As much as I love my crazy, testosterone-packed household (a husband and two sons, and sometimes I swear even the plants feel male), every once in a while, this almost-50, full-time-working, full-time-business-running woman needs an escape. You know — a little break from the daily chaos, a chance to breathe, sip overpriced coffee, and remind myself why I do all the things I do. Add a sprinkle of raging menopause and you get the perfect recipe for a solo adventure to Germany!

Pro tips before you go:

🏨 Looking for somewhere to stay? Then take a look at Booking.com or Hostel worl
🚌 Seeking a sense of adventure? Then book day tours and activities 

Day 1 — How NOT to Start Your Trip (But Laugh Anyway)

The Race to the Bus: National Express Drama

The trip started — as most of my travels do — with unnecessary drama. My National Express bus from Newport, South Wales was scheduled for 1:30 PM. At 1:10 PM, I was still in the shower, negotiating with my hairdryer like it was a hostage situation. My lovely husband, clearly aware of the consequences of me missing this bus, broke every imaginable speed limit on the way. By some miracle (and possibly a few unrepeatable words), I made it just as the driver was about to shut the doors.

Bristol Airport: The Calm Before the Storm

After a smooth one-hour National Express ride, I arrived at Bristol Airport (BS48 3DY). Boarding pass? Scanned. Security? Cleared. And then came the compulsory ritual: paying £6 for an oversized coconut matcha at Starbucks (because it’s basically illegal to board a plane without holding an overpriced drink in hand, right?).

EasyJet Flight 6PM: Baby On Board (But Not The Way You Think)

My EasyJet flight EZY1234 (okay, I don’t actually remember the number, but let’s pretend I do) took off at 6:00 PM, heading straight for Berlin Brandenburg Airport (Willy-Brandt-Platz, 12529 Schönefeld, Germany). My assigned throne was seat 30D.

Next to me? A young couple with a tiny baby — cue my internal panic. But surprise, surprise: this little human was an absolute angel, smiling, giggling, and sleeping like a seasoned traveler. Honestly, if they gave awards for Best Behaviour in Economy Class, this kid would win it hands down.

Berlin Arrival: Planes, Trains, and No Automobiles

Touchdown Berlin! But the adventure wasn’t over. My next challenge? Reaching my hotel:

• Walk? 1.5 hours (or 3 hours with my menopausal joints).
• Bolt? 10 minutes, starting at €21.
• Train? 11 minutes for €4.70.

Of course, the frugal traveler inside me went for the S9 train from platform 5. German punctuality did not disappoint — on time, quick, efficient, and much friendlier on my wallet.

Hotel Adventure: The LOGINN Surprise

I booked my stay at the LOGINN Hotel Berlin Airport (Alexander-Meißner-Straße 11, 12526 Berlin) for €74.37, breakfast included (because yes, I travel for breakfast buffets).

The reception staff eventually found my booking after a bit of head scratching and handed me my key card. Tired but excited, I made my way to room 312 — ready for a hot shower, some junk food, and Netflix in bed.

But Berlin had other plans.

Plot Twist: The Half-Naked Stranger

I swiped my card, opened the door, and there she was — a half-naked woman, mid-changing, visibly shocked, with her open suitcase by the door and an already-used bed.

After some very awkward eye contact, I flashed my key card holder to prove I wasn’t breaking and entering, then quietly backed away and headed back to reception. Moments later, she stormed downstairs too, rightly furious over the hotel’s mix-up and the serious breach of privacy.

Eventually, the hotel put me to room 308 — same standard! Clean, spacious, with a comfy bed and even a complimentary bottle of still water (small victories after a long day).

The Kebab That Never Came

With all the chaos behind me, I realised I hadn’t eaten since lunch at home. Craving something comforting, I ordered a kebab via Just Eat — €15 well spent, or so I thought. One hour passed. Then another. Midnight came and went. The kebab? Never arrived. Hungry and defeated, I gave up and called it a night.

Day 1 Summary

And that, dear reader, was only Day 1. A whirlwind of speed-limit-breaking rides, budget flights, hotel surprises, and food delivery failures. Solo travel never goes quite as planned — which, let’s face it, makes the best stories later. Stay tuned for Day 2 — trust me, it gets even better from here!

Day 2 — Breakfast Drama, Strawberry Bliss & Kebab Redemption in Dresden

You’d think that after finally collapsing into my hotel bed close to 1:00 AM, I would struggle to wake up the next morning. But nope — the excitement of a brand-new adventure in Dresden worked better than any alarm clock. My trusty phone rang at 7:45 AM and, like a true professional solo traveler (or simply an overexcited child), I sprang out of bed, ready to seize the day.

LOGINN Breakfast: The Sequel

Since my stomach was still reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since yesterday’s failed kebab delivery, I was especially eager for breakfast. But of course — surprise, surprise — my name wasn’t on the list. It seems that when the front desk accidentally gave me someone else’s room last night, they also forgot to transfer my breakfast access. Because why should anything run smoothly?

Luckily, the staff quickly sorted it out. While the breakfast buffet wasn’t massive, it did the job — and the waiter was very friendly, which made up for the small hiccup.

All Aboard to Dresden: Welcome to Overcrowded Deutsche Bahn

No time for lingering over croissants — Dresden was calling my name. I booked my train ticket for nearly €60 (ouch — travel budgeting slightly wounded) and boarded an overcrowded Deutsche Bahn train for the 1.5-hour journey from Berlin to Dresden. Yes, my glamorous influencer life sometimes involves sweaty train rides and zero personal space. Word of advice: BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKET IN ADVANCE!!!!

Not Your Average Tourist Arrival

Arriving too early to check into my hotel, I decided to skip the classic tourist route for now. No Zwinger Palace, no Frauenkirche Dresden, no Semperoper. Instead, I pulled out my trusty €9 Dresden day ticket and took the tram across the city to handle my real mission: scouting and confirming food photography sessions.

🎯 Small travel blogging tip for you guys: If you’re visiting Dresden, the local public transport network (DVB) is fantastic and super easy to use with day tickets.

Photo Shoots, Sweet Strawberries & Solo Wins

By some miracle, I managed to confirm two food photo shoots for tomorrow and even completed one right there on the spot. Whoop whoop! This is what I call productive solo travel — sightseeing can wait, work first, kebab later.

In between all this, I stumbled upon a small fruit stand selling fresh strawberries — and let me tell you, these little red gems were heavenly. Sweet, juicy, like nature’s own candy. If you ever spot fresh strawberries in Germany during season — buy them. Trust me.

Finally… The Kebab Redemption

After yesterday’s failed kebab fiasco, I finally got my hands on one tonight. Nothing fancy, just a simple kebab without bread — but after missing out last night, this one felt like pure Michelin-star comfort food.

Hotel Elbflorenz: The Perfect Dresden Base

Tonight, I’m staying at the lovely Hotel Elbflorenz Dresden (📍Rosenstraße 36, 01067 Dresden). The room? Spacious, clean, with a super comfy bed — no unexpected strangers inside this time (thank you, universe).

Although I initially skipped breakfast while booking, the hotel did offer it at check-in for €21 per person per day. For now, I’ve opted out — I want to see what Dresden’s cafés have to offer tomorrow morning.

Location-wise, Hotel Elbflorenz is in a sweet spot: slightly tucked away for peace and quiet but still a short walk to Dresden Old Town. Highly recommend if you’re planning a city break to Dresden and prefer a central hotel with a bit more breathing room.

Observations from a Non-Touristy Day

Since I didn’t hit any major tourist landmarks today, I had time to just watch people. And let me tell you — only in Germany will you see:

• people collecting plastic bottles from bins (Germany’s famous Pfand system — bottle deposits and recycling in action)
• locals casually strolling with open bottles of beer, perfectly legal and 100% socially acceptable
• and most refreshingly, so many people reading actual paper books everywhere — on trams, benches, even at bus stops. More of this everywhere, please!

Tomorrow’s forecast says rain, but fingers crossed I can still explore and capture some good shots. Wish me luck — and stay tuned for Day 3 of my solo Germany adventure!

Day 3 – Sunday in Dresden: Cheesecake, Castles & Cobblestones

Another crazy day behind my belt. Sunday or not, my alarm was set for 7:45 AM – no rest for the camera (or the explorer). I decided against the €21 hotel breakfast and opted for something far more charming: Café Milchmädchen, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. If you ever go, book ahead – this place is popular for a reason. And whatever you do, save room for the cheesecake. I’m not exaggerating – it was heaven in my mouth. Creamy, balanced, and just sweet enough to brighten my entire morning.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of exploration, squeezed between two shoots I had planned – but oh, did I see a lot.

Here’s where my feet (and lens) took me:

🔸 Frauenkirche – A breathtaking Baroque masterpiece, rebuilt after WWII. Standing inside this church knowing its turbulent past adds so much weight to its peaceful presence.

🔸 Procession of Princes – A 101-meter-long mural made from Meissen porcelain tiles, showcasing Saxony’s rulers on horseback. It’s grand, detailed, and one of the most unique murals I’ve ever seen.

🔸 Zwinger Palace – An architectural dream with sculpted balustrades, fountains, and gardens. I wandered through the courtyards and admired the galleries, especially the Old Masters Picture Gallery.

🔸 Brühl’s Terrace – Also known as the “Balcony of Europe,” this promenade offers sweeping views over the Elbe River. I paused here for a quiet moment, just me, the breeze, and the distant sounds of the city.

🔸 Kurländer Palais – A refined Rococo gem, now a popular event venue. I snapped a few photos of its elegant façade and golden details.

🔸 Academy of Fine Arts / Oktogon – With its glass dome and winged golden figure, it’s one of the city’s most distinctive buildings. A treat for both art and architecture lovers.

🔸 Holy Cross Church (Kreuzkirche) – the largest church in Saxony. While it may not be as ornate as Frauenkirche, its raw post-war reconstruction gives it a powerful presence. The interior is beautifully minimalist, and if you’re feeling brave, the tower climb offers some of the best panoramic views of Dresden.

🔸 Semperoper – Dresden’s opulent opera house. I didn’t catch a performance, but the exterior alone is a work of art.

🔸 Katholische Hofkirche – Towering and dark, with statues of saints gazing down from every ledge. A dramatic contrast to the lighter-toned Frauenkirche.

🔸 Dresden Cathedral – Interior – The light filtering through the windows, the golden organ, the art – absolutely stunning.

🔸 Stallhof – The courtyard of the former stables – quiet, regal, cinematic.

🔸 Dresden City Hall – Unfortunately, the tower was closed, and the surrounding in the renovation, but I enjoyed the look up.

After sunset, you can join The Original Night Watchman Tour in Lantern Light. It’s theatrical, informative, and just the right mix of spooky and fun. Walking the dim streets of Dresden with a lantern-lit guide felt like time travel.

I ended the day by taking myself on a date – yes, solo and proud. Dinner at Schillergarten (📍 August‑Bebel‑Platz 4, 01067 Dresden), right by the Elbe, was the cherry on top of a perfect Sunday. Great food, a historic beer garden atmosphere, and a well-earned break.

Back at the hotel just before midnight. One last day to go – and I’m already not ready to leave.

Day 4 – Goodbye Dresden: Urban Charm & a Cheesecake Farewell

Did I manage to sleep longer today? Absolutely not. With so much still to see and only half a day left, I was up early again. I packed my beloved backpack (seriously, it deserves its own blog post), grabbed a quick shower, and headed downstairs to check out of the hotel. Once again, I skipped the hotel breakfast – because I already had a plan.

I hopped on Tram 7 for one last scenic ride, this time toward Dresden Neustadt – the more eclectic, artsy sibling of the baroque Old Town.

Breakfast at Urbean Café

☕ Urban Cafe📍( Bautzner Str. 6, 01099 Dresden)
Scrambled eggs, protein-rich bowls, and what might just be the best avocado toast without bread I’ve ever eaten. Yes, you read that right – avocado toast, no bread, and it was perfection. Light, fresh, flavuorfull… the kind of dish that makes you want to recreate it at home.

And yes, of course, I had cheesecake – because when in Dresden, it’s basically a rule.

Exploring Dresden Neustadt

From Urbean, I wandered through the streets and courtyards that make Neustadt so unique:

Martin-Luther-Strasse – Colourful, local, and full of character.

Rothenburger Strasse – A lively strip with quirky shops and boho vibes.

Louisenstrasse – Home to vintage stores, cafés, and courtyard hideaways.

Kunsthofpassage – This artistic passageway is a must-see in Neustadt. I explored:

➤ The Singing Drain Pipes Courtyard – whimsical and imaginative.
➤ The Giraffe Courtyard – playful design and creative flair.
➤ Tiny boutiques and galleries tucked into hidden corners.

The area has a distinctly Berlin-meets-Copenhagen feel – urban, creative, and effortlessly cool.

Yenidze – Dresden’s Tobacco Mosque

With a bit of time to spare, I took a detour to see the Yenidze building – also known as the “Tobacco Mosque” due to its dome and minaret-like chimneys. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to go inside, but even from the outside, it’s a striking and unexpected piece of architecture in the heart of Dresden.

FlixBus to Berlin

Before heading out, I grabbed some snacks for the road and made my way to the FlixBus stop for my journey back to Berlin.

Pros:
✔️ Guaranteed seat
✔️ Half the price of a train ticket

Cons:
✖️ Takes twice as long
✖️ Delays = very possible

Luckily, everything went smoothly and I arrived at the airport right on time.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Why Dresden Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List

These past days were an absolute whirlwind — fast-paced, unforgettable, and so worth every tram ride, kebab mishap, and early morning alarm. Dresden isn’t just another stop on the Germany circuit; it’s a city that completely surprises you. One moment you’re standing in front of a majestic Baroque church, the next you’re strolling through an alley of singing drainpipes or devouring the best cheesecake of your life in a hidden café.

It’s a place where history and hipster coexist. The opulence of royal palaces sits comfortably next to graffiti-tagged courtyards and independent art galleries. It’s elegant but never boring, traditional with a twist, and perfect for photographers, solo travellers, foodies, and anyone looking to uncover Germany’s cultural heart without the heavy tourist crowds of Berlin or Munich.

From the reconstructed splendor of the Frauenkirche to the unexpected magic of Kunsthofpassage, from the smooth avocado bowls at Urbean Café to a moonlit Night Watchman Tour — Dresden kept me moving, smiling, eating, and most importantly: feeling alive.

So if you’re planning a trip through Germany, or even just browsing ideas for your next European escape, put Dresden at the top of your list. Whether you’re into architecture, art, hidden gems, hearty meals, or sweet slices of cheesecake, this city has something for everyone — and then some.