We spent a week in Dresden this past May and were extremely pleased with the trip. Many travelers only consider Berlin or Munich, but Dresden turned out to be an excellent choice for a relaxing city break. We particularly enjoyed the historic center, the Elbe waterfront, and the Neustadt district, with its cozy cafes and small bars.

We dedicated one day to a trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park. It takes about an hour to get there by commuter train. The views from the Bastei rocks are truly impressive-especially in the morning, before the crowds of tourists arrive. If you enjoy hiking and beautiful natural landscapes, this place is definitely worth a visit.

As for practical tips: it’s best to buy train tickets in advance, and to book accommodation in the city center at least a month before your trip-prices are significantly lower that way. We spent about 50–60 euros per person per day on food and transport, without making any particular effort to economize.

By the way, has anyone traveled through Germany or the Czech Republic recently? I’m currently looking into a short itinerary covering Prague and Český Krumlov. I’d love to hear any recommendations for interesting sights or off-the-beaten-path locations.