Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide

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Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide Page 91

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  If your German meat-heavy diet is starting to take a toll on your arteries, you will breathe “aha” with relief at the veggies here. The meals are mostly vegetarian, the products are organic, and the outdoor seating beneath the Kreuzkirche is the table to grab. The Saxon potato soup (€4) is a local specialty, while the classic Spinach lasagna is another favorite (€9).

  Tram 1, 2, or 4: Altmarkt, next to Kreuzkirche. Soups and salads €4-10. Entrees €5-11. Desserts €2-4. Open daily 10am-midnight.

  AUGUSTINER AN DER FRAUENKIRCHE

  An der Frauenkirche 16/17

  GERMAN

  0351 48 28 97 www.augustiner-dresden.de

  If you feel like splurging on one of the Altmarkt restaraunts, consider eating at Augustiner an der Frauenkirche. With outdoor seating only about 50 yards from the Frauenkirche, and an extensive beer and liquor menu, it might be worth the extra cost. Entrees include pan-seared mushrooms with bread dumplings (€10.80), beer stew (bet you didn’t see that one coming) with carrots and dumplings (8.80), and schnitzel with salad and fried potatoes (€15).

  Tram 1, 4, 8, 9,11 or 12: Postpl. Beer €3.20-€6.40. Entrees €8-15. Open daily 10am-1pm.

  RAUSCHENBACH DELI

  Weissegasse 2

  CAFE, BAR

  0351 821 27 60 www.rauschenbach-deli.de

  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks—Rauschenbach Deli is a classic of the Weissegasse cafe row at any time of day, and doesn’t seem quite as touristy as the surrounding restaurants. The ample outdoor seating, also in the shadow of Kreuzkriche, is the perfect place to people-watch as you sip a beer (€2.20) and snack on mozzarella sticks (€3.50).

  Tram 1, 2, or 4: Altmarkt, next to Kreuzkirche. Breakfast €4-7. Salads and pasta €7-11. Entrees €13-15. Ice cream €4-7. Open M-W 9am-midnight, Th 9am-1am, F-Sa 9am-2am, Su 9am-midnight.

  Neustadt

  HOT SPOON

  Konigsbrucker Str. 74

  CAFE

  0351 89 96 08 75 www.hotspoon.de

  A large yellow spoon with a smiley face will lead you to this soup-happy haven. Inside, the lime green walls, hanging lanterns, and black and white checked floor look like something from Alice in Wonderland. The soup is served in brightly colored bowls from a large pot-shaped counter. The Italian tomato soup (small €2.60, medium €3.70, large €4.20) has basil, fresh hunks of mozzarella, and bow-tie pasta. Vegans can delight in Russian borscht (€2.60/3.70/4.20) with mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, and sauerkraut. Menu changes frequently.

  Tram 7 or 8: Bischofsweg. Another branch located at Kunsthandwerkerpassage 9 is open 11:30am-4pm. Small soups €2.30-2.70, medium €3.60-3.80, large €4.10-4.30. Open M-F 11:30am-11pm, Sa-Su noon-11pm.

  BAGEL’S DRESDEN

  Louisenstr.77

  BAGELS, SANDWICHES

  0152 06 84 65 84 www.bagels-dresden.de

  Bagel’s Dresden offers huge bagels for very little. Try the Italian bagel, with salami, fresh balsamic cheese, and olive spread, or the Torro, with pesto, pastrami, and camembert. Bier und bagel, you ask? Just add an extra €1.80-2.

  Tram 7: Louisenstr. From the stoop, walk along Louisenstr. to Mondpalast, on the left. Or, tram 11: Pulsnitzer Str. Turn left onto Louisenstr. Bagel sandwiches from €3.80. Open daily noon-1am.

  CAFÉ KOMISCH

  Bischofsweg 50

  CAFE

  Café Komisch is both a cafe and ice cream (eis) parlor. The cafe has indoor seating and inexpensive drinks, but the outdoor ice cream window is the local hotspot, with lines sometimes stretching around the block. Get the soft ice cream in orange or banana, and happily lick away as you make your way across the street to Alaunpark.

  Tram 7: Bischofsweg. From the stop, follow Bischofsweg for about 3 minutes to the café. Small ice cream €1.30, large €2. Cappuccino €1.80. Espresso €1. Coffee shop open M-F 3-6:30pm, Sa-Su 2-6:30pm. Ice cream window open daily 10am-10pm. Winter hours subject to change.

  NIGHTLIFE

  Dresden’s nightlife scene is one of the best in Germany. Bars and small live music venues overflow with students and locals in the Neustadt every Friday and Saturday, and often on other days of the week as well. Further up, about 15 minutes by tram (Tram 7 or 8: Industriegeländ), a crowded block of industrial buildings turned nightclubs stand their ground, with more dance floors and bars than we care to count, and the occassional, unbeatable, rave concert.

  Altstadt

  BIERSTUBE

  Bergstrasse 1

  BAR

  0351 47 16 09 www.klubneuemensa.de

  Bierstube roughly translates to “beer living room,” which pretty much sums up this student hangout. The beer is oh-so-cheap (0.5L for €1.90) and the heaping meals fill the stomachs of procrastinating students who drink, smoke, and play cards, before reluctantly returning to the library. Or not.

  Tram 8 or 66: Nurnberger Str. At the intersection, walk down Bergstrasse away from the city. It will be on the left amidst the other campus buildings. Entrees €2-5. Beer from €2. Open M-F 9am-1am, Sa noon-1am, Su 5pm-1am.

  CLUB AQUARIUM

  St. Petersburger Str.

  BAR, MUSIC VENUE

  0351 497 66 70 www.club-aquarium.de

  Once located on the rooftop of the student dorm at the same address, this student bar had to move to the basement because of noise complaints, just in time for the flood of 2002. During the flood, the bar was filled with water (and fish), and thus Aquarium was born. Now the venue is a student hotspot during the week for strong, cheap drinks like a classic gin and tonic (€2.80). There is often live music and game nights.

  Tram 3, 7, 8, 9, or 11: Walpurgistr. Beer and mixed drinks €2-8. Open M-F 1pm-1am.

  Neustadt

  WASHROOM

  Hermann-Mende-Str. 1

  CLUB, LOUNGE, MUSIC VENUE

  0351 80 44 41 57 08 www.washroom.de

  Part of the Industriegelände community, the Washroom is part lounge, part dance club, and part concert venue (on certain nights). If you can, try to catch a hip-hop, techno, or rap concert at the Washroom—the price is well worth the experience. When the performers take a break, jump around to the electro music under blue, red, and black lights.

  Tram 7 or 8: Industriegeläende. Follow the flashing lights and blaring bass. Concert tickets from €8, but the cost varies depending on the performer. Cover €5-10 without show. Beer and mixed drinks from €2.50. Keep an eye out for €1 drink nights. Hoursvary; generally open F-Sa 10pm-4am.

  STRASSE E

  Werner-Hartmann-Str. 2

  CLUB

  0351 213 85 30 www.strasse-e.de

  Strasse E, another Industriegalaende club, is a three-story, six-dance-floor club (including one outdoors). The club gets packed even before midnight with both young people and middle-aged auto-designers by day/dance divas by night types. Come to watch (and join) Germans get their groove on (some better than others), to electro and rock music.

  Take the 7 or 8: Industriegelaende. Cover around €8. Open F-Sa 10pm-5am.

  ARTS AND CULTURE

  Entertainment

  SÄCHSISCHE STAATSOPER (SEMPER OPER)

  Theaterpl. 2

  OPERA HOUSE

  0351 491 10 www.semperoper.de

  The ornate Baroque Semper Oper offers visitors one of the best cultural experiences in Dresden. For as little as €8, you can see operas, ballets, and concerts, including performances by the Staatskapelle Dresden, the city’s premier orchestra in the beautiful city theater.

  Tram 4, 8 or 9: Theaterpl. The box office is located across from the Semper Oper. Order tickets online at www.semperoper-erleben.de. Guided tours of the opera house are the only way to see the interior without attending a performance. Tours €8, students €4. Tours M-F 1:30-3:30pm, Sa-Su 8:30am and 1:30pm-3:30pm; schedule varies greatly, so call ahead to confirm. Box office open M-F 10am-6pm, Sa-Su 10am-1pm, and 1hr. before the show starts.

  STAATSOPERETTE DRESDEN

  Staatsoperette Dresden

  OPERETTAS, MUSICALS

  0351 20 7
9 90 www.staatsoperette-dresden.de

  This small performance venue is about a 35-minute tram ride away from central Dresden, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery or a certain musical (or operetta, as it were), it could be worth the trek. Be sure to take a look at the Himmelfahrtskirche, just across the street, to make your trip complete.

  Tram 6: Altleuben. Tickets vary in price. Students generally €8-24. Box office open M 10am-4pm, Tu-F 10am-7pm, Sa 4-7pm, Su 1hr. before curtain.

  STAATSSCHAUSPIEL

  Theaterstr. 2

  THEATER

  0351 491 35 55 www.staatsschauspiel-dresden.de

  With four different venues at two locations in the city, this theater offers contemporary comedies, as well as works by Shakespeare and Chekhov. The main location at Theaterstr. 2 is more expensive; the second venue Kleines Haus has cheaper shows.

  Tram 8, 11, 12: Postplatz. From the station,walk down Ostra-Allee, left on Theaterstr. Tickets €9-20. Box office open M-F 10am- 6:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm.

  ESSENTIALS

  Practicalities

  • TOURIST OFFICES: The tourist office staff books rooms (from €25) for free and sells the Dresden City Card and the Dresden Regio Card (see below). (General information 0351 49 19 21 00. Room reservations 0351 49 19 22 22. Group tours 0351 49 19 21 00. Advance ticket purchases 0351 49 19 22 33. www.dresden-tourist.de English language city guides €.50. Audio-walking tour in English €7.50 for 4hr. Open M-F 10am-6pm, Sa-Su 10am-4pm.)

  • TOURS: Stadtrundfahrt double-decker bus tours include 30min. walking tours of the Zwinger Palace and Fauenkirche. Stay onboard for the 90min tour, or go freestyle and jump on and off as you please at any of the 22 stops. (Depart from Theaterpl. 0351 899 56 50 www.stadtrundfahrt.de Day pass €20, children €1. Tours Apr-Oct 9:30am-5pm every 15-30min., Nov-Mar 9:30am-3pm every 30-60min.)

  • CURRENCY EXCHANGE: Western Union money transfer service is available at ReiseBank. (Located in the Hauptbahnhof. 0351 471 21 77 min. €2 max. €10 fee for any exchange, plus 2.5% charge on the amount exchanged. Open M-F 8am-8pm, Sa 9am-6pm, Su 10am-6pm.) Deutsche Bank. (Located on the corner of Königsbrücker Str. and Katharinenstr. in the Neustadt. 0351 482 40 www.db.com Open M-Tu 9am-1 pm and 2-6pm, W 9am-1pm, Th 9am-1pm and 2-7pm, and F 9am-1pm and 2-4pm.)

  • LUGGAGE STORAGE: Lockers are located in all train stations. Follow suitcase symbol. ( €3-4 per 24hr.)

  • HOME SHARE: Mitwohnzentrale offers flats available in outer districts from €150 per month. (Dr.-Friedrich-Wolf-Str. 2, on Schlesischer Pl. 0351 194 30 www.dresden-mitwohnzentrale.de Open M-F 10am-8pm, Sa-Su 10am-2pm.)

  • GAY AND LESBIAN RESOURCES: Grenede. (Prießnitzstr. 18. 3051 802 22 51. Counseling 0351 804 44 80 www.gerede-dresden.de Open M-F 8am-5pm.)

  • WOMENS RESOURCES: Frauenzentrum “sowieso” (Frauen für Frauen) specializes in addressing sexual harassment and assault, eating disorders, and employment. (Angelikastr. 1. 0351 804 14 70 www.frauenzentrumsowieso.de Tram 11: Angelikastr., or walk 30min. up Bautzner Str. from Alpertpl. Open M, W, and F 9am-3pm, Th 9am-6pm. Advice in person or by phone M, W, F 9-11am, Th 3-6pm. Psychologist by appointment M-F or walk-in Th 3-6pm.)

  • LAUNDROMATS: Eco-Express. (2 Königsbrücker Str., on Albertpl. Wash €1.90 before 11am, €2.40 after 11am. 14kg machine €5. Dry €0.50 per 10min. Soap €0.30. Open daily 6am-11pm.) Staff books rooms (from €25) for free and hands out city map.

  • INTERNET ACCESS: Mondial. (Rothenburgerstr. 43. Enter on Louisenstr. 0351 896 14 70 Wi-Fi available. €2 per hour. Open M-F 10am-1am, Sa-Su 11am-1am.) Haupt- und Musikbibliothek. (Freiberger Str. 35, in World Trade Center. 0351 864 82 33 Some English books. Free internet 30min. at a time. Music scores, CDs and DVDs. Bring a passport to check out items. Open M-F 11am-7pm, Sa 10am-2pm.)

  • POST OFFICE: (Königsbrücker Str. 21-29. 0180 304 05 00r Western Union available. Wheelchair accessible. Open M-F 9am-7pm, Sa 10am-1pm.) An alternate branch is located in the Altstadt. (Wilsdruffer Str. 22 Open M-Sa 10am-7pm.)

  • POSTAL CODE: 01099.

  Emergency!

  • POLICE: (110.)

  • AMBULANCE AND FIRE: (112.)

  • PHARMACY: Saxonia Apotheke Internationale. (Prager Str. 8a. 0351 490 49 49 www.saxoniaapotheke.de Carries international medicines. The Notdienst sign outside lists rotating 24hr. pharmacies. Open M-F 9am-8pm, Sa 9:30am-5pm.)

  Getting There

  By Plane

  The Dresden Airport information desk (0351 881 33 60 www.dresden-airport.de) is reachable by public transit on the S-Bahn, line S2, which leaves every half hour, 4am-11:30pm. The shuttle (tickets €1.90) will pick up or drop off at Dresden-Neustadt and most Dresden hotels (15min.), or the Dresden Hauptbahnhof (20min.).

  By Train

  Dresden has two main stations: the Hauptbanhof (south of Altstadt), and Bahnhof-Dresden-Neustadt, across the Elbe on the western edge of the Neustadt. A third station, Dresden Mitte, lies between the two but is rarely used because of its location. Trains to: Bautzen ( €10.50. 1 hr., every hour.); Berlin ( €37. 3hr., 1 per hr.); Budapest, Hungary( €103. 11hrs., 3 per day.); Frankfurt am Main ( €87. 4hr., every hr.); Görlitz ( €19. 1hr., every hr.); Leipzig ( €21. 1hr., 1-2 per hr.); Munich ( €101. 7hr., 1-2 per hr.); Prague ( €31. 2hr., 7 per day.).

  Getting Around

  By Tram

  Dresden is largely a walking city, and there aren’t many places you’ll need to go that you can’t get to on foot. For trips across the city, use the tram system (Single ticket €1.90; 4-trip card €4; one-day ticket €5; one-week travel pass €14.50). Tickets are available from Fahrkarten dispensers at major stops, and on trams. Validate your tickets in the red boxes onboard the tram. For information and maps, visit www.vvo-online.de, or try the Service Punkt stands in front of the Hauptbahnhof or at Postpl., Albertpl., and Pirnaischer Pl. Most major lines run every 10min. or so during the day, and every 30min. after midnight—look for the moon sign marked “Gute-Nacht-Linie.”

  By Metro

  The S-Bahn, or suburban train, travels along the Elbe from Meisßen to the Czech border. Buy tickets from the Automaten and validate them in your red machines at the bottom of the stairwells to each track.

  By Taxi

  0351 211 211 or 888 88 88.

  By Car

  Sixt-Budget (1805 25 25 25) is located at Hamburger Str. 11, is open M-F 6am-10pm. Sa-Su 8am-noon.

  By Bike

  Bike rental is available at all train stations. German Bahn at Neustadt station and Hauptbahnhof offers bikes for €8 per day. (1805 15 14 15. Open M-Sa 6am-8pm, Su 8am-8pm.)

  By Ferry

  Sächsische Dampfschiffart (0351 86 60 90 www.sächsische-dampfschiffart.de) offers daily cruises on steamers along the Elbe, usually departing from the terrace bank in Dresden, to destinations including Pillnitz and Bad Schandau. (Office and info desk open M-Th and Su 8am-6pm, F-Sa 8am-7:30pm.)

  Ride Share

  Mitfahrzentrale (Dr.-Friedrich-Wolf-Str. 2, on Schlesischer Pl., across from Bahnhof Neustadt. (0351 194 40 www.mitfahrzentrale.de Open M-F 9am-8pm, Sa-Su 10am-4pm.)

  frankfurt

  069

  Forget the cobblestone roads and half-timbered houses of German back in the day: this city on the banks of the Main River is one big financial center, with enough skyscrapers to earn it the nicknames “Mainhattan” and “Bankfurt.” Legend has it that the city was auspiciously founded when Charlemagne and his Franks were fleeing the Saxons; they saw a deer crossing the Main River in a shallow Furt (ford) and followed it to safety on the opposite bank, and that very spot is where they founded Frankfurt. In 1356, Frankfurt rose to prominence when the Golden Bull of imperial law made it the site of emperors’ elections and coronations until the Holy Roman Empire dissolved. Trade fairs—mass conglomerations of merchants all bartering with each other—regularly took place in the city.

  Fast forward to the 21st century; Frankfurt now houses the EU’s bank, marked by an enormous statue of the euro symbol. Skyscrapers loom over crowded streets and
dark-suited stock traders busily jaywalk across avenues. Though Frankfurt has a reputation for being the most Americanized city in Europe, the government works to preserve the city’s rich history, and the medieval charisma of Marburg and the towns along the Bergstrasse Wine Road remain blessedly secluded. By rail, the line running between Frankfurt and Heidelberg also hits all the major towns.

  ORIENTATION

  The Main River runs east to west through Frankfurt, conveniently splitting it into two parts, though most of the city is located in the north.

  North of the Main

  The city center is called the Innenstadt, the site of the Römerberg and the spired Dom. Its northern end is the city’s commercial district, with high-class shops and restaurants stretching along the Zeil between the subway stops Hauptwache and Konstablerwache. Immediately west of that, around Taunusanlage, is the city’s financial district. To the west lies the Hauptbahnhof, surrounded by cheap restaurants and the city’s red light district. In the northwest corner is Bockenheim, home to students and the wallet-friendly eateries that join them. Some of the city’s most upscale and exclusive nightlife can be found along Hanauer Landstrasse in the east side of the city, amid automobile dealerships.

 

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