Dresden

After decades of postwar reconstruction, the city has restored its classic baroque skyline while also adding newly renovated museums, edgy architecture, and innovative restaurants. Music, food, porcelain, the 'world's most beautiful dairy' and the Blue Wonder, the Saxon capital is packed with a punch.

Many would say Dresden was devastated after World War II, with no hope at recovery, so much so that levelling out the war torn city was considered. But Dresden resurrected, like a Phoenix from its own ashes. Particularly during the last decade, since the end of the Cold War, Saxony's historic capital has been meticulously restored. The 'Baroque Florence' might not exist anymore, but what remains is enough to stand witness to Dresden's once stature. A first class Opera House, some of the finest collection of Renaissance art and even some sublime baroque architecture, the city still remains East Germany's pride. Dresden is an intermingling of the past, present and future - an eclectic mix of art, culture, history, tradition as well as technology. The Frauenkirche and the Zwinger stand on the banks of Elbe in perfect harmony with Volkswagen's Die Glaserne Manufaktur. For over centuries, Dresden has been renowned for its music. It is not only the Opera House that captivates the audience, but there is the State Orchestra, the Dresden Philharmonic and the Kreuzchor boys' choir. The city is host to a plethora of international festivals, theatre and dance productions and the very popular Semper Opera Ball, all year round. Synonymous to the music scene here is the Jazz form, the Dixieland Festival being Europe's oldest and biggest Jazz festivals, reverberates through the city during May. Dresden is a treat all year round. In the winter month of December, when the Elbe is frozen, the snow covered city prepares to make merry in the Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest and gorgeous Christmas market. If three words had to be chosen for the city - an exceptional travel experience!