Go on a walking tour around Dresden’s preserved 18th-century quarter, which offers an insight into how the city appeared before its 1940s bombardment.

Neustadt (New City) was the name given to the settlement on the northern banks of the Elbe after a fire destroyed the former district of Altendresden in 1685. Starting anew, the district was reconstructed as a sumptuous Baroque quarter and has a beautifully preserved streetscape. Find out how Neustadt merges old and new when you explore cobbled alleys adorned with street art and murals, and check out the wide array of cultural institutions.

A good place to begin your travels is Innere Neustadt, the section of the district that was initially built within the old city walls. Cross the Elbe River via the historic Augustus Bridge (Augustusbrücke) and reach the old town square, Neustädter Markt. Heralded by a golden statue of August the Strong on horseback, this market square is the perfect introduction to Neustadt. Stroll down the main street and admire the heritage storefronts, which now house boutiques and cafés. To the west, find a beautifully preserved street lined with Baroque townhouses showing a glimpse of prewar Dresden. Don’t miss seeing the Baroque glory of Dreikönigskirche and its bomb-scarred sandstone altar.

Visit the Kügelgenhaus-Museum der Dresdner Romantikand learn about the city’s fascinating cultural history. In the superb Japanese Palace on the banks of the Elbe, you’ll find the Museum of Ethnology. For more local heritage, check out the Museum for Saxon Folk Art within the Jägerhof.

Continue north to Albertplatz, the district’s central square. Beyond the boundary of the old city walls lies Äußere Neustadt (Outer New City). Check out the preserved architecture of Martin Luther Church and Pfund’s Dairy and visit the Old Jewish Cemetery. Sumptuous Baroque treasures are held in the Green Vault, while contemporary arts are showcased in KunsthofpassageOpens in a new window. Renowned for its nightlife and dining scene, Äußer Neustadt is a great spot to spend the evening.

Neustadt can be reached via Dresden’s train and trolleybus network. Four bridges make road and pedestrian access easy. The district has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to lavish villa lodgings. Visit in summer to check out open-air film screenings on the grassy riverbank or in winter for the pretty Weihnachten (Christmas) festivities.