Germany is not my favorite country. In fact, I think it is the worst country in Europe to visit after England, but a few of its cities are alright, Dresden being one of them. Notorious for being bombed by the Americans and English at the end of World War 2, the eastern city leaves behind not only spectacular throwbacks of former Soviet Germany, but has amazingly mutated itself into a miniature hipster purgatory for new-age skinheads and tourists who choose or choose not to ignore the slightly alt‐right vibe Dresden oozes.

There is quite a lot going on in Dresden, especially on warmer days. Here are my top 9 (because I couldn’t get to 10) things to do and see in the Saxon capital.

1.) The Singing Drain Pipes

The first on my Dresden to-do list, the Kunsthofpassage, a courtyard of colorful boutiques and coffee shops, is where you will discover a drainpipe system that transforms into a long, flowy music instrument meant to make rainy German days less dreery. For once, I was a bit disappointed it wasn’t raining, so I didn’t get to hear the pipes perform their melody, but it was still cool to look at and the area itself was really nice.

2.) DIE Welt der DDR (The World of the GDR)

A communist wet dream, this museum displays life in the former German Democratic Republic. My personal favorite part of the museum… trying on all of the commie clothes. The flashier clothes during this time were gifted to those with connections from the West– and it was seen as a status symbol to wear them. There are also old automobile, shop, and furniture exhibitions that demonstrate life in the Eastern bloc.

3.) The Green Vault

The |Green Vault, constructed in 1723, is basically a huge treasure chest of Europe’s past. There are two museums, you can visit, The Old G|reen Vault and The New Green Vault, both of which display numerous pieces of jewelry, art, and other important artifacts. I prefer contemporary museums, so I only went because it matched my gold mini dress. I was incredibly bored walking around the museum.

4.) Pfunds Molkerei

This pricey diary shop attracted me for its vibrant tiles that would add some regality to my feed… though its famous cream of cheddar soup made me stay. Built in the 19th century, Pfunds Molkerei is worth the visit if interested in the rare combination of lactose products and dignified ceramics.

5.) Aubere Neustadt (The Outer New Town)

I’ve always preferred gentrified neighborhoods over typical European Old Towns, so instead of passing by your 300th statue of some old guy on a horse, spend your evenings in the artsy Aubere Neustadt neighborhood, where you’ll finally have the opportunity to eat brown people food and discover happening things for the girls and the gays.

6.) The Hygiene Museum

The Hygiene Museum, Dresden’s most visited museum, is a science museum that explores different aspects of technology, health, and society. During my visit, the main exhibition highlighted the psychology of lying, human nature, and the media.

7.) Katy’s Garage

I wanted a lively, but no-pressure outdoor place to grab some food and drinks while the weather was nice, and Katy’s Garage did the trick. It is both an outdoor and indoor pub with live music and a dancefloor. Prices are moderate, but it was a pleasant place to people-watch. It is located in Aubere Neustadt, so you don’t have to walk all over the city looking for something to eat after sightseeing.

8.) The Old Town

OMGGG, I’m so over writing about old towns. 90% of being a travel blogger in Europe is telling people to visit the Old Town. I have a question. Do you even care? Baroque and Renaissance, blah blah blah, the Old Town of Dresden is pretty. I don’t go to Germany for its beauty, but you’re clearly going to walk through this at some point. Although it was absolutely nuked, some of its buildings remain, making it a symbol of WW2 devastation and a persevering German future.

9.) The Elbe River

Impossible to miss, the Elbe River aided in separating East and West Germany. Now, it’s a wonderful spot for picnics and overpriced boat tours. Go underneath the bridge for a more intimate spot away from people.

Is Dresden actually worth visiting?

There’s not a single German city I’d willingly go back to (I lied in the Nuremberg blog because I needed a generic conclusion) so far and I found the people very rude compared to Nuremberg and even crackhead ass Berlin. But, for the sake of history, Dresden is great because it’s just another reminder of beating the Nazis and celebrating the death of Hitler and his racist ideologies that continue to plague Europe.