Dresden: Best Things to Do and See
Discover with us the best things to do in Dresden. Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and it should, for sure, make it on your Europe itinerary. In this travel guide, we share with you tips on the best things to do in Dresden, top attractions to visit, unique places to see. Includes information on how to get to Dresden, how long to spend in the city, and what to pack.
City lovers, and in general, all travelers who enjoy walking around authentic Europeans town's centers full of elegantly decorated buildings, small shops, historical architecture, culture, great museums, exhibitions, and hipster coffee houses, should become alert.
Dresden is the perfect destination, and you should wait no longer, because Dresden is waiting for its visitors with arms open.
Except for the obvious, Dresden, the capital city of Saxony state in Germany also boasts with amazing views over the river, tasty cuisine, street art and modern districts where the new and old creates an absolutely new style and enhance the city's lively atmosphere.
The center of Dresden has just the right size so you can cover it on foot, there are plenty of things to see and do, top sights are close to each other, and once you start to feel bored, you can escape the hustle and bustle by walking along Elbe River for as long as you want.
Even though we live once again in Prague for some time now, only recently we finally visited Dresden on a one-day trip.
Since we are not fans of crowds, we waited till February when the Christmas Markets were over, when we knew the city would be almost empty, and we absolutely enjoyed our time there.
So one crispy morning we got up before 4 AM, got in the car and our one-day trip to Dresden could start.
Sprawled out on the banks of the Elbe river, the Baroque city of Dresden has so much to offer to its visitors.
Even a short walk around the city will let you feel its former grandeur, and thanks to sensitive repairs you would have not guessed that the historical center was left in ruins after the 1945 bombing.
Fortunately, the most unique landmarks and historical sites in Dresden have been repaired and rebuilt delicately.
Dresden is often one of the stops on the Berlin - Dresden - Prague trip, but according to our opinion, the city is an interesting destination on its own and deserves at least a day, ideally two to three days of your time.
We are excited to show you the best things to do and see in Dresden.
Even though we totally enjoyed our time in Dresden in winter, we are already planning another trip to see the city in bloom.
In this travel guide, except for the best things to do and see and the top attractions, we will also share with you practical information on how to get to Dresden, where to stay, where to park, how to get around and much more.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN DRESDEN
There are so many wonderful things to do in Dresden, that you will need to plan your day carefully to get the most out of it.
Remember, that almost every building in the historical center has been turned into an art gallery or museum, so it is necessary to decide in advance what is (according to your standards) worth visiting and what is ok to skip.
We've compiled this list of the top attractions you should not miss in Dresden in the exact order we visited them, so feel free to follow our footsteps.
ALBERTINUM
We parked on Schiesgasse Parkplatz early in the morning, and because the sun was shining (even though according to the weather forecast it should have been cloudy), we started the sightseeing straightaway.
The first landmark on our map was Albertinum. It is a modern art museum, but even if you do not plan on going inside, it is a wonderful stop.
Built in the late 19th century, this Rennaisance Revival building stands right on the Brühl's Terrace, and if this site is the first one on your Dresden itinerary, you are going to be stunned.
At least, after seeing Albertinum from outside, we could not wait to see more of the Dresden when the first stop was so impressive.
Albertinum at the moment houses New Masters Gallery and the Sculpture Collection.
Opposite Albertinum stands Reformed Church, and just before we continued to the terrace, we noticed the Dresden Synagogue on our right.
The synagogue was built in 2001, therefore the modern look, and it was built on the same spot as the Semper Synagogue that was destroyed in 1938 during November Pogrom.
It would be a shame not to stop by when you are so close.
BRÜHL'S GARDEN
The famous Brühl's Terrace which you are about to enter has an adjacent small garden carrying the same name.
It is rather a tiny city park that features a few sculptures and several narrow paths that will take you to the terrace.
BRÜHL'S TERRACE
A large terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of Elbe River, and it is a place where tourists and locals meet and leisurely stroll around while taking in the views.
The Brühl's Terrace has approximately 500 meters, and except for the views of the river and many bridges crossing it, you will also see several architectural gems such as the Academy of Fine Arts Dresden.
The terrace is also known as the Balcony of Europe. The terrace was originally built as a fortress in the 16th century, and it is most likely the oldest Renaissance structure in Dresden.
Except for the fine buildings, the Brühl's Terrace is lined with benches, and when the weather is nice, this place is one of the favorite ones in the city for people just to sit and chill.
We arrived at Brühl's Terrace around 8 AM when the light was soft, there was no one around, the city was waking up, and we enjoyed our time here so much that we came back once again after sunset to take photos of the city illuminated by artificial lights.
KATHOLISCHE HOFKIRCHE
Dresden Cathedral alias Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Katholische Hofkirche in German) stands at the end of Brühl's Terrace on the bank of Elbe River.
The cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Dresden, and it is easy to see why as the architecture is absolutely stunning.
The city center of Dresden is very compact, so even when short on time, you cannot miss this must-see place.
When we were standing in front of the Dresden Cathedral, we had a very similar feeling to standing in front of the Prague Castle. How did we feel? Well, very little.
No wonder, the cathedral is the largest church in Saxony state. In the early 18th century most of the inhabitants of Dresden were Protestants, but the rulers were Catholics.
Protestants had their holy place Frauenkirche (it is yet another thing to do on our list), so Augustus III decided there needs to be a place of worship for Catholics as well.
Same as many top attractions in the center of Dresden, Katholische Hofkirche was damaged badly in 1945, but today it stands proudly and is one of the city's most visited places.
FÜRSTENZUG
Fürstenzug alias the Procession of Princes is a large mural on the walls lining Augustusstrasse. The mural depicts 35 rulers of the House of Wettin.
The mural was originally painted, but to make it waterproof, a few years later at the beginning of the 20th century, the simple color on the walls was replaced by Meissen porcelain tiles, and thanks to this action we can admire the beautiful landmark even today.
Allegedly more than 25 000 pieces of tiles were used on this mural. The painted (or rather tiled) wall is 102 meters long, and to date, it is the largest porcelain artwork in the world.
The Procession of Princes is in its best when the sun shines and it highlights the colors. Just behind the wall depicting the procession is Stallhof, a picturesque courtyard.
You can walk through, and the maze of streets will take you to Frauenkirche.
NEUMARKT
Neumarkt is the real heart of the city, and especially in the summer you will for sure feel the pulsing vibe.
In February, the square was pleasant without crowds. Except for Frauenkirche people head to Neumarkt to visit the Transport Museum.
Last but not least, Neumarkt is lined with hotels and restaurants, so no wonder it is one of the liveliest places in Dresden.
Regardless of how much we liked Neumarkt, we have one complaint.
We believe that people dressing up in giant panda costumes should not be allowed in the city center, or are we just weird that we do not see the beauty in it?
These live statues were finally banned from Prague's city center, and we think Dresden should follow the trend.
FRAUENKIRCHE
Frauenkirche alias Church of our Lady is one of the most unique Baroque structures in the whole of Germany. The Protestant church stands on the wonderful Neumarkt, which is the true center of Dresden.
Frauenkirche is beautiful from the outside, but do not miss the chance to explore its interior as well.
It’s a well-known fact that Frauenkirche is one of those buildings that were damaged badly during the bombing, but since that, the structure rised from the ashes thanks to the careful restoration.
Even today you can see darker salved stones that were part of the original church mixed with lighter stone used for the restoration.
Check out the opening hours before your visit.
It is possible to take a guided tour to Frauenkirche that is very cheap, and do not forget to see the observation deck from where you will get amazing views of the city.
Here you can reserve a Frauenkirche Tour.
RESIDENZSCHLOSS
Dresden's Royal Palace alias Residenzschloss is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The building lost the roof during the bombing, but now it is one of the top things to visit in Dresden.
Residenzschloss is home to many exhibitions, the combined ticket for all museums in the building costs 14 EUR, just remember that the complex is closed on Tuesday.
One of the most famous things in Residenzschloss is the Green Vault, the royal treasure chamber, but at the moment it is closed until further notice, and it is possible to see the New Green Vault instead.
THEATERPLATZ
Theaterplatz is a large square just in front of Dresden's Opera. Now you are also very close to the highlight of Dresden, Zwinger. In the middle of the square stands a bronze statue of John of Saxony.
We had a really nice feeling of Theaterplatz. It is close to the river, thanks to its size it is not crowded at all, and you are surrounded by magnificent buildings.
Theaterplatz is also one of the places where it is possible to buy a city tour.
We found exploring Dresden on our own completely fine.
But if you want to make sure you will see all the top things plus you prefer to learn something more about Dresden's difficult history from a local guide, you can take a guided tour.
Here you can reserve this well-rated Dresden City Tour.
SEMPEROPER DRESDEN
The jewel crown of Theaterplatz, Semperoper is yet another wonderful historic building in the center of Dresden. Not only the building is beautiful from outside, but it is also home to one of the world's most reputable operas.
The building is a great example of two architectural styles mixed together, the Clacissism and neo-Renaissance.
It is possible to take a Semperoper Guided Tour to admire the decor inside, there is even a tour designed for families with kids.
Of course, if you have a chance to buy a ticket for the evening performance, no matter whether it is an opera, theatre play, or ballet, go for it.
Interesting fact. The house got its name after the architect Gottfried Semper, who designed the building not once, but twice.
First time in 1841 and second time in 1869 after the building was destroyed by fire.
ZWINGER
One of Dresden's most impressive examples of Baroque architectural style, Zwinger, is the must-visit place when in the city.
Zwinger was built for high society with an intention to impress and when building the complex, architects had Versailles in mind.
Formerly Zwinger was used as an orangery, and nowadays the large halls and pavilions house many exhibitions.
Even when you decide not to go inside, there is still a lot to take in.
The complex is huge, and you can for free explore its exterior. In the middle of Zwinger is a perfectly manufactured garden with fountains, and we can imagine that in the summer the place must be even more magical.
What we enjoyed the most was walking on the gallery around the opulent complex, photographing the architecture, the details and the courtyard from above.
PRAGERSTRASSE
Before we crossed the bridge to Neustadt, we took a short detour to Pragerstrasse. Pragerstrasse is a big shopping zone, it is basically one street lined only with stores, mostly fashion shops.
We know that many people from the north part of the Czech Republic travel to Dresden because of shopping, so we wanted to see what is here so special with our own eyes.
Well, we must say we were not that impressed, mainly because we were not interested in shopping that day, but if you want to do shopping in Dresden, this is a place to go.
If you are not interested in this activity and pressed for time, skipping Pragerstrasse won't be a mistake.
ALTMARKT
On the way to Neustadt, we stopped by at Altmarkt, possibly the most famous square in Dresden. It is Dresden's oldest square lined with hotels, restaurants, and banks.
Here we also headed in the morning when we needed to withdraw money to pay for the parking. Nearby is a shopping mall Altmarkt-Gallerie Dresden.
Altmarkt is also a place where famous Christmas markets take place, but during this time this square is super-crowded, but if you want to experience the true European Christmas markets, consider visiting Dresden.
We believe that there is always something happening on Altmarkt, in the winter when we visited the city there was an ice rink for the public.
To learn more about how Christmas Markets in Europe look like, check our guide on Prague Christmas Markets.
AUGUSTUS BRIDGE
Finally, it was time to cross the bridge across the Elbe River and explore the new part of Dresden.
A bridge in the same location was connecting two banks of the river since the 12th century, but the present Augustus Bridge is from the beginning of the 20th century.
The bridge connects the new and historical part of the city, and we met there many locals who were enjoying the beautiful winter day.
You can from the bridge watch boats on the Elbe River, which might persuade you to take a boat tour yourself.
Check out either this popular Dresden Elbe River Cruise.
Augustus Bridge was one of the locations where we came back later after dark to take night photos of Dresden.
GOLDEN RIDER
The first landmark which will welcome you on the other side of the river is the Statue of Golden Rider.
The statue represents Augustus the Strong and shows the rider on his break to the Kingdom of Poland to the east.
The statue stands on this location since 1736, and you will surely not miss it when crossing the bridge on foot.
JAPAN PALACE
If you have time to spare, just behind the bridge turn left, and walk about five minutes until you reach Japan Palace (Japanisches Palais in German).
The palace is another example of Baroque architecture and nowadays houses three museums.
HAUPTSTRASSE
If you've taken the detour to Japan Palace, get back to the bridge, and follow Hauptstrasse. The street is a wide pedestrian zone, one of the best-known in Dresden.
Hauptstrasse is lined with shops, residential buildings, and you will meet here many locals just leisurely strolling around, drinking coffee, and relaxing on benches.
When the weather is nice, this pedestrian zone is one of the liveliest parts of Inner Neustadt.
NEUSTÄDTER MARKTHALLE
When you follow Hauptstrasse, turn right onto Metzer Strasse. After a couple of meters, you will reach a big industrial hall that hosts one of the most famous markets in Dresden.
The history of this market goes back to 1899, so no wonder this is a must-stop on your Dresden itinerary.
The floor area is huge and there are way too many stalls on two floors that sell everything from fruits and veggies to delicacies and ready-to-eat meals.
We won't lie to you, we found this market a bit overpriced, but on the other hand, all the products looked really quality, and we can imagine coming here every now and then to try something new.
NEUSTADT
Neustadt alias the new city is Dresden's district sprawling on the opposite side of the river than the historical part and is divided into the inner and outer neighborhood.
Neustadt is actually quite old but got its name after the fire in the 18th century when the large part of the city had to be rebuilt.
Today Neustadt is presented like a cool, hipster place, and what we could see, it really has this relaxed vibe.
The streets are lined with interesting coffee shops, bars, ethnic shops, restaurants featuring foreign cuisine, and it is possible to see street art all over the place.
We believe that this place must be much more alive at night when the bars open.
If you are looking for cheaper accommodation, Neustadt is home to many hostels.
KUNSTHOFPASSAGE
One of the quirkiest places in Neustadt, but maybe in all Dresden is Kunsthofpassage.
A maze of backyards will take you around art galleries, craft shops, and coffee shops to two of the coolest modern-art buildings we've seen in Dresden.
Probably the most photographed corner of Kunsthofpassage is Courtyard of Elements.
There stands a bright blue building and its facade is covered by a tangle of drainpipes. The drainpipes resemble musical instruments.
The idea is much more thought out because the building does not attack only your visual senses, but when it rains, you can actually hear the water cascading down and creating sounds.
Even though we know you want to have sunny weather for exploring Dresden, if you are staying for a couple of days and the forecast does not look promising for a day, Kunsthofpassage is the place to go.
Just opposite stands not less impressive yellow house, but this one is often overshadowed by the blue one.
We just cannot imagine how it must be like to live in these residential houses when tourists keep staring in your windows all day long.
Nevertheless, Kunsthofpassage for sure belongs among the top things to see and do in Dresden.
DRESDNER MOLKEREI
Dresdner Molkerei alias Pfunk Molkerei is a milk shop. Yes, you hear it right. How come a milk shop is one of the top attractions in Dresden?
Well, its interior is simply fabulous, so no wonder this shop is considered to be one of the most beautiful milk shops in the world.
Is it a tourist trap?
Well, we think the prices are quite fair (you can buy here cheese, eat traditional food, drink coffee or milkshakes), but we indeed met here on a few square meters more travelers than during the whole day in the historical center.
It is not allowed to take photos inside the shop, so respect the wish of the owners.
ELBE RIVER
After seeing the top things in Neustadt, we return to the bank of Elbe River, and because we had enough time, we decided to walk approximately five kilometers along the river to Schwebebahn Dresden.
Had we lived in Dresden, we know the walk or jog along the river bank would have been our daily bread.
Even though we could see quite many locals around even in the winter, the area is pretty large, and it did not seem crowded.
This side of the Elbe River is dotted with modern looking houses, old large mansions, and vineyards.
To get to the other side of the river you need to either get to one of the bridges, or you can take Elbe ferries that cross the river regularly for 1.5 EUR one way.
SCHWEBEBAHN DRESDEN
To get unique views of Elbe River and the iconic Blaues Wunder Bridge from above, take a suspension railway.
There are two cable railways close to each other, Schwebebahn and Standseilbahn.
We got to the railways via the walk along the river, but we know that it is pretty far, so it is possible to take a tram or bus to get closer.
Both funiculars belong among the oldest suspension railways as they've been in use for more than hundred years, and they are also part of the Dresden public transport system.
If you plan on visiting Prague after Dresden, check out Petrin Hill, we have a similar funicular in the city.
Roundtrip by Schwebebahn railway costs 5 EUR.
BLAUES WUNDER
The iconic Dresden's bridge Blaues Wunder, in English Blue Wonder, was back in times the true technological wonder, so this fact altogether with the bridge's original blue color gave the bridge its name.
The bridge connects two districts, Blasewitz and Loschwitz, upscale residential areas.
The bridge is only a few hundred meters away from the hillside railways, so once you're done with funiculars, cross the bridge, and from here you can easily walk back to the center.
Did we tell you that we walked more than 35 kilometers that day in Dresden?
Or you can take a tram back to the historical part of Dresden.
GROSSER GARTEN
The last best thing we visited that day in Dresden was Grosser Garten alias The Great Garden.
The symmetrical Baroque-style park is really large, and thanks to its location close to the historical city center, it is a popular spot where to take a break after all the sightseeing.
Both locals and tourists come to the garden to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere or do sports such as biking or jogging.
In the center of the park is a huge mansion Sommerpalais. In the season either in the palace or on the garden's grounds, many cultural events take place.
WHERE TO STAY IN DRESDEN
Dresden is a very friendly city, and there are plenty of options on where to stay. Of course, closer to the city center is better, but unsurprisingly, the prices near the historical center are higher.
If you are looking for a lively atmosphere, and open restaurants and bars all night, look for a hostel or hotel in Neustadt district.
If the low price is what matters the most when you are looking for accommodation, you can stay further from the center.
Public transport in Dresden is reliable, and you will get easily to the most important landmarks even from the suburbs.
We've handpicked the best hotels in Dresden for every budget category.
Budget | Pension Dresdener Panorama - If a low price and clean rooms are what you are looking for, this hotel is a perfect choice. Yes, it is not centrally located, but it is possible to get to the center easily by public transport.
Mid-range | Star Inn Hotel - This well-rated mid-range hotel is located right on the Altmarkt. Except for the perfect location you can enjoy great quality service, comfortable and modern rooms, and tasty breakfast.
Luxury | Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski - One of the most wonderful hotels in Dresden offers elegant rooms, convenient location, and just the right touch of luxury a sophisticated traveler might be looking for.
HOW TO GET AROUND DRESDEN
Dresden is best explored on foot. The city center is really compact, but even Neustadt and other top things to see and do are within walking distance.
If you want to see all the places we visited in Dresden, you might want to use public transport, because we must admit that covering everything was pretty tiring.
Fortunately, public transport in Dresden is convenient and easy to use. Buses and trams circle around the center frequently, the ticket costs 2.40 EUR per one ride and tourist one-day fares start on 6 EUR.
It is possible to buy a ticket on a bus or tram, but you need cash and the exact amount.
Another alternative on how to get around Dresden is taking the hop-on-hop-off bus that is pretty cheap and will take you around the top landmarks in the city.
HOW TO GET TO DRESDEN
Dresden is one of the most visited cities in Germany, therefore it is easy to get there. The way of transport depends on the destination you are traveling from.
The city is reachable by plane, bus, train, or by car.
You can search this site to rent a car if you are planning a big European road trip.
We traveled to Dresden from Prague by car and if you are heading either from Prague or Prague is your next destination after visiting Dresden, read our detailed guide.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DRESDEN
Dresden is an all-year-round destination that never disappoints and every season has its specifics.
Winter between December and February is cold, can be rainy, and the city's gardens are not green.
On the other hand, the city is not that crowded (except for the weekends in December), and the sightseeing is much more relaxed.
When the weather is bad, you can hide in one of the many museums.
Spring is a magical time in Dresden, the trees are in bloom, days are longer and the atmosphere is very pleasant.
Autumn is very similar to spring, it only rains a bit more, closer to the winter.
Summer is the top travel season in Europe, therefore Dresden also sees the biggest amount of travelers during this time.
Weather is usually sunny, temperatures high, but the prices often skyrocket.
PACKING TIPS
Dresden is a typical city destination, so you need to wear comfortable shoes, a daypack, and an umbrella.
Don't forget to check the weather forecast before you go.
Wear comfortable clothes such as jeans and a windbreaker. In winter you are going to need a coat or a down jacket.
Camera, memory cards and spare batteries should go without saying.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
