Culture and leisure
As a student, Dresden not only offers you an excellent university, but also numerous cultural and leisure activities. As it is just as important to balance your studies as studying itself, we have put together some offers for your free time here.
Table of contents
The old town
Dresden's beautiful Old Town is located on the left bank of the Elbe. Buildings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods dominate the district. Some of the buildings house important cultural institutions such as the Old Masters Picture Gallery or the Treasury of the Saxon Electors and Kings. Dresden is also famous for its sights such as the Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House and the Zwinger. The streets of the Old Town and its museums and buildings invite you to take a leisurely stroll and explore. You can easily explore the old town on foot and save money as a student:in the numerous museums with student discounts. If your family is coming to visit, a trip is always worthwhile.
Tip: every Tuesday from 11:00 to 14:30, you can buy tickets for the Staatsspielhaus Dresden at a special price in the Zeltschlösschen canteen.
You will also find numerous shopping opportunities in the Old Town. From small stores to large shopping arcades, everything is there. Of course you can also relax in the numerous restaurants, bars and cafés after your stroll through the city.
It's also worth packing a picnic and sitting together by the Elbe . You can spend a relaxing afternoon or evening with a view of the picturesque silhouette of the Old Town and the Elbe. In summer, the movie nights take place on the Elbe meadows. You can watch old movie classics or brand new films on a huge screen. Concerts are also held there on many evenings.
The new town
Once you're on the right bank of the Elbe, it's not far to Neustadt . This trendy district with creative bars and cafés, small stages and an alternative art scene is particularly popular among students. There is always something to discover in this part of town. Numerous small restaurants invite you to linger, as do the many cafés. You can also browse through the small boutiques, second-hand stores and concept stores. For a break, visit the Alaunpark, where you can sunbathe and watch the "Neustädter".
If you are looking for a change in the evening, then Dresden's clubs are certainly something for you. You'll find students at the Groovestation on Wednesdays or at the Gisela on Thursdays. There are also some student clubs, such as Club11, the HängeMathe or the Gutzkowclub. These are run by students and invite you to spend a cozy evening with fellow students.
Tip: admission to Gisela is just 1 euro for students every Thursday. Drinks are also available there at reasonable prices.
Leisure time in the countryside
If you prefer something quiet and relaxing, you will also find a wide range of leisure activities in the countryside. You can cycle along the Elbe meadows, go for a walk in the park at Pillnitz Castle or take the S-Bahn to Saxon Switzerland and go hiking there. The vineyards on the outskirts of Dresden also invite you to hike and linger. The numerous parks within Dresden also offer you the opportunity to relax. For example, the Great Garden, not far from Dresden's Old Town, which is also home to the Botanical Garden and Dresden Zoo.
Dresden is a unique combination of cultural metropolis and leisure paradise - the perfect setting for an unforgettable study experience.
Tip: Take a look at our page on discounts. Here you will find numerous inexpensive offers, including for leisure and culture
If you want to gather even more impressions, then take a look at this page about Dresden as a study city .