Top Rated Shopping in Dresden

Spread over three floors of an interesting post-modernist building, Thalia-Buchhandlung Haus Des Buches is one of the biggest bookstores in Dresden. Even the most widely read people will be astonished by the sheer range of books. Browse through categories like best sellers, biographies, encyclopedias, science fiction books, legal books and textbooks. The volumes cater to every interest, from sports, hobbies and politics to travel, fantasy, technology and cooking. English-speakers are well catered to with a broad variety of literature including fiction, local interest books and English-language magazines. Children will delight in the vast collection of manga comics. This shop also stocks audiobooks, DVDs and gift items. It offers internet access to shoppers and a range of refreshments in its in-house café.

The Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a must-visit spot for its whimsical architectural elements. This wacky neighborhood consists of a series of five courtyards with buildings in each displaying individual themes: Hof der Tiere (Farm Animals), Hof der Metamorphosen (Courtyard of the Metamorphoses), Hof der Elemente (Courtyard of the Elements), Hof des Lichts (Yard of Light) and Hof der Fabelwesen (Court of the Mythical Creatures). In the first one, pistachio green buildings are adorned with wicker balconies and animal reliefs. It is a pleasure to spot hidden animals like buffaloes as well. The houses in the third courtyard are painted an intense blue color and have a series of twisting pipes and funnels. Its design is such that when it rains, this system creates melodious music and whistling tunes, reminiscent of an orchestra. The Yard of Light is replete with metallic mirrors to reflect sunlight in a spectrum of colors. This neighborhood is also known for its colorful shops selling local souvenirs, knick-knacks and designer apparel.

A place that constantly attracts large crowds, Altmarkt Galerie is where all your shopping needs will be fulfilled. Located in the heart of Dresden, this center has retail stores of popular brands such as Leiser, Nordsee, Esprit, Zara, among others. Promotional events for big brands are often accompanied by counseling by fashion experts. They also have a website through which customers can purchase their favorite products, without having to visit the shopping center. However, visitors to the mall are in for a treat visually too, since it is located in Altmarkt, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful areas of Dresden.

Just like the rest of the city centre, Dresden's busiest shopping street was reduced to rubble in the Second World War. Redesigned and rebuilt between 1965-1978, Prager Straße is today home to numerous shops, department stores, hotels and cinemas, and life has well and truly returned to the street. Now entirely a pedestrian zone, Prager Straße is one of the most prominent streets in the city.

Altmarkt is Dresden's oldest landmark. The beautiful Renaissance and Baroque houses that surrounded this market years ago were diminished by a storm on the 13th and 14th of February 1945. In 1953, the Swiss government undertook the reconstruction of this historic area. Hence, the region acquired new boundaries, a number of restaurants and the popular Kreuzkirche. After the completion of the eastern and western side of Altmarkt, the northern and southern reformation commenced. Today prestigious events like the Philharmonie, the Dixilandfestival and a number of international music concerts take place in the area's Wilsdruffer street. Well-known Christmas markets like the Striezelmarkt try to imitate Altmarkt's layout and aura.

Schloss Wackerbarth is a renowned wine-growing estate with a history that goes back to nearly a millennia. Over the centuries, it underwent several changes and took its present Baroque form in the 1920s. Built for the Augustus Christopher, Count of Wackerbarth in the 17th Century, its associated vineyards were established much earlier, probably during the medieval times. The elegant baroque castle is set in midst of lush vineyards, mountains, gardens and a modern wine factory. Renowned for its Saxon wines, it is considered to be the region's oldest sparkling wine maker. Whether it is for sheer romanticism or for the love of wines, you can be sure of a fascinating trip to Schloss Wackerbarth.