Entertainment in Dresden
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Bautzner Tor
Probably the last GDR-era dive in Dresden to survive ungentrified, this dimly lit but strangely atmospheric museum piece is a nostalgic blast from the past. Food is definitely wallet-friendly and the excellent beer (cheapest in town) is brewed locally by a guy called Lenin.
reviewed
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Stilbruch
On a theme of surrealism, this bright place serves drinks and light dishes (snacks and pasta €3 to €10), has a large collection of board games, and the world’s only ‘Gollard’ table (a cross between golf putting and billiards) out back.
reviewed
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Strasse E
Dresden's most high-octane party zone is in an industrial area between Neustadt and the airport. Half a dozen venues cover the entire sound spectrum, from disco to dark wave, electro to pop. Take tram 7 to Industriegelände.
reviewed
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Combo
Laid-back to the point of toppling, this '70s-retro cafe has enormous windows that fold back when the heat is on, 1960s airport furniture and cool dudes serving the party people. DJs take over after dark.
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Down Town
This iconic old factory gives you early Saturday Night Fever with its 1970s and '80s nights on Friday. On Monday latex-lovers invade for the legendary Nasty Love Club (closed in summer).
reviewed
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Dresdner Philharmonie
The city's renowned orchestra performs mostly at the Kulturpalast on Altmarkt. Also check the listings magazines for concerts at the Hofkirche, Dreikönigs- kirche, Kreuzkirche and Frauenkirche.
reviewed
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Reisekneipe
Down a few Czech lagers in an African hut or put away a plate of curry in a Siberian log cabin at this travel-bug clinic. Hardened globetrotters give midweek slide-show talks.
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Blue Note
Small, smoky and smooth, this converted smithy has live jazz almost nightly until 11pm, then turns into a night-owl magnet until the wee hours. The talent is mostly regional.
reviewed
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Wohnzimmer
Take grandma's sofas, combine with flowery wallpaper and candlelight, add some smooth sounds and you've got yourself one stylish and conversation-friendly watering hole.
reviewed
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Karl May Bar
If you came to Dresden to relax in sophisticated, dark wood and red leather club surroundings, do it here. The Wild West murals were inspired by the books of Karl May.
reviewed
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Sächsische Staatsoper
Dresden is synonymous with opera, and performances at the spectacular Semperoper are brilliant. Tickets are hard to obtain, so plan well ahead or queue for returns.
reviewed
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Schauspielhaus
Altstadt (Theaterstrasse 2); Neustadt (Glacisstrasse 28). The renowned Staatsschauspiel ensemble plays mostly crowd-pleasers by German playwrights in two venues.
reviewed
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Fährgarten Johannstadt
East of the Altstadt, and occasionally too close to the flood-prone Elbe for its own good, this idyllic beer garden pulls great ales and does a mean barbecue.
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Purple Haze
Every Wednesday the stage is thrown open for a jam session, whereas Thursday has invited musicians; jazz and blues bands sometimes work this pub for all ages.
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Stadtoase
Dump 150 tonnes of sand on the banks of the Elbe, erect a bar and beach volleyball court, and invite the city to party all summer long. Yep, that's Stadtoase.
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Café 100
Wine lovers should make a beeline for this candle-lit pub, with its romantic cavernous cellar and 250 wines on the menu. It's a great place for first dates.
reviewed
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Scheune
This former GDR-era youth club is now an artsy pub and alternative rock venue with a beer garden and Indian food on the menu (mains €5 to €10).
reviewed
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Queens
The kitsch decor is the perfect backdrop for this pulsating hot spot, famous for its Schlager (schmaltzy German pop songs) parties.
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Groove Station
This popular multipurpose lounge is the oldest live-music club in town. There are foosball and snooker tables and a well-stocked bar.
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Boy's
A lively bar-club with parties on Friday and Saturday. A top venue for S&M (standing and modelling; not what you were thinking…).
reviewed
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Rauschenbach Deli
A cafe by day, this contempo spot morphs into a chic bar with an endless cocktail menu when the moon gets high. Cool terrace, too.
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Dance Factory
This very popular spot has the usual mix of R&B, cheese and trance/techno in four rooms. The bouncers can be choosy.
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Alter Schlachthof
The industrial charm of an old slaughterhouse draws a party-happy crowd for mostly alternative German acts.
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Flower Power
The spirit of the '60s is kept alive at this staple of the Dresden student scene, with DJs every night.
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Puschkin
The eclectic mix of gigs on here means it's worth checking the program, whatever you have on your iPod.
reviewed
