10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Dresden

Neustadt is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood peppered with attractions aplenty. Many of the former industrial factories in this Dresden district have been converted to trendy clubs, pubs and bars, giving it a distinctly bohemian atmosphere.

While Altstadt (Old City) might boast the lion's share of historical monuments, Neustadt is an excellent spot to wind down after a day of exploring Dresden. A post-dinner stroll around this trendy locale lets you soak up the sights. Stopping for a drink is simply a great best way to enjoy Neustadt. This charming area has a lot to offer the curious traveller, make sure to include it in your Dresden itinerary.

Louisenstraße is a 900-metre-long historic thoroughfare built in the latter part of the 18th century. Set in the Neustadt district of Dresden, it comes alive after dark thanks to the countless pubs and bars lining both lanes.

Projekttheater Dresden often hosts live jazz performances, indie film screenings, lectures, and art exhibitions. Another must-visit for performing arts is Kulturzentrum Scheune, which has a nice garden, cafe, and music academy. If you don’t have all that much time to explore Neustadt, make Louisenstraße a mandatory stop for some post-dinner exploring under the glow of the warm streetlights – you won’t be disappointed.

Filmnächte am Elbufer has been running since 1991, attracting tens of thousands of film buffs every year. Picture balmy nights on the banks of the River Elbe watching internationally acclaimed cinema and world-class performers – this is the quintessential outdoor concert experience which awaits travellers to Dresden.

With a colossal stage set on the north side of the river in the Neustadt district, the Dresden skyline makes for a great backdrop to sit back and enjoy the finest local and international acts. Performers such as Bob Dylan, Snoop Dogg and Nelly Furtado have graced Dresden for this festival, so expect a memorable experience.

Projekttheater Dresden occupies what once used to be an industrial space in Neustadt. The theatre first opened its doors in 1990, hosting a variety of stage acts like readings, plays, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.

More importantly, Projekttheater Dresden forms an integral part of the Neustadt community, as schools and residents are encouraged to make use of the theatre for their own projects. Amidst an ever-changing neighbourhood, this practice of community involvement ensures that Projekttheater is a hub of diversity and a reflection of Dresden’s thriving arts scene.

Dresden's Semper Opera House (Semperoper) boasts Baroque architecture, an ornate interior, and acoustics that place it among the best opera houses in the world. Besides serving as the home to the Semperoper Ballet and Saxon State Opera Choir, the venue has also hosted several world-famous acts such as Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss.

Just as fascinating as its appearance is the history behind this Dresden monument. Originally conceived by architect Gottfried Semper in 1841, the opera house was gutted by a fire in 1869, rebuilt, and then destroyed during WWII. Re-construction was completed in 1985, retaining all the original charm but with modern touches that make it a popular after-dinner spot in Dresden.

The Kulturpalast stands in stark contrast to many of the other buildings in Dresden’s Altstadt (Old Town), thanks to its modernist facade. While the exterior has largely remained the same since its inception, inside, a concert hall opened its doors in 2017, further cementing this landmark as a cultural hub of Dresden.

The Kulturpalast features regular performances from the Dresden Philharmonic and other acclaimed acts. Fans of live music will especially appreciate the acoustics and ample seating, with a capacity for up to 1,800 people. In addition to the musical attractions, the building also houses a sprawling public library with panoramic views of Dresden.

The Dresden State Operetta is the only independent operetta in Germany, despite receiving municipal funding. Rising out of the post-war ashes in 1947, the venue was originally known as the Apollo Theater, set in the Leuben district of Dresden. The Staatsoperette has since found a permanent home in a former power station in Dresden’s city centre: a cultural hub called Kraftwerk Dresden-Mitte.

The real highlight of the Staatsoperette is the orchestra, which is hailed by critics as some of the best performers in Germany. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or prefer contemporary musicals, the Staatsoperette Dresden Orchestra is a must-visit after-dinner spot in Dresden.

Groove Station has been a longstanding fixture of Dresden’s nightlife scene, first opening in 1994 as a space for countercultures to thrive. Over the years, this artistic venue expanded to host a variety of events. Today, you can find genres like drum and bass, disco, house, ska, and funk livening up its dancefloor.

If the music doesn't quite tickle your fancy, you're welcome to play a game of pool or foosball. In all, Groove Station is a great place to soak up some Neustadt culture in Dresden.

Blue Note is tucked away in the Neustadt side streets and offers a cosy ambience with a decent selection of reasonably priced drinks. Not to mention, some of Dresden’s finest musicians grace this venue week in and week out.

Locals rave about the friendly staff and great service, but be sure to get here early so you can grab a seat and watch the performers up close – space is limited. Jazz lovers should not pass up the opportunity to experience Dresden’s jazz scene at this iconic yet intimate venue.

Comödie Dresden is a great place to tickle your funny bone in Dresden. With a capacity exceeding 600 guests, the city’s premier comedy club has hosted some of Germany's most famous comedians and it has birthed exciting local talents.

Comödie Dresden’s central location in the World Trade Center Dresden also makes it an excellent stop-off after dinner in Dresden. Besides stand-up comedies, you can watch a variety of plays, musicals, and film adaptations as well. Laughter is – as they say – a universal language, so don’t be swayed if your German isn’t all that great.