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Dresden conceals a truly dazzling array of different drinking spots and bars beneath its opulent architectural veneer of churches and Baroque buildings. There are beer halls, hearty local dives and plenty more to discover. Check out our selection of the top 10.

Dresden at night

Pinta

Bar, Cocktail Bar, German

Located on bustling Louise Street, Pinta is the oldest cocktail bar in town and it has a Cuban personality. A heaven for cocktail lovers and curious souls alike, the bar is packed out with over 400 types of spirit and over 150 cocktail variations. Try the Royal Manhattan or Alpencaipi from the menu, which goes from long-drinks to daiquiris and low-alcohol tipples.

Bar Paradox

Bar, German

Located in the Dresden new town, Paradox is a neighborhood bar with a friendly atmosphere and a vibrant crowd of customers. The living room décor combines a wall library and wooden furniture pieces, making for a homely experience that’s perfect for getting a party on. Paradox’s cocktails take centre stage, going from delicious Magic Noir, vodka, Kahlua, espresso , to Violet, a dazzling combination of gin, Parfait Amour and lemon juice.

Katy’s Garage

The eponymous ‘Katy’ here was the ambulance-Jeep that took the cast of the movie Icecold on an adventure through the Saharan Desert, all in search of the coldest beer in Africa. Since then, the owner, Richard Hudson, a passionate globetrotter himself, was inspired to create Katy’s Garage. As a former garage, the spot now combines grease-chic features, engine tables, bus seats and a Mini Cooper on the rooftop. Regular concerts, dance parties and gatherings make it a truly timeless spot in Dresden.

Newtown Bar

Bar, German

Semperplatz: Cathedral and Dresdner Schloss
© Bert Kaufmann/Flickr
Newtown Bar is a laid-back place where darts, billiards and great drinks come together. Known for its extensive offering of long-drinks, cocktails, malt whiskeys and gins, not to mention the iconic Dresden beers. The design is alive with exposed-brick walls and Cheshire arm chairs, giving Newtown Bar a dash of style and a touch of class.

Zille Bar

Bar, German

A jazzy 1920s bar, Zille is a time machine to a vintage, la Belle Époque age that other bars in Dresden have all but forgotten. Located on the city’s new side, the scene here is established by the bar’s electro-swing backing track, and speakeasy themes. Cocktails also flow, from classical revival brandies to modern staples like the Cosmopolitan.

Dresden Gin House

Bar

A gin lounge with a typical English atmosphere, the Dresden Gin House is a smoke-filled spot with elegant and nostalgic touches aplenty. Queen Victoria herself seems to peer out from the nooks and crannies here, while red velvet arm chairs and sofas occupy the corners and alcoves. Chandeliers dangle and add to the James Bond vibe, while Martinis and Champagnes also flow from behind the mahogany bar.

Twist Bar

Bar, Restaurant, German

Offering a spectacular panorama over the old city, Twist is a modern lounge situated on the 6th floor of the Inside Dresden complex (owned by Meliá Hotels). The location of the bar offers one unique view over the sandstone Frauenkirche, one of the most famous Baroque structures in all of Germany, while the menu offers up oysters and Champagne and loads of different cocktails.

Madness

Pub, German

Dresden/Sachsen
© Jorbasa Fotografie/Flickr
An archetypal pub for a Dresden experience, Madness is definitely one of the places to go to party every night. Personality bursting from every corner, this place is usually thumping to live rock concerts, DJ nights or celebrating sports events in rowdy fashion. There’s a smoky lounge and a chatty vibe, along with brooding Irish stouts on tap.

Mongolian Bar

Restaurant, Bar, Mongolian

No ordinary place, the Mongolian is a restaurant-bar aiming to introduce visitors to the Mongolian gastronomic concept, this one touts soups, sushi and a variety of other options originating from the steppe.

Barcelonetta Wein & Tapas Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish

Offering genuine Spanish cuisine, the Barcelonetta Wein & Tapas Bar is an exquisite spot filled with authentic Mediterranean flair, delicious foodstuffs and great wine in the middle of Dresden’s new town. The menu offers tapas variations, fresh fish and bottles of fine tempranillo, all rounded off with that ubiquitous selection of German beers.

About the author

Travel is more than just an experience, is a continual process of education, self-discovery and exchange that leaves necessary marks. Opted for an alternative educational method that goes outside of mainstream culture and seeks to enrich every day learning through genuine exchange as a form of knowledge. Passionate for cooking, eating, trees and breath-taking off-beaten panoramas, Eliza is on a continuous learning process. With a B.A in International Relations and a current M.A in World Heritage Studies, she is focused on heritage as an identity factor in a globalized era and seeks to comprise this into a future narrative.

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