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THE 10 BEST Dresden Tours & Excursions

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14. Scenic Bastei Bridge with Boat Trip & Lunch: DayTour from Dresden

15. Dresden Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

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17. Daytrip from Prague to Dresden via Saxon Switzerland

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 14 Best Dresden Tours

14 Best Dresden Tours

Dresden, which is situated along the River Elbe in the state of Saxony in Germany, is a fairly large city of 780,000 people that has become a popular tourist destination.

Due to its unique architecture and long-standing role in the art world, Dresden gained the nickname of “Florence of the Elbe.”

Many tourists travel to the city each year to see this stunning architecture and immerse themselves in the local art scene. They also come to visit the many museums and surrounding natural landscapes, including the Ore Mountains, Elbe Valley, and Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Several festivals are held in the city throughout the year, including the International Dixieland Festival Dresden and Polimagie Festival.

Below are 14 of the best tours in Dresden.

1. Embark on a Walking Tour of Dresden

The best way to get familiar with Dresden and see its main points-of-interest is with a guided walking tour of the city.

This 90-minute tour will take you into the center of Old Town, where you’ll see attractions such as the Zwinger, the Neumarkt, and the Church of our Lady. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will talk about the history of the city, and you’ll have a chance to sample a surprise local delicacy.

At the end of the tour, your guide will provide you with valuable information on the best eateries and things to do around Dresden.

2. Take a Tour of a Volkswagen Factory

If you’ve ever wanted to see what goes on inside a car manufacturing plant, this 90-minute tour will take you inside the Dresden Volkswagen Transparent Factory, where you’ll embark on a guided exploration.

During the tour, you’ll see the daily workings of the factory and watch a Volkswagen electric car being produced. You’ll also learn about the cars being made there and the newer technologies that are being employed.

After the tour, you’ll have some time to explore other attractions in the immediate area.

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3. Take in the Natural Beauty of Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park

Leave the urban landscape behind and head into nature with a ten-hour day trip into the Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Meet your local guide at your hotel and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan. During this hour-long drive, your guide will tell you about the history of the park and what to expect during the day.

You’ll arrive at the entrance before the large crowds arrive, and set out to explore this beautiful area that has captured the eye of many filmmakers throughout the years.

You can choose from three different tours. The hiking tour takes you to all the main highlights of the park, including Bastei Bridge, Elbe River Canyon, and the Pravcicka Gate.

You’ll also take a boat ride through the Kamenice River Gorge, embark on a ten-kilometer hike, and sample some local cuisine.

The Fantasy Highlights tour includes visits to many of the same attractions, plus the Sneknik lookout tower, Tyssa Walls, and Narnia Labyrinth, where you’ll embark on a nine-kilometer hike. A winter tour is also offered.

4. Experience Dresden of the 18th Century

Experience Dresden as it was in the 18th century with this unique 90-minute tour. Follow your costumed guide to Saxon Court, where you’ll take an animated trip back in time to when the Count and Countess von Bruhl were in power.

Learn about life at that time and practice your manners and how to behave accordingly at court. During this tour, you’ll also enjoy a champagne reception.

5. Take a Cruise on the Elbe River

Take a trip from Dresden to Meissen on this full-day tour that will take you on a journey over water along the Saxon Wine Route. Board a paddle steamer, and during the voyage, enjoy the stunning scenery of the region.

Arrive in Meissen in the early afternoon and visit various attractions, including the Albrechtsburg, the town museum, the porcelain factory, and Frauenkirche. Take some free time to walk through the walled town and take in the sights before sailing back to Dresden.

6. Learn about the Events of World War II

Get an intriguing history lesson combined with the opportunity to view some of Dresden’s top attractions.

The focus of this two-hour guided walking tour is some of the events of World War II, the Third Reich, the rise and fall of Hitler, and how these events affected Dresden and the people of Germany during this dark time.

As you move through this historic city, you’ll see many iconic landmarks, including Bruhl’s Terrace, Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, Altmarkt, and Frauenkirche.

7. Admire the Beautiful Murals of Dresden

The streets of Dresden are filled with mesmerizing street art and murals. On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll not only see the art, but you’ll also learn the history behind it and the artists.

Some of the art is quite old, while some of it is modern. All of it is beautiful. You’ll see works by several artists, including Jens Besser and Ema Jones.

8. Explore Pillnitz Castle

Take a journey around Pillnitz Castle with this 90-minute tour with a Baroque theme. Meet your costumed guide at the Old Guardhouse and follow along as you tour the castle and grounds.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the society games of that period and brush up on your etiquette skills in preparation for the evening ball.

Enjoy a delicious meal and champagne reception, followed by theater performances, illuminations, and other forms of entertainment. End the tour in the Fliederhof courtyard.

9. Indulge with a Meal and Beer Tasting

Indulge with food and beer on this 90-minute tour that’ll take you through the streets of Old Town. A master brewer will lead you to the Altmarktkeller Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy four beer tastings and a two-course meal.

Along the way, you’ll see many of the city’s attractions and learn about its unique relationship with beer.

10. Tour Dresden on a Segway

A segway is a modern and unique form of transportation that’s perfect for exploring cities. On this 90-minute tour, you’ll zip around on a segway while your knowledgeable guide points out important landmarks and top attractions as they provide some of the city’s history.

Meet your guide at the Neustädter Markt monument, and after brief instruction on how to use your segway, head to Konigsufer.

Next, make your way over the Alber Bridge and into Neumarkt, where you’ll see the iconic Frauenkirche. Head to the old town district and see many more of the city’s highlights.

11. Follow in the Steps of Kurt Vonnegut

The story of Kurt Vonnegut is an intriguing one that you may be familiar with if you read his book about his experience as a prisoner-of-war and subsequent survival.

This two-hour tour brings that iconic piece of literature to life through an exploration of his experience.

See the buildings that were destroyed during the bombings of 1945 and hear about their reconstruction. Visit the Old Slaughterhouse where Kurt Vonnegut and his fellow POW’s survived the bombings. Hear stories about the events leading up to the bombings and life in the city afterward.

12. Take Part in a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are fun, but they also provide a unique way to explore a new city. This scavenger hunt around Dresden takes players down old city streets, through colorful districts, and near some of the city’s top attractions. All you have to do is book your game and pick it up or have it delivered to you.

Start the hunt at Theaterplatz and solve puzzles and riddles. As you go, see various landmarks such as Bruhl’s Terrace, the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, Augusttusbrucke, and Dresden Castle.

You can start and end the game whenever you please, as there’s no set timeline in terms of how long it takes to finish it.

13. Hear Stories about Dresden while Seeing the Sites

Meet your guide near the River Elbe and make your way through the city streets as you listen to stories about love, war, and betrayal through the centuries.

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll also see many of the city’s top attractions and hear the stories behind them. Theaterplatz, Semperoper Opera House, Zwinger Palace, Taschenberg Palais Hotel, and Frauenkirche are just some of the attractions you will see along the way.

14. Enjoy Free or Discounted Entry to Museums and Attractions

This voucher, which is available in print or for mobile services, allows you free access to many museums around the city. You’ll be able to skip the line-ups as well. Some of the museums include Zwinger Palace, Dresden Castle, Albertinum Modern Art Museum, and the Jagerhof Museum of Saxon Folk Art.

There are also discounts for many other museums, attractions, activities, and restaurants.

14 Best Dresden Tours:

• Embark on a Walking Tour of Dresden
• Take a Tour of a Volkswagen Factory
• Take in the Natural Beauty of Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Experience Dresden of the 18th Century
• Take a Cruise on the Elbe River
• Learn about the Events of World War II
• Admire the Beautiful Murals of Dresden
• Explore Pillnitz Castle
• Indulge with a Meal and Beer Tasting
• Tour Dresden on a Segway
• Follow in the Steps of Kurt Vonnegut
• Take Part in a Scavenger Hunt
• Hear Stories about Dresden while Seeing the Sites
• Enjoy Free or Discounted Entry to Museums and Attractions

9 of the best things to do in Dresden

Sep 22, 2022 • 8 min read

From top museum collections to absorbing street art, here are the best activities and experiences in Dresden © Dudarev Mikhail / Shutterstock

Dresden is a city for time-travelers. You can spend a day hopping between beautiful Baroque buildings all the while walking in the footsteps of more recent ghosts that continue to weigh heavy on the city’s soul.

There’s the resplendent Altstadt (Old Town) meticulously reconstructed to its former glory and Christmas Markets that bring light to an otherwise dark time of year. Across the Elbe River, you can find modern Germany with its craft beer, international cuisine and immersive street art. Then, just a short train ride away, sip award-winning wines or head out to the country for some of the most impressive natural views.

Here are the top things to do in Dresden.

1. Climb to the top of Frauenkirche for a panoramic view of the Old Town

Churches in European Old Towns are usually a dime a dozen. But Dresden’s Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) stands out for its history and symbolism.

The 18th-century Lutheran Church – along with almost all of Dresden – was destroyed in the fire bombing of 1945. Post-war leaders initially left the church in ruins as a kind of war memorial until the late 1980s when plans for reconstruction began. Using 8000 salvaged stones, the Baroque masterpiece was officially brought back to life in 2005. The golden cross placed atop the dome was constructed by the son of a British pilot who took part in the bombing of Dresden, as an act of reconciliation.

Planning Tip: The viewing platform with spectacular views of the surrounding Neumark is open year-round to visitors. Find the latest information on opening hours and price of admission online .

2. See the inspiration for Kurt Vonnegut's book Slaughterhouse-Five

Kurt Vonnegut is known as one of the most profound and prolific writers in American history. But before he made a name for himself as a writer, he dropped out of Cornell University and enlisted in the US Army to fight in WWII. Captured at the Battle of the Bulge, he was interned in Dresden during the devastating and controversial Allied firebombing of the city that left it in ruins. Vonnegut survived the attack by hiding in a meat locker of the slaughterhouse, hence the name of his breakthrough novel, Slaughterhouse-Five .

Tour guide Danilo Hommel quickly saw the potential to turn Vonnegut’s story into an experiential morning for guests interested in learning more about the author and how themes he touched on in his novel resonate today in Dresden. As part of the tour, you'll also learn more about the destruction of Dresden in February of 1945 and how the city was rebuilt over the following half century.

Planning Tip:  Walking into the actual slaughterhouse is not always possible – check with the tour guide in advance for the latest information.

3. Take a stroll around the Zwinger

Dresden, in its reconstructed splendor, is a city to simply immerse yourself, and the Zwinger  – a prestigious piece of Baroque architecture right in the center of the city – is arguably the icing on the cake. 

Meant to stand as a testimony to the glory of Augustus the Strong’s reign, the Zwinger quickly developed into a cultural hub until it was destroyed in WWII. The Soviets began reconstruction immediately after the war, largely restoring the building to its pre-war state by 1963. Today it’s popular with photo-hungry tourists, collecting different snaps of the exquisite architecture and art within the complex. 

For many, standing in the heart of the Zwinger and taking it all in is enough, but if you do enjoy a good museum, the Porzellansammlung (Porcelain Museum) has an invaluable collection of over 20,000 artifacts. The museum’s traditional Chinese and Japanese collections, acquired by Augustus the Strong himself, serve as the main attraction.

Local Tip: Listen for the chimes playing at the Glockenspiel Pavilion every 15 minutes. The melodies are a mix of original compositions by Günter Schwarze and other well-known tunes.

4. Immerse yourself in the art of Kunsthofpassage in Neustadt

Most cities have their street art neighborhoods and for Dresden it’s Neustadt (New Town) just across the Elbe from the Old Town. But this isn't just captivating imagery, Kunsthofpassage is an immersive experience.

There are a number of courtyards accessible through narrow alleyways where you can quite literally walk into the art. In Hof der Elemente (Courtyard of the Elements) there are a series of twisting silver pipes that look like they belong in a Mario video game before they morph into a trumpet. The Hof des Lichts (Courtyard of Light) contains projection screens to allow for multimedia performances alongside metallic mirrors with colorful reflections that change with the sun’s position. Last but not least, there’s the Hof der Fabelwesen (Courtyard of Mythical Creatures), home to artist Viola Schöpe’s paintings and ceramic mosaics of peculiar beings that resemble a blend of Picasso and Ancient Greek art alongside a two-floor tall giraffe and some monkeys.

5. Snap a sunset panoramic photo at Brühl’s Terrace

Dresden and its photogenic Old Town can be overwhelming for anyone with a camera. The exquisite nature of the city demands to be captured by the lens again and again. For the perfect photography spot, head for Brühl’s Terrace – nicknamed “the balcony of Europe.”

This impressive panoramic terrace stretches approximately 500m (1640ft) with a view over the Elbe River. The name stems from Henrich von Brühl, an 18th-century statesman who led the construction of various ornate buildings in Dresden. Stop by a bit before sunset so you have time to wander around the eastern garden before admiring the Renaissance-style terrace itself.

6. Get lost in Residenzschloss Dresden Castle (or Royal Palace)

This Old Town castle is considered to be one of the most important of the Renaissance period, serving as a cultural and political hub since the 15th century. Today the Residenzschloss houses a variety of museums. There’s the Dresden Armory (Rüstkammer) with its collection of armor and weapons, the Grünes Gewölbe , or Green Vault, home to royal treasures, and the Turkish Chamber with its collection of Ottoman art – one of the largest of its kind outside of Turkey.

At Kupferstich-Kabinett you can find an astounding collection of roughly 500,000 drawings, prints, and sketches by the likes of Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Germany’s own Albrecht Dürer. If somehow that’s not enough, you can cap it off with the Münzkabinett – literally the coin cabinet – with 300,000 objects from across the globe dating from antiquity to the modern era.

Detour: Explore the Residenzschloss’ royal roots by checking out the east side of the building's exterior where you can find the Fürstenzug mural. This 102m-long (335ft) piece of art displays the 35 rulers of the House of Wetting, stretching from the 12th century up to the final kings of the 19th century.

7. Grab a cup of Glühwein and get into the Christmas spirit at Striezelmarkt

Germany is known for its Christmas markets or Weihnachtsmärkte beginning in late November and stretching through the holiday season in December. You’d be hard-pressed to find a city or village without some kind of Christmas market, complete with food, gifts and of course, Glühwein, the German spin on mulled wine.

If you were to visit just one Christmas market, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt makes a strong case. It's considered by many to be the oldest Christmas market in the country, stretching back nearly 600 years. Visiting Striezelmarkt on the edge of the city's Old Town is like stepping into a winter wonderland, complete with all the sugary sweets and pageantry you can imagine.

8. Sip on a glass of wine at Schloss Wackerbarth

When exploring Germany’s celebrated wine regions, Saxony isn’t usually in the conversation. That is, unless you’re talking about Schloss Wackerbarth.

Just outside of Dresden in the town of Radebeul, you can get to the winery and its romantic rolling hills in a little over 30 minutes from the main train station. The award-winning Wackerbarth is one of Europe’s oldest producers of sparkling wine, with a deserved renowned reputation. Fancy a glass? Tours are available daily from April through December and Tuesday to Sunday between January and March. Get a tasting for €15 per person.

9. Hike across the Bastei in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of the best national parks in all of Germany, and it’s right in Dresden’s backyard.

From the main train station, hop on the regional EC train for a 25-minute ride to the charming spa town of Bad Schandau, tucked in between some of the best sights the national park has to offer. Or take the S1 train 38 minutes to Kurort Rathen for direct access to hiking the Bastei, an incredible rock formation standing nearly 200m (656ft) over the Elbe River with an arched sandstone bridge. For a longer stay, head out along the 116km-long (72 mile) Malerweg hiking trail divided into eight stages. Rock climbing is another option for experiencing the park up close.

Local Tip: Summer crowds can get overwhelming at Bastei. But you can get similar views without the crowds by going further east into the park towards Schrammsteinaussicht along the Malerweg long-distance hiking trail.

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

7 Dresden Tours You Should Book & One to Avoid at All Costs!

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:40 pm

When I decided to spend the first part of my autumn trip to Germany visiting Dresden , I knew that I wanted to see as much of the city as possible, including seeing some different sides of the city.

I went on a handful of wonderful Dresden tours (and one seriously bad one), and it helped me to develop a much deeper understanding of the city, which has a complicated history.

Here are my favorite Dresden tours that I would highly recommend, and my experience on one especially terrible tour, including what happened with customer service when the tour was over.

Hopefully, this will help you decide which Dresden City tours to sign up for on your own trip to Germany.

Read:  What to Pack for Germany

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

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Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Dresden Walking Tours

I always recommend starting a trip in a new city with a walking tour to help you get a good introduction to the layout, history, and the main sights.

One of the nicest things about Dresden is that you can explore the entire Altstadt in a few hours (provided you’re not going into the museums, which will definitely add time).

Because the Altstadt (old city) is so compact, it makes it a prime candidate for exploring on foot with a walking tour.

Free Tours Dresden has a walking tour every Saturday afternoon. You can check current times on their Facebook page here .

Remember that if you go on a free tour, you need to bring cash to tip the tour guide since that’s how they make their money.

If you’re not able to go on a Saturday and still want to go on a walking tour, there are several companies that offer paid walking tours. DresdenWalks conducts a historical walking tour with options for guides in English, German, and even Russian. Check prices and reviews here.

For those who prefer culinary history to architecture, I’d recommend going on the Taste of Dresden Food Walk instead, which will still cover major sites and history, but with a bent toward food history. You can check prices and reviews here.

Slaughterhouse-Five Tour

Kurt Vonnegut was imprisoned by the Nazis during the Allied bombing of Dresden. Years later, he recorded these experiences in the ground-breaking novel  Slaughterhouse-Five . 

While in the city, you can go on a tour of the Slaughterhouse and learn about the history right where it happened. This is one of my favorite things that I did while in Dresden. The tour goes over the history of Dresden during the Third Reich, Kurt Vonnegut’s life, and how he ended up writing Slaughterhouse -Five .

Not only was the tour super interesting, but the tour is also conducted by Danillo, a former teacher who conceived the tour and owns the tour company. This is his passion in life, and it extends far beyond just entertaining tourists. He really pushes you to think about the world, the city, and the war differently. At the beginning of the tour, I found his questions frustrating, but by the end of the tour, I found that Danillo is one of the warmest tour guides I’ve ever met. He’s using his tour to do his part to make the world a better place, and it’s truly admirable.

The tour includes a lot of walking, and you’ll explore a lot of the city that isn’t included on most tours. We started at the Theatreplatz in front of the Semper Operhouse and walked down the Elbe river and over to where the Slaughterhouse is.

This is great for Vonnegut fans, but it’s also interesting for those who haven’t read the novel yet because the history is so interesting and important. You can check tour prices and reviews (including mine!) here.

Semperoper Opera House Tour

Because of Dresden’s work rebuilding itself after the bombings destroyed most of the Altstadt, there’s a lot more than meets the eye to the history and architecture of any particular building. Opera and ballet lovers will relish a tour of Semperoper , which has been rebuilt not once, but twice!

Pro tip: I was lucky and accidentally booked the Monday tour, which I was told afterward is the tour least-likely to be fully booked. Visiting Germany in autumn and signing up for the smallest tour resulted in me being one of only three people on the tour!

After you arrive, you’ll need to pay three euros for a photography pass, which I found well worth it since the opera house is so lovely. However, it was the history and the details about which operas held their world premiere’s here that were the biggest highlights for me. You can check tour prices and reviews (including mine!) here.

If you want to book a Semperoper tour and a Dresden Walking Tour, there’s a combined ticket with a discount available. Check prices and reviews here.

Street Art Tour

Dresden is known for its beautiful and creative street art, especially the works located in the Dresden Neustadt neighborhood. I didn’t have time to go on a street art tour in Dresden , but I did go on a street art tour in Berlin which added immensely to my understanding of the artwork. The tour guide for the tour is the same one as the Slaughterhouse-Five tour above, so I can wholeheartedly vouch that he is an excellent tour guide!

If you love street art and you want to know more about the different artists, mediums, and the meanings behind different works, I highly recommend it! Because Dresden is famous for its street art, this is a fantastic city to start digging in deeper. You can check prices and reviews here.

Read:  Dresden Street Art: 15 Famous Pieces and Offbeat Gems

Dresden Neustadt Pub Crawl

The Dresden Neustadt Pub Crawl is the number one tour that I regret not having time to go on because my friends raved about it to me. I also heard amazing things about it from the Indie Travel Podcast. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any free nights on my itinerary in Dresden, but I regretted missing out so much that I booked a similar tour in Berlin (which was awesome). The tour guide for the tour is the same one as the Slaughterhouse-Five tour that I went on, so I can wholeheartedly vouch that he is an excellent tour guide!

Because Dresden Neustadt is such a hip area with so much to see and experience, the tour is designed to introduce you to the neighborhood and the bars while also making sure you have a fun night on the town. You can check prices and reviews here.

Saxon Switzerland with Bastei Bridge Tour

Saxony Switzerland National Park with its Bastei bridge is probably the most famous day trip from Dresden, and it’s so beautiful that it’s easy to see why. I chose to rent a car and go on my own as part of a larger day trip, but if this isn’t possible for you then book a tour so that you don’t miss out!

You have two options for tours. This tour includes transportation from Dresden and a stop at Pillnitz Castle. There’s also the option to take public transportation or rent a car, and then join a group hiking tour once you’re already there.

You can follow the links to check prices and reviews for the tour from Dresden and the hiking tour.

Boat Tour on the Elbe

Because I went to Dresden in November, I skipped a river cruise. However, I would highly recommend going on an Elbe river cruise if you’re there when the weather is nice! Some of my favorite things to do in Europe is to go on river cruises, and Dresden’s reputation as the “Florence of the North” really makes sense when viewed from the water.

One tip for going on river cruises is to remember that the temperature on the water will be colder than in the city, so bring layers in case you need to get a little warmer! You can check cruise prices and reviews here.

Trabi Safari

Ugh, I booked the 90 Minute Trabi Safari from Trabi World , but my experiences dealing with the tour guide and company were so terrible that I had to complain directly to GetYourGuide about how bad it was. While the tour company wouldn’t assist at all, GetYourGuide was excellent and refunded my money due to the exigent circumstances. That’s one reason I like booking tours through them instead of directly with the tour operator because it gives you a second point of customer service to deal with.

I’m still too upset about what happened, so I’m just going to copy and paste my exact customer service complaint here. Note that I know my circumstances were incredibly strange, but I still can’t believe how terrible the tour guide treated me. Further, the company refused to be helpful with the situation afterward, so the bad behavior from the company go beyond one guide.

My experience with Trabi World:

The day started out strangely, but the guide didn’t handle the situation well and then became insulting.

I took a taxi from my hotel to the tour location at Trabi World. I asked the front desk at my hotel three times if they would make sure the taxi took credit cards, since my debit card was stolen in Serbia and I wouldn’t have a new one until I get to Berlin on Wednesday night. When I arrived at Trabbi World, the taxi driver said he didn’t take credit cards and threatened to call the police.     I was very upset and scared, and asked the tour guide if he could help me with the situation. I asked if I could pay them 10 euros with a credit card and they give the taxi ten euros. I wasn’t trying to cause problems, I was just in a very bad situation through no fault of my own and trying to avoid having the police called during the tour.     The tour guide said they didn’t take credit cards. I asked him if I could PayPal him instead. He said that it was my “legal responsibility” to always have cash and there was nothing he could do.     I begged him. I said look, I’m a travel writer, I want to review your tour for my readers and recommend it. Is there any way you can help me with this situation so that we can do the tour instead of the taxi driver having me arrested for not having cash. If I had time, I would have called my hotel to ask them for help since they were the reason for the miscommunication, but I didn’t want to miss out on my tour.

I finally said look, I’m not asking you as a business that has to do me this favor. I’m asking as a tourist in a very bad situation that I did not cause if you could please do me a favor so that I don’t get arrested. I will give you the money.     He then went and got ten euros and paid the taxi driver. I thanked him profusely and he told me that he’d give him the information to pay him back at the end of the tour.     We go over to the Trabi. I take a few pictures of the yard so that I have some for my article. He tells me to get inside and then walks away. When he comes back, he hands me the insurance forms for me to sign. He also started asking me a lot of weird, personal questions about my debit card situation. It seemed like he thought I was trying to scam him. It was making me very uncomfortable. I already felt weird that when I explained what happened with the hotel concierge not ordering me the correct form of taxi, his instinct was to yell at me about my responsibilities instead of at least being nice or trying to deescalate the situation.     He then told me how the car worked for about a minute. He went through it so fast and I was already so flustered with the whole situation, that I asked him to show me again. He did. Then he told me to pull the car out and follow him.     At this point I was confused, since the description of the tour said there would be technical instruction, and this just seemed like him rattling off four things and then leaving me by myself. The tour description also said that multiple people would switch off driving, and I was clearly going to be alone the whole time.

I go to pull the car out, and I realize that I had the car in 3rd instead of 1st gear. He walks over to me (I mean I hadn’t even pulled the car out) tells me that the tour is cancelled since I can’t drive.     Meanwhile, I drive all the time in foreign countries, and I even write guides about how to drive in new places. I think what he wanted to say was that I wasn’t good enough at manual to drive the car, but what he actually said next was that I was the worst driver he’d ever seen. I hadn’t even driven the car anywhere!

Because I was so stressed already and we clearly didn’t get along at all, I felt that it was best if I didn’t drive. The added stress of him being so blunt and rude on top of the scare about being arrested for ten euros was really getting to me. Since the description of the tour indicated multiple drivers, I figured that it was fine if I just didn’t drive. I could just ride in his car.     He said no, that wasn’t the deal. I couldn’t ride in the car with him. He didn’t explain why this wasn’t possible. He just said that he didn’t run a driving school and it wasn’t his job to teach me anything (even though the technical instruction was part of the tour). As I was the only person on the tour, there wasn’t anyone else to drive. He wouldn’t let me ride in the car with him. So there wasn’t anything else for me to do.

I didn’t want to cry in front of this man who had said so many harsh things to me already (and kept saying mean things until I left), so I asked him if he could call me a taxi that takes visa and I would leave. I also asked for the information to pay back the taxi fare he had lent me.     He calls the taxi, tells me to consider the taxi fare a gift, and then tells me again that I’m the worst driver he’s ever seen. I ask him if he could please stop saying insulting things to me, to which he said he wasn’t saying insulting things. Not only was he cancelling the tour, not refunding my money, and insulting me, he was also gaslighting me!     I would like a refund on the tour. I met the required description of having a driver’s license and being a capable driver. The tour description does not say you have to be an accomplished manual driver to go on the tour (it actually doesn’t mention needing to be able to drive manual at all). I can drive manual, but not when a tour guide is yelling at me, insinuating that I’m trying to steal from him, and stressing me out.  Please only refund me the amount minus ten euros, so that I pay them back for the cost of the taxi. I don’t want to owe that man a thing.

If you feel like you would still like to book this tour, you can check prices and reviews (including mine!) here. Though you’ve been warned.

5 Things to Pack for the Trip to Dresden

Planning a trip to Dresden? Make sure you don’t forget these!

• The   Lonely Planet Germany   guidebook for your trip. I’ve been looking for a hard copy here since I don’t like getting stuff delivered to me in Bulgaria, and I can’t find one. Definitely get your guidebook ahead of time.
• Slaughterhouse-Five  Kurt Vonnegut wrote this novel about his experiences in Dresden during the war. You can get a paperback, Kindle, or Audible copy. I’ve been listening to it on Audible while I walk around the city.
• Dresden Welcome Card   If you’re going to explore the city’s sites for more than a day, this two-day city card will save you money by giving you free admission to many of the city’s major sites and discounts to many others.
• A Camera  since Dresden is super photogenic. I used a mix of my  Nikon D810  and my   Samsung8  smartphone.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them.  It’s especially important to get travel insurance when participating in outdoor activities. Even in the cities, though, you’ll be happy when you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen.

More Dresden Travel Resources

• 21 Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany: Tips & Advice
• 27 Pictures of Dresden to Inspire Your German Wanderlust
• 13 Quirky & Enchanting Things to Do in Dresden Neustadt
• 17 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Dresden, Germany
• How to Get from Berlin to Dresden on the Cheap & Hassle-Free
• How to Get from Dresden to Berlin
• Dresden Street Art: 15 Famous Pieces and Offbeat Gems
• 10 Reasons to Travel to Germany in Fall
• What to Pack for Germany

Have you gone on any Dresden tours? Are you planning a trip to Dresden soon? Leave your best travel tips and any questions you have below!

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3 thoughts on “7 Dresden Tours You Should Book & One to Avoid at All Costs!”

Great article & luckily you got a refund. If the place was at least busy you could maybe understand how someone would be stressed with having to go through things quickly and show things again, but if you’re going to operate in the tourism industry, as a rule of thumb, don’t be a jack ass. And from your story, sounds like he wasn’t busy at all & was a big-time jack ass.

Love Dresden, but that’s a tour I won’t ever both with. Rest is great though… Bastei Brücke is an incredible piece of architecture/engineering.

What a great post, the street art looks amazing!

It’s also really refreshing for a blogger to include a negative experience, I can find that the blog/social media world doesn’t always reflect real life.

I think it’s hard when you work with a brand, but I was a paying customer and so you know they’d treat anyone like that. Thank you!

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Dresden Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Dresden. We've got 266 adventures going to Dresden, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 49 days. The most popular month to go is August, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Dresden tour packages with 6,419 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague

The tour was great the communication was a bit sketchy. It was a different experience since we did not have the same guide for the whole trip. Peter and Frank and Inga were super stars helping us with the COVID test situation all the guides were excellent

• River Cruise
• Sightseeing

Prague, Dresden, and the Castles of Bohemia: A Spectacular Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers

Best of Germany (12 Days)

Hello, The 12days the best of Germany were a real success, we visited many interesting cities, I was born in Germany andlived there for 19 years, I had not been back in 30 years,the hotelswere excellent, the food aswell and I found the people very friendly. Our guideswere extremely professional and the road trips were very entertaining with speeches and videos. There were only 29 passengers ,mostly americans, one French canadian from Ottawa andme, I have lived in Montreal since 1965 and am a canadian citizen, Istill speak german, as I was teacher in elementary and high school. This was a wonderful experience, Diana Vega

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Germany´s Best ( 9 days )

Well organized with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I lost my passport during the trip and they were very helpful; they gave me contact information for the embassy and assisted me in getting it back. Our group likes to venture out on our own and we noticed along the way that we were unable to do some activities outside of the main tour because we didn't have reservations. Had I done more research on my own, this would have been avoided but It would have been nice if the tour organization gave out a list of potential activities in the various cities that require reservations. Also caution with the daily start times as they do change and you might not hear it if you're not paying attention. Overall, great balance of tour and free time and very much enjoyed the trip- aside from the previously mentioned passport mishap!

Highlights of Germany

Good overview of Germany Most hotels (not all) were fine but it in poor locations Most provided dinners (again, not all) were poor The only scheduling issue was arriving in major cities on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a lot of lost time in traffic Adding a day or 2 to the itinerary to avoid "weekend warrior" traffic on Sundays and better located hotels requiring fewer provided meals will go s long way

German Vista

• Coach / Bus

London To Vienna Trail (Summer, Start Amsterdam, 8 Days)

6 Wonderful Days In Germany

The itinerary was very informative and thorough. It related what to expect from hotel room side to explaining transportation and how to arrive ahead of time for tours.

Customized Germany Train Trip with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Train & Rail

Berlin to Budapest

Best of Germany (Classic, 12 Days)

Christmas on the Elbe (port-to-port cruise)

Christmas Markets of Germany (Classic, 8 Days)

The company should have checked Christmas Market opening dates. The most famous Nuremberg Christmas Market was opening the day of our departure so we didn't get to experience it. But overall a good time

London To Vienna Trail (Summer, Start London, 8 Days)

German Christmas Markets (8 Days)

Efficient, independent and thorough

What people love about Dresden Tours

The tour was good. The hotels were great and the breakfasts were plentiful. The bus driver was very safe and helpful with bags. The guides were of varying satisfaction. I was disappointed that the itinerary stated key sights we would visit but we didn’t actually go inside and free time didn’t allow for all the visits I wanted to do and we didn’t see everything on the itinerary. It was a good taster trip. I see much more on my own.

The trip was packed with activities and experiences. The tour director was excellent. Christina was very helpful and friendly. We purchased all the optional experiences and thought all were worthwhile except the last one. We will book a similar trip in the future

Well organized with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I lost my passport during the trip and they were very helpful; they gave me contact information for the embassy and assisted me in getting it back. Our group likes to venture out on our own and we noticed along the way that we were unable to do some activities outside of the main tour because we didn't have reservations. Had I done more research on my own, this would have been avoided but It would have been nice if the tour organization gave out a list of potential activities in the various cities that require reservations. Also caution with the daily start times as they do change and you might not hear it if you're not paying attention. Overall, great balance of tour and free time and very much enjoyed the trip- aside from the previously mentioned passport mishap!

• to Europe (2)
• Germany Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day Germany Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Dresden

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Dresden, one of Europe's greatest Baroque cities, about 30 kilometers north of the border with the Czech Republic, stands majestically astride the Elbe River. It was the seat of the Saxon rulers, who lavished their attention on its riverside palaces and soaring churches, and left the city with their vast collections of art and antiquities.

This wealth of historic artifacts — it even includes beautifully preserved royal clothing — is displayed today in world-class museums. However rich Dresden's treasures and proud its heritage, modern history has not been kind to the city. Dresden suffered the double blow of almost complete destruction in World War II, followed by 45 years of postwar neglect under the Soviet regime.

It's hard to believe all this from the Dresden you see today. It has risen from its ashes and bears few scars from its late 20th-century trauma. Palaces glitter, gardens bloom, and the dome of the magnificently restored Frauenkirche again stands out above the skyline.

With its wealth of museums, palaces, and other tourist attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Dresden. But don't spend all your time hurrying between these points of interest; take time to stroll along Brühl's Terrace, admire the river from one of its bridges, and smell the roses in its romantic gardens. You can find the best places to visit in this gracious and beautiful city with this list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Dresden.

See also: Where to Stay in Dresden

1. Dresden Frauenkirche

2. dresden royal palace and museums, 3. zwinger and old masters picture gallery, 4. semper opera and theaterplatz, 5. the great garden and zoo, 6. stroll along brühl's terrace, 7. pillnitz palace and gardens, 8. dresden kulturpalast, 9. the georgentor and the procession of princes, 10. the japanese palace and the golden horseman, 11. albertinum, 12. cruise the elbe on a paddlewheeler, 13. hike in saxon switzerland, 14. take a day trip to meissen, 15. dresden transport museum, 16. shopping and gallery hopping in the neustadt, 17. moritzburg palace, 18. a weekend getaway in the erzgebirge, 19. the german hygiene museum, where to stay in dresden for sightseeing.

Dresden's spectacular Frauenkirche is one of the most remarkable reconstruction projects ever to have taken place in Germany, if not the world. Completed in 1743, the spectacular Baroque original was considered one of the most beautiful churches in Europe. After its destruction during Allied bombing in 1945, the ruins of the old building were cataloged and stored for use in its reconstruction.

After the reunification of Germany in 1990, plans to rebuild developed rapidly, and when it reopened in 2005, nearly 4,000 original stones had been included. Topping it all - and as a symbol of international goodwill - was a gold cross provided by Great Britain, whose bomb had wrought much of the devastation.

The vast interior is simply spectacular. The restored high altar is a fantasy of Baroque flourishes highlighted in gold, and tier after tier of galleries rings its walls. You can take an elevator to the dome for views of the city, participate in worship services (once a month in English) and listen to one of the more than 100 concerts performed here each year.

Stop for a reflective moment to look at the cross that once topped the dome, its twisted remains found amid the rubble. An exhibition describes the reconstruction project, which was funded by contributions from all over the world. Guided tours are available.

Address: Georg-Treu-Platz 3, 01067 Dresden

If you have time to see nothing else in Dresden, it should be this and the Frauenkirche. One of Europe's richest and probably its oldest public museum (although the Vatican disputes this), the Dresden State Art Collection , inside the Dresden Royal Palace , is also one of its most modern and forward-looking in terms of displaying and interpreting its treasures for visitors.

Priceless art, opulent court clothing, intricate needlework, even Augustus the Strong's personal garden tools are shown and their significance explained. All the detailed labeling and background information is also in English, and cases housing the dazzling collections from the fabled Green Vault are in non-reflective glass, so you can admire (and photograph) them from all sides with a clear view from every angle.

The original Green Vault, largely destroyed with the rest of the palace in World War II, has been reconstructed to house parts of the collection in their original settings. This extraordinary collection includes masterpieces of gold, silver, jewelry, and ivory from the 14th to 18th centuries, all of which had been removed to safety at the onset of the war.

From 1485, the castle was the home of Saxony's electors and kings, and it was Augustus the Strong who decided that the royal collections should be open for the public to enjoy. In 1723, he began to turn the formerly private treasure chambers into a public museum.

In addition to the treasures of the Green Vault, the Turkish Chamber , established in 1614, houses one of the world's largest collections of artifacts from the Ottoman Empire. Other collections include the Numismatic Cabinet of medals and seals; the Dresden Armory of weapons and armor; and the Print Cabinet , containing graphic art, drawings, watercolors, and pastels by European artists from the 15th century onward.

Not content to imitate the delicate, original Renaissance sgraffito decoration on the exterior walls with painted designs, Dresden has chosen instead to replicate it exactly, and master stone artists are still painstakingly engraving the intricate designs into the stone. In the courtyard, step close to the decorated walls to appreciate the detail of the carved lines.

Address: Taschenberg 2, 01067 Dresden

The Zwinger — a magnificent early 18th-century palace in the center of the city beside the Elbe — is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Germany. It's worth walking around the outside just to appreciate its architecture. On its south side is the majestic 32-bayed Long Gallery, and flanking it to the east and west are four symmetrically arranged pavilions, the Wallpavillon and the Nymphenbad (Bath of the Nymphs), with its graceful fountains and mythological figures.

Aside from its impressive architecture, the Zwinger houses more of the Dresden State Art Collections. These include the Dresden Porcelain Collection and scientific instruments in the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments .

In the new Zwinger Xperience exhibit, you can immerse yourself in festivals, parades, and the drama of the remarkable building through panorama projections and virtual reality stations.

The Old Masters Picture Gallery, the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister , features about 750 paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries, among them Italian Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, and Tintoretto. The collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, and Vermeer.

Address: Sophienstraße, 01067 Dresden /

The west side of Dresden's Theaterplatz, one of Germany's finest public squares, is dominated by the magnificent Semperoper , the city's opera house, built in the style of the Italian High Renaissance. To see the lavishly decorated interior, either attend a performance (which includes concerts, ballet, and opera) or take a spirited tour led by one of the staff, who will share tales of some of the great performers and guests as you tour.

In the center of Theaterplatz stands an equestrian statue from 1883 of King John, and at the southeast corner stands the Altstädter Wache, the Old Town Guard-House , built in 1831 and modeled on the famous Guardhouse in Berlin . To the southeast is the Taschenbergpalais , a Baroque palace dating from 1711.

Address: Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden

The lovely Great Garden (Großer Garten) was laid out in the French Baroque style beginning in 1676 and has been open to the public since 1814. The Sommerpalais , built between 1678 and 1683, is one of the earliest Baroque palaces in Germany. Also in the park are the Dresden Zoo and the Dresden Botanical Garden , where more than 10,000 species are arranged geographically for a world tour of plant life.

The Dresden Zoo, one of Germany's oldest, is home to more than 1,500 animals, representing all the continents. Through large glass panels, you can watch Humboldt penguins swim, and both the ring-tailed lemur island and the Tundra aviary are visitor accessible. More than 450 plants and trees keep the Africa House looking like home for the elephants.

Along with the zoo, another attraction for families is the miniature railway, the six-kilometer-long Parkeisenbahn, staffed largely by children. It is a good way to get from one attraction to another and to the frequent concerts and performances that are held in the park. Of interest to car enthusiasts is Volkswagen's Transparent Factory , an assembly plant that offers tours of the manufacturing and assembly processes.

Address: Hauptallee 8, 01219 Dresden

No trip to Dresden is complete without a stroll along Brühl's Terrace, or Brühlsche Terrasse, also known as the "Balcony of Europe." Approached from the Schlossplatz by a broad flight of steps, this area on the site of the old city ramparts was laid out in 1738 as a private garden, and opened to the public in 1814.

The sculptured groups on the staircase represent morning, noon, evening, and night, and the Dolphin Fountain is the only part left of the original garden. Bordering part of this promenade is the College of Art , built in 1894. The Moritz Monument , the oldest one surviving in Dresden, was erected in 1553. Below, the Terrassenufer on the banks of the Elbe is the main landing stage for cruise boats.

Address: Georg-Treu-Platz 1, 01067 Dresden

In the 1720s, Augustus the Strong ordered a pair of Baroque summer palaces built beside the Elbe, where he could entertain at costume parties and sporting contests. Decorated in the then-popular Chinoiserie style, they face each other across a garden.

Schloss Pillnitz later became the royal family's summer residence, and in 1820 the Neoclassical New Palace was built, forming the third side of the Pleasure Garden . During all this time, the gardens grew and expanded across the estate, each new addition reflecting the tastes and styles of its era, until they stretched across much of the 77-acre park.

Apart from the beauty of their design, their charm lies in the way the Baroque, Neoclassical, and English landscape styles merge harmoniously. Wander through them to find hedge gardens; wooded landscapes; an English Pavilion reflected in a lily pond; a Chinese garden: a tropical Palm House, and the garden's prized possession, one of Europe's oldest camellia trees , now almost 30 meters tall.

The palaces are worth touring, both for their Chinese-inspired decorations and for the museums they house. The Museum of Decorative Arts and the Crafts Museum contain furniture, musical instruments, glass, pewter, porcelain, and textiles from State Arts Collections, and there is a reconstruction of the New Palace kitchens .

You can get to Pillnitz from Dresden by bus, but the best way to arrive is by paddle steamer , floating along the Elbe, under the famed Blue Wonder Bridge and past the three Schlösser (castles) on the Elbe: the late Neoclassical Albrechtsberg , Lignerschloss (built in 1850), and the Neo-Gothic Schloss Eckberg (built 1859-61).

Address: August-Böckstiegel-Straße 2, 01326 Dresden

The pride of GDR architecture when it opened in 1969 as a "House of Socialist Culture" during the Soviet era, the Dresden Kulturpalast was given new life in a complete redesign of its interior as a state-of-the-art home for the Dresden Philharmonic. After some controversy, its overtly Soviet exterior mural "The Red Flag" and the wall fresco "Our Socialist Life" were retained, a rare glimpse of GDR Dresden.

While the exterior may be in the spirit of Eastern Modernism, the interior of the auditorium is strikingly 21 st -century, with dramatic red seats descending in layers to the central podium, and folded ceilings and walls to provide outstanding acoustics.

In contrast to the classical sounds of the Dresden Philharmonic, the Kulturpalasat will be home to Die Herkuleskeule cabaret theater , known as one of Germany's best.

Address: Schloßstraße 2, 01067 Dresden

The Georgentor, or Georgenbau, was the original city exit to the Elbe Bridge and the first of the city's many Renaissance buildings. On the west side is a doorway from the original building with its rich sculptural decoration, including an equestrian statue of Duke George. Also of interest is the Langer Gang , a long wing linking the Georgenbau with the Johanneum that was built in 1591.

Along its inner side is a long Tuscan-style arcade, with 22 rounded arches, leading to the Court Stables. Its most important attraction, however, is the famous Fürstenzug - the Procession of Princes - a 102-meter-long portrait of the Dukes, Electors, and Kings of the house of Wettin, together with leading German figures from the arts and sciences. Commissioned in 1870, it consists of 25,000 Meissen Porcelain tiles.

Address: Schloßstraße 1, 01067 Dresden

In the Neustädter Markt, across the river in Dresden Neustadt (the city's newer district) is the statue of Augustus the Strong in the pose of a Caesar, wearing Roman armor and seated on a horse. Made in 1736, it's commonly known as the Golden Horseman and is one of the city's most popular landmarks. It sits at the beginning of a long Hauptstrasse, a wide boulevard with a tree-lined promenade at its center, a popular place for an evening stroll.

Also here is the Japanese Palace, or Japanisches Palais, a Baroque and Neoclassical-style mansion, built in 1737. Richly decked with Chinoiserie, it was built to house Augustus the Strong's collection of porcelain (now the Dresden Porcelain Collection), but now houses the State Museum for Prehistory and the Museum of Ethnology Dresden . Another nearby attraction, housed in the 16th-century Jägerhof, is the Saxon Museum of Folk Art .

Address: Palaisplatz 11, 01097 Dresden

Built between 1884 and 1887, the Renaissance Revival Albertinum on Brühl's Terrace is as spectacular as the world-class art collection it houses. The museum is best known for its impressive New Masters Gallery , with its rich collection of works of the Romantic and Realist periods, as well as French, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian, and Belgian paintings of the 19th century and German Impressionists and Expressionists.

Artists and styles represented range from Degas and Goya to Max Liebermann. Other highlights are the Sculpture Collection , including examples from Egypt and western Asia as well as Greek, Roman, and Etruscan work.

Address: Skulpturensammlung, Albertinum Tzschirnerplatz 2, D-01067 Dresden

The Elbe flows through the center of Dresden, and along its shore, under Brühl's Terrace, are moored a fleet of paddlewheel steamships and other excursion boats of the Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt, Saxon Steamship Company . Cruises range from 90-minute tours of the city and its surroundings to longer trips that take you beneath the dramatic rock towers of Saxon Switzerland.

You can also buy tickets for travel between 14 towns along the Elbe, a good way to get to Meissen or to the Pilnitz Palace. A day ticket that allows you to hop on and off whenever you like is a good way to spend a day exploring the Elbe towns. Lunch and romantic evening cruises, as well as special themed departures, are another option for seeing the river.

A favorite day trip from Dresden is to Saxon Switzerland National Park , only 30 kilometers southeast of Dresden, a wild landscape of soaring limestone pillars, with views straight down to the Elbe. Walking trails form a network throughout the park, with paths for all levels of energy, and since 1898, a little tram has carried tourists between the village of Bad Schandau and the waterfall at Lichtenhain .

The most famous sight is the Bastei Bridge , a 76-meter-high stone arched bridge that connects the rock formations. You can hike there or reach it by public transportation.

There are several ways to get to Saxon Switzerland from Dresden: by car, by S-Bahn trains that leave Dresden twice each hour, by excursion boats, or by one of the world's oldest paddle wheel steamboats (the most romantic way).

For an in-depth look at the natural wonders of this park, you can take a Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Dresden , which includes Bastei Bridge, and a trip across the border into the Czech Republic to Pravčická Gate , the biggest natural sandstone arch in Europe.

Only 30 kilometers to the west and easy to reach on a day trip from Dresden, Meissen was once the seat of the long-reigning Wettin dynasty. They made their home in the Albrechtsburg Castle , which towers above the town and river atop a high hill (the climb through narrow lanes is picturesque but steep - you can avoid it by riding the funicular).

Founded in the 15th century, the castle is one of the finest secular buildings of the Late Gothic period, and its most notable feature is its large spiral staircase. Inside, the rooms have richly decorated vaulting and ceilings, with paintings dating from 1870. Adjoining it atop the crag is the Early Gothic Meissen Cathedral , dating from 1260.

It is an almost pure Gothic building, with nothing but its Protestant pulpit, pews, and organ changed from its medieval appearance. The original front entrance was closed to preserve the early graves in the floor.

Meissen has long been famous for its porcelain, and a top tourist attraction is the Porcelain Factory . A tour there not only includes a look at examples of their work over the past 300 years, but a chance to watch as skilled artists mold objects, sculpt the delicate blossoms, and figures that adorn Meissen figurines and paint flowers on plates and teacups.

The silver mining town of Freiberg , about 40 kilometers southwest of Dresden, is also home to a stunning cathedral, a Late Gothic hall-church with the oldest and largest surviving Silbermann organ in Saxony. The town's historic center is listed as a national monument.

Address: Domplatz 1, D-01662 Meissen

In the Johanneum, one of the oldest buildings in Dresden's Neumarkt, is the Transport Museum, or Verkehrsmuseum. Historic vehicles, including aircraft, steam engines, cars, motorbikes, and watercraft are displayed in engaging exhibits. The navigation exhibit, entered through a stylized ship's hull, explores 1,000 years of maritime history, its technology, and the people who lived and worked on the rivers and seas.

Other exhibits detail the progress of road transport from before the invention of motorized vehicles to the present, and a third follows the development of railways. A model railroad covers 325 square meters, with 26 locomotives pulling 115 cars through detailed models of Saxon villages and countryside. Nearby is the Peace Fountain, as well as the Bundeswehr Military History Museum , the museum of the German armed forces.

Address: Augustusstraße 1, 01067 Dresden

After a fire destroyed Altendresden on the right bank of the Elbe in 1685, the new town (Neustadt) was built in the Baroque style. After major bombing in World War II, this Neustadt was again rebuilt, restoring its Baroque architecture.

Behind its rows of elegant patrician homes hide courtyards that today house restaurants, boutiques, and shops. These courtyards and their passageways are popular places to go shopping, with Dresden's highest concentration of artisan studios and shops.

Stroll through the arcades that have developed in the Baroque townhouses at Hauptstrasse 9 through 19 to find handcrafts, artworks, fine gifts, and restaurants. Look here for original one-of-a-kind works and traditional crafts of the region (remember this is where many of Germany's Christmas decorations originated), and expect to see some being created as you watch.

Not far away, the Kunsthof Passage (Art Courtyard Passage) connects Alaunstrasse 70 with Görlitzer Strasse 21-25. In this enclave of five joined courtyards, you'll feel as though you have entered another world, a Bohemian one of art, color, whimsey, and, above all, creativity. Art galleries, studios, shops, and cafés fill five courtyards, each in a different and colorful theme.

In one, the drainpipes and spouts on a building front have been diverted to create musical instruments that play when it rains. Another courtyard is themed around animals, with bas-relief monkeys cavorting between the balconies.

About 14 kilometers northwest of Dresden is the remarkable Schloss Moritzburg , an Electoral hunting lodge and summer palace in the ochre and white of Saxon Baroque. Begun in 1544 as a modest hunting lodge, this stunning palace was given its present form between 1723 and 1736, with Baroque statues added on the balustrades of the carriage ramp and terrace. The decoration and furnishings of the interior, including hunting trophies and paintings, are preserved unaltered.

Also on the grounds is Little Pheasant Castle , an 18th-century hunting lodge whose extraordinary interior is decorated with rare Rococo finishes : inlaid paneling of exotic woods; mural paintings on canvas; painted and gilded ceiling stucco; painted wood and plaster; faux marble; and walls finished in embroidered silk, feathers, and a remarkable combination of straw and pearls. This rare interior has recently been restored by the World Monuments Fund.

It's Christmas all year-round in the Erzgebirge, or Ore Mountains, about 90 minutes from Dresden and one of the most fascinating and little-known regions in Saxony. The long mining history led to a wooden Christmas ornament industry, which has remained active long after the mines closed.

The central town in the region is Annaberg-Buchholz, crowned by the magnificent St. Annenkirche , a landmark with its 78-meter-high tower. Like much else in the town, the interior of the church is decorated with exceptionally fine woodcarvings . Opposite is a historical museum where you can enter an actual mine, one of the many that lie beneath the ground here.

To see more examples of the woodcarving the region is famed for (many traditional German Christmas folk arts — wooden arches, Christmas carousels, wood-shaving ornaments, and wooden angels to name a few — originated here) visit the Manufaktur der Träume (maker of dreams), a museum filled with stunning examples of carved and painted Christmas and other decorations and toys.

Just outside the Old Town, the Frohnauer Hammer is a museum that includes a fascinating iron-working mill driven by water power.

To the southeast of Dresden's old town is Lingnerplatz, home to the German Hygiene Museum (Deutsches Hygiene-Museum), an institution founded in 1912 to promote health education and healthy living. The museum is more interesting than you'd expect from its name - it's really a museum dedicated to medicine and medical practices.

Among its many interesting exhibits are the famous Glass Woman, first displayed in 1930; a permanent exhibit dealing with the human race; and a fun interactive children's museum that focuses on the senses.

Address: Lingnerplatz 1, 01069 Dresden

The dazzlingly restored old town (Innere Altstadt) contains Dresden's top attractions and is a convenient place to stay despite its crush of tourists in the summer. To be within walking distance of the Frauenkirche and Zwinger but away from crowds, consider the Neustadt neighborhood, just across the river and close to the Japanese Palace and folk art museum. These highly rated hotels in Dresden are all near the major tourist attractions.

Luxury Hotels :

• A few steps from Frauenkirche, in the center of the old town, Hotel Suitess zu Dresden has large well-furnished rooms and superior service.
• The stylish and almost playful contemporary design of rooms at Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss , between Frauenkirche and the Residenz, is a nice contrast to the surrounding Baroque architecture.
• A short walk from the Zwinger and historic center, Bulow Palais and its Michelin-starred restaurant are in Neustadt, away from the high-season crowds.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Offering spacious, modern rooms and on-site indoor parking, Innside by Melia Dresden is a few steps from Frauenkirche.
• Halfway between Frauenkirche and the Royal Palace, the new Amedia Plaza Dresden offers chic, modern rooms in the Jüdenhof, a building with a rich Jewish history.
• A few blocks away and overlooking the popular Altmarkt square, Star Inn Hotel Premium Dresden im Haus Altmarkt has large well-decorated rooms, between the historic and shopping districts.

Budget Hotels:

• A block from Altmarkt and a short walk from Frauenkirche, Premier Inn Dresden City Zentrum is on a main shopping street close to the Hauptbahnhof rail station.
• Don't be put off by the name of Motel One Dresden-Palaisplatz. It's not a motel but a smart modern hotel with spacious rooms and accommodating staff, just across the river in the Neustadt.
• Right at the station, InterCityHotel Dresden is a 10-minute walk from the main sights and the zoo/botanic garden attractions, or take advantage of the hotel's free city tram tickets to go everywhere.
• Ibis Budget Dresden City is close to the museums of the Zwinger and Residenz palaces and has quiet rooms despite its location in a busy shopping district.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit near Dresden: An easy train or car trip away, Leipzig is also a center of art and culture, and the leading city in Saxony after Dresden. Not far south of Dresden is Prague , the capital of the Czech Republic , crowned by the beautiful Prague Castle .

Where to Go from Dresden: To the north and connected by direct rail and highways is Berlin , the capital of Germany and its largest city, filled with museums and art galleries . Close to Berlin is Potsdam , like Dresden a city filled with royal palaces.

More on Germany

A Complete Travel Guide to Dresden: 21 Best Things To Do & See

Florence of the elbe.

Dresden may not be the first city you think of when you’re considering a getaway in Germany , but in our humble opinion, it would be a shame to overlook it.

Dresden is the capital of the state of Saxony and the city lies in the old East Germany two or three hours south of Berlin – close to the border of the Czech Republic and not far from Poland, either.

Therefore, it’s an obvious city to visit if you’re on a road trip in eastern Germany or on your way south by car from for example Denmark or Sweden .

Dresden, which was once Germany’s cultural centre , was more or less completely destroyed by bombings at the end of World War II, but today the city has risen from the ashes.

Located on the banks of the river Elbe , Dresden is a beautiful German city packed with amazing museums, impressive architecture and lots of history.

The city is even referred to as “Florence of the Elbe” and although we honestly don’t think Dresden looks or feels that much like Florence, the incredible Baroque buildings are truly something to marvel at.

We spent three days in Dresden in the autumn of 2020 (including a day trip to the Saxon Switzerland National Park) and we think it’s one of the most beautiful German cities we’ve visited – and we’ve been to quite a few.

In this travel guide, we share the best things to do and see in Dresden, why you should visit, where to stay, how long to stay, when to visit, how to get around the city, our best travel tips and much more.

Where to stay in Dresden?

• Value for money: Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz (IHG Hotel) .
• Luxury: Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection .

Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Dresden here .

Table of contents

Why visit Dresden

How long to stay in dresden, 21 best things to do and see in dresden, where to stay in dresden, is it safe to visit dresden, how to get around dresden, how to get to dresden, when to visit dresden, our best tips for dresden, what to bring to dresden, minimise your impact.

Dresden is a relatively big German city but it’s fortunately small enough to experience the best things to do and see in a day or two, making the city particularly suitable for a weekend trip .

It’s also perfect for a stopover on a road trip through Germany (as we did in autumn 2020), or in combination with visiting the German capital of Berlin . The two cities are only 2 hours apart by train or 2-3 hours by car.

At the end of World War II , Dresden was bombed and large parts of the city were destroyed.

Since then, many of the buildings have been reconstructed so they look like they originally did before the bombings.

If you’re interested in history or culture , Dresden is just the city for you. There are so many interesting museums and unique buildings here.

And if you enjoy walking around pleasant streets among beautiful buildings while eating good food , we’re confident that you’ll enjoy both the old and new parts of Dresden.

How many days to stay in Dresden depends entirely on your personal pace and needs, of course.

We would recommend at least 1 full day to see the most famous sights in Dresden, and preferably 2 full days to go a little deeper and have time to visit some of the museums.

If you also want to experience the nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park (which we definitely argue that you should!), it’s a good idea to set aside an extra day for the day trip.

We spent 3 full days and 4 nights in Dresden which was absolutely perfect for us.

You can also stay longer if you want time to sleep in and stroll around at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to stop at cafés and see all the city has to offer.

2 or 3 days in Dresden will be optimal for most people.

Dresden City Card

If you expect to use the public transport system in Dresden a lot on your trip, it might be worth looking into getting the Dresden City Card ( adlink ).

The card provides unlimited use of public transport in Dresden for 1, 2 or 3 days.

Apart from that, you also receive discounts on museums, city tours and selected sights in Dresden (among other things).

See the prices and read more about the benefits of the Dresden City Card here ( adlink ).

And now for the best things to do and see in Dresden… Let’s get to it!

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What to do in Dresden naturally depends on what you’re most interested in but in this travel guide, we’ve written about the most popular sights – and those we enjoyed seeing ourselves.

Most of the best things to do and see in Dresden can be found in the old part of town : Altstadt (literally “old town” in German).

This is where many of the museums and Baroque-style buildings are found.

The new town , Neustadt , is more modern and this is where you’ll find many of the best cafés and restaurants in Dresden.

But we’ll get to that later…

Are you ready to know more about what to do in Dresden?

Scroll down or click directly on the links below to go to the sight or experience you want to read more about.

• Altstadt – The old town
• Frauenkirche – Church of Our Lady
• Fürstenzug – The world’s largest porcelain mural
• Neumarkt – The new marketplace
• Zwinger – A Baroque complex with museums
• Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister – Impressive art collection
• Porzellansammlung – A huge porcelain collection
• Semperoper – Dresden Opera House
• Residenzschloss – Dresden Castle
• Katholische Hofkirche – Dresden Cathedral
• Altmarkt – The old marketplace
• Brühlsche Terrasse – Brühl’s Terrace
• Augustusbrücke – The Augustus Bridge
• Elbe – The river that runs through Dresden
• Hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dresden
• Neustadt – The new district
• Goldener Reiter – The Golden Knight
• Kunsthofpassage – Backyard art
• Japanisches Palais – The Japanese Palace
• Saxon Switzerland National Park – A unique natural area
• Schloss Pillnitz – Pillnitz Castle

1. Altstadt – The old town

Altstadt is Dresden’s old town and the area is rather small but very beautiful.

You must spend time here on your trip to Dresden. It’s really pleasant to stroll around Altstadt and admire the beautiful architecture.

Most of Dresden’s well-known buildings like the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger Complex and the Residenzschloss (Dresden Castle) can be found in the old town.

Pretty much everything is within walking distance here. It’s a good idea to wear proper shoes as most streets are cobblestoned .

2. Frauenkirche – Church of Our Lady

One of the city’s landmarks and one of the sights not to be missed in Dresden is the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) at Neumarkt.

The Evangelical Lutheran church was originally built in Baroque style in the 18th century but it was destroyed during the bombing of Dresden in World War II.

More than 3,800 stones were salvaged from the original church and used in the reconstruction from 1994 to 2005, along with new stones.

All of the black stones you can see today are the old, original stones.

For a unique view of Dresden, you can go up to the dome of the church (which is one of the largest church domes in Europe).

You have to climb quite a few stairs to get up there, so if you’re out of shape or afraid of heights, it might not be the best activity.

The price is 10 EUR (~ 10.75 USD)* for adults and you can see other prices and opening times on the church’s website here .

*Prices are last updated in summer 2023.

3. Fürstenzug – The world’s largest porcelain mural

An über cool and totally free attraction in Dresden is the super long mural of “Fürstenzug” (Procession of Princes).

Saxony’s rulers (kings, dukes, margraves and electors) are portrayed walking and riding horses in a long parade with their names written below.

The time period ranges from the 12th to the 20th century and it’s fun to notice how the style of clothing and weapons change over time.

The 102-metre-long mural is found on the outside of the Residenzschloss complex and it’s said to consist of a whopping 23,000 porcelain tiles – which makes the Fürstenzug the world’s largest porcelain mural .

4. Neumarkt – The new marketplace

It’s in the central place of Neumarkt you’ll find the Frauenkirche mentioned above (and the Fürstenzug mural right next to it).

The historic area was badly damaged by the bombings and accompanying fires during World War II but much has been done to rebuild the square and reconstruct the buildings.

The Neumarkt square is surrounded by pretty coloured houses and a statue of Martin Luther.

From the end of November and all throughout December, a cosy Christmas market is held on Neumarkt and at the Frauenkirche.

5. Zwinger – A Baroque complex with museums

In our opinion, the Zwinger is one of the most beautiful sights in Dresden – a magnificent Baroque complex with several museums, a lovely garden area and fountains.

It’s one of the most famous monuments in Dresden and a must-see!

The Zwinger was built at the beginning of the 18th century during the reign of Augustus the Strong and was very much inspired by Louis XIV’s opulent palace in Versailles (near Paris).

It’s free to walk around the courtyard and we really think it would be a shame not to.

However, you have to buy tickets in order to enter the museums.

The Zwinger ticket can be purchased here ( adlink ), granting access to all four museums:

• Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery)
• Skulpturensammlung (Sculpture Collection)
• Porzellansammlung (Porcelain Collection)
• Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments)

Below we elaborate on the two most popular museums.

6. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister – Impressive art collection

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery) is filled with 750 incredible works of art from the 15th to the 18th century.

The impressive collection of art contains, among other things, significant European works of art, including works by Raphael, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

The collection can be found in the Semper Gallery in the Zwinger gallery wing.

Buy a ticket for the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and the other museums in the Zwinger here ( adlink ).

7. Porzellansammlung – A huge porcelain collection

If you love porcelain, you must visit Dresden’s porcelain collection, the Porzellansammlung, which is the world’s largest collection of porcelain with more than 20,000 pieces.

Here you’ll find porcelain vases, plates, cups, human figures, animals and many other fine works of art in all sizes.

The collection was started by Augustus the Strong who loved porcelain.

His early collection consisted of porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties, which he bought from China, and later he founded the first European porcelain factory in Meissen.

The museum itself has some majestic rooms and colourful ways of showcasing the artworks.

Buy a ticket for the Porzellansammlung and the other museums in the Zwinger here ( adlink ).

8. Semperoper – Dresden Opera House

Right next to the Zwinger lies the Dresden Opera House called Semperoper .

Operas, ballets, music and theatre shows are on all year round, but if you can’t quite find a performance that suits you, it’s also possible to go on a guided tour ( adlink ).

Even if you skip the show and the tour, you must pass by the square and enjoy the building from the outside because it’s definitely one of the most spectacular buildings in Dresden.

9. Residenzschloss – Dresden Castle

In the middle of the old town and only a stone’s throw from the Semperoper opera house you will find Dresden Castle (also called the Royal Palace).

Dresden Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city and it was once used as the residence of princes and kings in Saxony.

If you love old European palaces (like Victories does!), you have to experience the Residenzschloss.

The castle is now used as a wonderful museum full of treasures and art.

The general ticket ( adlink ) gives access to Neues Grünes Gewölbe (the New Green Vault), the Turkish Chamber, the Renaissance Wing, and the Armory.

For some reason, entry to the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (the Historic Green Vault) has to be purchased separately. It can be done here .

Be aware that tickets can sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to order tickets at least a few days in advance.

10. Katholische Hofkirche – Dresden Cathedral

With a size of no less than 4,800 square metres, Dresden Cathedral is the largest church in the entire German state of Saxony .

You pass it quite naturally if you go to see the Opera House and Dresden Castle.

Dresden Cathedral, which in German is called Katholische Hofkirche, is originally from the 18th century . But like so many other buildings in Dresden, it had to be restored after the bomb damage during World War II.

Several members of the royal family are buried in the crypt – as is the heart of Augustus the Strong (the rest of his body is buried in Krakow, Poland).

11. Altmarkt – The old marketplace

While Neumarkt is the new square, Altmarkt is the old square (“neu” means new and “alt” means old).

In addition to restaurants, cafés and the shopping centre Altmarkt Gallery , you’ll find the Lutheran church of Kreuzkirche Dresden here. It was built in a Late Baroque style with a tall tower.

The Altmarkt square is especially known for housing one of Germany’s largest and best-known Christmas markets , Dresdner Striezelmarkt, considered to be the oldest Christmas market in the country (from 1434!).

12. Brühlsche Terrasse – Brühl’s Terrace

The Brühlsche Terrasse (Brühl’s Terrace) is a large pedestrian promenade along the river Elbe.

As it is stretching high above the bank of the river, it’s also sometimes referred to as the “Balcony of Europe” .

It’s a perfect place to stroll around with stunning views of the Elbe River and Dresden’s iconic Baroque buildings.

You’ll find Brühl’s Terrace in the Altstadt north of Neumarkt between the bridges Augustusbrücke and Carolabrücke. Towards the latter lies The Brühl Gardens , which is a nice little park to walk through.

13. Augustusbrücke – The Augustus Bridge

Perhaps you have already noticed that Augustus the Strong has made his mark in Dresden.

Well, he also lent his name to the bridge Augustusbrücke, which crosses the Elbe River and connects the modern new district of Neustadt in the north with the historic city centre Altstadt to the south.

Since the 12th century, there has been a bridge at that exact location but the present-day sandstone bridge with several arches was built in the early 20th century.

We walked over the bridge a handful of times and from the middle of it, you have such a beautiful view of the city’s photogenic skyline. It’s especially great for pictures just before sunset .

14. Elbe – The river that runs through Dresden

The Elbe cuts through the city and it’s impossible to avoid the river on a trip to Dresden.

That’s why we’ve included the Elbe in this Dresden travel guide – because there are many fun things to do on and along the river.

Take a walk along the banks, enjoy the view from the Brühlsche Terrasse, cross the river over one of the bridges or go on one of the popular canal cruises .

You can, for example, consider booking a relaxing trip on a charming paddle steamer ( adlink ) to the Loschwitz Bridge, where you can see beautiful Dresden from the water.

Or what about going on an extended boat trip all the way to Pillnitz Castle ( adlink ), where in addition to experiencing Dresden from the river, you also get 20 minutes to explore the beautiful palace grounds?

15. Hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dresden

Is there a big city in the world that doesn’t have hop-on hop-off buses ?

They’re in Dresden , that’s for sure. And although we didn’t personally hop-on, they can be smart (and fun) to use – especially if you only have a short amount of time in the city or don’t want to walk that much yourself.

From the top of the double-decker buses , you can enjoy the fresh air and nice views while being driven directly to some of the most popular sights and things to do in Dresden (including many of those we’ve included in this Dresden travel guide).

You can take the whole trip in one 90-minute loop and learn about Dresden from the comfort of your seat on the bus or you can hop on and off as much as you like during the period your ticket is valid.

There are 22 stops along the route and buses run every 15 to 30 minutes .

You can buy tickets that are valid for 1 day or 2 days ( adlinks ) and both of the tickets also include guided tours to some of the sights and attractions.

16. Neustadt – The new district

We’ve written plenty about the old historic district of Dresden – what about the new district ?

Neustadt is just on the other side of the Elbe to the north of the old town and can easily be reached with the help of one of the bridges that cross the river.

If you’re travelling on a budget, this part of Dresden is most likely where you’ll be staying. We stayed in Neustadt ourselves during our time in the city.

The Neustadt area has a more modern feel to it with street art and lots of shops and delicious restaurants.

Although there are not too many things to do and see here, there are still a few that are worth mentioning. We’ll share them in the next few sections.

17. Goldener Reiter – The Golden Knight

If you come to Neustadt via the Augustus Bridge, you will immediately catch a glimpse of the Goldener Reiter (The Golden Knight).

As the name suggests, it’s a golden statue of Augustus the Strong sitting on a horse – dressed as a Roman Caesar.

The area around the statue is very green with small fountains. Behind it there is a nice tree-filled avenue leading down to Albertplatz.

In winter there is a Christmas market here which is supposedly more relaxed than the big, famous Striezelmarkt mentioned earlier.

18. Kunsthofpassage – Backyard art

One of the most special things to see in Dresden’s Neustadt is the Kunsthofpassage.

The Kunsthofpassage consists of five small backyards that were converted into an art experiment called the Ginkgo Project .

A group of artists, sculptors and designers redesigned the facades of the old buildings in 2001, so now each building and yard has its own theme.

There are also cute outdoor cafés, artist studios and small shops.

The distinctive “Hof der Elemente” (Garden of the Elements) is probably the most photographed of the backyards. Here, a drain and gutter system covers the entire facade between the windows and balconies.

When it rains, music plays from the creative system that has been set up.

If it rains on your trip to Dresden, you know where you have to go!

Kunsthofpassage is not visible from the street, so it’s not a place you easily stumble upon. Luckily it’s on Google Maps so you can find it that way.

19. Japanisches Palais – The Japanese Palace

The Japanese Palace is a wonderful building seen from the outside.

It was originally built at the beginning of the 18th century to house Augustus the Strong’s porcelain collection, but as you know, the collection is now found in the Zwinger Complex, and today the palace instead houses the Ethnological Museum and various changing exhibitions.

There are divided opinions about the museum inside, and since we’ve not been there ourselves, we will just recommend visiting the Japanese Palace’s small courtyard .

We enjoyed a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee in the afternoon. It’s a super cosy place for a small break.

Around the Japanese Palace, there is also a park with many small paths to walk on.

20. Saxon Switzerland National Park – A unique natural area

One of the best things to do in Dresden is, in our opinion, to venture outside of Dresden to go to the Saxon Switzerland National Park (or National Park Sächsische Schweiz in German).

The national park is for sure worthy of a day trip if you like hiking and experiencing unique nature.

In fact, the beautiful rocky canyon landscape and the famous Bastei Bridge was why Dresden got on our travel radar in the first place!

The sandstone mountains are found about an hour’s drive east of Dresden on the Czech border.

The Bastei Cliffs and the Bastei Bridge are the main tourist draws here.

The bridge is built into the rocks and most of all looks like something straight out of a fairy tale or a fantasy film .

The bridge was completely covered in fog when we were there at sunrise but we returned at sunset to an absolutely fantastic sight.

In between, we wandered around the national park and, among other things, hiked up to see the view at the Schrammsteinaussicht as well as explored Felsenburg Neurathen ; a castle built into the rocks.

We could write an entire travel guide to the Saxon Switzerland National Park because we simply loved it so much. Go there!

If you want to spend more than a day in the national park, you can consider staying in nearby Bad Schandau , for example at the beautiful spa hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme (adlink) .

Otherwise, you can take a day trip from Dresden like we did.

We drove there in our own car but there is also the option of going on an arranged trip that includes transport to and from Dresden.

You can see some of the popular options below.

21. Schloss Pillnitz – Pillnitz Castle

The lavish castle Schloss Pillnitz is located next to the Elbe River approximately 30 minutes of driving from Dresden.

Once again, Augustus the Strong is behind one of the special attractions in Dresden…

He had the castle built and renovated as a summer residence in the 1720s. Descendants of Augustus the Strong used it until 1918.

The castle actually consists of three palaces and there are several museums.

Experience the Domed Hall , which was used as a ballroom and dining room, the Royal Kitchen and the Catholic Chapel . You can also see Saxon (and European) arts and crafts from the 17th and 18th centuries.

On the grounds of the castle, there are also some beautiful landscaped gardens and a big palm house with plants from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

For a more scenic and adventurous trip than just driving from Dresden, you can sail along the Elbe on one of the historic paddle steamers on a canal cruise that goes to Pillnitz Castle ( adlink ).

Map of Dresden

Find all the best things to do and see in Dresden on the map below.

Which part of Dresden should you stay in?

Overall, Dresden can be divided into two areas: The old town and the new town .

As a rule of thumb, the old town of Altstadt is a little more expensive to live in as you’re close to the best sights in the city.

In the new and more modern district of Neustadt , you do have to walk a little further or take public transport to get to the historic city centre. In return, you’ll find cheaper accommodation .

Many of the best hotels in Dresden are located in the Altstadt (old town) but there are definitely some really good options in Neustadt (new town) as well.

Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Dresden here ( adlink ).

The best hotels in Dresden

5-star stays in dresden at 4-star prices.

There are several fantastic 5-star hotels in Dresden and last time we looked the prices were surprisingly low !

We don’t know why. Perhaps Dresden is just not as popular for city trips as for example Paris or Rome .

Anyway, this means that you can either save a little money and stay cheaper than you would otherwise – or perhaps upgrade your room a bit and get a lot of value for your money.

• Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss (5*) : Luxury hotel in the middle of Dresden’s old town with comfortable rooms, roof terrace, fitness centre, spa and sauna.
• Felix Suites at the Zwinger (5*) : 5-star apartment hotel where each apartment has its own kitchen. Beautiful view of the old town, modern gym and good facilities.
• Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection (5*) : Pool, beautiful rooms and a perfect location. Doesn’t get much better.
• Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palais (5*) : In a royal mood? Here you can sleep like an emperor or empress without being ruined.
• Suitess – At the Frauenkirche (5*) : Choose between exclusive apartments and hotel rooms in the middle of the old town.
• Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme Bad Schandau (5*) : Beautiful spa hotel in Bad Schandau, located just 30 kilometres from Dresden. Perfect for visiting the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Hotels in Dresden with good value for money

There are several fantastic 3 and 4-star hotels in Dresden where you get really good value for money. Here is a small selection.

• INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden (4,5*) : Nice rooms and great facilities for the money while being close to the Elbe in Altstadt.
• ARCOTEL HafenCity Dresden (4*) : A short walk from the city centre but offers large rooms, fitness, meeting facilities – and pets are welcome.
• Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz (IHG Hotel) (4*) : Stylish, subdued rooms right by the Altstadt – including a fitness centre.
• Aparthotel am Zwinger (3*) : Apartments with kitchen less than 1 kilometre from the old town.
• NH Dresden-Neustadt (4*) : One of the cheapest hotels in Dresden which is still reasonably located in relation to the city’s sights and attractions.
• Schiffsherberge Pöppelmann (2*) : The bathrooms are shared – but you do live cheaply and centrally on a boat in the Elbe River.

Like other German cities, Dresden is a relatively safe city to visit – also at night.

With that said, you naturally always have to be aware when you move around in a larger city.

Take your precautions and use your common sense .

Beware of pickpockets at the busiest tourist attractions and on public transport.

We felt entirely comfortable in Dresden and would personally think that the city is at least as safe to visit as other big cities in Germany and Western European countries.

Dresden is a relatively compact city, so the best way to get around is to walk .

It’s easy and safe .

Once you’re in the old town, Altstadt, you can easily walk to all the main sights of Dresden.

If you live in the Neustadt (modern part of town), it can save you some time and energy to take a tram into the old district but it’s definitely also possible to walk there – it just takes a little longer.

Put on some good shoes and get around for free by simply walking from one place to the next – and you’ll be sure to see some interesting things along the way, too.

By public transport

Dresden has a public transport system consisting of buses , trams , trains and even boats .

It’s punctual and relatively cheap to use. Just be aware that there is limited service after midnight.

If you expect to use the public transport system a lot on your trip, it might be worth looking into the Dresden City Card ( adlink ).

At the same time, you get discounts on entrance to museums, city tours and selected sights in Dresden (among other things).

See the prices and read more about the advantages of the Dresden City Card here ( adlink ).

Single-ride and day tickets for public transport in Dresden are also sold in vending machines at the largest stations and inside all trams and buses.

The old trams only accept cash, while the new trams and buses are cashless and only accept credit cards. Remember to stamp the ticket before use to validate it.

You can also use the app DVB mobil and easily buy your ticket on the phone before you get on. Read more about the public transport system DVB here .

There are also a number of options to rent bicycles and electric scooters around town.

We drove to Dresden ourselves but during our stay in the city, we didn’t use the car to get around.

Luckily we found a free parking space in a residential area so we could walk around and take the tram once or twice.

Of course, there are also quite a few paid parking spaces and parking garages in the city.

Below, we elaborate on the options for how best to get to Dresden.

Car to Dresden

Dresden is well connected to the German Autobahn system (national highways).

That means it’s easy to get here by car from all over Europe.

Dresden is one of the larger German cities that many people pass by if they drive from Denmark and further down through Europe – for example to the Czech Republic, Austria , Italy or Croatia.

Be aware that people drive very fast on the stretches of autobahn that do not have speed limits. Take caution.

Take the train to Dresden

Dresden is well connected to the Germain train network.

From Berlin, it takes approximately 2-2,5 hours to go to Dresden by train.

Flights to Dresden

Dresden has its own airport called Dresden Airport (Flughafen Dresden).

While it’s not huge, it does have connections to for example Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt as well as other big cities in Europe.

Use our adlink below to find the cheapest tickets:

Search for the cheapest flight tickets on Momondo .

The weather and the seasons are worth paying attention to when planning a trip to Dresden.

But when is the best time to travel to Dresden?

We were there ourselves at the beginning of October and enjoyed the beautiful autumn colours and the warm weather.

Dresden can be visited all year round and there really isn’t a bad time to go to the city. We imagine that each season is special in its own way .

Spring is a great time to visit Germany with sunny days and blooming flowers. It can still be a bit chilly, so check the forecast before you pack.

Summer is of course the hottest season, and the temperatures can get quite high in July and August. At the same time, it’s also at its rainiest in the summer. The summer holidays in Germany are spread out between mid-June and mid-September.

Autumn is super nice with orange colours everywhere, and you have plenty of excuses to stop in at cosy cafés for cake and a cup of something hot to drink. The most beautiful autumn colours can typically be seen at the end of September and in October, perhaps also at the beginning of November before the leaves fall off the trees.

Winter can be cold in Dresden, but on the other hand, there are usually fewer tourists – except around Christmas and New Year. The city looks beautiful when it’s covered in snow. If you visit during the Christmas period, you must not miss one of Germany’s largest and best-known Christmas markets , which can be found on the Altmarkt as well as the Christmas market on the Neumarkt.

As with most other holiday destinations (and especially with big cities in Europe), it can be a good idea to plan around the most common holidays if you want to avoid large crowds and at the same time get the benefit of cheaper accommodation.

For shorter queues and cheaper hotel prices , January, February, March and November are the cheapest options – if you don’t mind colder weather.

For the best weather , we would recommend visiting Dresden in May, June, September and October.

• Credit cards can be used in most shops, but as in the rest of Germany, cash is still often used and it’s not unusual for cash to be used in parking and ticket machines, at cafés and the like.
• Get up early and be one of the first at an attraction if you want to avoid long queues in the high season.
• Drink tap water . It’s not only good for the planet, it’s also good for your wallet. The tap water in Dresden is absolutely safe to drink – so bring a refillable bottle.
• Travel to Dresden outside of the holidays . Accommodation prices are lower, good deals are easier found and there are fewer tourists.
• Walk, walk and walk some more . Walking around Dresden is free, easy and good for the soul. And you’ll probably find many hidden gems along the way.
• Consider buying a Dresden City Card ( adlink ), if you plan to use public transport to get around (and/or visit any museums).
• Travel insurance (adlink) . Never travel without it!
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use .
• Sunscreen (adlink) . Especially if you visit Dresden in the summer. We recommend that you use an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
• Sneakers or other types of shoes you can walk in comfortably.
• A refillable water bottle . Just drink water from the tap in Dresden.
• Cash for parking and other small purchases, especially 1 and 2-euro coins. Not all places in Germany accept credit cards.

To minimise your impact during your visit, follow these guidelines:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid single-use plastics , including straws.
• Dispose of waste properly and do not throw it on the ground.
• Take only photos, leave only footprints . Let everything stay in its natural place.
• Be considerate of other visitors .
• Respect wildlife .

Thanks for reading

Thank you for reading our travel guide to Dresden. We hope it has been helpful!

What do you think of Saxony’s historic capital?

If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks in the comments. Is there a cool or fun thing to do or see that we forgot to include?

Don’t hesitate to ask us anything if you haven’t been to Dresden yet. We are happy to help.

Pin for later:

Our favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for cheap hotels.
• Momondo for the best flight deals.
• SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

• Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
• Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
• See all of our camera gear here .

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2 thoughts on “ A Complete Travel Guide to Dresden: 21 Best Things To Do & See ”

Hello there! I just finished reading your Dresden travel guide on the best things to do and see, and I must say, it’s an exceptional resource for anyone planning a trip to this fascinating city. Your article offers a comprehensive guide that highlights the top attractions and experiences in Dresden.

I appreciate how you’ve curated a list of the best things to do and see in Dresden, showcasing the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels. From the iconic Frauenkirche and the grand Zwinger Palace to the picturesque Elbe River and the vibrant Neustadt district, your guide covers a diverse range of experiences. The inclusion of practical tips and recommendations for each attraction, such as opening hours and nearby amenities, adds immense value to the article.

Furthermore, your descriptions and insights about each place provide a deeper understanding of Dresden’s significance and charm. It’s evident that you have a genuine passion for the city, and your enthusiasm shines through your writing. The stunning photographs accompanying the post further enhance the visual experience and make me eager to explore Dresden myself.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful travel guide to Dresden. Your article has not only educated me about the city but has also inspired me to visit and discover its unique treasures. Keep up the fantastic work, and I’ll be eagerly waiting for more of your travel guides and recommendations.

Thanks so much for your kind words!

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About Dresden

In Germany few cities like Dresden can boast having one of the most important and interesting heritage in Europe. This beautiful Teuton destination east of the country is the capital of the famous Saxony and is considered the "Florence of the Elbe River", for its beautiful location and for its lively cultural life. Despite having suffered one of the most devastating bombings of World War II, it still retains a large number of museums, such as its historic but rebuilt old town and much of its classic-style architecture. Within the country it is one of the most interesting tourist destinations, perfect to be able to marvel at the purest German culture, architecture and environment.In this city there is time to enjoy its cultural offer, its extensive heritage and its tasty gastronomy, with dishes as recommended as the “Sauerbraten” roast, the “Kartoffelsuppe” potato soup or the meat, bread and fruit balls of the “Klöße”, as well as their desserts such as the “Pflaumentoffel” based on plums. Given the huge cultural offer, if you want to make the most of the visit to the city, it is advisable to use the free walking tour in Dresden , a comfortable way to get to know the most picturesque points and visit the main places to visit. Sites as important as the Baroque Palace of Versailles inspired by Zwinger, the main stop in the city, The Lutheran Church of Our Lady of “Frauenkirche”, the picturesque and colorful neighborhood, and its modern courtyards of Kunsthofpassage, the impressive mural of the Parade of the Princes or "Fürstenzug", or the Semper Opera, are just some of the most important examples and buildings in the city. Other stops required to take a break and enjoy breathtaking views are the balcony of Europe or "Brühl Terrace", the dairy of "Pfunds Molkerei", the museum "Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister" that holds paintings of great value, the Cathedral of "Hofkirche", the old tobacco factory of "Yenidze" or the palace of "Residenzschloss". A wide range of places, buildings and activities that are sure to surprise travelers arriving for the first time in the city. Performing a free tour in Dresden as an alternative to traditional outdated city tours and excursions, means approaching the most important places in this German city, famous for its overwhelming architecture and its busy cultural life, one of the most important and valued of the old continent. You may also be interested in other destinations where you can take a guided tour of free payment such as Munich, Cologne or Krakow.

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Others cities to visit after dresden, find other guruwalks in dresden, where are you traveling to.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Dresden

Head on over to Dresden: the capital of Saxony Land, eastern Germany! Dresden is the third largest city in eastern Germany behind Berlin and Leipzig.

The city of Dresden is located on the basin of the Elbe River falling just north of the Czech border and a short car ride south of Berlin. Due to its location near the river, Dresden has a very mild climate that is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

Before World War II, Dresden was commonly compared to Florence due to its connotation as one of the world’s architectural hubs. However, during the war, the entire city was nearly destroyed by the Anglo-American Air Force—in fact, it has been estimated by the German Commission that 25,000 people lost their lives during the bombings.

Upon conclusion of the war, it was agreed that a modern re-construction approach would be followed while simultaneously maintain the history of the city. Today, Dresden is a diverse cultural hub that anyone would enjoy to experience. Check out our travel guide for tips on how to tackle the city!

This ultimate travel guide to Dresden will show you all the most beautiful places in Dresden, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Dresden and things to do in Dresden which will help you in planning a trip to Dresden.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Dresden

It is very common for Berlin travelers to plan a weekend trip to Dresden as the cities are only about 120 miles apart. If you find yourself in this boat, catching a train is a great option.

Trains run throughout the day and a ticket typically costs between $40 and $80 (depending on the type of train and time of the day). For example, the Intercity Express Train travels through Leipzig. However, there might be a change in trains, which would add another hour to the trip.

If traveling with groups or with family, a car can easily be rented. Cars in Germany are usually rented to drivers over the age of 21, need a reservation in advance, and are stick shift. This trip, depending on traffic, should take about two hours.

Bus is the cheapest but longest and least comfortable option. Finally, taking a plane is probably your worst bet. Travelers must take a layover in a central German city, and then fly in to Dresden. If having to fly, your best bet is to land in Berlin and then take a train, 

How to get around Dresden

Getting around Dresden is pretty easy. When in the city center, everything is accessible by foot. However, if wanting to go to the outer parts of the city, using a bike or public transportation will be best. Surprisingly, Dresden has been able to devise a reliable public transportation system despite the bombings during World War II.

The public transportation system consists of railways, trams, and busses. Additionally, there are three ferries that cross the Elbe and two cable car systems. If already renting a car, don’t worry about driving throughout the city—roads are wide and very well paved.

What to expect in Dresden

The unit of currency in Germany is the Euro . Currently, the Euro to Dollar exchange rate is about 1 : 1.1. The language in Dresden, of course, is German, but travelers won’t have a hard time finding English speakers as well.

Generally speaking, it is common to leave a 10% tip or even a 5% tip at meals, but not always expected. In many parts of Germany, service charges are included in the price, so rounding up to the nearest 10 euro is acceptable. If receiving great service, don’t be shy to leave a tip!

The best time to visit Dresden

Average temperatures in Dresden vary all throughout the year. Typically speaking, about the half the year is cold and about half the year has very pleasant weather with low chances of snow or rain. If the cold isn’t for you, the warmest months in Dresden are July, August, and then June.

During this time, the hottest it will get is generally about 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). Due to the proximity to the Elbe River, weather is often difficult to predict. Regardless of when you visit, you are bad to fall in love with the fresh, open air!

Where to stay in Dresden

If on a bit of a budget, the luxurious yet affordable Hotel Suitess is a great option. Rooms are finely decorated and contain marble countertops accompanied by a separate kitchen and living space.

Also, the amenities are amazing—this Dresden hotel has a rooftop restaurant and bar, and has a spa with a gym, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms.

If you are looking for a top-quality hotel but willing to spend a bit more, Hotel Gewandhaus will not disappoint. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Old Town and has all of the modern amenities you could ever need accompanied by the charismatic charm of local designers.

Hotels not your thing? Check on the many local hostels! I would personally recommend staying at Lollis Homestay .

The hostel is top notch and consistently attracts interesting groups of travelers and backpackers. Not to mention…there are so many free perks! Free bikes, free wifi, free coffee and tea, free dinners on Sunday, and free walking tours and wine tasting on Tuesdays!

For those more interested in going down the AirBnB route, I would recommend finding a place in Altstadt, Neustadt, or Loschwitz. AirBnBs can be booked for both solo travelers and groups alike—be sure to look for shared accommodations as well as private accommodations.

What to eat in Dresden

Dresden’s most famous food item, Dresdner Christstollen, is a staple not only in the city but in all of Germany. This infamous treat is the city’s take on fruitcake, and consists of butter, rum soaked raisins, almonds, candied lemon and orange peel, and a secret blend of spices.

Don’t forget to try this! Another great dessert in Dresdenis the Dresdner Eirschecke. This dessert consists of a sheet cake with three layers: the yeast dough base, quark cheese crème, and a thick layer of milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla pudding.

Most cafes and coffee shops are bound to have this item on their menu. For those looking for more of a savory experience, Dresden’s most popular open-faced sandwich will surely catch your eye. Yes, it is a bit weird, but give it a try.

The Fettbemme is a slice of thick dark rye bread topped with pork spread or beef lard, sliced gherkins (small pickled cucumbers similar but different than pickles), and sometimes sliced apples or onion chunks.

Finally, another local great dish is the Dresdner Sauerbraten. The city’s unique recipe requires that a leg of beef soaks in a stock of herb vinegar, malt beer, bay leaves, and spices for several days.

The beef is then quickly fried with butter and thrown in the oven before being served alongside bread dumplings and red cabbage. 

Things to do and places to visit in Dresden :

Dresden is home to a variety of different tourist attractions . Nonetheless, those looking for a more local experience will not have a difficult time. One of the most popular attractions that everyone should make time for is the Frauenkirche .

One of the world’s most renkown Baroques, the Frauenkirche was originally constructed in the mid 1700s. However, after World War II, the church was destroyed and desperately needed reconstruction.

After the reunification of Germany, the church underwent massive construction. And, interestingly, 4,000 original stones were included.

As a sign of international peace and good will, Britain donated a gold cross that remains on top of the church till this very day. The interior is incredible and both something that both religious and non-religious visitors will appreciate.

Additionally, you can take an elevator to the dome for some one-of-a-kind views. For those wanting to participate in worship, be sure to plan align your visit with one of 100+ concerts performed each year. 

Another amazing display of German heritage and culture is the Dresden Royal Palace . One of Europe’s oldest and most respected public museums, the Royal Palace is home to the Dresden State Art Collection.

Here, tourists will find priceless art artifacts and displays of traditional court clothing designed with time-consuming needle work. Also, the original green vault can be found here.

Although the green vault, too, was destroyed during the war, it was reconstructed and still contains an original collection of gold, silver, jewelry, and ivory from as early as the 14th century.

History buffs will definitely appreciate the history behind this castle—in the late 15th century, the Saxons owned the castle, and Augustus the Strong originally decided that the royal collections should also be open for the public to view and appreciate. Thus, the museum was born! 

When not bouncing between museums or basking in the amazing architecture scattered throughout the city, there are two things you must do: check out the street art in Neustadt and drink your sorrows away in a beer garden. Dresden Neustadt has gained a reputation internationally for its unique street art.

Visitors can experience the street art either on a guided tour or by themselves. All of the street art has been finely designed and coordinated to flow with the buildings’ architecture. Some of the art is very finely done with much attention to detail, while other pieces are more amateur, rough on the edges, but equally as cool.

After checking out the street art, be sure to stop by a local beer garden. Not only is this a great place to find some of the best beer that you will ever taste, but it is also a great opportunity to experience German culture and daily life. The beer is cheap, the food is good, and the people are nice—what more could you ask for?

Tours to do in Dresden

Of course, tours are available in many of the museums and palaces. Although different travelers prefer different tours, I would recommend making time for a tour at the Theaterplatz and Semper Opera .

The city’s opera house is located on this fine public square, and in order to see the interior you either have to attend a show (which can get expensive) OR you can take a tour from one of the enthusiastic staff members.

A tour is a great way to observe all that the opera house contains while simultaneously learning about its rich history and plethora of touring artists.

Another tour worth taking is a tour of the Chinese-inspired Pillnitz Palace and Gardens . In the 19th century, the palace was used to entertain guests of the royal family.

Not only is the architecture and art of the palace exquisite, but the gardens are equally as well-kept and arguably even more unique. Guided tours will allow you to see and learn about the rich history behind this property.

Day trips from Dresden

If wanting to experience and learn more about the lifestyle of the rich and wealthy, a perfect day trip to take is a visit to Meissen.

Meissen is only 30 kilometers west of the city, and was once home to a long reigning dynasty. This dynasty built their home, the Albrechtsburg Castle, towering above Meissen right in the middle of the city.

The castle is a beautiful representation of the Gothic era. Visitors will be shocked by how well the interior of the castle has been kept—paintings seem as if they were created yesterday, and much of the castle’s original interior design has been maintained.

Another reason worth visiting Meissen is due to its vast porcelain manufacturing. Tourists can tour the porcelain factory and see both new and old pieces of art. It’s amazing to see how the porcelain is designed and created! 

For those wanting to experience the outdoors, a fan favorite is the Saxon Switzerland National Park . The park is a mere 30 kilometers southeast of Dresden, and contains an unreal landscape filled with huge limestone pillars and many views of the Elbe river.

Hiking trails are plentiful, but there is also a tram that tourists can take if not wanting to walk too much. Main attractions in the park include the waterfall at Lichtenhain, the Bastei Bridge, and the village of Bad Schandau. 

We hope you enjoy all that Dresden has to offer! Fall in love with the food, history, architecture, and art. Not only is the city easily accessible, it is also bound to satisfy all of your traveling desires!

Recommended tours in Dresden

• Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden – Hiking Tour
• Dresden Walking Tour of the Historic Old Town
• Small-Group Bastei Bridge and Königstein Fortress Day Tour from Dresden
• Dresden Live-Guided Self-Drive Trabi Safari City Tour
• Winter Edition Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Tour from Dresden
• Street Art Tour Dresden Neustadt
• New Green Vault with Licensed guide
• Dresden private tour with castle visit

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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