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

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

Everything you need to know about Dresden in Germany, including what to do, where to stay and our best tips
Alexander & VictoriaHi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here.
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?

Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Dresden here.

Dresden statues
In our opinion, Dresden is one of Germany’s most underrated cities.

Why visit Dresden

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.

Old town of Dresden
You can easily spend a whole day in Dresden wandering around and admiring the buildings in the old town.

How long to stay in 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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21 best things to do and see in Dresden

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.

  1. Altstadt – The old town
  2. Frauenkirche – Church of Our Lady
  3. Fürstenzug – The world’s largest porcelain mural
  4. Neumarkt – The new marketplace
  5. Zwinger – A Baroque complex with museums
  6. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister – Impressive art collection
  7. Porzellansammlung – A huge porcelain collection
  8. Semperoper – Dresden Opera House
  9. Residenzschloss – Dresden Castle
  10. Katholische Hofkirche – Dresden Cathedral
  11. Altmarkt – The old marketplace
  12. Brühlsche Terrasse – Brühl’s Terrace
  13. Augustusbrücke – The Augustus Bridge
  14. Elbe – The river that runs through Dresden
  15. Hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dresden
  16. Neustadt – The new district
  17. Goldener Reiter – The Golden Knight
  18. Kunsthofpassage – Backyard art
  19. Japanisches Palais – The Japanese Palace
  20. Saxon Switzerland National Park – A unique natural area
  21. 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.

Dresden old town buildings by the river
Dresden’s old town, Altstadt, is jam-packed with beautiful buildings.
Altstadt of Dresden
Dresden has a long history as the capital of the princes and kings of Saxony which is evident in the Altstadt.

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.

The Frauenkirche church
The Frauenkirche church is beautifully illuminated in the evening. Photo: Felix Mittermeier

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.

Fürstenzug of Dresden
The huge Fürstenzug is an imposing sight.
Mural of Dresden
If you only spend a short time in Dresden, make sure not to miss this masterpiece of a 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.

Frauenkirche church on the cosy square of Neumarkt
It’s difficult to miss the grand Frauenkirche church on the cosy square of Neumarkt. Photo: Luke D

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.

Zwinger on a sunny day
The lavish Zwinger was clearly inspired by Versailles.
Zwinger buildings in Dresden
Zwinger entrance with crown
Zwinger is a popular attraction in Dresden – for good reason!

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).

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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).

Dresden's porcelain collection
Dresden’s porcelain collection houses the world’s largest collection! Photo: Dr Meierhofer / CC BY

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.

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Dresden Opera House, the Semperoper
Dresden Opera House, the Semperoper, is one of the city’s finest buildings.

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.

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Dresden Castle from the outside
No kings live at Dresden Castle these days… But that means you can come inside and experience all of the castle’s treasures!

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).

The Katholische Hofkirche (Dresden Cathedral)
The Katholische Hofkirche (Dresden Cathedral) is a must-see on a walk around Altstadt.

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!).

The Christmas market Dresdner Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt
The Christmas market Dresdner Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt is the oldest of its kind in the country. Photo: LH DD Wifö / CC BY

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.

Sunny day at Brühl’s Terrace in Dresden
On a sunny day, it’s a real pleasure to stroll along Brühl’s Terrace.

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.

The Augustus Bridge in the middle of Dresden
The Augustus Bridge in the middle of Dresden. Photo: Kolossos / CC BY
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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?

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The Elbe in Dresden
The Elbe stretches all the way from the Czech Republic and runs through Dresden and Hamburg before it reaches the North Sea.

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.

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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.

Neustadt in Dresden, street
Neustadt is Dresden’s modern district and where you’ll find most of the city’s shops, cafés, restaurants and budget hotels.
Vegan House Neustadt
We highly recommend visiting the restaurant “Vegan House Neustadt”, which serves colourful and very tasty Asian dishes.

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.

The Golden Knight in Dresden
The Golden Knight is, of course, none other than Augustus the Strong. Photo: Dr. Bernd Gross / CC BY

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.

Dresden Garden of the Elements
While the old town of Dresden is full of old, beautiful buildings, you can come across more modern works in the new town – such as here in the Garden of the Elements. Photo: Max A / CC BY

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.

The Japanese Palace courtyard
The Japanese Palace’s courtyard is really cosy.
Food at the Japanese palace
It’s a great place for an afternoon break.
Details at the palace
We didn’t visit the museum itself, but there are many cool details on the building that can be seen completely free of charge from the outside.

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.

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Saxon Switzerland National Park Bastei Bridge
We absolutely loved the Saxon Switzerland National Park which is home to some unique landscapes just an hour away from Dresden.
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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).

Schloss Pillnitz
A visit to Schloss Pillnitz is an obvious day trip from Dresden, especially if you’re into history and culture. Photo: Nikater / CC BY

Map of Dresden

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

Where to stay in Dresden

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
Stay centrally in Dresden’s old town in a luxurious setting. ©Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss (adlink)
Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palace
The Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palais is one of the cheaper 5-star hotels in Dresden. ©Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palace (adlink)
Gewandhaus Dresden
Enjoy a massage, a steam bath, the spa and a dip in the pool after a long day in Dresden at the Gewandhaus Dresden. ©Gewandhaus Dresden (adlink)
Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme Bad Schandau
Hotel Elbresidenz is not super close to Dresden. Instead, it’s right by the Saxon Switzerland National Park which we can really recommend visiting. ©Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme Bad Schandau (adlink)

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
Dresden’s old town is cosy both during the day and in the evenings. ©INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden (adlink)
Hotel Indigo Dresden
We love the simplistic style at Hotel Indigo in Altstadt. ©Hotel Indigo Dresden (adlink)
Schiffsherberge Pöppelmann, Dresden
What a fun experience to live on the water in the middle of the city. ©Schiffsherberge Pöppelmann (adlink)

Is it safe to visit Dresden?

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.

How to get around Dresden

By foot

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).

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

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.

By car

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.

Victoria walking in Dresden
It’s wonderful to walk around Dresden.

How to get to Dresden

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.

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When to visit Dresden

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

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

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

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

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.

Dresden wonderful light
Dresden can easily be visited all year round. May, June, September and October are generally the best months. Photo: Alexander Henke

Our best tips for Dresden

  • 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).

What to bring to Dresden

  • Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
  • A good camerahere’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.
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Minimise your impact

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.
Dresden skyline in sunset
We wish you a great trip to Dresden! Photo: Oliver Guhr
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.

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

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

  1. 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.

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