Heinrichstrasse (Heinrich Street), Dresden

Heinrich Street is a small but interesting street in Dresden’s Baroque Quarter, linking Palace Square to the west with Main Street to the east. The street offers a pleasant blend of Dresden’s historic Old Town atmosphere and the lively character of the New Town, with cobbled sidewalks, restored façades and quieter passages.

The surrounding quarter developed as part of the planned New Royal City created after the devastating 1685 fire. Unlike Dresden’s Old Town, much of the New Town survived the Second World War, although later neglect left many buildings in poor condition. Following German reunification, extensive restoration helped revive the historic quarter and preserve its distinctive Baroque streetscape.

Today, Heinrich Street is particularly popular with tourists interested in antiques and traditional crafts. Along the street and in the surrounding area, you can browse antique shops and galleries selling jewellery, artworks, musical instruments and other unusual objects. Book lovers can also explore a second-hand bookshop filled with volumes from floor to ceiling. Take your time to admire the historic façades and courtyards while browsing the shops.

At the eastern end of the street stands the Japanese Palace, home to the Museum of Ethnology and the Senckenberg Natural History Collections. The palace was severely damaged during the Second World War and took almost three decades to restore. In front of it, the large circular fountain provides an attractive setting and a popular photo opportunity.