Entertainment

Dresden, on one hand the baroque art and culture city, on the other hand a young city with numerous attractions, presents a very high entertainment value for all age groups. It is perfect if you are a typical city-hopper but also should you like to install yourself somewhere for several weeks: the experience-hungry are guaranteed superb entertainment for all occasions.

A search for Dresden's representation of world-cinema can be narrowed down to but one special theater, the Ufa Kristallpalast. It might have the right to boast some of Germany's most exciting architecture: the asymmetric, glass-front extends towards the sky, a disputed work of art created out of concrete and a great deal of glass. What the big screen offers here is, however, nothing particularly out of the ordinary. The repertoire includes Hollywood mainstream, once a week a surprise film, and the odd independently-made film. Similar programs run in the city's other two multiplex cinemas, the Bofimax and the UCI Kinowelt. All three have got some reputable taverns and cafes in direct proximity. The Schauburg is somewhat smaller, yet this is perhaps the cinema with the biggest cult acclaim. It is situated directly in the tavern quarter and is a good starting point for a post-movie evening out. Here you can catch commercial and lesser-known or classic films. The Casablanca, the Kino am Hauptbahnhof or the Programmkino Ost all show films of similar genres.

For those who love the theater, Dresden is a veritable melting pot: the Schauspielhaus shows modern productions of classic pieces and other well-known plays. In the TIF-Theater in der Fabrik, however, things tend to be a little louder and more risque. Modern pieces address the problems of modern society and the distinctly out of the ordinary. The Schlosstheater captivates audiences with its beautiful backdrop, the Residenzschloss. This stage's program is, more often than not, original and alternative. If you prefer to laugh in a more cordial fashion, you should head for the Komödie Dresden, the Kabarett Herkuleskeule or the Theaterkahn Dresdner Brettl. Local comedians will surely make you laugh with their Saxon wit.

Dresden's nightlife has its roots in one main area: the district of Dresden Neustadt. Nowhere else in Dresden will you stumble across such a concentrated mass of bars, inspired taverns and cafes. Houses dating from courtly times with colorful, daubed walls and graffiti-decorated buildings characterize this area where the bars and a handful of clubs have made their home. The Scheune Cafe, for example, is the perfect prelude for an evening out. This establishment covers all eventualities: the ground floor offers delightful Indian cuisine, while guests return later on to dance the night away on the upper floors to alternative and electronic music. You can get your hands on inexpensive and delicious fodder to suit both large and small appetites at Pizzeria Al Capone, Cafe Europa or Cafe Reale. When visiting the likes of the Blumenau or Raskolnikoff Restaurant, it's usually better if you arrive early, otherwise it's standing-room only! Here, it gets crowded at the drop of a hat, as these well-publicized taverns are two favorites of Dresden's party-goers.

Why not move on to a few cocktails at Mona Lisa, the Studiobar or the plush Dejà vu? Or perhaps partake in a glass of a wine at the Leonardo, the cozy cellar of Die 100 or in the Italian Alimentari?

For the more serious night reveler, dancing is next on the program! Whether you are looking for an alternative experience in the AZ Conni, a fun evening in the funky Down Town or something with a bit more style, in Schleuder Bar Room. There is something suitable for every taste and budget. Fans of Brit Pop should stop off at riesa efau or the Brit-Parade. If you prefer a stunning open-air garden party (in the summer months) you should venture to Saloppe.

Guitar music prevails in the Star Club and at Groove Station (directly beside Down Town). Untiring techno fans should stop by the Straße E and note the dates of their annual Boundless Party in the Showboxx or in the Kühlhaus. The Alter Schlachthof, however, stages alternating techno parties, expertly mixing the big names with newcomers.

One can experience summertime nightlife of another type altogether with the Nachtskaten: view Dresden's most beautiful buildings right across the city as part of a large group on roller skates!

To receive an overview about events, check out the following sites: www.sz-online.de, www.cybersax.de or, especially for parties, www.technoidz.de.