After a fun few days in Hamburg, Dresden was next on the itinerary.

As a first-time visitor to this city, I was curious to see if Dresden was as beautiful as I’d heard.

Well, it certainly lived up to expectations.

The city is very different from other German cities I’ve visited, notably Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne.

For starters, it’s more relaxing and quieter, and full of friendly people.

Dresden is a lovely city – one worth spending a few days to explore all it has to offer.

The Dixieland Dresden “New Orleans” -style festival

The Pullman Dresden Newa provided a great home away from home for the duration of my stay in Dresden.

It’s not far from the train station and it is at the start of Prager Street.

Prager Street (Strasse) marks the beginning of the Dixieland festival area and as you stroll the length of it, you’ll encounter music scenes all the way to the Altmarkt (and maybe find yourself dancing more often than walking!).

There’s plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and sample the fabulous food and drink available at the stalls set up in the street.

I tried some very good German red wines and, of course, the local Dresden beer Feldschlösschen (one of the main festival sponsors).

The music started around 11 o’clock in the morning and closed down at 8 o’clock in the evening.

The closing time was a little early for my taste, but if that’s what it takes to keep the neighborhood happy so the festival can continue, I can live with it.

Everywhere you go, you are caught up in the sound of the fabulous swing music that quickly had you tapping your feet and swaying to the beat.

Swing dancing was the order of the day.