Dresden Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Dresden.
Healthcare System
Dresden operates under Germany's excellent public healthcare system, offering world-class medical care. The city has multiple hospitals, numerous general practitioners, and specialists. Healthcare facilities are modern, well-equipped, and staffed by highly trained professionals.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus (university hospital with comprehensive emergency services), Städtisches Klinikum Dresden (city hospital), and several private clinics. Emergency departments (Notaufnahme) operate 24/7. For minor issues, visit a general practitioner (Hausarzt) or walk-in clinic (Bereitschaftspraxis).
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apotheke) are widely available throughout Dresden, marked by a red 'A' sign. At least one pharmacy in each district operates as an emergency pharmacy (Notapotheke) outside regular hours on a rotating basis. Common over-the-counter medications are available, though some require prescriptions that would be OTC elsewhere. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak English.
Insurance
EU/EEA citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU travelers must have private travel health insurance as public healthcare is not free for non-residents. Always carry proof of insurance. Treatment will be provided in emergencies regardless, but you will be billed.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep your insurance documents and EHIC card accessible at all times
- Prescriptions from outside Germany may not be honored; bring sufficient medication supplies
- Save the location of the nearest hospital and 24-hour pharmacy to your accommodation
- For minor ailments, pharmacists can provide excellent advice and recommend treatments
- Dental emergencies are handled separately; search for 'Zahnärztlicher Notdienst' (dental emergency service)
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing occurs primarily in crowded tourist areas, on trams and buses, and during major events. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, using distraction techniques. Bag snatching from outdoor cafés and restaurants also occurs occasionally.
Dresden is a bicycle-friendly city, but bike theft is relatively common. Both rental bikes and private bicycles are targeted, especially when secured with inadequate locks or left in isolated areas overnight.
Rental cars and vehicles with foreign plates are occasionally targeted for break-ins, particularly when luggage or valuables are visible inside. This is more common in parking lots near tourist attractions.
Dresden occasionally hosts political demonstrations, particularly related to far-right movements (PEGIDA) and counter-protests. While usually peaceful, these can cause disruptions and occasionally turn confrontational.
Dresden has extensive cycling infrastructure, but accidents can occur due to unfamiliarity with local traffic rules, tram tracks, and interactions between cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists with clipboards asking them to sign petitions for charitable causes or social issues. While you're distracted signing, accomplices pickpocket you, or they demand a 'donation' after you've signed.
Unlicensed or dishonest taxi drivers at the train station or airport quote inflated flat rates or take unnecessarily long routes. Some claim the meter is broken and charge arbitrary amounts.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for bread or water that was presented as complimentary, or make 'mistakes' when calculating change.
Exchange offices in tourist areas offer poor rates with hidden fees or use rigged calculators. Some display attractive rates for large amounts but apply different rates to smaller transactions.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police approach tourists claiming to investigate counterfeit money or drugs, asking to see wallets and passports. They may steal cash or obtain personal information.
Street vendors approach tourists offering to tie a 'free' friendship bracelet on their wrist, then demand payment once it's attached and difficult to remove.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation Safety
- Validate tickets before boarding trams and buses to avoid fines (€60); inspectors conduct frequent checks
- Keep belongings close on crowded trams, especially lines serving tourist areas
- Stand away from tram platform edges; trams are quiet and approach quickly
- Last trams and night buses can be rowdy on weekends; sit near the driver if uncomfortable
- Purchase tickets from machines, apps, or drivers (exact change helpful)
- Keep your ticket until you've completely exited the station or left the tram
Walking and Street Safety
- Use pedestrian crossings; German drivers have right of way and may not stop otherwise
- Look both ways before crossing even on one-way streets (cyclists may go both ways)
- Avoid walking alone in unlit areas late at night, particularly in parks
- Stay alert when walking near tram tracks; cross at right angles to avoid getting stuck
- Keep to well-lit main streets after dark; Dresden's historic center is generally safe but use common sense
- Be aware of cyclists on shared paths; stay to the right, cyclists on left
Money and Valuables
- Germany is still largely cash-based; carry some euros but not excessive amounts
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable jewelry
- Divide money between different pockets/bags; don't keep everything together
- Be discreet when using ATMs; shield PIN entry and be aware of surroundings
- Many smaller restaurants and shops don't accept cards; always have cash backup
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card being blocked for suspicious activity
Accommodation Safety
- Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
- Use door chain or safety latch when in room
- Don't open door to unexpected visitors; verify with reception first
- Know emergency exit locations and evacuation procedures
- Store valuables in room safe or hotel safe deposit box
- Keep a photocopy of passport separate from original document
Alcohol and Nightlife
- Neustadt district is the main nightlife area; generally safe but stay alert
- Never leave drinks unattended; watch bartender prepare your drink
- Use licensed taxis or public transport to return to accommodation; avoid unlicensed cabs
- Stay with your group; use buddy system when going out
- Know your limits with alcohol; German beer is stronger than many expect
- Keep phone charged for emergencies and navigation; note last tram times
- Avoid confrontations; leave immediately if situation feels uncomfortable
Cultural Awareness
- Germans value punctuality, quiet in public spaces, and following rules
- Don't jaywalk; wait for pedestrian signals even when no cars are visible
- Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are typically 10 PM-6 AM and Sunday afternoons; keep noise down
- Photography is generally allowed but ask permission for people or private property
- Nazi symbols and gestures are illegal; avoid any related imagery or jokes
- Recycling is taken seriously; follow local sorting rules for waste
- Tipping is customary (5-10%); round up or add to bill, don't leave on table
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Dresden is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Germany has strong laws protecting women's rights and low rates of violent crime. Women can move freely throughout the city, use public transportation at all hours, and dine alone without issues. However, standard precautions apply, particularly regarding nightlife and isolated areas after dark. Harassment is relatively uncommon but can occur, particularly in nightlife areas.
- Solo dining and sightseeing is completely normal and safe; don't hesitate to explore alone
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps when returning from nightlife late at night
- Avoid walking alone in parks or along isolated riverside paths after dark
- Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, move to a populated area
- Keep phone charged and share your location with friends/family when out at night
- Dress as you wish; Dresden is a modern European city with no dress restrictions
- If harassed, German bystanders typically intervene or help; don't hesitate to ask for assistance
- Solo women travelers are common in hostels and hotels; staff are accustomed to assisting
- Public transportation is safe for women at all hours, but sit near driver on late-night buses
- Learn basic German phrases for 'leave me alone' (Lass mich in Ruhe) and 'help' (Hilfe)
- Women-only accommodations and train compartments are available if preferred
- Join organized tours or use apps to meet other travelers if you prefer company
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Germany has strong LGBTQ+ rights protections. Same-sex marriage is legal (since 2017), discrimination is prohibited, and hate crimes are prosecuted. Dresden and Saxony are generally more conservative than Berlin or western German cities, but legal protections apply equally throughout the country.
- Neustadt district is the most LGBTQ+-friendly area with several bars and venues
- Public displays of affection are generally safe in tourist areas and Neustadt but use discretion in outlying areas
- Dresden Pride (CSD Dresden) occurs annually in June; smaller than Berlin but well-attended
- LGBTQ+ travelers report feeling safe in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions
- Some far-right political groups in Saxony hold anti-LGBTQ+ views, but direct confrontations with tourists are extremely rare
- Use mainstream dating apps with caution; meet in public places first
- Legal protections are strong; report any discrimination or harassment to police
- Clubs and venues: Queens, Hebeda's, and Katy's Garage are established LGBTQ+ spots
- German language has gender-neutral options increasingly used in progressive spaces
- Trans travelers should carry ID matching their presentation to avoid issues, though legal protections exist
- Healthcare providers in Dresden are professional and non-discriminatory
- Consider staying in Neustadt for more LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Dresden. While Germany has excellent healthcare, it's expensive for those without European health insurance. Medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage coverage provide crucial financial protection. EU citizens should bring their EHIC card, but this doesn't cover repatriation, trip cancellation, or lost belongings. Non-EU visitors will pay full price for all medical care without insurance.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries