new town). Perhaps, on the hip and trendy Louisenstraße where you will have easy access to the city’s most important sights. Hostel Louise 20 is a great option, providing a mix of […]
The Hofkirche, Dresden, Germany’s Other Famous Church
The Frauenkirche may be the symbol of Dresden, but another church, the Hofkirche, deserves equal attention. It stands as the largest church in all of Saxony. The Hofkirche, constructed as a Catholic church, stands in comparison to the Lutheran alliegance of the Frauenkirche, and in the face of the strength of Prostestantism throughout Dresden in the mid-18th […]
Dresden, Germany’s Impressive Zwinger Palace
With so many historic structures that have been beautifully restored and reconstructed in Dresden, Germany, it is hard to divide time equally among them. But one site – The Dresdener Zwinger – deserves more recognition. The Frauenkirche may be the symbol of the city, but the Zwinger, a Baroque palace situated right in the middle of […]
Schokofabrik, A Guesthouse in the Heart of Berlin’s Kreuzberg District
Many visiting Berlin opt to stay in the city center, amidst the more famous tourist sites, perhaps within walking distance of the Brandenburg Gate or near the chaos surrounding Checkpoint Charlie. A unique approach to Germany’s capital city is to stay in a residential neighborhood, such as Kreuzberg, a historically Turkish district and now an […]
Prague’s Hotel a Residence U Tri Bubnu; A Great Value
While visiting Prague we stayed at the Hotel a Residence U Tri Bubnu, a charming hotel in a 14th Century building in the city center and just around the corner from Old Town Square. The building is, in fact, on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, as part of Prague’s Historic Centre. And in the house just […]
Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial
Beyond the Brandenburg Gate, past the Reichstag, ignoring Checkpoint Charlie, one of Berlin’s most fascinating sites is the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, known as the Holocaust Memorial. Situated near some of Berlin’s most renowned monuments, the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial stands in stark contrast to those more famous […]
Enjoying Czech Cuisine and More in Prague
Czech cuisine includes a comforting array of braised meats and stews, hearty dumplings, and cabbage. In fact, the Czech diet is heavily meat-centric, which can be challenging to the vegetarian traveler. Pork and beef, for instance, are greatly represented on Czech menus. Pork can be served numerous ways – from braised varieties in thick gravies […]
See Szczecin, Poland in a Day
Szczecin, Poland’s seventh largest city (population 406,000) and the capital of West Pomeranian Province, is a charming maritime city worthy of a day trip. The city is only a two-hour train ride from Berlin, and is also accessible from Warsaw and smaller cities in Germany’s Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Due to its small size, the entire city can be […]