The capital city of Saxony, Dresden, Germany, is a destination rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a charming European city to explore, Dresden should be on your list.
In this guide to the most authentic things to do in Dresden, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Where is Dresden, Germany?
Dresden is located in the eastern part of Germany, near the border with the Czech Republic. It is the capital of the Saxony state and lies on the banks of the Elbe River. Dresden is approximately 200 kilometers south of Berlin and 150 kilometers north of Prague, making it a convenient destination if you’re exploring Central Europe.
How to Get to Dresden, Germany
Dresden is well-connected by different kinds of transportation, making it easy to reach from other major European cities. The city has its own airport, Dresden Airport (DRS), which offers flights from cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, and London. For those traveling by train, Dresden is just over two hours away from Berlin and Prague, with direct train services available from both cities. Buses also go frequently to smaller towns as well as the bigger cities within Germany and central europe.
Dresden, Germany Map
Before diving into the attractions, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with a map of Dresden. The city is divided into several districts, with the historic Old Town (Altstadt) being the primary area of interest for tourists. The Elbe River runs through the city, dividing the Old Town from the New Town (Neustadt) on the northern side. Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other in the Old Town.
Castle Card (schlösserlandKARTE)
With the schlösserlandCARD you can visit Saxony’s most beautiful palaces, castles and gardens as often as you like. And the best thing is: you save money too.
The castle card includes free entrance to palaces like:
Moritzburg Castle, Colditz Castle, Dresden Residence Palace, Dresden Zwinger, Glauchau Castle, Königstein Fortress, Albrechtsburg Meissen, Pillnitz Castle, Rammenau Baroque Castle and Rochsburg Castle.
See all included castles and gardens here
There’s two different cards:
10 day card: Valid from the first visit on 10 consecutive days
Price: €30
1 year card: valid for a whole year from the first visit
Price €60
Two children up to 16 years of age accompany the cardholder free of charge.
You can either purchase the schlösserlandCARD directly at any cash desk in the castles and gardens of Saxony, or order the card online here
18 Things to Do in Dresden, Germany
Dresden is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its Old Baroque architecture, taking in the views from the Elbe River on a cruise or simply just stopping by on your way – Dresden should be on your Germany itinerary.
Here’s a guide to the must-see attractions for a day in Dresden:
1. Neumarkt Dresden
Neumarkt (New market) is the historic market square in the heart of Dresden’s Old Town. It’s surrounded by beautifully restored Baroque buildings, including the iconic Frauenkirche. The square is a great starting point for your exploration of the city. Most sights in Dresden are within a walking distance from here.
2. Hofkirche Dresden, Germany
The Hofkirche (Dresden Cathedral), is one of the city’s most important religious buildings. This stunning Baroque church was built in the 18th century and is the final resting place of many members of the Saxon royal family. The former Catholic Court Church in Dresden is today formally called Cathedral of the Diocese of Dresden-Meissen and is one of the largest church buildings in Saxony. Located on Theaterplatz (theatre square) it’s surrounded by other historic buildings in Dresden Germany like Zwinger Palace and the Semperoper.
Opening hours: weekdays + saturday 10am to 5pm
Check all opening hours HERE
Entrance fee: free of charge
3. Zwinger Palace Dresden, Germany
The Zwinger is a Baroque palace that now serves as a museum complex. It features stunning architecture and is home to the Porcelain Collection, the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments, as well as the Old Masters Picture Gallery.
Opening hours: weekdays 6am to 10pm (weekends from 8am)
Entrance fee: Admission to the outdoor area of the Zwinger is free of charge.
Visit one of the most popular destinations in Dresden - The Zwinger. Explore the museum's collections, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery, and much more.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
4. Porcelain Collection Dresden, Germany
The Porcelain Collection in the Zwinger Palace is one of the most extensive collections of its kind in the world. It showcases porcelain art from China, Japan and Meissen making it a popular attraction from all over the world. As a result of the China fashion, Europe was obsessed with porcelain and in 1710 the first European porcelain factory was founded in Meissen.
Chandeliers made from Meissen porcelain hang in castles like Herrenchiemsee Palace and Linderhof Palace in Bavaria.
Read more about the bavarian castles in Germany HERE
Opening hours: daily 10am to 6pm (closed on mondays)
Entrance fee: €6
5. Old Masters Picture Gallery
Also located in the Zwinger Palace, the Old Masters Picture Gallery houses an impressive collection of European paintings from the Renaissance to the Baroque period, including works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and Titian.
Parts of the Picture Gallery resemble the kunsthistorisches museum in Vienna, Austria.
Opening hours: daily 10am to 6pm (closed on mondays)
Entrance fee: €14
6. Semperoper Dresden, Germany
The Semperoper is Dresden’s famous opera house, known for its stunning Baroque architecture (like every other historic building in the Old Town) and world-class performances. Even if you don’t have time to catch a show, the building itself is worth a visit.
You can only visit the opera through a guided tour. Tours start every half hour and can be booked online. Get tickets here
Opening hours: 10.15am to 6.30pm (tours are subject to change)
Guided tour fee: €14
Duration: 45 min
Semperoper Tickets and Guided Tour
Admire the fascinating architecture inside one of the beautiful and prestigious opera houses in the world on a guided tour.
Live tour guide
Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: 45 minutes
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
7. Dresden Castle Germany
Dresden Castle, also known as the Royal Palace of Dresden, was the residence of the Saxon kings for nearly 400 years. Each ruler put his own individual stamp on it: under Elector Moritz, it was given its Renaissance character between 1548 and 1556 and the exterior facades were last redesigned in the neo-Renaissance style in 1889.Today, it houses several museums, including the historic Green Vault.
Opening hours: daily 10am to 6pm (closed on tuesdays)
Entrance fee: €14
Tickets are valid for all museums inside the Residence Palace except the Historical Green Vault!
Royal Castle Dresden: General Admission Ticket
Get access to most museums of the Royal Palace Dresden with this general admission ticket. Enjoy an optional audio guide to learn about the site as you explore.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
8. The baroque treasury (historical green vault)
The treasury of Augustus the Strong, was built between 1723 and 1729 to house his gold and diamonds. Located within the Dresden Royal Palace, the Green Vault is one of the oldest museums in Europe. The museum is divided into two sections: the Historic Green Vault and the New Green Vault. The old section is filled with gilded furniture, intricate carvings, and walls lined with mirrors. To visit the Historic Vault you need a separate ticket.
The New Green Vault, opened in 2004, houses additional pieces from the treasury collection, including the most famous “Dresden Green Diamond,” a 41-carat natural green diamond set in a decorative hat clasp.
Entrance fee: €14
Opening hours: daily 10am to 6pm (closed on tuesdays)
9. Frauenkirche Dresden, Germany
The Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, is an iconic symbol of Dresden. Rebuilt after being destroyed in WWII, the church offers breathtaking views of the city from its dome. It’s a must-visit for both its historical significance and its stunning architecture.
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 10am – 11.30am and 1pm – 5.30pm
Entrance fee: free of charge
10. Brühl’s Terrace
Brühl’s Terrace, also called the “Balcony of Europe,” offers panoramic views of the Elbe River and the city of Dresden,Germany. It’s a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll, with a 500 m long and up to 200 m wide terrace with gardens, sculptures, and historic buildings lining it.
The terrace is open 24/7 and free of charge to visit.
11. Kunsthofpassage Dresden
Located in the Neustadt district, Kunsthofpassage is a unique passageway featuring artistic courtyards, each with its own theme. The most famous courtyard, the Courtyard of Elements, features a musical installation that plays when it rains.
Kunsthofpassage is open 24/7 and free of charge to visit.
12. Fürstenzug
The Fürstenzug, or Procession of Princes, is a massive mural made of Meissen porcelain tiles. It depicts a parade of Saxon rulers on horseback and is one of the largest porcelain artworks in the world.
Located next to the theaterplatz you can’t miss this large mural. Fürstenzug is open 24/7 and free to admire.
13. Loschwitz Bridge
The Loschwitz Bridge, also known as the Blue Wonder, is a historic bridge that connects the districts of Blasewitz and Loschwitz over the Elbe River. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and offers beautiful views of the river.
14. Pfunds Molkerei (Dresdner Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund)
Pfunds Molkerei is renowned as the most beautiful dairy shop in the world. Founded in 1880, the shop features hand-painted ceramic tiles and offers a selection of dairy products, including milk, cheese, and chocolate.
Opening hours: mon-sat 10am to 6pm
Read more about the world’s most beautiful dairy shop here
15. Horse Carriage Riding in Dresden, Germany
For a romantic and different experience, consider taking a horse carriage ride through the historic streets of Dresden. It’s a charming way to see the city’s landmarks while enjoying the atmosphere of the Old Town. Horse carriages fill the old cobblestone streets and makes the town feel authentic.
16. Japanisches Palais
The Japanisches Palais, or Japanese Palace, is a Baroque building on the banks of the Elbe River. It was originally intended as a museum and now houses the State Museum of Ethnology and the State Museum of Prehistory.
Opening hours: daily 10am to 6pm (closed on mondays)
Entrance fee: free of charge.
17. Albrechtsberg Palace
Albrechtsberg Palace is one of three palaces located on the Elbe hills. This 19th-century palace offers stunning views of the Elbe Valley and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The castle is also one of the most beautiful buildings of late classicism in the area. Prince Albrecht of Prussia who set out to build the palace, is largely unknown, but during a tour of the prince’s chambers, you can learn interesting facts about him and his family, as well as the life of the Prussian royal family before the fall of Prussia in 1947. Unfortunately the castle is only open to public tours once a month or by arrangement, as the castle mainly serves as rental rooms.
You can however visit the castle courtyard daily between 10am-6pm for free.
18. Join a free walking tour
19. Pillnitz Castle
Pillnitz Castle, built in 1790 and located just outside Dresden, was once the summer residence of Saxon royalty. After the Renaissance palace was destroyed by fire in 1818, the New Palace was built in its place.
Today the castle complex includes the new Baroque palace, English and Chinese gardens, as well as offering beautiful views of the Elbe River.
Opening hours: daily 10am to 5pm (closed on mondays)
Entrance fee: €12
This ticket includes entry to the park, both museums and the Palm House. From June to September, the ticket is also valid for the games exhibition and the carousel in the Orangery.
Fancy staying at Pillnitz Castle? You can! Read more about it here
Start off at Terrassenufer and see the three famous castles: Albrechtsberg, Eckberg, and Lingner Castle, along the Elbe on the way to the villa quarter Loschwitz. Views the impressive Pillnitz Palace as the boat drops anchor for roughly twenty minutes.
Includes: Round-trip cruise from Dresden to Pillnitz and direct return
Duration: 3 hours
20. The Grand Garden Palace
The Palace, or “Großer Garten” in German, is a stunning Baroque building just 15 min. By tram from Dresden Altmarkt. Built between 1676 and 1683 under the direction of Johann Friedrich Karcher, the palace was originally designed as a summer residence for the Electors of Saxony. Although the palace itself is not open to the public, its exterior can be admired from the park, which is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The Great Garden offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park also houses the Dresden Zoo, the Dresden Botanical Garden, and various sculptures and monuments, making it a favourite destination for families and nature lovers.
The gardens are free to visit.
Where to Stay in Dresden, Germany
Dresden offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays. Most hotels are located in the Old Town, providing easy access to the city’s main attractions.
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What River Flows Through Dresden, Germany?
The Elbe River flows through Dresden, dividing the city into the Old Town and New Town. The river is a significant feature of the city’s landscape and offers various activities, including river cruises.
Dresden River Cruises
A river cruise on the Elbe is a different and relaxing way to see Dresden. You can choose from a variety of cruises, including scenic tours, dinner cruises, and trips that explore the Saxon Wine Route.
River Sightseeing Boat Cruise
View Dresden from the Elbe River and see the famous Loschwitz Bridge up close on a river cruise.
Audio guide included
Duration: 1.5 hours
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Daytrips from Dresden, Germany
Dresden’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions, including castles, national parks, and even neighboring countries.
Moritzburg Castle
Moritzburg Castle, located about 30 minutes from Dresden, is a stunning Baroque palace set on an artificial island. The castle is surrounded by a large park and is famous for its hunting lodge and film appearances.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Saxon Switzerland National Park is a breathtaking natural area known for its unique rock formations and hiking trails. It’s a perfect day trip for nature lovers.
How to Get to Saxon Switzerland National Park from Dresden
You can reach Saxon Switzerland National Park by train from Dresden in about 45 minutes. Trains run frequently, making it easy to plan a day trip to the park.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is just over two hours from Dresden by train. Known for its medieval architecture and vibrant culture, it’s a great option for a day trip.
Dresden Germany to Prague by Train
Direct trains run between Dresden and Prague, making it easy to travel between the two cities. The journey takes just over two hours, offering scenic views of the countryside along the way.
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