Dresden Shopping and Districts

(Dresden, Saxony, Germany)

Dresden contains a number of notable, centrally located shopping districts, each with a unique charm and selection of local stores. Many tree-lined shopping streets are to be found throughout central Dresden, where a good selection of eateries and pavement cafes are also to be found.

Ranging from high-street fashion and designer outlets, to traditional German department stores and local speciality shops, such as jewellers and confectioners, Dresden city centre has it all. Many visitors simply enjoy a spot of window shopping when walking around this part of Dresden, although temptation can often prove too much, particularly when passing the window of an inviting chocolate shop, or the freshly baked aromas wafting from the doors of a bakery.

Where to Shop

The main shopping districts in the city are to be found around the streets of Prager Strasse and Wilsdruffer Strasse, and also within the up-and-coming Altmarkt area. Dresden's Altmarkt district is actual the historic centre of the city and in recent years has seen a huge change in its overall appearance, resulting in the arrival of many new shops, a thriving street cafe culture, and regular local markets around the Church of the Holy Cross, including a hugely successful Christmas market.

Also located in the Altmarkt area of Dresden is the excellent Altmarkt Galerie, a modern shopping mall containing more than 100 shops and plenty of places where you can purchase refreshments, sit down and take a break. Rather more upmarket and known for its exclusive stores and trendy boutiques is the tree-lined Königstrasse, which can be found within Dresden's Neustadt district, over the Elbe River.

The Königstrasse area of Dresden is also known for its exceptional array of restaurants and interesting craft shops - a great place for gift ideas. Also, look out for antique stores, where there is a good chance of finding some antique Dresden china, particularly along the nearby streets of Neustadt's Heinrichstrasse, Obergraben and Rähnitzgasse.

Also worth a visit if shopping is on your mind is the bustling Prager Strasse, one of the best places to shop in the whole of Dresden. Here you will find large department stores, German high-street chains, and international outlets.