Two Faces of Saxony: Leipzig and Dresden in One Trip

#cityplaybook On my recent journey through Saxony, I had the chance to visit two of its most iconic cities—Leipzig and Dresden. Each offered a completely different atmosphere, yet both left a lasting impression. Leipzig surprised me with its creative energy. It’s a city where history meets modern life in unexpected ways. I wandered through the lively city center, admired the towering Monument to the Battle of the Nations, and enjoyed the calm inside St. Thomas Church, where Bach once worked. The Spinnerei art district gave me a peek into Leipzig’s thriving contemporary scene, with galleries and cafes tucked inside former industrial buildings. From there, it was a quick train ride to Dresden, often called the “Florence on the Elbe.” The city’s old town, carefully reconstructed after WWII, is truly impressive. Walking through the Zwinger Palace, past the Semper Opera, and along the Brühl’s Terrace at sunset made me feel like I was in a painting. The view of the Elbe riverbanks with baroque domes on the horizon was unforgettable. These two cities, just an hour apart, showed me different sides of Saxony—Leipzig’s youthful pulse and Dresden’s timeless elegance. Perfect for a short cultural escape in eastern Germany.